Alexa Cosgrove ('19) Shares About Her "Exhausting" Engineering Project

We caught up with recent graduate Alexa Cosgrove, who is currently interning with S & S Engineers to find out why her latest project was “exhausting.”

Alexa, who graduated in 2019, recently returned to Cornerstone and had the opportunity to draw up the design of the new exhaust fans in our two science labs. These exhaust fans will be beneficial to help reduce odors and fumes and are a significant improvement to our science department.

When did you first know you wanted to pursue engineering?  

When I was 10 years old, I decided that I wanted to become a Disney Imagineer at Walt Disney World. From there I researched several different types of engineering, and last summer, I decided I want to go into systems engineering, which I will be studying at KSU this fall. 

How did you get connected with the company you’re working for now? 

I have known my boss, Les, since I was about 5 or 6 because we have gone to church with him and his family for years. I didn't actually know he was an engineer until my mom brought up the idea of doing an internship with him at his firm. I emailed him asking if he could use a 16-year-old intern in the office, and he said yes, and now I am about to finish my third summer working with him and his business partner, Karen.  

What’s your favorite part of the engineering process?

For the type of engineering I am doing now (mechanical), I would say the actual drawing. Most engineering firms use a software called AutoCAD to put together their drawings, and I very much enjoy using the program. My boss has had me doing a lot of HVAC drawings this summer, and every drawing I do is its own little puzzle, which I love. 

How long did the science lab vent system take to complete? 

The actual drawing of the science lab exhaust systems only took about a day in total. I drew them up about a week after we had first heard about the project, and about two days after, it was approved.

What’s the next project you’ll be working on?

I don't often just work on one specific project, usually there are about three jobs circulating through the office at a time that my boss will have me help out on that are located all around the country. 

Alexa adds that she’s loved getting to design something for a place that has been so special to her for the last several years, and she’s excited to see what else God has planned for her in her life and career.  

Good luck Alexa, we can’t wait to see what you’re up to next!