Board Member Spotlight 2015 Oct-Nov

As part of our new 2015 Board member appreciation program we are showcasing a board member in our bimonthly Board Member Spotlight. Our board member spotlight recognizes board members of outstanding contributions to the profession and our local communities. For any questions regarding the program please contact the Past President at PastPresident@ymf-oc.org.

For the October and November spotlight we would like to introduce...

Rémi Candaele, P.E.

We asked him to state his name, company and position in ASCE:

"My name is Remi Candaele. I have to privilege to work as a Civil Engineer at Huitt-Zollars, Inc. in the Irvine office. I am honored to serve as the 2014-15 President of 28 outstanding YMF board officers, without who the success of more than 80 annual events would not be achievable."

We also asked him a few questions about the following:

School/Education/Background

School:

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Saint-Prix, a small town outside of Paris, also known as a pilgrim leg of the Camino de Santiago but also for being the home of Victor Hugo, French writer of the later 19th century.

What made you want to become an engineer?

I believe both my dad and my childhood environment intrinsically influenced my career path. Being an engineer, my dad always challenged me with typical engineering leitmotivs, such as “why?” and “figure it out”. Today, I officiate as a storm water engineer. Interesting enough, one of my first engineering projects at school focused on the drainage canals of Flanders, where I would spend all of my summers. It still amazes me that, starting in the 7th century, monks were able to lower the water table and allow a civilization to establish residency below sea level.

If you had to choose a different career what would it be?

As a high school student, I was eager to become an orthopedic surgeon. It did make sense since the profession would allow one to put its understanding of human body mechanics to the service of our communities.

What college(s) did you attend? Can you list your degrees, any honors, and involvement in engineering organizations during school?

I attended a five year program at Ecole Centrale in France, a generalist engineering school, where I earned my professional degree with an emphasis in Energetics. Being passionate by water resources and sediment transport, I opted to expand my knowledge and international experience by attending the University of Texas at Austin. I was fortunate enough to work at the University’s research center while working on my Master in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering.

Work & Professional Life

Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects.

I recently joined Huitt-Zollars, as water quality expert working on large infrastructure projects, and providing services to public and private entities. Prior to that, I served as a project manager in surface water at RBF Consulting. My domains of expertise include hydrology, hydromodification, water quality modeling, Best Management Practice (BMP) design and performance, engineering economics, harvest-and-use, statistical analyses and comprehensive watershed strategic plans.

Two projects that I am particularly proud of are the sediment transport study for the Santa Ana River for Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, and being the manager and the technical leader of Integrated Watershed Assessment Tool for Restoration (iWATR®), for which I was recognized at WRYMC last year.

I prepared numerous publications and conference proceedings covering a wide range from new methods in water harvest and reuse, watershed restoration, and strategic implementation of low impact developments (LIDs) within urbanized watersheds.

ASCE

Please desribe your involvment in ASCE and how it benefits you.

Synergy, excellence, and friendship are three words that best characterize my involvement with the Orange County Younger Member Forum. Being surrounded by motivated and passionate members, who successfully implement outreach, social, and professional development events definitely encourages everyone, including myself to strive for excellence. Knowing that you can count on your fellow members when a challenge presents itself forges long-term friendships. I certainly realize that my soft skills have vastly improved since my involvement begun. These soft skills, such as emotional intelligence and crisis management, have become assets in both my professional and personal life.

What has been your favorite ASCE event since you got involved?

Outreach events remain my most fulfilling events every year: the Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition and the Ronald McDonald House Cooking Night amongst many others. This year, I loved participating to the mentorship program and to the Women in Engineering Panel.

Personal Life

I enjoy spending my weekends and vacations hiking at the many National Parks of the Southwest with my wife, Jessica, and resourcing myself by visiting family both in France and in Huntington Beach.

I cultivate a passion for outdoor sports and activities. When time allows, I hop on my mountain bike or simply put on my trail running gear and head out to the fun trails in Orange County.

If you missed the last Board Member Spotlight, Rafael Contreras, you can click here to read his article.