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.

October/November

2015

INTRODUCING

Remi Candaele

PE

Civil Engineer

Huitt-Zollars, Inc.

2014-15 President

ASCE Orange County Younger Member Forum

PERSONAL LIFE

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.

Favorite hobbies, sports, and interests outside of engineering?

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.

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

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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.

What project are you currently working on and what have you accomplished/what are your tasks?

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What is your favorite part about being a Civil Engineer?

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

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

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ASCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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

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

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.

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.

Who is someone you Admire and Why?

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

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Lastly, what would be your personal motto?

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