By Sherry DiBari
When Cydell Still chose Old Dominion University, she didn’t know that Norfolk’s coastal setting with its frequent flooding would shape her future. Now, the 23-year-old civil engineering technology major is preparing to graduate with a clear goal: helping communities manage water resources.
As a leader in coastal resilience research, Old Dominion University offered her hands-on learning, sustainability classes, a professional internship and a senior design project on coastal resiliency. She credits these applied experiences with building her passion for water resources and community engagement.
Cydell grew up in a tight-knit community in Arlington, Virginia, and is the first in her family to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Her parents encouraged her interest in building and, like many parents of future engineers, bought her Lego sets for Christmas.
They fully support her career, even if they don’t always grasp the technical side of things.
“They ask me to build everything in the house, even though I’m not a mechanical engineer,” she said. “And sometimes they’ll say, ‘Can you fix the TV since you’re an engineer?’ I just tell them, ‘That’s not what I do!’ But I help when I can.”
Summer STEM camps furthered her interest in engineering. She first attended as a child, began volunteering at 13, joined the camp staff at 16, and has continued ever since. This summer, she served as a STEM lead.
“That experience made me want to help other kids get excited about engineering, too,” she said.
In high school, Cydell knew she wanted to study engineering. Old Dominion University’s location was a major draw.
“It’s four hours from home, so I could have my independence but still go back if I needed to,” she said.
Even more appealing was the coastal setting.
“I love going to the beach and being near the water, even around the shipyards,” she said. “When I visited ODU, I just thought, ‘I like it here.’”
At the University, Cydell immersed herself in campus life. She joined the Early Engineering Advantage Program for Women (EEAP), Society of Women Engineers, ODU’s Model United Nations and the ODU Softball Club. She is a recipient of the Jodi S. Gidley Legacy Scholarship, established by Virginia Natural Gas in honor of Jodi S. Gidley to support women pursing STEM degrees. She also serves as a Campus Ambassador, welcoming prospective students.
A sustainability course — part of the new minor in engineering solutions for climate adaptation and resilience — taught by Dalya Ismael, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Engineering Technology, sparked Cydell’s interest in coastal resilience.
“She really opened my eyes to a lot of sustainability practices, not just within buildings, but also with the environment and water,” Cydell said. “That’s when I realized the water industry was for me— especially in this area. I feel like I can help so many people.”
She also drew inspiration from Maria Murdock, PE, a lecturer in engineering technology.
“Professor Murdock is so awesome and introduced us to different engineering disciplines,” Cydellsaid. “We took a field trip to GET Solutions, Inc./Terracon to see how they break concrete and how they test soil, and then I took her soils class, and it all tied together.”
Murdock said she has seen that enthusiasm throughout Cydell’s time in her classes.
“Cydell has been an innovative and positive presence in the classroom, and I’ve enjoyed watching her grow,” she said. “I can’t wait to see where her engineering journey takes her!”
Cydell said having strong female role models like Dr. Ismael and Professor Murdock has made a big difference.
“Being at a school with so many female engineering professors really helps,” she said. “Just the fact that they recognize me and see my potential — it means a lot.”
For her senior design project, Cydell worked with the University’s Institute for Coastal Adaptation & Resilience (ICAR) to address recurring flooding in Southside Norfolk neighborhoods. The project brings together students, professionals and community members to create practical, nature-based flood solutions.
“It was my first real project,” she said. “Having the chance to go into the community and talk with kids who live in areas that constantly flood and getting them interested in learning about flooding and sea level rise was so meaningful. I felt like I was doing something to benefit someone in real time.”
An internship with Gannett Fleming, an architecture, engineering and construction firm in Newport News, also reinforced her interest in water resources.
“I went to sites, took notes, talked with project managers and reviewed specifications and plans,” she said. “Being on-site and seeing everything I learned in class being implemented — that was really cool.”
Although she may be a few hours from home, Cydell is very close to family. Her younger sister, Cyana, is an ODU freshman majoring in strategic communication, and the two share an apartment.
“It’s fun having her here,” Cydell said. “She’ll stop by my job and bring me lunch from Webb Center sometimes. I think she’s transitioning really well.”
After graduation, Cydell hopes to find a fulfilling position in the water industry.
She also plans to give back by inspiring the next generation.
“I’d like to create programs that work with kids and encourage them to become engineers or pursue STEM majors,” Cydell said. “That would be my way of giving back, just like others did for me.”