Keegan O'Hara

Keegan O’Hara is a senior in BSE from Fairfax County, Virginia, pursuing the Ecological Engineering Degree.  In combination with his undergraduate degree, Keegan is pursuing an accelerated Master of Science degree within the Biological Systems Department under the guidance of Dr. Thompson.  Keegan hopes that his education at Virginia Tech will enable him to earn his professional engineering licensure.  Altogether, this will allow him to help design more sustainable infrastructure while integrating natural systems.

While at Virginia Tech, Keegan has been involved in undergraduate research and outreach work.  Both of these opportunities have come from networking with the BSE department.  This gives him an understanding of the breadth of opportunities available to Virginia Tech students.

Keegan has three summers of professional internship experience alongside years of work in the service industry.  Keegan worked one summer in an aggregate mine and has worked two summers at a mid-sized engineering design firm.  At the mines, Keegan learned about sustainable practices within industry and learned about leadership in an industrial environment.  Working in the design firm has given Keegan the chance to learn about stormwater management practices, while engaging in fieldwork opportunities.

Outside of his academic studies, Keegan is an avid fencer.  Currently, he is the president of the Virginia Tech Fencing Club where he has led the epee squad to a national championship.  He loves the leadership role within the fencing club that brings people together.  He also cherishes the friendships he has through the fencing club.

Ultimately, Keegan is incredibly grateful for the opportunities given to him by the BSE department.  Throughout the three years at VT, Keegan has been guided by professors, faculty, and fellow students.  Without many of these people, Keegan would not be in the BSE department, let alone knowledgeable enough to offer help. He would be honored to help mentor anyone however he can to pay it forward for all the generosity and kindness he has been shown during his time at Tech, especially that which has come from the BSE department.