School of Engineering

Applying for college was an exciting, anxious, difficult decision. Plus, there was the question about what major to choose. One choice was ERE at Humboldt State. The idea of scientifically exploring that interface between the natural and “man made” worlds was very appealing to me. My academic strengths were science and mathematics, so ERE made sense. But, with only a vague concept of this major, did I know what I was getting myself into?

During my first year, while working my way through calculus and chemistry courses, I’m sure I second-guessed the decision I had made once or twice. But, as I began taking the engineering courses, things started to “click” and I knew I had made the right decision.

I started to understand that these courses were building a strong theoretical foundation that I would build into an engineering career: both academic and eventually professional. I was doing well in the engineering courses, but more importantly, I began to find my “groove,” pursuing the areas of the field that interested me most. I’m not sure whether it was listening to good advice, steady determination, motivation, a persistent positive attitude, good luck, or some mix of all these variables, but all my hard work started paying off, from good grades and job opportunities to valuable experience and valued relationships with other peers and professionals.

In fact, when I finally graduated in December 2000, I decided I hadn’t had enough classes. I packed my bags and headed for UCLA, where I had been accepted for graduate school. The decision to attend graduate school felt natural, but a Ph.D.? Well, I approached my decision about graduate school as I did my decision for undergraduate school: with an open mind! By doing so I was able to learn so much more. I earned a Master of Science degree in 2002, and a Ph.D. in 2006 majoring in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Water Resources. My graduate studies landed me a post-doctoral researcher position. The post-doc allowed a nice, smooth transition from academia into the professional world where I continued acquiring valuable pearls of wisdom from key mentors along the way.

To get me through my next transition, from the academic to the professional world, I followed my formula: open mind and a reliance on key mentors from both new and established relationships. I started working at EBMUD in 2007 as a water resources specialist doing hydrologic and water quality modeling. I earned my Civil Engineering license in 2011. I assumed the role of Senior Civil Engineer leading the Water Supply Modeling Section in 2014. Our work is mainly focused on long term water supply planning, water quality and water temperature modeling, watershed management decision support, and engaging in science and modeling activities of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and beyond.

I have served as convener for the non-profit California Water and Environmental Modeling Forum (www.cwemf.org) from 2013 through 2015. I also serve on the Richmond High School/Pinole Valley High School Engineering Partnership Academy Advisory Board since 2011. I have an awesome wife, married now for more than 12 years. I also have an exceptional—sorry I’m a little biased—little girl that continues to amaze me and inspire me every day!