My passion for engineering began with drafting and architecture classes in high school. I enrolled in Civil Engineering at Utah State University where I was exposed to a wide range of engineering disciplines. Water resources and wastewater treatment soon emerged as favorites, which led me to complete a masters degree with an emphasis in water resources. I got involved with the Water Environment Association of Utah and competed in an international student wastewater design competition where our team gained real world engineering design exposure and even took home second place. I also had the opportunity to work at the Utah Water Research Laboratory under Dr. Blake Tullis, where I aided in hydraulic structures research. I thoroughly enjoyed the college experience and was twice elected to represent the College of Engineering within student government, which gave me the chance to impact college workings behind the scenes and advocate for engineering clubs and students.
After graduation I spend spent my career in the municipal engineering consulting realm (Keller Associates, Inc.). I obtained my Professional Engineering license and was a project engineer/manager for anything our rural Southeast Idaho clients needed, including master planning studies, drinking water supply and distribution, roadways, stormwater management, ADA compliant site design, and wastewater pumping and treatment. One particular highlight was the design and construction of a new facility consisting of a 1-million-gallon reinforced concrete drinking water tank, 4,000 gal/min well, and 4,800 gal/min booster station, which also included the design of a new city park at the site geared toward educating the public on water conservation. My time in industry provided me with a real-world perspective on the ways in which engineering shapes the world around us and provides the quality of life we are privileged to enjoy. With family roots in Sanpete Valley, my wife and I jumped at the opportunity to come to this special place and make a career shift to teaching. I have enjoyed associating with Snow’s engineering students and believe the program here at Snow College provides a tremendous value to students.
