Grace Johnson
Year Graduated: 
2023

Staff Engineer

Dewberry Engineers Inc.

Job Description

I work as a stormwater engineer at a company called Dewberry. Our team carries out four different types of projects: stream restoration, dam retrofit, dam break studies, and stormwater management design for proposed buildings. We put together site plans using an application called Civil 3D. We also use ArcGIS Pro, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, PondPack, and HydroCAD, among others.

Why did you choose this program?

I love the natural environment around us, as well as math, science, and computer programs. I am a natural problem solver which is what engineers do!

How did this program prepare you for your job?

I learned about time management. I also learned about hydrology—Hydrology I prepared me for this course as well as Fluid Dynamics and Applied Hydraulics.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

The friendly community—making friends in class, making friends with professors, making friends with people I tutored.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

If you like math, problem solving, water or energy, go for it! It requires time and patience, it is quite fulfilling, a great challenge. Believe in yourself! Go to office hours!! Professors will tell you things there they won't tell you in class.

Other comments?

Have fun!