[CANCELED] CEE Seminar: Entering the Engineering Consulting World - Project Descriptions & Personal Experience from a UCI Graduate

Abstract: Whether you’re going to graduate soon and looking for a job or you’re just interested in what it’s really like transitioning from the academic world to a career in engineering consulting, who better to ask than a UCI alumnus who’s done it?  Come hear Matt Thomas, Ph.D., P.E., a graduate of UCI’s civil engineering program (2009) relate interesting technical project experience, including environmental site assessment, innovative approaches to conceptual site model development (evaluation of potential VOC source areas, chlorinated solvent plumes, vapor intrusion issues due to off-gassing, etc.) and human health risk assessment.  In addition, Thomas will share with you some of his experiences transitioning from university to career, his path from senior staff engineer to project engineer, and what he’s learned along the way that may help others in their career. Whether you’re interested in real-world examples of projects, how to apply the knowledge acquired during your education, or a retrospective take on “what they don’t teach you in school,” this talk has something for you. A meet the speaker coffee hour will follow the talk.

Bio: Matt Thomas, Ph.D., P.E., graduated from UCI with a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering and a master's degree and doctorate in civil engineering/water resources. The focus of his graduate research was the effects of vibration (seismic/acoustic) on solute and colloid transport in groundwater. Thomas worked with Russell Detwiler (UCI) as a postdoctoral researcher and lectured at Cal Poly Pomona before securing a position with Geosyntec Consultants, Inc., an environmental and geotechnical consulting engineering firm in Huntington Beach, California. When he’s not working, Thomas enjoys spending time with his family and appreciates the outdoors, sports and a good IPA.