James Parkhill

Class of 2016
Hometown: Concord, NC

James Parkhill, of Concord, NC, graduated in May 2016 with a degree in Civil Engineering and a minor in Child & Family Development. Upon graduation, James began working in Charlotte as a Transportation Planner for Atkins Global Engineering. James plans to continue his involvement in the Charlotte community by influencing local issues related to density, growth and equitable transportation. He also plans to apply to graduate school for Transportation and Urban Planning in the near future. As a Levine Scholar, James interned with the Council for Children’s Rights in Charlotte as well as the Metropolitan Transit Authority in New York. His international experience included an internship with an engineering consulting firm in Hong Kong. For his civic engagement project, James worked in Charlotte with Easter Seals at the Irwin & Carol Belk Center to design and build several raised, accessible garden beds and other natural elements developmentally appropriate for children with physical or mental disabilities. “The Levine Scholars Program has been so supportive and individualized for me,” James said. “It has helped me develop my interests while also exploring new places – both in Charlotte and abroad. I have made friends to last a lifetime within the program as well as internationally.” At UNC Charlotte, James was treasurer of the Institute of Transportation Engineers and a graduate of the Engineering Leadership Academy. “I am very proud to be an alumnus of UNC Charlotte,” James reflected. “It has been an amazing experience to be part of the diverse, developing communities of the University and Charlotte.”