Dr. Fatima Al-Rashid
Structural Engineer & Bridge Designer
AECOM Infrastructure
About
Dr. Fatima Al-Rashid has designed bridges and buildings on four continents, specializing in sustainable infrastructure that withstands extreme weather. She holds a PhD in Structural Engineering from Georgia Tech and is a licensed Professional Engineer. She volunteers with Engineers Without Borders and advocates for more women in civil engineering.
“Engineering is creative problem-solving at its best. If you like building things, figuring out how things work, or imagining structures that don't exist yet, engineering might be your calling.”
Interview
What made you choose structural engineering?
I was always the kid who built elaborate structures with blocks and LEGOs. In high school, I was fascinated by physics — particularly how forces work. When I learned that structural engineering combines physics, math, and creativity to design buildings and bridges, I was sold. There's something incredible about driving over a bridge you helped design, knowing it's safe because of the math you did.
What does the day-to-day look like for a structural engineer?
It's a mix of computer modeling, calculations, site visits, and collaboration. I use software to simulate how a structure will respond to loads like wind, earthquakes, and traffic. I review drawings, meet with architects and contractors, and sometimes travel to construction sites to ensure everything is being built according to spec. No two projects are the same, which keeps it interesting.
Why is diversity important in engineering?
Infrastructure serves everyone, so the people designing it should reflect the communities that use it. Diverse teams bring different perspectives, which leads to better designs. For example, when we designed a pedestrian bridge in a rural community, having team members who understood the local context — culture, climate, daily routines — made the final design much more practical and well-received. Engineering that doesn't consider all users is incomplete engineering.
What steps should students take if they're interested in engineering?
Math and physics are your foundation — invest in understanding them deeply, not just memorizing formulas. Join engineering competitions like Science Olympiad or MATHCOUNTS. Look for engineering summer camps — many universities offer them for high school students. Build things with your hands, whether it's model bridges, robots, or furniture. The hands-on experience teaches you things that textbooks can't.