Describe your current job
Coastal Engineering is the study of processes ongoing at the shoreline and construction within the coastal zone. The field involves aspects of nearshore oceanography, marine geology, and civil engineering, often directed at combating erosion of the coast or providing navigational access.
Specific duties include supervising the preparation of plans and specifications to perform dredging projects; construct docks; and repair piers, jetties, and breakwaters. We monitor the effects of storms and coastal processes and develop shoreline preservation strategies and beach replenishment projects.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
Since Coastal Engineering involves projects in the coast zone, I get to work on a wide variety of projects, such as water quality issues or providing beach access. I enjoy working in the field performing inspections or beach surveys. I also like solving problems and helping to find creative solutions.
What do you enjoy the least about your job?
There are also administrative duties, such as report writing or developing budgets. The most frustrating is finding money for projects.
What key events in your childhood most influenced your current career?
I always loved being near the ocean. One summer, I had ear problems and could not go in the water. Our family then moved to the Midwest. Because I loved the water, I became a lifeguard at our local pool in Illinois and learned to scuba dive. I decided to pursue a degree in Ocean Engineering such that my job would always keep me close to the ocean.
Do you have any funny stories about lab experiences or adventures in the field?
We have a saying among my former co-workers—“It’s a great day to be a Coastal Engineer.” Our field trips would always find us at the coast at a nice beach or harbor. When we realized we could be sitting at a desk in the office, we would invoke the saying.
Do you play any sports or have any favorite hobbies/special interests?
I like to snowboard, boogie board, scuba dive, rollerblade, and play volleyball. And of course, any ocean sports.
What contribution would you most like to make to science in the next five years?
Educate others on how valuable the ocean is as a resource. Our everyday activities affect the health of the ocean, such as overwatering lawns, littering, or not picking up pet waste. It takes each of us to keep our waters clean.
Do you have any advice for an aspiring high school student who might want to pursue your career?
Try a variety of activities to figure out what you like to do or where your talents lie. Pursue your passion and incorporate it into your studies, and it may develop into a career. You may spend most of your life working, so it should be something you enjoy doing.
