Eden Lee is a civil and environmental engineering student from Seoul, South Korea, whose curiosity began with building Lego structures and wondering why some stood strong while others collapsed. At UMD, that early interest has evolved into a focus on designing safe, meaningful infrastructure that serves communities.

Eden also serves as an event coordinator for the International Student Council (ISC), helping organize events that bring together students from diverse cultural backgrounds.  “As an international student myself, I understand how important it is to create spaces where students feel welcomed, connected, and supported,” she shares. Through ISC, she works to strengthen the international community on campus.

That commitment is informed by her own experience adjusting to life and academics in a new country. “One thing I wish others at UMD better understood about international students is that we often navigate many invisible challenges beyond academics.” Despite those challenges, Eden believes international students “bring unique perspectives and experiences that enrich the campus community.”

Beyond ISC, Eden is completing her capstone project, designing a community park and gazebo in the Lakeland neighborhood of College Park—an initiative that combines structural design, site analysis, and community engagement to reflect the needs of local residents.