Board Member February-March 2017 Spotlight
As part of our new 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 February and March 2017 Spotlight we would like to introduce...
Isamar escobar
We asked her to state her name, company and position in ASCE:
- Isamar Escobar
- Michael Baker International
- K-12 Outreach Chair
We also asked her a few questions about the following:
SCHOOL/EDUCATION/BACKGROUND
Where did you grow up?
Modesto, CA
What made you want to become an engineer? If you had to choose a different career what would it be?
In high school I really enjoyed math, though I was never particularly great at it. I had originally decided on architecture because I was intrigued by intricate buildings and skyscrapers. However, I soon realized that I have no artistic ability. At that point I didn’t really know about civil engineering, but with the power of Google I learned that civil engineers actually design the buildings. I realized that this what I wanted to learn more about.
What college(s) did you attend? Can you list your degrees, any honors, and involvement in engineering organizations during school?
University of California, Irvine – Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. While at UCI, I was involved with ASCE, ESC (Engineering Student Council), and SWE (Society of Women Engineers).
WORK & PROFESSIONAL LIFE
Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects.
Primary Role - Significant Projects:
As a Civil Associate at Michael Baker International in the Surface Water Design team, I have been able to work on a variety of flood control projects. I’ve had the opportunity to work on a Storm Drain Master Plan for the City of South San Francisco, scour analysis and embankment protection for a portion of the San Diego Creek in Irvine, 2D animation floodplain analysis model for a highway in Riverside County, and various channel and storm drain plans in Orange and Riverside County.
Non-Project Work Responsibilities
At Michael Baker International, I am a part of our Good Works and Wellness Works committee. On the Good Works side, we organize volunteering opportunities in the area such as beach clean ups, food drives, graffiti clean-ups, and many other community service events. On the Wellness Works side, we promote healthy living with healthy potlucks, lunch walks, bike rides, and many other events.
What is your favorite part about being a Civil Engineer?
My favorite part of being a Civil Engineer is being able to work with intelligent, passionate people who strive to improve and change the world we live in.
ASCE
How/Why did you get involved? Why did you choose to stay involved?
I first got involved with ASCE my first year at UCI, because I wanted to learn more about civil engineering. I honestly can’t remember how I heard about ASCE, but I remember being very inspired at the first meeting I attended. As I continued getting involved I became Conference Co-Chair, Concrete Canoe Rower, Concrete Canoe Mix Captain, and Internal Vice President. I stayed involved and continue to stay involve, because of the people. I have made some great and lasting friendships via ASCE. I’ve had the privilege to meet amazing people who have done incredible things in their lives and careers, and others who I know will do incredible things in the future.
PERSONAL LIFE
Favorite sport?
- Soccer
Hobbies and Interests outside of Engineering.
- Reading
- Volunteering
- Traveling
- Music, Movies, and Shows
- Running
- Spending time with family and friends
- Learning about new people, places, and things
To view the archive of all past Member Spotlights click here.
