Environmental Engineering

Inside the Internship: Darwin Hanson, Langan Engineering and Environmental Services

Michelle Wiese — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:34:06 +0000

Inside the Internship: Darwin Hanson, Langan Engineering and Environmental Services Michelle Wiese Tue, 01/13/2026 - 10:34

Darwin Hanson
Senior, Environmental Engineering
Langan Engineering and Environmental Services
Environmental Intern

Darwin Hanson embraced the challenge of stepping outside her comfort zone during her internship at Langan Engineering and Environmental Services. While she began the summer with a clear role as an environmental intern, she didn’t let her title limit her experience. Hanson actively sought out projects beyond her direct responsibilities, diving into a variety of disciplines, from environmental site assessments to geotechnical fieldwork.

“You get out what you put in, especially with internships,” she said. “The more energy you put in and the more questions you ask, the more you’ll gain from it. Don’t be afraid to ask for more work or to try something new that seems interesting.”

Throughout the internship, Hanson contributed to Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, gaining firsthand experience interpreting technical data to assess potential environmental risks. But she didn’t stop there—she also joined fieldwork projects, including performing geotechnical soil borings, and exploring areas she hadn’t anticipated working in. These experiences expanded her perspective on the environmental engineering field and opened doors to future possibilities she hadn’t previously considered.

While Hanson gained invaluable technical experience, she also understood that engineering is about more than analysis and data – it’s about collaboration, communication and connection. She made a point to engage with colleagues beyond her immediate team and emphasized the value of asking questions, seeking feedback, and learning from others in the field.

“The best advice I could give is to network and put yourself out there. Ask colleagues to have coffee chats, and talk with them about their experience in the industry or any advice or connections they have,” she said.

Hanson also credited LinkedIn and CU Boulder career fairs for helping her find opportunities, setting goals to apply consistently and reaching out to professionals to learn more about their work.

By the end of the summer, Hanson had not only developed her technical skillset but had also learned how to navigate the professional world with confidence and curiosity. Her initiative, both in the field and in the office, helped her gain more from the experience than she ever expected.

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Environmental Engineering student, Darwin Hanson, pushed beyond her environmental intern role at Langan Engineering, taking on diverse projects from site assessments to geotechnical fieldwork to broaden her skills and experience.

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Wind tunnel research could help predict how wildfires spread

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:35:37 +0000

Wind tunnel research could help predict how wildfires spread Alexander Jame… Fri, 12/05/2025 - 11:35

PhD student Laura Shannon, alongside Professors Greg Rieker and Peter Hamlington of the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering are setting fires inside wind tunnels to gain a better understanding of how fire spreads across different terrain. The team says their findings could help keep communities safer in a world where climate-driven wildfire is becoming more common—and more dangerous.

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Climate financing boosting water access for millions in developing nations

Susan Glairon — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:02:54 +0000

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AWWA Journal Cover Story: Q&A with Professor Karl Linden

Susan Glairon — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 22:55:54 +0000

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A new way to fight allergies: Switch on the light

Susan Glairon — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:57:40 +0000

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Researchers in Professor Mark Hernandez's lab have discovered that a passive, generally safe ultraviolet light treatment can rapidly inactivate airborne allergens. They believe this approach could serve as an additional tool to help reduce allergens in homes, schools and other indoor environments.

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Wildfires threaten water quality for years after they burn

Susan Glairon — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:21:26 +0000

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A new study published today in Nature Communications Earth & Environment is the first large-scale assessment of post-wildfire water quality. Ben Livneh, associate professor in civil, environmental and architectural engineering, was the principal investigator and co-author of the study.

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Mortenson Center innovations delivering clean water to more than five million worldwide

Susan Glairon — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 23:00:23 +0000

Mortenson Center innovations delivering clean water to more than five million worldwide Susan Glairon Fri, 06/20/2025 - 17:00

CU Boulder's Mortenson Center in Global Engineering & Resilience is transforming global water access by treating clean water as a long-term service—not just a one-time infrastructure project.

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CU Boulder students win big at collegiate hydropower competition

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 23:11:36 +0000

CU Boulder students win big at collegiate hydropower competition Alexander Jame… Wed, 06/18/2025 - 17:11

The CU Hydropower Team had a strong showing in this year's Hydropower Collegiate Competition, bringing home multiple awards including the best design award, the cybersecurity award, the best quick pitch award and the highly coveted first-place honor in the overall competition.

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Water Reuse Academy 2025

Michelle Wiese — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:30:52 +0000

Water Reuse Academy 2025 Michelle Wiese Wed, 02/05/2025 - 09:30

Join us on April 1-3 for the Water Reuse Academy at the ��. Register by March 14.

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