Claire Dent graduated magna cum laude in 2002. She states, "During my time at Mercer I began working part-time for Pi-Tech, Inc., a local structural engineering firm. The Mechanical Engineering Department's statics, solid mechanics, and materials coursework had already prepared me for the fundamentals of structural engineering. I began to add to that the specific knowledge I was gaining about the engineering behavior of construction materials and building codes. I quickly found myself eagerly anticipating each new project. The buildings I was working on, both old and new, fascinated me. These structures were engineering puzzles that I could see, touch, walk through, and climb. I was curious and I was hooked.

Following graduation, I continued my work at Pi-Tech assessing and designing commercial, institutional, residential, industrial, and civil structures. I am currently a Senior Design Engineer at Pi-Tech, Inc. and a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Georgia. Because of my education, qualifications, and work ethic my employer generously supported my desire to work reduced hours after the birth of my son. I now have a balance of family, community, and career that continues to exceed my expectations."