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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
As part of our Member Appreciation Program, we are showcasing a member in our bi-monthly Board Member Spotlight. Our member spotlight recognizes members for their outstanding contributions to the profession and our local communities. For any questions regarding the program please email PastPresident@ymf-oc.org.
April/May
2019
INTRODUCING
Alexandra Dubrock
EIT
Stormwater Consultant
Contech Engineered Solutions
PE Review Committee
ASCE Orange County Younger Member Forum
PERSONAL LIFE
Where did you grow up?
Raleigh, North Carolina
What made you want to become an engineer?
Hindsight and circumstances. It’s a long story heavily facilitated by my love for geology, the downturn following 2008, and a need to start paying off student loans. Turns out not everyone finds their career niche right out of high school.
Favorite hobbies, sports, and interests outside of engineering?
Crafting, cosplay, hiking, and participating in personal athletic challenges. This year I’m trying to complete a Spartan Trifecta!
Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...
… running stairs at Thousand Steps Beach or lifting weights at the gym.
What college(s) did you attend? Can you list your degrees, any honors, and involvement in engineering organizations during school?
North Carolina State University for first a BS in Geology and then a BS in Biological Engineering with a concentration in Environmental Engineering. Member of ASABE and a consistent volunteer with Science Olympiad (as a Coach, Event Supervisor, and/or Event Writer/Organizer).
WORK & PROFESSIONAL LIFE
Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects.
As a Stormwater Consultant I provide high quality, sustainable civil site solutions to site owners, engineers, and contractors while offering personalized customer service to find the best possible solution for all involved. Most significantly, I’m a part of the team that’s worked with the Regional Water Quality Control Board and LA County Permittees to obtain an avenue for the Filterra system (a high flow biofiltration BMP) to be approved by the Board as an alternate to Attachment H through an Equivalency sizing methodology.
What project are you currently working on and what have you accomplished/what are your tasks?
N/A
What is your favorite part about being a Civil Engineer?
Collaborating with a group of diverse and goal-oriented engineers to create and discover solutions to local problems. Knowing that my job directly contributes to cleaning water before it enters back into bodies of water and/or the groundwater’s pretty awesome too.
What skills do you find most valuable to focus on in your career?
Communication and the ability to admit a lack of knowledge and/or experience. The ability to adapt and adjust plans and/or expectations helps as well.
What drew you to your specific career path? If you could start your career differently, what would you do differently?
A desire to be an environmental steward with field work led the way at first, but needing a job without having to get a Masters or PhD was the main push in the end. I learned too much from my longer path and my experiences along it to try and change anything, lest I miss a critical lesson in doing so. However, learning to rebound from failure and create realistic expectations sooner would have helped.
ASCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
How/Why did you get involved? Why did you choose to stay involved?
Originally to for networking opportunities, but I stayed involved for the people and the friendships I’ve built along the way.
How has ASCE impacted your work and/or what is your favorite benefit of your involvement?
ASCE has facilitated the building of relationships with professionals from a variety of backgrounds that are able to provide wisdom and a valuable perspective. Of course the networking events are always one of my favorite benefits to ASCE, both from a work and personal perspective.
Who is someone you Admire and Why?
So many people. I honestly try and find something to admire in everyone I meet and/or learn about.
If you have one piece of advice to give to young professionals what would it be?
Collaborate and communicate with other engineers because that’s where the opportunities for growth are found.
Lastly, what would be your personal motto?
The only constant is change. No matter the situation, remember it’s not permanent and that you have the ability to be that change.
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