2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Rachel Marek, LERA Consulting Structural Engineers

“I’m pleased to nominate Rachel Marek as a rising star because she exemplifies resilience, passion, and technical excellence, always uplifting those around her with a smile. From leading complex projects like Princeton’s ES+SEAS buildings to mentoring the next generation, Rachel brings purpose and heart to every challenge — especially while overcoming personal adversity with strength and grace.” - Carrie Villani, Director of Marketing, LERA Consulting Structural Engineers.

What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? The project I am most proud of is a project that is almost completed at Princeton University, the ES+SEAS buildings. I am so proud of this project for two reasons. The first being that I learned so much from being a part of the design team. This project is a complex hybrid structure that includes concrete, steel, and timber. I think that this project experience helped make me a more well-rounded engineer. The second reason is that as an alumna of Princeton University it was so exciting and fulfilling to contribute back to the campus where I learned about structural engineering.

What’s one challenge you’ve overcome in your career so far, and what did it teach you? One challenge that I’ve overcome in my career so far has been working while undergoing a cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. This experience taught me a lot of things. Most importantly it helped me learn how to advocate for myself, how to have a better work life balance, and how to be efficient and effective with my time. I have also learned how to be more confident and outgoing while sharing my story with others and meeting new people through the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer community.

What is your top advice for someone just starting out in your field? My top advice for someone just starting out in my field is to ask questions and continue learning! I’ve found that people want you to grow and learn and are willing to answer questions. Everyone brings something different to the table in terms of expertise and asking questions is a great way to learn from your contemporaries and fellow engineers. I have spent the last year as well mentoring high school students through the ACE Mentorship program and have enjoyed watching them ask questions and learn about structural engineering and the building and construction industry at large.

Who has been pivotal in your professional development, and how have they influenced you? My mentor, Rick Naumann, has been pivotal in my professional development. He has helped me be as successful as possible at LERA. He’s influenced me to be involved in the company activities, learn from others, how to manage stressful situations, and much more. Through his advice and our conversations, he’s not only helped me grow as an engineer but also as a project manager.