Outstanding Senior Spotlight: Simeon Buttery
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has recognized Simeon Buttery as an outstanding senior for the class of 2025 at the University of California, Davis.
We spoke with the civil engineering major to learn more about his interest in geotechnical engineering, advice he would give to incoming first-years and what he aims to accomplish as an incoming master's student at UC Davis.
What inspired you to pursue engineering, and how has that inspiration evolved throughout your time at UC Davis?
My initial interest in engineering stemmed from a natural curiosity about how things work. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a passion for civil engineering, driven by a desire to make a tangible, positive impact on people's lives. When I was introduced to geotechnical engineering through coursework at UC Davis, I found this field combined both my technical interests and my commitment to helping others. These experiences deepened my enthusiasm and confirmed my desire to pursue a career in this specialized area.
Who is one of your favorite engineering professors and why?
Associate Professor Katerina Ziotopoulou stands out as one of the most impactful instructors I've had in engineering. She provides well-structured note templates that help us distill and retain key concepts, and she has a remarkable ability to make complex geotechnical engineering topics accessible and clear.
Can you share a project, research experience or memory that you found particularly rewarding or impactful during your studies?
During the summer of 2024, I conducted research under [Assistant] Professor Michael Gardner focused on centrifuge modeling of permafrost. This experience gave me valuable insight into the realities of research, including the challenges of unexpected delays and iterative problem-solving. It also helped me develop key skills such as time management, task decomposition and effectively communicating my findings to others.
What advice would you give to your first-year self, or to incoming students, about making the most of their time in the College of Engineering?
I'd say this: don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they're basic. Engineering is hard, and it's okay not to know everything right away. Seek out mentors early and remember that struggling doesn't mean you're failing — it means you're growing.
What's next for you after graduation?
I will begin a master's program in geotechnical engineering at UC Davis. My research will focus on how soil gradation and fines content [earth particles smaller than sand] influence bearing capacity, which I will investigate through a series of centrifuge tests.