Jeffren Ramos
Year Graduated: 
2011

Departmental Safety Advisor

University of California, San Francisco

Job Description

I perform routine inspections of research laboratories, facilities, and act as a safety liaison for campus staff, faculty, and researchers. I work closely with Environment, Health & Safety team members to protect employee health, preserve the environment, and maintain a safe workplace by careful and conscientious adherence to OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory agencies.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose the ERE program because I always wanted to serve in a role that leverages science, technology, and human collaboration for the protection of the planet and its occupants.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

I gained many vital skills during my time within the ERE program: public speaking, technical writing, familiarity with environmental regulations, critical thinking, and structured problem solving--but I think the most important is team work. In my current and past roles, I've been part of a team of subject matter experts who must collaborate in order to reach common goals. It's incredibly rare to accomplish anything alone while working in engineering, industrial hygiene, or regulatory compliance.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

I enjoyed completing projects for real clients. Two courses stand out the most: Intro to Design and Capstone Design. In the former, our teams were able to work with the local Redwood Coast Energy Authority to create educational displays. For the latter, our teams collaborated with Engineers without Borders to develop retrofit plans for the water distribution system in Camoapa, Nicaragua. These were two incredible opportunities that left a lasting impression on my life.

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

Don't be afraid to fail. Engineering is challenging and has a demanding course load, which will be time consuming. However, there is a learning curve--I failed and repeated at least 4 classes during my time in the program. It never feels good to fail, but for some of us, that's how we learn to adjust. The adjustment from high school to college was the biggest shock to my academic senses, and it took me (and many of my peers) a year or two of stumbling to truly find our footing as engineering students.