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 the first round!
Ana Haines
Assistant Engineer | Hazen and Sawyer | Seattle, WA
Completed a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering from Virginia Tech
Why are you interested in the water industry?
I think it's a stable industry that can make really big positive impacts from the community scale to globally.
What's one thing you hope to get out of this program?
I hope to get more networking opportunities.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to play video games and board games with friends and learning to skateboard.
Catherine Tran
Packaging R&D Engineer | Intel Corporation | North Plains, OR
Completed a Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering from the University of Toronto
Why are you interested in the water industry?
Water is an important resource for all, and how we use water plays a key role in the environmental and socioeconomic challenges we face. As someone who has always been interested in sustainability and wants to career pivot into this space, water is definitely one of those entry points I would like to explore.
What's one thing you hope to get out of this program?
A support group of peers within or also interested in the industry that will last a long time.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like volunteering and reading manga/web comics.
Cody Brooks
Field Technician I | Delta Operations | Junction City, OR
Undergraduate student in a dual Civil/Ecological Engineering degree at Oregon State University
Why are you interested in the water industry?
Since I was around 10 years old, my interest in STEM became apparent, and as someone proficient in math with a desire to contribute to the community and the environment, engineering seemed like a natural fit. Pursuing a Civil Engineering degree became my focus over the years, but the vastness of the field left me feeling somewhat lost. Through fate, I discovered my current career with Delta Operations over in Eugene, Oregon, where my passion for Wastewater and Drinking Water management sparked. This path led me to realize the abundance of opportunities within the water industry. Recently, I decided to enhance my expertise by adding a second major in Ecological Engineering. This choice has fueled my sense of passion and determination, as I now have a clearer understanding of the impactful possibilities of my degrees. While expansive, the water industry offers a contained environment that allows for exploration and specialization. My current objective is to serve as an advocate for bridging the gap between operators and engineers. Looking ahead, my ultimate goal as an engineer is to design functional systems that not only work effectively but also consider the practical perspective of an operator. Beyond system functionality, it's crucial to assess whether the operator can seamlessly work with the system in tandem. This mindset I have is fundamental for creating sustainable and efficient solutions in this field and I hope that the WAVE program can help guide me to this goal of mine.
What's one thing you hope to get out of this program?
By the end of the program, I want to accomplish 3 things: 1) Make new connections, whether it be with my fellow cohort and/or industry specialist 2) Bring more awareness to the need for more young professionals in this field 3) Build upon skills that will make me much more successful in this industry (i.e. public speaking, resume building, a broader understanding of the water industry, etc....)
What do you like to do in your free time?
My biggest passion is Ultra-running (26.3+ mile races) and running in general. I have taken some time off from this hobby due to school and work, but in my limited free time, it is not uncommon for me to be either walking, hiking, or running local trails. I still compete in 5K's and 10K's occasionally, but once I finish with school, I plan on re-entering the hobby and working towards my goals of completing my first 50-miler, 100K, and 100-miler. Along with my running journey, I also like volunteering with my old high school/middle school track and cross-country teams as I do see the significance of youth sports on kids. I don't believe I would be as well-rounded or ambitious if I did not participate in sports as an adolescent.
Himanshu Sail
Staff Professional | Carollo Engineers | Boise, ID
Completed a Master’s degree in Chemical & Environmental Engineering from the University of Texas, Austin
Why are you interested in the water industry?
I believe water is a crucial aspect of life and climate and its value has been largely taken for granted so far. I want to make an impact in the industry and make people value the resource.
What's one thing you hope to get out of this program?
I hope to network with like-minded individuals.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to play badminton and ping pong.
Stay tuned next month for more of the WAVE cohort!