Biography
Meet Caeley Powell
Greetings! I'm a passionate environmental activist, hiker, artist, and engineering student in Toledo, Ohio. I believe in creating sustainable solutions to environmental problems, such as the clean water crisis, green building, and renewable energy. Through my work, I aim to make a positive impact on my school and community. Explore my history below and join me in making a difference.
Work Experience
May 2025 - August 2025
Water Resources Engineering Intern
After my first year studying Environmental Engineering at the University of Toledo, I applied my classroom knowledge to the consulting side of the field through an internship with R2O. I contributed to hydrologic and hydraulic modeling projects involving combined sewer, sanitary, stream restoration, and stormwater management. I gained experience with PCSWMM, VBA, ArcGIS Pro, Wix, and Rscript, while also leading a website redesign to improve client engagement. Working alongside project managers and mentors strengthened my technical, creative, and consulting skills, and deepened my commitment to sustainable infrastructure solutions.
June 2024 - August 2024
Engineering and Science Intern
With my interests in Environmental Engineering, I desired to gain a technical background before entering college. At Mercury Plastics LLC I worked among various departments to maximize my work experience, including Engineering, Tool and Die, Molding, Extrusion, Fabrication, Environment Health and Safety, Continuous Improvement, and Quality Control. During my time here, I’ve gained hands-on experience crafting tools, conducting detailed part studies, auditing technical files, and designing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP). These opportunities have deepened my understanding of how engineering and sustainability intersect, further fueling my passion for creating positive change as a woman in STEM.
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June 2023 - August 2023
Lab Assistant
As a student in High School, I was fortunate to gain experience in a Chemical and Biological testing lab. I have been interned at Biosolutions LLC where they provide quantitative results for soil and water. These services are directed toward drinking water, public water systems, reservoirs, cooling systems and more. Working in such an important facility has been fundamental to the legality stance of Environmental Science and the cooperation alongside the EPA. I have designed an online spreadsheet to calculate monthly totals of Chemical Oxygen Demand, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, and contaminant levels for a National Chemical Supplier to use. In addition, I created an accurate Nitrogen Cycle for the Association of Water Technologies 2023 Convention in Grand Rapids Michigan.
June 2023- August 2023
Field Stream Monitor
Through my Ohio Scenic River Volunteer Research, I have explored various impacts on ecosystems and identified ways to mitigate its effects. The work I conducted pertained to the study of macroinvertebrates and chemistries of water for analysis of certain locations in Ohio. During this summer long project I helped educate children on stream life and water stewardship. The opportunity to collaborate with the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District has been valuable, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in my community.
2020- Present
Artist, Designer, Photographer
In addition to my technical skills, I am also passionate about using art and design to communicate complex environmental issues to a wider audience. As a volunteer, I have created a range of visual materials, including photography, that have helped to raise awareness of key environmental challenges and inspired others to take action.
Education
2024 - Present
The University of Toledo
2020 - 2024
Berkshire High School
My courses in Environmental Science, Calculus, and Chemistry have equipped me with a deep understanding of the scientific and technical aspects of the STEM field. With my classes, I have also had the opportunity to apply this knowledge in a range of practical settings, from designing sustainable models to analyzing data in the field.
2021- 2024
CCP Kent State University
2021- 2024
CCP Hiram College
Through the College Credit Plus programs at both universities I attended, I was able to expand my learning in meaningful ways. These opportunities allowed me to take a variety of general education courses as well as classes directly connected to my intended major, Environmental Engineering, giving me an early start in exploring the field and strengthening my academic foundation.
As an Environmental Engineering student at the University of Toledo, I have gained a strong foundation in both civil and chemical engineering through courses such as Mass & Energy Balances, Climate & Energy, Computer-Aided Design, Professional Development, and Math courses. My studies have focused on understanding how physical, chemical, and biological processes interact in natural and engineered systems. Beyond coursework, I have had the opportunity to complete lab experiments, develop design projects, and join organizations focused on sustainable initiatives allowing me to apply classroom knowledge to real-world environmental challenges. This combination of civil and chemical engineering perspectives has prepared me to address issues in water infrastructure.