Across the country, organizations, companies, and individuals are recognizing engineers for Reimagining the Possible through innovative contributions in their communities in celebration of #EWeek2022. We want to thank our own amazing group of engineers for their dedication to their team members and clients. CHW is lucky to have such a talented group of professionals!
For Engineers Week we’re highlighting just a few of CHW’s bright young engineers. We’re fortunate to have this incredible talent on board, they help inspire and encourage investment in the #STEM industry.
#EngineersWeek was founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) in 1951 to celebrate the important and vital work engineers do and engage with the next generation of innovators.
This Engineers Week please take a moment to recognize and celebrate the work of engineers! To celebrate #EWeek2022, we’re introducing some of CHW’s best and brightest young engineers from each of our Engineering departments.
E-WEEK YOUNG ENGINEER HIGHLIGHT
Meet Jacob Bell, Project Administrator, Construction Engineering
Jacob joined the CHW team in 2021 and recently passed the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam! Jacob has five years of experience in construction materials testing and inspections; construction engineering and inspection; special inspections; roadway construction, resurfacing, and reclamation; bridge construction, rehabilitation, and emergency repair; and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) installation. Jacob began his career with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) in the construction department, primarily inspecting bridge and roadway construction. Following his transition into the private sector, Jacob applied his experience from GDOT and quickly excelled as lead inspector, Contract Support Specialist (CSS), and Project Administrator (PA) on various construction projects throughout North Florida for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and local agencies. Jacob works relentlessly to move our client’s projects from paper to pavement while focusing on quality, budget, and contractual compliance.
What made you decide to become an engineer?
“My parents and grandparents were a large part of my decision to become an engineer. My parents always pushed me to reach for the stars and my grandfather was a commercial contractor. I enjoyed the field aspect of construction from a young age working with my grandfather, and I wanted to pick a profession where I could be outside and build large-scale projects.”
What advice would you give to a young student aspiring to be an engineer?
“The entire journey is a grind and there are many ups and downs throughout the process. Engineering school is extremely tough, and tests and labs won’t always go your way but it’s just about finishing the classes and getting your degree. It’s important to take all levels of school very seriously in preparation for college.”
What personal characteristics do you feel are necessary to be a successful engineer?
“The ability to be humbled, critiqued, and accountable. An engineering degree is only the start of the journey. I’ve learned 80% of my engineering knowledge in the workplace and learned the most important lessons from being wrong. The most important characteristic is accountability. You must own your mistakes and do everything it takes not to make the same mistake twice.”
What’s your favorite part about being an engineer?
“My favorite part about being an engineer is the successful completion of a project. I treat each and every project like my house is on it and my family members utilize it, which they often do. I also enjoy working with the veteran contractors who contain an immense amount of knowledge that should be passed on before they are retired.”
What sets CHW apart from other firms you could’ve chosen to work with?
“CHW has a small-town atmosphere which is a great work environment. I love that each of the owners is readily available and there is an open line of communication with the executive team and directors. Larger companies don’t have that feel and there is a disconnect between the different departments within those companies. CHW also treats its employees like adults with an understanding of work hard but also play hard.”
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E-WEEK YOUNG ENGINEER HIGHLIGHT
Meet Cody Cash, Project Manager, Transportation Engineering Department
Cody joined the CHW team in 2021 and recently passed the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam! Cody has four years of extensive experience in roadway design responsible for pursuits, vertical and horizontal geometric design, plans production, technical specifications, and digital delivery processes for FDOT District 2 and District 3 as well as other municipal and government entities. Cody began his engineering career as a drainage intern for a private consultant firm working mainly on FDOT District 3 projects responsible for PD&E studies, open channel design, stormwater analysis, stormwater pipe network design, and hydrology analysis. Cody’s broad experience coupled with his intense focus and enthusiasm for quality is not only an asset to CHW, but to every client CHW serves.
What made you decide to become an engineer?
“I’ve always been impressed with my dad’s ability to fix anything. Growing up, he included me on all projects to show me that fixing an issue is half the battle and that learning why the component failed gives me a better understanding of the entire process. After years of holding the flashlight and running to the tool shed to get a different socket, he gave me more and more responsibility in our projects, allowing me to fail on the way. Over time, these failures served as lessons that gave me the confidence in my own ability to assess an issue and develop a plan to resolve it. Engineering was a natural fit for me as you must consider all components involved and how they work independently of each other to complete a task.”
What advice would you give to a young student aspiring to be an engineer?
“Take the time to develop relationships with your peers. Join clubs. Attend events. Be involved in your societies. Those relationships evolve into companionship that will help you through your career. These relationships are not built to leverage, but rather to gain knowledge through your network and collaboration.”
What personal characteristics do you feel are necessary to be a successful engineer?
“Humility. Be the first one to say you were wrong. Be your biggest critic. This allows you the freedom to learn and develop as a professional and as a person without your “image” getting in the way.
Personability. Allow your clients and peers to know who you are and how you handle yourself personally. Your assignments are tough enough, don’t let the pressure of professionalism hinder your ability to bond with those around you.”
What’s your favorite part about being an engineer?
“The opportunity to better my community and those around me. It’s a thankless job when successful but coordinating with public entities to ensure the public is held as the highest priority instills pride in your work. Helping a small government secure funding to provide safe routes for its citizens gives you a sense of accomplishment that is unmatched and creates a sense of passion in your work.”
What sets CHW apart from other firms you could’ve chosen to work with?
“The deep culture of pride and the uninterrupted flow of information between disciplines. State statutes are a minimum, and everyone strives to take our standards and client relations to the next level. Whether you’re discussing the direction of growth with the president or helping a new intern tackle their first grading plan, you can see their independent drive to make CHW better.”
Meet the rest of our talented Transportation Engineering team!
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E-WEEK YOUNG ENGINEER HIGHLIGHT
Meet Gabriela Ledford, Project Engineer, Land Development Engineering Department
Gabriela joined the CHW team in 2021 as a recent UF graduate with a B.S. Civil Engineering and recently passed the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam! Gabriela regularly donates her time volunteering in her community and brings a mindset of servant leadership to her project designs and contributions. Gabriela applies her experience with project plans and permitting for submittals, and utility, drainage, stormwater, and grading design while implementing industry tools like ICPR, Ponds, AutoCAD Civil 3D. Recently, Gabriela designed a complex ICPR drainage model for the Citrus County CR 491 road-widening project. We’re thankful to have Gabriela’s passion for the community and clients we’re serving as well as her rapidly expanding professional engineering experience on our team!
What made you decide to become an engineer?
“I have always loved math and wanted to have a career where I could implement it. When I had the chance to create some concrete from recycled materials for a dual enrollment class, I knew then that I wanted to be a civil engineer.”
What advice would you give to a young student aspiring to be an engineer?
“I would advise someone to never give up even when the classes get tough. Making friends and acquaintances to study with helps to understand the material and see different angles on how to tackle it.”
What personal characteristics do you feel are necessary to be a successful engineer?
“A willingness to learn and listen are important characteristics to be a successful engineer. There is always going to be some topic that you can learn or refresh the mind on. Being able to effectively communicate with others is also very important to get the project done as intended and to get it permitted.”
What’s your favorite part about being an engineer?
“I find it fascinating being able to be a part of different types of projects and being able to see the end results being constructed. I also enjoy being able to spot certain structures, like a manhole, and know their purpose and why they’re there.”
What sets CHW apart from other firms you could’ve chosen to work with?
“The environment of CHW is what sets it apart from other firms. Everyone is very helpful and patient in explaining concepts and the execution of tasks. CHW understands that there is still much for an engineer to learn outside of school, and they are willing to train one for success.”
Meet the rest of our exceptional Land Development Engineering team!
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74% of educators agree: Students don’t have many chances to meet engineers. -DiscoverE.org
We can change that! We loved connecting over #WhatEngineersDo with students, younger professionals, partners, clients, and friends at the #EWeek2022 events to raise money for the Northeast Florida Engineers Week Committee Scholarship.
Thank you, Engineers, for Reimagining the Possible every day – we recognize the incredible impact you make in the communities where we live and work. CHW is fortunate to have the best and brightest moving us forward and creating new possibilities every day.
Learn more about E-Week, the great organizations moving us forward, and how YOU can get involved: