Danielle DeSilva

Danielle Desilva is currently pursuing a masters degree in civil engineering at Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. She previously attended Virginia Tech where she received her bachelors degree in Civil Engineering. Danielle is connected to the military through her fathers 20+ years serving in the army. 

At CVTI, Danielle supports initiatives that aid the transition experience by connecting students to resources for veteran and military-connected students across Columbia University. In her role as a VA Work-Study student, she contributes to communication and outreach by acting as a welcoming presence at the front desk helping to advance CVTI’s mission of building cultures of support in higher education. She also assists with event support, maintaining the space, and responding to any questions or concerns brought by military connected individuals to provide clarification and assistance in any way she can.  

Outside of CVTI Danielle works as a Water Resources Intern II at Moffatt & Nichol as well as an Ambassador for Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Masters Program. She has completed internships with focus in structural engineering, construction management, and coastal engineering and has over 5+ years of experience. Danielle is particularly interested in research in natural hazard mitigation and focus in forensic structural engineering. Drawing on both lived experience and academic training, she is committed to helping students inside and outside of CVTI get all the resources they need to advance successfully and work to the best of their abilities.