Avery Michaels

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) · Engineering Scholarship Recipient

Avery Michaels, a rising senior in architectural engineering at MSOE, is the 2025–2026 recipient of the a/e ProNet ACEC Engineering Scholarship. Raised on a dairy farm in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, Avery credits her work ethic and ambition to her family’s agricultural roots. Now carrying a 3.89 GPA, she serves as Vice President of MSOE’s Architectural Engineering Institute chapter, and has held internships at Riley Construction, Gremmer and Associates, and now Burns & McDonnell in Colorado. She is known for her leadership, her drive to learn, and her passion for sustainable, impactful structural design.

In her case study, Avery emphasized that hiring the right people is the most critical risk for an engineering firm. She argued that strong teams are essential to navigating all other challenges—from cyber threats to project delivery models—because no process or technology can replace the power of a qualified, ethical, and collaborative team. Her long-term vision includes advancing the field of structural engineering through sustainability, materials innovation, and team-based problem-solving. Avery’s story is one of self-made success, fueled by curiosity and determination, and this scholarship helps ensure she continues to thrive.

This summer, Avery Michaels is interning where she’s gaining hands-on experience in structural engineering with a focus on power distribution systems—designing the structures that support electrical poles and foundations. Eager to learn across disciplines, she’s also exploring civil engineering tasks and applying knowledge from a previous internship. Avery is particularly excited about the firm’s sustainability initiatives, including converting methane from factory farms into renewable energy, which aligns with her passion for sustainable design and energy-efficient building systems.