Women in STEM Spotlight: Kelby Jones

At Phi Mu, we are proud to celebrate members who are making an impact both inside and outside the classroom. 

Through academic excellence, leadership, and determination, our sisters continually prove that women can succeed in any field they choose. Today, we're excited to spotlight Kelby Jones, a Civil Engineering major whose passion for STEM is helping shape her future.

Kelby Jones celebrates her induction into Order of Omega, recognizing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service within the Greek community.

Like many students, Kelby wasn't always sure what career path she wanted to pursue. However, she knew she enjoyed math and science and wanted to build a future around her strengths.

"I didn't know what I wanted to do when I grew up, but I have always been good at math and science. I figured I should just go into a field where I think I can succeed, and so far, I LOVE IT!!"

That decision led her to Civil Engineering, where she hopes to one day become a Professional Engineer (PE). While she's still exploring which branch of civil engineering interests her most, she's excited by the opportunities the field offers and the impact engineers can make on the world around them.

One of Kelby's favorite experiences in her academic journey has been her Introduction to Civil Engineering course. Throughout the semester, she and her classmates worked together to design an entire city, giving them a hands-on look at the many disciplines and responsibilities that make up the engineering profession.

"We got to design a city as an entire class, which really helped teach us all of the different parts of engineering."

As a woman pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated field, Kelby has also faced challenges along the way. Through those experiences, she has learned to trust herself, build confidence, and recognize the value of her unique strengths.

"Being a woman in a male-dominated field is hard, but learning to be confident, trust in myself, and use my strengths to my ability has been something I have had to learn."

Outside of the classroom, Kelby has gained valuable real-world experience through engineering internships with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) during both the summers of 2025 and 2026. These opportunities allowed her to see engineering in action and apply concepts learned in class to real projects and challenges.

"My internships taught me what the real world of engineering can look like beyond paper and a computer. It also taught me how to apply skills I have learned in the classroom to real-world problems."

Through her internships at TxDOT, Kelby applied classroom concepts to real-world engineering projects while exploring her future career path.

The experience not only strengthened her technical skills but also confirmed that engineering is the right career path for her.

"Getting an internship has helped solidify my career choice and boost my confidence in this field."

For younger girls interested in STEM, Kelby hopes they won't let fear or stereotypes stand in the way of their goals.

"GO FOR IT!! Life is too short to not do what you love! Don't let being a woman discourage you from being successful in a male-dominated field! STEM is hard in itself, but use your unique skills to your advantage and don't give up! Mainly, just believe in yourself more than anyone else, and remember you can accomplish anything!"

Kelby's journey serves as a reminder that sorority women are more than just involved on campus—they are future engineers, doctors, teachers, researchers, and leaders. Too often, people assume that students pursuing demanding majors must sacrifice involvement, but Kelby proves otherwise. Through her dedication to civil engineering, hands-on internship experience, and commitment to Phi Mu, she shows that women don't have to choose between academic success and sisterhood—they can excel in both.