Samford dual-degree engineering student Jamieson Matthews has been named one of 10 New Faces of Civil Engineering – College Edition by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The recognition program promotes the achievement of young civil engineers by highlighting their academic success, volunteerism, and dedication to making a positive impact on society through their chosen profession. 

Matthews is an active volunteer and a member of several professional societies. His involvement includes vice president of ASCE’s UAB chapter, membership in two engineering honor societies—Tau Beta Pi and Chi Epsilon, and treasurer of the Institute of Transportation Engineers. He has dedicated his time to promoting the profession as a judge in Blazer BEST Robotics, a robotics competition for middle and high school students, volunteering for CANstruction, a canned food collection competition, and with MindSET, a physics demonstration for K-12 students. He has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Builders for Christ.

Currently, Matthews is working as an intern with the Almon Associates engineering and surveying company in Birmingham. “Interning and job shadowing have deepened my understanding of the role of civil engineers in society,” said Matthews. “I am excited to start a career in a field where hard work comes to fruition right in front of you. I know it will be rewarding.”

Samford’s Department of Physics and Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offer the dual-degree engineering program jointly with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB,) Auburn University, and Mercer University. The five-year program leads to two degrees–a bachelor of science degree from Samford with a major in physics or mathematics, and a bachelor of engineering degree from the partner university. Students in the five-year program first pursue a three-year general curriculum at Samford, followed by a two-year general technical curriculum at one of the participating engineering schools. Matthews is completing his studies at UAB this semester.