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.

March/April

2015

INTRODUCING

Eric Walker

Engineering Designer

Stantec

K-12 Outreach, PSBC Co-Chair

ASCE Orange County Younger Member Forum

PERSONAL LIFE

Where did you grow up?

Rolling Hills Estates is my home town, it’s a relatively sleepy place between San Pedro and Redondo Beach about 45 minutes north of Orange County. One of the most interesting random facts about Rolling Hills is that most the signals have three sets of crossing buttons, one for people on foot, one for people on bikes, and one for people on Horseback. As you can imagine it is a horse friendly area with lots of great hiking trails.

What made you want to become an engineer?

I could go with the Legos as a kid thing, and don’t get me wrong I loved playing with them and did up until I went to college, but I think the more interesting story is really the consistent encouragement from the people around me to look for a career in the engineering field. I was always the one building things, whether it was taking apart toasters to see how they worked (much to my chagrin I’m sure) or building catapults at scout camp I was always the one to tinker. I also really liked houses and architecture so it was only natural to gravitate towards Civil Engineering because at the time I was entering college I really didn’t know what the difference was between the two.

If I was to choose a different career I would probably go with real estate investment. I have started a real estate investment company and while it is challenging I also think it’s really fun. There is that element of hunting and problem solving that you get in engineering and it has the capacity to help me travel the country and the world.

Favorite hobbies, sports, and interests outside of engineering?

N/A

Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...

N/A

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

UC Irvine Class of 2011! Graduated with a Bachelors of Civil Engineering with a concentration in Management, a minor in Philosophy and almost minor in Environmental Design. UC Irvine was and is a place I love and have so many fond memories of. Even those late nights delirious in the computer labs working on projects with groups of people all guzzling Monsters and Del Taco, good times. As far as College accomplishments:

2008 - ASCE Conference Chair for the Hawaii Conference, Began Involvement with UCI Civil and Environmental Engineering Affiliates Group

2009 - ASCE Vice President of External Affairs, Gary Guymon Scholarship Award Recipient

2010 - ASCE President, Chi Epsilon Corporate Affairs Chair, Students Practicing Excellent Communication Skills (SPECS) Co-President

2010 Published “Engineering Integrity: Ethics for the Engineer of 2025” at the International Engineering and Construction Conference in Cairo, Egypt, and presented at the conference.

WORK & PROFESSIONAL LIFE

Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects.

I am fortunate enough to get to work with the amazing people over at Stantec Consulting doing Land Development work. I never realized how Land development pulls together so many different facets of Civil Engineering but it is pretty cool to get to work on a variety of projects. My most significant project to date is the work I have done on the Brightwater Development in Huntington Beach. Its several hundred homes right next to Bolsa Chica State Beach and since it is now almost done with construction its amazing to see some of the designs I did on paper materialize in the real world. Granted much of the work I did is under the ground but there is still that strong sense of pride.

On the non-project side of things, I am on our Spirit Committee which helps figure out ways to engage people in the office in activities that promote community and unity; an interesting challenge when it seems some of the people would much rather just work than participate in games of “Cheer Pong” at our office wide meetings.

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?

I do really enjoy the pride and accomplishment that comes with seeing a project come to completion and know that the end result of that project is a benefit to the community. Whether its land development to create a community in the first place or some of the work I do with SCE to make sure there is a reliable source of electricity to southern California. Civil Engineering really make a big difference in the world and while we may not always get recognition for the role we play its worth it to know society is largely better because of what we do.

What skills do you find most valuable to focus on in your career?

N/A

What drew you to your specific career path? If you could start your career differently, what would you do differently?

N/A

ASCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

How/Why did you get involved? Why did you choose to stay involved?

N/A

How has ASCE impacted your work and/or what is your favorite benefit of your involvement?

N/A

Who is someone you Admire and Why?

N/A

If you have one piece of advice to give to young professionals what would it be?

N/A

Lastly, what would be your personal motto?

N/A

CHECK OUT PAST OC YMF MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS