Nyla Gilbert

2022 Gilman Scholar

Hometown

Indianapolis, IN

Major

College of Engineering

College

Civil Engineering

 

Nyla Gilbert was awarded the Gilman Scholarship to Peru on the Study Abroad and Global Internship Program in Peru program. As an aspiring civil engineer, his program focuses on studying Lima’s architecture and culture. Peru is home to impressive ancient Incan architecture such as Machu Picchu and Spanish Revival Style architecture, both of which inform modern Peruvian architecture and engineering. In addition to learning how alternative climates, natural disasters, and needs influence building construction, she looks forward to also studying the history and influence of European colonization, slavery, and globalization in Peru and its effects on the people in the Latin American region.

Although civil engineering tends to be a male-dominated field, that has not stopped Nyla from following her goals to become a civil engineer. She is aware of stereotypes in the U.S. and plans to learn about the stereotypes women in Peru face in her field. She values making stereotypes visible, which makes them easier to address and makes progress forward more possible. Her goal is to increase the presence of minority women in the field.

Upon her return, Nyla proposes to work with the Black Cultural Center and Latino Cultural Center to complete her follow-on project. These experiences provide opportunities to present and lead workshops designed to encourage study abroad, the Gilman scholarship, and increase exposure to Peruvian culture.