systems in America. Issues in water need to be solved at the state and federal levels, but water has not been a top priority for most people. The water industry is faced with the challenge of having old infrastructure, yet not wanting to increase rates, as water should not only be affordable, but is a human right.
As we honor and celebrate Black History this month, how do you feel diversity, or a lack there of, has shaped your career? The water industry is far from diverse. I am striving to change that by getting friends and family excited and interested in water. Working with Vivet Beckford-Nelson, a Black female teacher and leader of the Vallejo High School Engineering Academy, has been a great way to get some of our local high school students interested in water. We need diversity in the water industry, and in our Water Department specifically, to help ensure our diverse city is being managed equitably.
Who, or what, inspired you to get into the field of engineering?
What is your role with Vallejo Water, and how long have you been with the City? I joined the City of Vallejo Water Department as an Associate Civil Engineer in August 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. Within my role, I have been working on many projects such as Urban Water Management Planning, which ensures we have ample water supply to meet future demands during extended drought, repair and replacement of facilities, water model calibration, emergency power supply, improvements to facility controls, and more.
What lured you here from the private sector, and why Vallejo? My decision to switch from the private to public sector of water was not an easy one. Prior to working for the City, I worked for West Yost, a really great water resources engineering firm. As a consultant, I helped various water agencies plan, model, design and maintain their facilities. I had a great team of engineers to work with, and learn from, and absolutely loved being able to help so many different people all over California and Oregon. Eventually I got the opportunity to work as a consultant for the City of Vallejo, and saw the impact I could have on the community where I was raised, and still call home. I have always been interested in Vallejo water, as shown by my senior project at California Polytechnic State San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), which focused on the feasibility of using recycled water in Solano County, and my Master’s Project, which used Vallejo data to
analyze the financial sustainability of new developments. Once I started working alongside Vallejo Water Department staff, and went on site visits, I knew I had to work for the City. Though there is a lot of work to be done, I take a lot of pride in knowing that I am helping to create sustainable, healthy water systems for the city. My City.
What does a typical day look like for you? Since I joined during the pandemic, I have been working from home, for the most part. A portion of my day is committed to a variety of different virtual meetings and/or trainings. Otherwise, my days typically consist of project management, hydraulic modeling, model review, transient (water hammer) analysis, designing, design review, master planning, cost estimating, report writing, condition assessments, and development reviews.
I have always had a love for math and science. As a kid I wanted to be an “inventor,” so I could create gadgets to help people. It wasn’t until I was nearly a senior in high school that I learned what engineering was. I developed a passion for water engineering after learning about the many obstacles people around the world face in getting access to clean water. I love to help people and I figure there isn’t a better way than to ensure people have access to what I consider to be the most important asset on this planet - water.
What do you find most rewarding about your position with the City? I love knowing that each day I work to provide water to my family, friends and community. I also love learning more about the rich history of Vallejo’s water while at work. Lastly, I am proud to help improve and create lasting systems for future generations of Vallejo residents.
What is your educational background?
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing?
I attended Glen Cove Elementary, North Hills Christian School and St. Patrick’s/St. Vincent’s High School here in Vallejo. From there, I completed my undergrad at Cal Poly, with a B.S. in BioResource and Agricultural Engineering. I went on to completed my masters at the University of California, Davis with an MS in Water Resources Engineering.
I look forward to updating and calibrating our hydraulic model. Once that is done, we can analyze different scenarios, improve operations, reduce energy costs, and more.
What is one of the biggest challenges? Water is undervalued. Many of us take for granted our access to water. Access to clean water is considered to be a human right, but there isn’t enough money being spent to maintain our water
What advice do you have for those aspiring to enter the engineering field? First, reach out to different engineers and ask about their careers. Find contact information online or from others and reach out. Second, learn to relate theoretical problems to the real world. Be prepared to study a lot and take long tests. That may sound intimidating, but if you can relate what you’re studying to your life it can become an amazing passion. Many engineers love being civil servants. It’s rewarding knowing that the work you do helps hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people. An engineer designed the water system that you likely use daily (especially during a pandemic). An engineer designed the device you’re reading this on or the printer used to print it. Engineering encompasses computers, electricity, biomedical, plastic, water, and so much more. Find your passion and explore it!