Q. Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do in the engineering world.

        

A. I am a structural engineer with a focus in transportation structures and waterfront design.  I have a degree in civil engineering and a commercial diver's license.  I currently work for Moffatt & Nichol, inspecting bridges and marine terminals. We inspect above and underwater, looking for structural defects and material deterioration. We then provide repair recommendations, design the repairs, and follow behind the construction crew to ensure that repairs are built properly.   

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Q. What was your formal introduction to the engineering and how did it allure you?

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​A. I originally went to college for biology/pre-med, but quickly realized that wasn't what I wanted to do. I knew that I liked math, but didn't want to be a math teacher or accountant. I spoke with a friend who was studying mechanical engineering and he convinced me that engineering was my best bet.  I did not have any family members who were engineers, so I knew next to nothing about the field. I transferred from James Madison University to University of Delaware in the middle of my freshman year, as JMU did not have an engineering program. When I arrived at UD, I met with the dean to decide which branch of engineering I would study. I chose Civil Engineering because "designing bridges and large land structures" sounded exciting. It turned out it was the right choice.

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Q. In your youth, did you foresee a future where you would be working underwater?​

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A. Growing up, my family was into boating and water activities. I knew that the water would always be a part of my life, but I did not anticipate it as a career. I went to college initially for medicine, but quickly realized that it was not for me, so I switched to a route that involved more math. I was lucky to end up in a career where I had the option to be close to the water.  Once I realized that diving was a sector of structural engineering, I decided to combine my loves for math and water. 

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Q. How are you using this aspect of STEAM to make your mark in the world?

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A. As a civil engineer, I understand that it takes teamwork to make a successful community. There are certain aspects of life that people take for granted, such as infrastructure, highways and bridges.  Out of sight, out of mind.  I like to think that I help the world in a silent ninja sort of way by making sure that the highways and bridges are functional for everyone.

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Q. Do you feel that engineering is a tool and field of necessity for schooling for our upcoming generations?  If so, why?

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​A.  Absolutely.  With no one to maintain the structures, people would be in grave danger.  Without creative and intuitive minds looking for innovative solutions, our world would never move forward.  The USA, in general, is behind the rest of the world in innovation and liberal ideas coming to fruition which I believe, mostly, is because of our politics and stubbornness against change.  I'm trying to do my part to bring change to our country.