Forensics Engineering

• B.S., Civil Engineering, Seattle University, 2015

• WA, Professional Engineer

Why did you go into Engineering?

I come from a family of structural engineers, and they heavily influenced my decision to go into structural engineering. Also, I've always wanted to become a natural disaster first responder volunteer!

What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?

To have a recreational pilot license!

What were you going to be when you grew up?

Architect, graphic designer, or the devil in the Devil Wears Prada.

• M.S., Civil Engineering, INSA Lyon, France, 2011
• B.A.I., Civil Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, 2010

• WA, Professional Engineer, License No. 21021839
• OR, Professional Engineer, License No. 94169PE
• CA, Professional Engineer, License No. 90729

Little Known Fact

I'd rather be rowing.

• B.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, UC Irvine
• M.S., Structural Engineering, Stanford University

Little Known Fact

I can recite pi to 50 digits!

What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?

Working at Degenkolb of course!

• B.S., Civil Engineering, California State University, Sacramento, 2021

• CA, Engineer-In-Training, License No. 174859

Why did you go into Engineering?

Growing up on construction sites from an early age, cemented my passion for engineering and construction. From sweeping floors, framing walls, and hanging gypsum board during weekends and summer vacations, I found a skill in reading plan sets at 15 and from then on I knew I wanted to be an engineer. In high school, the trade and engineering academy further pushed me towards structural engineering. With the combined experience from construction and the education from Sac State, Forensic Engineering was the right choice.

Little Known Fact

I love to snowboard and surf!

Apple or Samsung?

Apple, for the ecosystem!

What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?

I would be in the Sierra Nevada snowboarding during the winter.

What were you going to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an astronaut growing up!

• B.S., Architectural Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2001

• CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 68386

Why did you go into Engineering?

In high school I loved my drafting classes. My teacher told me to switch to the engineering side as he saw it as a more lucrative profession.

Little Known Fact

To this day, Dragonball is my favorite anime cartoon.

Apple or Samsung?

Apple... I don't think I could switch over as I have been brain-washed to think that Apple governs over all.

• B.S., Civil Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2015

Why did you go into Engineering?

I grew up building and fixing things around the house with my dad. In school, I enjoyed math and science, and engineering seemed to be a perfect marriage between them. As I grew older, I developed a true a passion for structures: how they are built and the various challenges associated with designing them.

Little Known Fact

I am an owner of an NFL team. I own exactly one share of the Green Bay Packers.

What were you going to be when you grew up?

Baseball player

• B.S., Civil Engineering, California State University, Chico
• B.A., German Language, California State University, Chico
• M.S., Civil Engineering, University of California, Davis

• CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 95573

Why did you go into the AEC industry?

My dad started taking me out to his geotech job sites when I was 8 years old. I became interested in bridges and skyscrapers and how they are made. Once I developed an affinity for STEM there was no going back.

Little Known Fact

I studied abroad in Germany for a year and became fluent in German.

What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?

A new hobby I am jazzed about is creating my own overlanding rig. I'm looking into different Toyota trucks and SUVs to build out.

What’s your favorite way to get to work?

Carpooling with my partner.

• B.S. Architectural Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, 2017

Why did you go into Engineering?

I delved into engineering thanks to childhood adventures in the AEC world with my dad, a residential contractor. From lumber yards to job sites, I was hooked. In high school, I began assisting him more with the business, deepening my affinity for the industry! This steered me toward pursuing a career in structural engineering, a seamless fusion of technical expertise and aesthetic appreciation!

What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?

More travel! I love travel planning and going to new places! My dream travel location is Japan!

• AA in Education

Why did you go into Engineering?

I didn't. I was fortunate enough to be given an opportunity and found my niche within the industry.

Little Known Fact

I'm a military brat. We moved all over the United States.

What is your unusual talent?

I can tell a great story about the most mundane situation.

• B.A., Architecture, University of Washington, 1985
• M.S., Engineering, University of Washington, 1989

• WA, Professional Engineer, No. 30695
• WA, Structural Engineer, No. 30695
• CA, Civil Engineer, No. C57864
• CA, Structural Engineer, No. S4237
• AK, Professional Engineer, No. 9750
• HI, Structural Engineer, No. 12483
• OR, Professional Engineer, No. 84174PE
• ID, Professional Engineer, No. 14371
• NV, Civil/Structural Engineer, No. 18524
• FL, Professional Engineer, No. 70110
• IL, Structural Engineer, No. 81.006559
• IA, Professional Engineer, No. 18618
• TX, Professional Engineer, No. 97604

Why did you go into Engineering?

I have always loved buildings. I have an aptitude for mathematics and three-dimensional spacial ability.

Little Known Fact

I have ten screws and a metal plate in my body.

What’s your favorite band?

Pink Floyd

• B.S., Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2018
• M.S., Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2019

• CA, EIT License

Why did you go into Engineering?

I've known I wanted to study civil engineering since the 6th grade. The son of a city housing inspector, I grew up in a house that was constantly under construction. Paired with my love for math and physics, I knew civil engineering was still the right choice when it came to applying for college. Out of school, I joined a construction firm that equipped me with greater appreciation of the skills and knowledge of tradespeople that I wish to incorporate into the engineering practice.

Little Known Fact

I once ran 53 miles to my house on my birthday, just for fun. It might become a tradition, but we'll see.

What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?

I'd go hike (or run) the tallest and/or steepest trails of every national park.

What’s your favorite way to get to work?

If I had the time, I would run to work, but the train is also pretty convenient too.

• B.S. in Civil Engineering, University of California Davis

• CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 4901
• CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 61830

Why did you go into Engineering?

It suited my way of thinking.

Little Known Fact

I built portions of my own house.

What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?

Golfing and fishing all day long!

Apple or Samsung?

Samsung

• B.A., Graphic Arts, California State University, Sacramento, 2006

• Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM)

Why did you go into the AEC industry?

As soon as I finished school, I got a job as a graphics assistant at a wastewater civil engineering firm. By that time, I already knew that I probably didn't have a flourishing career in graphic design, but the engineering industry was a stable place to be, and graphics meant working in the marketing department! I went from creating icons for membrane bioreactors to graphic icons for process flow diagrams—and I guess I was hooked. This eventually led to crafting proposals, coordinating, and managing. Being a part of creating something, whether a pump station or a hospital building, and the process of developing a concept through to reality is exciting! After spending a few years at an architecture firm, I found my way to Degenkolb.

Little Known Fact

I'll pretty much try anything to eat, once. Also, I'm very competitive. Two very different but important things to note.

What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?

I'd own restaurant/s (which is a dangerous business), designing both the menu items and the interior.

• B.S. Structural Engineering, University of California San Diego
• M.S. Structural Engineering, University of California San Diego

Little Known Fact

I got my scuba diving license in Colombia.

What were you going to be when you grew up?

Architect

• A.A.S, Computer Aided Design, ITT Technical Institute, 1992

Why did you go into the AEC industry?

Growing up the son of an electrician, I spent my childhood on construction sites. This gave me a rare insight to how structures fit together. During elementary school, I had a teacher see my ability and recommend I go into drafting/design. Following that advice, I did 4 years of drafting in high school, followed by college, and have been in the different sectors of the A/E/C industry ever since.

Little Known Fact

When not behind a PC, I spend my time on woodworking projects.

Apple or Samsung?

Although I currently have Apple devices, my preference has always been Samsung. The gift of an Apple watch is what brought me to the dark side, temporarily.

• B.S., Civil Engineering, California State University, Sacramento, 2018

Why did you go into the AEC industry?

I love to design and create. The AEC industry is a way for me to express my love for design and have the chance to collaborate and learn from some brilliant people.

Why did you go into the AEC industry?

I like problem solving, I enjoy maths, and I like creating/building things. Engineering seemed to be a good fit.

Little Known Fact

I have a ton of hobbies, some of which are Origami, Bonsai, and playing musical instruments.

What’s your favorite way to get to work?

I like to ride my bicycle into work.

Apple or Samsung?

Windows Phone!! ^_____^

• B.S., Architectural Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 1990

• CA, Civil Engineer, 56782
• CA, Certified Access Specialist, 433

Why did you go into Engineering?

I have always looked at the world around me—the buildings, the vehicles, even my pencil at school, and wondered, "How exactly did they build that?" And now in my career, I am using what I have learned to "deconstruct" those things and find the truth behind architectural and structural damage.

What was your career like before joining Degenkolb?

I've been in the Sacramento construction industry for more than 30 years. I started doing forensic engineering investigations after joining Barrish Pelham in 2003. My first investigations involved settlement damage, cause & origin reports, and burned truss repairs. Since then, the types of investigations have broadened to include moisture intrusion and building envelope issues, equipment failures, foundation salvageability studies, and ADA/Accessibility condition assessments. Since Barrish Pelham became part of Degenkolb, I've been excited to broaden that expertise and service a much larger client base along the entire West Coast.

Little Known Fact

I am an avid rugby fan and played for about 14 years! I also enjoy throwing darts. I may have been English in a former life!

What’s your favorite band?

AC/DC

• B.S., Architectural Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2006

• CA, Civil Engineer, License No. C76586

Why did you go into Engineering?

I have always enjoyed creating and problem-solving. Engineering gives me this opportunity while also serving my community.

Little Known Fact

I am working on visiting and touring every MLB ballpark.

What’s your favorite team?

I have two. The San Francisco Giants... and any team that beats the LA Dodgers.

• B.S., Civil Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2019
• M.S., Civil Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 2020

• CA, Professional Civil Engineer, License No. 95228

Why did you go into the AEC industry?

At the core of it, I’m really interested in forensic case studies and how engineering failures come about. One of the cases I’ve done a fair amount of reading on is the Florida University Bridge Collapse and Surfside Champlain Tower collapse.

Little Known Fact

I have very good spatial memory, like knowing which way is north in a closed room, but I can’t remember addresses for the life of me. I could tell you how to get to best friend’s house but couldn’t tell you the street she lives on.

What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?

Probably welding or something in a woodworking or metal shop. I would weld and work in tech labs often and I miss that atmosphere of working with my hands and machinery.