Meet one of p+d’s newest full-time hires, Kathryn Warren! Kathryn is a civil engineer with over 2 years of experience in civil, structural and municipal engineering. While pursuing her co-terminal bachelor’s and master’s degrees at RPI, she regularly sought out opportunities to take stimulating courses and take on leadership roles. At p+d, she develops site plans for both public and private projects and conducts field inspections. A meticulous professional who demands (and so inspires) excellence, Kathryn jumps at the chance to push herself further—she is a model of determination.
1. WHY P+D?
I chose p+d because I wanted to have an opportunity to get in-depth experience over a wide range of projects. It was also important to me to find an office where everyone works as a team and I could feel comfortable asking questions. There is something new to learn every day working here, and there’s always a helping hand to collaborate with to ensure robust solutions.
2. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT ENGINEERING?
The aspect of engineering that I enjoy most is that no two projects I have worked on have been the same. I get to do something different each day, which keeps me motivated to always strive to find the best solution for each unique challenge. I also enjoy having the opportunity to get out into the field and see the real-life applications of my work.
3. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MOST CHALLENGING ABOUT ENGINEERING? MOST REWARDING?
The most challenging part about engineering is bringing together all of the available information on a certain project and then developing a strong solution even when not everything is known. Working around unknowns or through uncertainty is a difficult skill to learn and comes only with experience. I am grateful to be working for Jason and Darren who both have developed and honed this skill over many projects and years of experience.
The most rewarding aspect of engineering, for me, has to be getting to watch a project grow from an arbitrary idea into full-fledged construction. Being able to create something tangible from an imagined concept is empowering. It is also very fulfilling to get to do work that I know will have a direct impact on people’s lives on a daily basis.
4. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?
In the near future, my only goal is to gain the largest amount of diverse experience possible. I want to take advantage of every opportunity I have in order to learn and grow to the best of my ability. My long-term goal is to get my professional engineering license and have the ability to take on even bigger and more complex projects.
After having Kathryn intern with us for two consecutive terms, we were really glad she decided to join our firm full-time. We know she’s bright–she earned her master’s from a competitive program in just four years–but she also has a measured demeanor, and we feel she has a lot of potential for growth within the firm. We’re looking forward to challenging her with some new and exciting private projects we are getting started with and to have her contribute to our municipal consultation work as well.
– Jason & Darren