Q&A Masters of Innovation: Professional Engineers

At the heart of innovation lies the driving force behind every creation: the passionate individuals shaping the future. Join us for a special interview where we will explore the inspiring stories of our talented in-house engineers. Discover the motivations, inspirations, and favorite projects that have fueled their careers, highlighting their quest for making a meaningful impact.

What ignited your passion for engineering, and when did you realize it was your right career path?

Initially, I aspired to be a doctor, but during college, I discovered my aptitude for engineering and problem-solving. Once I immersed myself in the coursework, I knew I had found the perfect fit.

What aspects of engineering inspire you the most?

I appreciate the vast scope of engineering—it encompasses buildings, machines, chemicals, and many other fields. In my work, I can utilize my math and critical thinking skills while tapping into my creativity.

Share an interesting fact about engineering or describe your favorite project to date and why it stands out to you.

I have spent my entire career with AdventHealth (formerly Shawnee Mission). My journey began over 20 years ago with a project to replace an air handling unit. Since then, I have contributed to numerous department renovations, medical office buildings, and substantial tower additions. Most recently, I have been involved in the development of a new cancer center.

What ignited your passion for engineering, and when did you realize it was your right career path?

Growing up, my dad had a mechanical contracting business. We often spent hours at the pool table, analyzing duct designs and coordination issues. During my junior high and high school years, I frequently installed ductwork and resolved conflicts. During this time, I decided to pursue a career in engineering, hoping to make a meaningful difference.

What aspects of engineering inspire you the most?

I find MEP engineering inspiring because it merges creativity with practical problem-solving. Every project challenges me to design efficient, sustainable, and seamlessly integrated systems into the built environment. It's incredibly satisfying to see how our designs enhance the comfort, safety, and efficiency of buildings, making a tangible impact on people's lives.

Share an interesting fact about engineering or describe your favorite project to date and why it stands out to you.

Kansas State University—Vanier Complex stands out as my favorite project. Collaborating closely with both the electrical and general contractors, we achieved an outstanding outcome for the coaching staff and football team. The lighting design, particularly in the locker room and the tunnel, was a joy to create and witness come to life.

What ignited your passion for engineering, and when did you realize it was your right career path?

My high school physics teacher suggested it to me, which was a career path I had never considered before. At that time, it wasn't commonly recommended for females. He encouraged me to take more challenging classes and explore the field. Although I didn't think I was capable (assuming it was for people much more intelligent than myself), he believed in me and showed me that I could succeed. Without his unwavering support, I doubt I would have pursued this path.

What aspects of engineering inspire you the most?

Engineers transform abstract concepts into tangible realities. While many careers involve extensive discussion and theorizing, engineers are the ones who make things happen. Consider the items you use daily—cars, computers, phones—and the places you visit. An engineer was crucial in creating them, or they wouldn't exist. That's a remarkable impact!

Share an interesting fact about engineering or describe your favorite project to date and why it stands out to you.

When you think about engineering, problem-solving often comes to mind, but perhaps not people-solving. That is my favorite "project." I love helping project owners discover possibilities they never considered and encouraging coworkers to acquire new skills or step outside their comfort zones. Like any other project component, the human element is a variable, yet it's my favorite to work with and optimize.

What ignited your passion for engineering, and when did you realize it was your right career path?

My passion for engineering ignited in middle school when our school building lacked cooling equipment. From that moment, I was determined to find a solution.

What aspects of engineering inspire you the most?

The passion of the clients and design teams continues to inspire me. Witnessing their efforts to create an exceptional workplace for their employees elevates the quality of my design practice.

Share an interesting fact about engineering or describe your favorite project to date and why it stands out to you.

I've had the privilege of working at three companies, where I've designed the HVAC systems for two of their current workplaces. It's immensely rewarding to contribute to environments I've helped create and to see firsthand the excellence of our workspace.

What ignited your passion for engineering, and when did you realize it was your right career path?

Since high school, I have aspired to be an architect. However, during my first critique, my professor pointed out that although my work was technically precise, the border was too small, making the project seem incomplete. I then realized that my strengths lay more in engineering than architecture.

What aspects of engineering inspire you the most?

I am inspired by how our designs can tangibly improve people's lives in meaningful ways.

Share an interesting fact about engineering or describe your favorite project to date and why it stands out to you.

One of my favorite projects took place in Bowling Green, KY, where we faced a challenging situation with an aging hospital's electrical system. The equipment was outdated and failing, requiring immediate replacement. Space constraints complicated the situation, and the hospital couldn't afford to be offline for more than an hour at a time. We devised an innovative solution by constructing a new outbuilding to house the updated electrical gear. From there, we managed to refeed the entire hospital with new equipment. Remarkably, we ensured the hospital's downtime never exceeded an hour throughout the project.

What ignited your passion for engineering, and when did you realize it was your right career path?

From a young age, I've had a passion for problem-solving and knew I wanted to be an engineer since grade school. My love for math and physics led me to architectural engineering, a field where I could merge my talents with my enthusiasm for architecture.

What aspects of engineering inspire you the most?

I love taking a large, complicated building and breaking it down into easily understandable parts. It's truly like eating an elephant, one bite at a time! I also enjoy seeing the industry change, which creates new challenges and opportunities. Sources of funding, environmental regulations, safety regulations, new technology, client needs, and budgets mean that the "best" engineered system is unique to each project.

Share an interesting fact about engineering or describe your favorite project to date and why it stands out to you.

My favorite project was the Basehor City Hall. Although Basehor does not have an energy code requirement, we still made it a Net Zero Energy building based purely on economics and the city's return on investment! At the beginning of this project, the Eco-Charrette enabled us to plan for solar panels, efficient HVAC systems and controls, a single large roof sloping to the south, and strategic window placements, making Net Zero Energy easily attainable.

What ignited your passion for engineering, and when did you realize it was your right career path?

I've always been fascinated by how things work and enjoyed analyzing their components. As a child, I would dismantle objects and attempt to reassemble them. When I learned that my grandpa was an engineer who had worked on the Gemini Project, I knew engineering was my calling.

What aspects of engineering inspire you the most?

Witnessing a system operate efficiently and intelligently is deeply satisfying. Finding the synergy among different parts to create a functioning whole is one of the most fulfilling creative endeavors a person can do; that's what engineering is about.

Share an interesting fact about engineering or describe your favorite project to date and why it stands out to you.

My favorite project was a minor league baseball stadium. It was my first major assignment as a lead plumbing engineer and presented unique challenges due to the building's unusual shape and diverse functions.

What ignited your passion for engineering, and when did you realize it was your right career path?

I've always been fascinated by how things work. As a child, I disassembled all sorts of toys and electronics, occasionally even managing to reassemble them. My career began on the practical side of the industry as an electrician. I vividly recall my first job, where two weeks of effort were undone due to poorly coordinated construction documents. It was then I realized there had to be a better way. Six months later, I joined an MEP firm, and since then, I have been dedicated to making improvements in this field.

What aspects of engineering inspire you the most?

Engineering's influence on the built environment has often been overlooked. A skilled engineering team brings buildings to life and is crucial for their health. Lighting design has significant potential for growth and can significantly enhance occupant health and well-being.

Share an interesting fact about engineering or describe your favorite project to date and why it stands out to you.

Choosing a favorite project is challenging for me; it's a tie between Aspire at West End, a 148-unit senior living facility in Richmond, and a retail center renovation in Seattle’s Aurora neighborhood. Both were complex endeavors and marked my first complete design control in these markets.

What ignited your passion for engineering, and when did you realize it was your right career path?

I excelled at problem-solving, the essence of engineering. Seeing my father’s enjoyment in the field inspired me to try it, and I soon shared his passion.

What aspects of engineering inspire you the most?

I am fascinated by the rapid evolution of technology. It keeps my job engaging and ensures that I am constantly learning.

Share an interesting fact about engineering or describe your favorite project to date and why it stands out to you.

Westbury Senior Living Center is one of my favorite projects because it was among the first designs I worked on. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to navigate challenges related to the supply chain, illness, and resident safety. I collaborated with a security camera company to integrate a thermal camera with a door lock system, ensuring that anyone with a fever was prevented from entering the building.