Meet the 2024 WAVE Cohort!
The WAVE program engages students and emerging professionals from diverse backgrounds with the water industry through a series of workshops and attendance of the 2024 PNCWA conference. The workshops focus on the various paths within the water industry, networking, skills development, employment opportunities, and conference preparation. Each month until the conference, we will highlight our participants. Here is a quick introduction of Andrew, Curtis, Faron, and Carson - learn more about them in the PNCWA blog!
Andrew Smith
Environmental Engineering Student at Tacoma Community College| Tacoma, WA
Why are you interested in the water industry?
Water is the liquid of life. It makes the world go round.
What's one thing you hope to get out of this program?
A better understanding of the design portion of the water industry.
What do you like to do in your free time? Or fun fact about you?
I competitively race road bicycles. I love a good physical and mental challenge.
Curtis Anderson
Marine Energy Research Engineer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory | Seattle, WA
Completed a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Washington
Why are you interested in the water industry?
I am interested in the water industry because of its immense possibility for innovation. Water is a vast resource that provides great value to life. Simultaneously, it is an increasingly scarce resource. Due to this, the way we use water should be constantly evolving. I want to create sustainable solutions to the water and energy crises playing out.
What's one thing you hope to get out of this program?
This WAVE program drew me in with its promise to introduce me to leaders in the water industry who are contributing to the future of water. I hope to learn what other young professionals are working on in this industry and identify possible collaborations. We are all connected by water in many ways, and we will all benefit if we work together.
What do you like to do in your free time? Or fun fact about you?
I like to go surfing and immerse myself in the ocean and all of its mysteries.
Faron Bienville
Civil Engineering student at Pierce College| Lakewood, WA
Why are you interested in the water industry?
I am passionate about sustainability and want to help my community by contributing to safe, clean infrastructure.
What's one thing you hope to get out of this program?
Exposure to the water industry while getting to know others.
What do you like to do in your free time? Or fun fact about you?
Taking my dog to the park, discovering new music, and listening to podcasts.
Carson Beckman
Construction Management student at University of Idaho| Moscow, ID
Why are you interested in the water industry?
Great growth and knowledge in sustainability!
What's one thing you hope to get out of this program?
A better network and communication skills.
What do you like to do in your free time? Or fun fact about you?
Jiu Jitsu, Running, Hiking, 3D printing