Orange County Branch Newsletter

Established 1953

November 2023

President's Column

We Are ASCE Orange County

We Are ASCE Orange County

Welcome to the ASCE Orange County Branch!

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I am honored and excited to extend my warmest greetings to every member of our vibrant ASCE Orange County community. I want to take this opportunity to thank Jen Marks for her leadership this past year. I am filled with excitement and optimism for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Our branch has always been a beacon of excellence in civil engineering, and I am confident that the coming year will be no exception. As we navigate the evolving landscape of our profession, let us embrace the spirit of innovation. The field of civil engineering is constantly evolving, and our ability to adapt and innovate is key to our success.

Collaboration has been the cornerstone of our achievements, and I encourage each member to actively engage in the various activities and initiatives planned for the upcoming year. The strength of our branch lies in the diverse expertise and experiences of our members. Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact on the community we serve.

In the coming months, we will focus on enhancing professional development opportunities, fostering mentorship programs, and promoting sustainable practices within our industry. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond our technical skills; it encompasses a dedication to ethical conduct, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

I am honored to serve on this Board alongside our Past-President Jen Marks of Psomas, President-Elect Nestor Godinez of SLR Consulting, Treasurer Eric Pheifer of Biggs Cardosa Associates, and Secretary Jenny Robinet of PACE Water.

We are joined on the Board by the Chairs of our six technical institute chapters (the Construction Institute, the Environmental & Water Resources Institute, the Geo-Institute, the Structural Engineering Institute, the Transportation and Development Institute, and the Utility Engineering & Surveying Institute) and our Younger Member Forum President, Tyler Hodges of Mark Thomas. Our Board is also supported by more than 15 active committees.

I am grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me as your President, and I am excited about the possibilities that the coming year holds for our branch. Together, let us make 2023 a year of growth, innovation, and collaboration.

Roger Chung, PE, CFM, ENV SP, QSD/P, F.ASCE
ASCE Orange County Branch President


About the Author:

Roger Chung is a Senior Project Manager at BKF Engineers. Roger has served on the Executive Board of the EWRI Orange County Chapter for the past 19 years. Roger can be contacted at President@ymf-oc.org.

ASCE OC Community Service

California Coastal Cleanup Day

Coastal Cleanup Day is California's largest annual volunteer event. It is an opportunity for people across the state to clean our creeks, rivers, lakes, coast, and shorelines of all kinds to help restore our environment. Virtually every body of water in California ultimately flows to the ocean, and that water can carry a lot of trash. ASCE OC YMF and our volunteers participated by picking up trash at Huntington City Beach. It was rewarding to see how much trash we were able to remove!

Volunteers pose with bags of trash collected during the CA Coastal Cleanup Day 2023


About the Author:

Danny is a Project Engineer at AECOM and is currently working on wastewater treatment plant design, hydraulic modeling, and wastewater conveyance projects. ASCE helped him achieve his goals as a student, and now he volunteers with ASCE OC YMF as a professional to give back and help the next generation of young engineers. He's passionate about helping people in need and volunteers as much as he can to improve his community.


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ASCE OC T&DI

Welcoming Ryan Chamberlain As The New TCA CEO

T&DI welcomed Ryan Chamberlain to his new role as CEO of the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) on November 8th. The event included over 100 attendees, including the mayor of several cities, an Orange County supervisor, and several CEOs, to hear Ryan discuss his vision for the future of toll lanes and the working relationship with OCTA, Caltrans, Riverside County, and LA County. The evening reception at Tustin Ranch Golf Club had the most sponsors ever for a T&DI event, raising more than $4,000 in scholarship funds for the 2024 History & Heritage / Student Scholarship Night.  




About the Author:

Steve is a civil engineer for David Evans and Associates. When not helping ASCE or working on transportation projects, he is chasing around his daughter Olivia, 2, and carrying his son Ethan, 7 months.

ASCE OC University Outreach

YMF University Outreach Game Night

YMF hosted its annual ASCE OC Game Night on September 29th, welcoming the three schools in the region: UCI, Cal State Long Beach, and Cal State Fullerton. The night brought students together through fun and interactive games such as trivia, word scramble, and cup flip tik tac toe, all with a touch of Taylor Swift to match the event’s Eras Tour theme. Each team represented a different ‘Era,’ seeing which group would come out on top was thrilling. With a new academic year ahead, it was an excellent opportunity for the University Outreach team to share what they had in store for the students. The committee debuted the new “Mentorship Academy” program and all the scholarships available through the OC Branch’s History and Heritage Student Scholarship Night. Thank you to all who attended; long live all the memories we made. We will remember it all too well.


Holding onto the memories by taking a group picture!

 
Team “Lover” and Team “Speak Now” getting ready for the delicate task of tower building


About the Author:

Brisa Bernal is a Civil Engineer at Diaz Yourman and a recent California State University, Fullerton graduate. While at California State University, Fullerton, she served as one of the Co-Presidents for the CSUF Student chapter. Brisa was a team member for the 2022 Geowall Team, winning second place at that year’s national competition. She enjoys volunteering to make magical moments for underserved children and advocating for more women in engineering. Brisa can be contacted at brisa@diazyourman.com or on LinkedIn


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ASCE OC Sustainability Committee

Frank R. Bowerman Landfill Facility Tour November 2023

Ever wonder where your bins of trash go every week once they get picked up by dumpster truck? 

ASCE OC Sustainability Committee and LA Section Sustainability Committee organized a tour and presentation at Frank R. Bowerman Landfill on October 20th. Frank R. Bowerman Landfill is the ninth largest in the United States, run by OC Waste and Recycle (OCWR).

Some of the topics covered in the tour:

The event was attended by 14 people, starting with a slide and video presentation by David Wong about the landfill site and then a tour of the site facilities.

Thanks to David Wong and Michael Ocasio at OCWR for organizing the tour, driving the attendees with OCWR vans, and answering questions from the attendees.


Attendees Frank R. Bowerman Landfill Tour


About the Author:

Sam Ali, PE is a retired Senior Civil Engineer previously employed with the Orange County Public Works, where he supervised a team of civil engineers to initiate new projects for the county’s Capital Improvement Program. The team prepared Preliminary Programming Reports for roads, bridges, flood control channels, and bikeways to determine if the project is feasible. He received both his Bachelor's and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering from California State University Long Beach. He has been involved with ASCE Orange County for years and has served in multiple roles.

ASCE OC Programs

ElevateU: Mastering Communication

On September 14, 2023, the ASCE OC YMF Programs Committee hosted the first session of the ElevateU series, Mastering Communication. This workshop brought together a panel of industry professionals who have excelled in their careers through effective communication and strong meeting leadership. Craig Johnson (Huitt-Zollars), Natalie Jensen (AECOM), Meggy Gidula (WSP), and Clint Isa (Diaz-Yourman & Associates) shared their insights, tips, and personal experiences with the young professionals in attendance. 


From left to right, panelists Clint Isa, P.E.; Meggy Gidula, P.E.; Natalie Jensen, P.E.; Craig Johnson, P.E.; ASCE OC Programs Committee Tyler Hodges, P.E.; and Natalie Luna, P.E.

A few topics discussed were communicating to help set realistic expectations and reasonable deadlines, developing practical listening skills, resources or tools to improve presentation skills, and adjusting to virtual communication. Throughout the evening, the discussion between the panelists was seamless, and the dynamic among the panelists sparked conversations that engaged the audience. At the end of the dialogue, there was a breakout activity where the attendees formed a group with each panelist. They were able to discuss what they learned and apply the tips provided. 

The Programs Committee received much positive feedback and looks forward to hosting more events like this to equip young engineers with the essential tools and knowledge to thrive in their professional and personal lives. We also greatly appreciate the help and invaluable contribution of the panelists to make this series possible.


About the Author:

Natalie Luna is a Civil Engineering Associate in the City of Los Angeles and currently serves in both the ASCE OC YMF Programs Committee and University Outreach Committee.


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ASCE CSULB

Student Chapter Hosts General Meetings & Received Awards at HHSSN

The ASCE CSULB Student Chapter partnered with multiple local civil engineering companies to host general meetings. Student members attended the Annual History and Heritage/Student Scholarship Night where they received the Most Outstanding Student Chapter of the Year. 

GBM #3: PACE
Date: October 5, 2023
Time: 2:30 pm-3:30 pm VEC 115

PACE professionals came to share information about their company specializing in advanced water, recreational water, and the environment. 

GBM #4: MATT Construction
Date: October 18, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm-1:00 pm VEC 115

MATT Construction is a general contractor company that presents what their company is all about and answers some questions.

GBM #5: Stacy & Witbeck
Date: November 2, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm-1:00 pm VEC 115

Stacy & Witbeck is a heavy civil company specializing in transportation and infrastructure!

Beach Clean Up & Volleyball Social
November 4, 2023

ASCE has a beach clean-up at Seal Beach to release stress and have fun amidst the midterm season. 

GBM #6: Kimley-Horn
Date: November 9, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm-1:00 pm VEC 115

Kimley-Horn is a transportation firm that presents its company’s values and the projects they are working on.

ASCE History and Heritage/Student Scholarship Night

ASCE OC had over eight scholarship categories open for all civil engineering students to apply to. There is a total of $20K worth of scholarships given away. Recipients were announced at the ASCE Orange County Branch History & Heritage/ Student Scholarship Night on November 13, 2023. 

ASCE once again received the Most Outstanding Student Chapter of the Year. CSULB ASCE officers and student members won some scholarships. Congratulations to everyone!


ASCE CSULB Student Members and Alumni

CSULB ASCE Student Member Valerie Cortes receives 4 ASCE OC Scholarships
 
ASCE CSULB Co-President Holding the OC YMF Most Outstanding Student Chapter Trophy
 

ASCE CSULB Members During The Career Fair

 

GBM #7: Diaz-Yourman and Associates
Date: November 16, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm-1:00 pm VEC 115

Diaz-Yourman and Associates, a geotechnical engineering firm, presents what it’s like to work in the geotechnical field and other things surrounding it. 


About the Author:

Kobe Khean is a second-year Civil Engineering Student at California State University, Long Beach, and Webmaster of their student chapter of ASCE for the 2023-2024 school year. Kobe plans to continue his studies and search for internships in the summer. Kobe can be contacted at webmaster@csulbasce.org.


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ASCE UCI

Student Chapter Hosts Social Events & Attend ASCE OC Events

ASCE UCI's First General Meeting

ASCE UCI held its first general meeting of the quarter on Tuesday, October 3rd. New and returning members came to hear a brief overview of ASCE UCI and what the club provides. The board and general members were split into teams, each with eight pieces of A4 paper and a foot of tape to construct the tallest building. After the activity, everyone enjoyed pizza together and socialized. 


Victor, one of ASCE UCI’s internal activity coordinators, and his team watch as ASCE UCI’s President Leo measures his group’s winning tower. 

ASCE OC YMF September Board Meeting and Bowling Social

ASCE UCI students also attended ASCE OC YMF’s September Board Meeting and Bowling Social at Irvine Lanes. Students and professionals enjoyed food and slushies while playing against each other. A lot of strikes and spares were thrown, and current members were reunited with recently graduated ASCE UCI students!


ASCE UCI Students and Alumni were doing the ZotZotZot!

Finally, ASCE UCI students attended ASCE OC’s annual History and Heritage Night at the Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa. Students volunteered to help set up and manage raffle tickets before the event. During the career fair, students networked with professionals and learned more about local companies. Students enjoyed dinner and dessert while conversing with industry professionals and other schools. ASCE OC, ASCE OC YMF, and President(s) from UCI, CSULB, and CSUF presented recaps and future goals. Second-year student member Brian Tran won the raffle for a train Lego set, and Third-year Sean Ho won a self-care gift basket. Sean Ho also received the $1500 Transportation Vision Scholarship. 


UCI Students and Alumni Zot Together!


ASCE UCI Student Jerry Chang networking with HNTB representative


UCI Student Sean Ho accepts his $1500 Transportation Vision Scholarship


About the Author:

Michelle Tran is a second-year environmental engineering major at UC Irvine and on the ASCE UCI Professional Outreach Committee for the 2023-2024 term. Michelle enjoys visiting national parks and sewing. Michelle plans to get a PhD and is currently in a research lab at UCI. Michelle can be contacted at asce.uc.irvine@gmail.com.


ASCE UCI 2023-2024 Cabinet Retreat

ASCE UCI’s Cabinet enjoyed a relaxing retreat in the San Bernardino Mountains by Lake Arrowhead to begin the Academic Year.  Just a little over a two-hour drive, many Cabinet members left for the retreat on Friday, September 22nd.  The retreat, organized by Internal Vice President Cedric Perez and his team, featured numerous activities for the cabinet to enjoy and get to know each other.  Cabinet members were provided lodging, which the Internal Team reserved, and meals also prepared by the Internal Team.  After the activities were finished, photos were taken to showcase the new Cabinet.  Cabinet members also enjoyed a lovely day at the waterfront by sharing some meals and exploring what Lake Arrowhead had to offer.  On Sunday, September 24th, members embarked on their journey home, ready to start the new year.


Lakefront Lake Arrowhead


Group Photo of ASCE UCI Board and Cabinet Team


About the Author:

Sean Ho is a third-year Civil Engineering Major at the University of California, Irvine.  As a member of ASCE UCI and the External Activity Coordinator, he enjoys meeting new people.  When Sean is not doing anything for ASCE, he is a Project Engineer for UCI Steel Bridge. He will be designing as well as fabricating for the upcoming competition in the Spring.  Sean can be contacted at asce.uc.irvine@gmail.com.


ITE SoCal Traffic Bowl

UC Irvine ITE student chapters participate in this year's ITE Traffic Bowl hosted by CSU Fullerton. The competition is hosted in jeopardy style, and a variety of transportation questions appear and are answered by students competing. Besides participating in the Traffic Bowl, students also get the chance to network and talk to the professionals during the event. 


UCI ITE Students pose for a group picture for this year's ITE Traffic Bowl

Anteater Involvement Fair 2023

ASCE UCI participated in the Anteater Involvement Fair ‘23 to promote ASCE and discussed what we do as the ASCE UCI Student Chapter. The E-board and Cabinet members share their experience at ASCE with those interested in participating in ASCE. 


ASCE UCI External Activity Coordinator Matthew Cheung explains to an interested student the values we hold up to and the activities we will do throughout the year.

Engineering Student Organization Project Symposium

ASCE UCI participated in the ESO Project Symposium on October 2nd to showcase the technical projects to students and share the project manager’s experience with these specialized projects. With the poster board display and shared experiences, students learned more about the technical projects that ASCE offers.


Three ASCE UCI PSWS Project Managers giving the Zot!


About the Author:

Jerry Chang is a fourth-year Civil Engineering student at the University of California, Irvine, and he is part of the Professional Outreach team in the ASCE UCI student chapter and the Project Manager for the Timber-Strong Design Build Competition. Jerry is currently interning at RaSmith, working in the Site Design division. Jerry can be contacted at asce.uc.irvine@gmail.com.


Dean's Welcome 2023

ASCE UCI hosted a stall at the Dean’s Welcome, promoting ASCE UCI to the hundreds of students attending the Dean’s Welcome. After the Dean’s speech, the new students were free to explore the several engineering clubs and organizations. Several civil and environmental engineering students found their way to our booth and discovered ASCE! 


ASCE UCI members Brian, Cedric, and Jerry are excited to show all these new students what ASCE UCI is about!

ASCE OC YMF Game Night 2023

At ASCE OC YMF Game Night2023, ASCE UCI students teamed up with students from the ASCE chapters of Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Long Beach to compete in several exciting events. Students joined their Taylor Swift album team after opening the evening with time to eat and network. They donned their bandanas to compete in name memorization, trivia, tower building, and cup flipping tic-tac-toe. The maroon-donning students walked away with a victory after a decisive rock-paper-scissor victory.


ASCE UCI members and alumni are showing off their school pride at the end of the game night. Zot Zot Zot!


About the Author:

Brian Tran is a second-year Environmental Engineering student at the University of California, Irvine, and is part of the Professional Outreach cabinet at UCI’s student chapter for the 2023-2024 term. Brian enjoys exploring the outdoors, playing video games with his friends, and running. Brian can be contacted at asce.uc.irvine@gmail.com.


Meet the Mentors Event

ASCE UCI held a “Meet the Mentors” event to provide underclassmen opportunities to learn more about their potential Mentors on a personal level. From academic guidance to internship/research advice, Mentors were able to share their personal experiences with potential Mentees. Through group activity, general members could interact and learn through the participating ASCE UCI Mentors about what our Mentorship program offers.


Mentees participate in a game of interactive Bingo to learn more about their potential Mentors and their interests.

Mentorship Reveal

After much planning, first-year students received the opportunity to meet their assigned Mentors for the 2023-2024 academic school year. Each Mentorship family participated in a friendly competition through a few games to earn points. The families can earn points through various activities as a group, such as attending ASCE UCI socials or general meetings. At the end of the school year, the Family with the most points will receive an ASCE UCI prize! First-year students can receive guidance from this Mentorship program to help navigate their college careers.


Mentorship Families prepare for a minigame to kickstart their families with some extra points


About the Author:

Cedric Perez is a Senior Civil Engineering undergraduate at the University of California, Irvine, and is currently the Internal Vice President of the ASCE UCI Student Chapter for the 2023-2024 school year. Cedric enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing basketball, and being involved in on-campus organizations. He desires to work in structural engineering through structural design. Cedric can be contacted at cedricdp@uci.edu.


General Meeting #2 - Introduction to YMF

ASCE UCI’s second quarter general meeting was held on Tuesday, October 17th. The YMF mentorship program was announced, designed to help prepare students for the civil engineering industry in workshops and YMF events. Other announcements were made about the student mentorship program, H&H Night, and various design project meetings (Timber Strong, Transportation Design, and Environmental Design). Students designed paper airplanes and competed to design the farthest-flying plane.


General Meeting Attendees gather for a group photo with their paper airplanes

Resume & Career Fair Workshop

ASCE UCI External Team hosted a resume workshop for their members. The workshop was centered around how to build a resume, how to dress, and how students should introduce themselves to recruiters. Students could get their resumes reviewed at the end of the workshop for additional advice.


Leonela and her mentee smile for a picture after a successful resume workshop


About the Author:

Matthew Cheung is a fourth-year Civil Engineering student at the University of California, Irvine, and is part of the External Activities Coordination team in the ASCE UCI student chapter. He plans to go to graduate school specializing in water quality and treatment. Matthew is currently working in Dr. Jiang’s lab for pathogen detection in wastewater and can be contacted at asce.uc.irvine@gmail.com.


Ring Road Banh Mi Fundraiser

ASCE UCI held a banh mi fundraising event on November 8th to raise money for the club and promote their club on campus. Members swung by our booth to either purchase a banh mi or volunteer their time to encourage others to support the club. The banh mi was quickly sold out, and ASCE UCI had yet another successful fundraiser!


ASCE UCI members hold posters and advertise their banh mi to students on Ring Road

Raising Cane’s Fundraiser

ASCE UCI members head to Raising Canes after their mentorship reveal to raise money for the club and spend time with their new mentorship families. Everyone enjoyed getting to know each other over delicious food, and the fundraiser was a success!


ASCE UCI members gather for a picture during the Raising Cane's Fundraiser


About the Author:

Joceline Nguyen is a 4th year Civil Engineering student at the University of California, Irvine, and is currently the Treasurer of the ASCE UCI Student Chapter for the 2023-2024 school year. Joceline enjoys listening to music and taking long walks in the mornings. Joceline plans to graduate in June 2024 and can be contacted at jocelinn@uci.edu.


Halloween Trick-or-Treat Social

ASCE UCI embarks on a spooky Halloween adventure to University Hills for a round of Trick-or-Treating. The atmosphere brims with laughter and excitement as returning members connect with newcomers while wandering from house to house. 


ASCE UCI pose for a fun and thrilling trick-or-treat social


About the Author:

Elaine Marie Delos Santos is a 4th year Civil Engineering student at UC Irvine. She is the ASCE UCI student chapter's historian and internal activities coordinator for the 2023-2024 school year. Elaine is also part of the Timber-Strong design team and looks forward to this year's Pacific Southwest Symposium! During her free time, Elaine enjoys listening to music and traveling. Elaine can be contacted at emdeloss@uci.edu.


Ironworkers Training Center - La Palma

ASCE UCI Faculty Advisor Anne Lemnitzer organized a field trip to the Iron-Workers training center in La Palma on Friday, October 20th. Students were provided lunch at the center and allowed to visit the different stations. Five other stations were set up: column climbing, torch cutting, tying rebar, and real and virtual welding. Each station was fully equipped with staff on stand-by to help guide students through each process individually. 


UCI Student Practicing Torch cutting


UCI Students give a go at the Rebar Tying Station


UCI Steel Field Trip Attendees pose for a group picture in front of the Ironworkers Building


About the Author:

Almas Jaleel is a fourth-year Civil Engineering Student at the University of California, Irvine, and is part of the Internal Activities Committee of her ASCE student chapter for the 2023-2024 school year. Almas enjoys painting and cooking. Almas plans to graduate in June 2024. Almas can be contacted at ajaleel@uci.edu.


General Meeting #3 - Mark Thomas Guest Speakers

ASCE UCI hosted its third general meeting of the fall quarter on November 14th, 2023. We had the opportunity to listen to guest speakers from Mark Thomas. Our members had the unique opportunity to learn more about the transportation aspect of the civil engineering industry and learn personal tips to navigate the professional industry.

ASCE UCI would like to thank Chirath (Chuck) Karunathilake, E.I.T., and Bo Burick, PE, for speaking about their experience at Mark Thomas and sponsoring the food. We are very grateful for all your contributions toward student success!


Guest Speakers Chuck Karunathilake (Left) & Bo Burick (Right) are introducing themselves at the general meeting


About the Author:

Ryan Tran is a third-year Civil Engineering Student at the University of California, Irvine, and the External Vice President of their ASCE student chapter for the 2023 - 2024 school year. Ryan enjoys playing volleyball recreationally and trying new foods. Ryan wants to work in the water resources field and is interning at the Irvine Ranch Water District. Ryan can be contacted at asce.uc.irvine@gmail.com.


Fall 2023 CEE Affiliates Mixer

Students of the ASCE Student Chapter at UCI assisted the UCI CEE Affiliates organization in hosting a fall mixer that brought together industry professionals, including UCI alums. Companies local to the school such as HDR, Inc., Fuscoe Engineering, Inc., and AYCE, Inc. were represented in the event, and over 100 people were in attendance. UCI Professors Jean Saphores and Joel Lanning and AYCE Principal David Woo spoke to the audience at the event, discussing the opportunities to network in UCI-hosted events and to continue pursuing academia in the UCI CEE master's program. The students and professionals networked with each other during the event to discuss industry and academic experiences.


Students and Professionals Listen to AYCE Principal David Woo


About the Author:

Ryan Nguyen is a third-year civil engineering student at the University of California Irvine. He is the Project Manager of the PSWS Transportation Design Team and the Vice President of the school's ITE student chapter. He is a current civil engineering intern under the transportation team at WSP USA. Ryan plays guitar and folds origami in his free time. He can be contacted at ryanhn5@uci.edu.


ASCE UCI Engineers Light Up the Night at Annual ESO Bonfire Bash

Under the starlit sky of Corona del Mar, the ASCE chapter at UCI, along with other engineering student organizations, hosted their laid-back annual bonfire night on October 6, 2023. It was an evening where textbooks were replaced with toasty marshmallows and lectures with laughter as engineering students from various disciplines came together to unwind. The bonfire's warm glow set the perfect scene for budding engineers to network, share stories, and forge new friendships. As they huddled around the crackling fire, the ASCE members and their peers celebrated their collective passion for engineering, creating bonds supporting and enriching their educational and professional futures.


 

ASCE UCI Goes to Greg Drilling Field Day

ASCE UCI recently participated in the SoCal Field Training Day hosted by Gregg Drilling LLC, offering a unique hands-on experience in geotechnical engineering. Held on October 21, 2023, the event featured a comprehensive training session for field technicians, including coffee and a catered lunch, with demonstrations and Q&A sessions covering various field techniques such as drilling, sampling, and environmental testing. This educational event enhanced the ASCE UCI students' practical skills and facilitated networking with professionals, contributing to their professional development within the geotechnical engineering sector.


About the Author:

Leonela Bracamonte is a fourth-year Civil Engineering student at the University of California, Irvine, specializing in Structural Engineering, Environmental Hydrology, and Water Resources. Additionally, she is the President of the ASCE UCI student chapter for the upcoming 2023 - 2024 academic year. Leonela enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending quality time with her friends. Leonela can be contacted at asce.uc.irvine@gmail.com.


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ASCE CSUF

Student Chapter Hosts Multiple Fall Events For Their Student Members

Friendsgiving Potluck Social Event

In the spirit of expressing heartfelt thanks to our club's dedicated supporters and members, CSUF ASCE organized a delightful Friendsgiving potluck event. This special occasion aimed to cultivate a sense of gratitude and camaraderie within the ASCE community on campus.

Attendees were welcomed with a lavish spread of delicious food and drinks featuring an array of culinary delights, such as a fantastic flan, homemade cookies, ribs, pizza, fruit, croissants, and more, generously provided by our outstanding members. Beyond the culinary delights, the event was designed to provide a holistic experience for everyone involved. A movie and engaging games complemented the festive ambiance, creating an environment where members could unwind, connect, and celebrate.


Our members gather around for a delicious feast.

Alex Gonzalez, our club's esteemed External Vice President, reflected on the event, emphasizing that the most memorable aspect was "getting to know newer members better and playing a fun and inclusive game called Spyfall." The event served as an occasion for expressing gratitude and as a platform for fostering meaningful connections among seasoned and new members. Through such gatherings, we strengthen the bonds that make our organization a supportive and welcoming family for all its members.


About the Author:

Mark Saba is a devoted second-year Civil engineering major at California State University of Fullerton. He has previous experience interning at the Engineering Lab, where he tested on concrete, asphalt, and soils. Mark enjoys spending his free time going on hikes and baking cakes with his friends. 


CSUF ASCE Student Chapter Attends History and Heritage/Student Scholarship Night

CSUF ASCE members recently participated in the History and Heritage night, providing our student chapter with a valuable opportunity to engage with members of the Younger Member Forum (YMF) and connect with industry professionals. The event witnessed our members showcasing their professionalism by arriving in well-appointed attire, armed with resumes to make lasting impressions.


CSUF ASCE members cheer proudly, gather together, and celebrate our scholarship winners. Go Titans! 

During this impactful evening, our club's secretary, Alexis Gopaul, achieved a notable milestone by being honored with a scholarship for her outstanding contributions in the transportation category. Reflecting on her achievement, Alexis expressed gratitude and shared, "I was very grateful to be a scholarship recipient for several reasons. I am interested in becoming a transportation professional in the industry who aspires to tackle and address any inequities. Winning the TD&I award, which focuses on how young professionals can address equality, was very important to me."

Her dedication and accomplishments were duly recognized, prompting pride among the ASCE CSUF community. Alexis further emphasized her happiness in securing an award that not only recognizes her individual achievements but also brings recognition to CSUF as a whole. As she enthusiastically stated, "I was also happy to win a reward that would give recognition to CSUF! Go Titans!". We extend our sincere thanks to Alexis for her acknowledgment and wish her continued success in her academic and professional journey. 


About the Author:

Alejandro Gonzalez is an ambitious California State University of Fullerton senior majoring in Civil Engineering. Alex has a background in construction management, with just under two years of experience both on the field and in the office. In the academic year of 2023 - 3024, he will be the External Vice-President for the CSUF ASCE student chapter. Outside of work and school, he likes to hang out with his friends and his lovely girlfriend, and he enjoys rock climbing. If you’d like to connect with Alejandro or learn more about his experiences and involvement, he can be reached at alexsaavedra102@csu.fullerton.edu.


Matt Construction Presentation with ASCE and CEMA

ASCE collaborated with CEMA (Construction Engineering Management Association) in conjunction with Matt Construction to educate students about the construction sector and the potential career paths within engineering. Students gained insights into what distinguishes Matt Construction as one of California's leading commercial general contractors. The management team at Matt Construction has refined their construction services to cover every aspect of the process, starting from design and concluding with the final build. During this presentation, ASCE members expanded their knowledge about the construction industry and discovered internship prospects.


CSUF Student Members gather for a group picture after the presentation by Matt Construction 

Our club's event coordinator, Mark Saba, orchestrated this pumpkin carving gathering to fund the club and offer a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for students. Pumpkins, carving tools, and food and refreshments were supplied for our members to enjoy the evening, all while commemorating the spooky month of October. With a fantastic turnout, our members had a wonderful time mingling and crafting pumpkin creations as the sun dipped below the horizon.

Pumpkin Carving Social


CSUF Student Members and their supportive CSUF faculty gather for the Pumpkin Carving Event 

Simpson Strong-Tie Workshop

ASCE collaborated with Simpson Strong-Tie, a structural company, to educate students on the advantages of pursuing a career with this organization. The presentation commenced with an inspiring speech by Simpson Strong-Tie representative Angel Hernandez, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. He discussed optimal engineering practices when operating in the field, highlighting the significance of materials and the structural components they offer, notably emphasizing the concept of establishing a continuous load path in structures. This presentation proved highly beneficial to ASCE members, enhancing their understanding of a structural engineering firm and making them aware of internship opportunities. 


Our members gather for a group picture with Angel Hernandez from Simpson Strong-Tie


About the Author:

Annabelle Talavera is a dedicated senior pursuing a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at California University of Fullerton. With a robust construction and stormwater inspection background, Annabelle brings practical knowledge to her academic pursuits. In the academic year 2023-2024, she will take on the role of historian for the ASCE CSUF student chapter. Outside of her academic and professional endeavors, she enjoys rock climbing, crocheting, and spending time with her friends and family. If you'd like to connect with Annabelle or learn more about her experiences and involvement, she can be reached at ann2ie@csu.fullerton.edu


 K-12 Civil Engineering Outreach Presentation and Design Project 


Costa Mesa High students build their engineering masterpieces

CSUF ASCE visited the juniors and seniors at Costa Mesa High School to discuss college life and a career in Civil Engineering. Three representatives from CSUF ASCE- Christopher Acebal, Hafsa Farooqui, and Phoebe Truong- visually explained to the students what Civil Engineering is really about. They first began by explaining the differences between the significant concentrations of civil engineering: transportation, geotechnical, structural, environmental, etc., and what the pros and cons of each entail. Next, they touched on civil engineers' different corporate roles, from project managers/engineers and designers to consultants and researchers. 

Chris, Hafsa, and Phoebe remarked on their experiences at PSWS and various technical projects from concrete canoes to steel bridges to solid timber to demonstrate how they can involve themselves early in civil engineering projects. With the added mention of non-technical events, students asked questions about the projects and how to create and manage a team and workload. To conclude the presentation, CSUF ASCE extended their contact information and encouraged the students to think like engineers in their day-to-day lives. 

Following an invigorating question-and-answer session, students were challenged to create a structure using a single sheet of paper within groups of 3. To invoke some friendly competition, they were only allotted ten minutes and 8 inches of tape to build their tower. Some buildings had extraordinarily unique design concepts and demonstrated a sense of intuition and creativity within the groups. Following the ten-minute build session, structures were measured for height and placed in an earthquake simulator (a shaking cardboard box with ping-pong balls upon which the tower was placed) to see whose building had the tallest structure and most stable design. The session concluded with camaraderie, and the students felt they benefited immensely from the visit!

However, the students were not the only beneficiaries of this event: Chris, Hafsa, and Phoebe gained necessary life skills from this visit. They learned more about the concentrations of civil engineering and real-world projects, improved their public speaking and communication skills, connected and shared ideas with the students, and served as peer mentors for the day. In addition to offering advice, they also gained perspective on some of the student's future endeavors and how to help them achieve their goals!


About the Author:

Hafsa Farooqui is a passionate 4th-year civil engineering student excited about a career in land design! Apart from serving as the current ASCE Co-Internal Vice President and a former PSWS environmental competitor, Hafsa has shadowed a president architect, conducted research for the CSUF mechanical engineering department, and interned at an environmental testing lab. She enjoys baking, hiking, watching The Lion King, and drinking chai! Hafsa will intern as a Production Intern at Kimley-Horn’s Orange office this upcoming summer.


ASCE OC Geo-Institute/CalGeo Collaborates with ASCE CSUF for Site Tour with Keller 


ASCE CSUF members gather around construction machinery for a quick snapshot 

Keller Group Inc., a distinguished geotechnical engineering company, joined forces with CSUF ASCE and CalGEO to provide students with a unique and immersive experience through an enlightening site tour. This exceptional opportunity allows students to gain firsthand insights into the construction phase of an apartment project, shedding light on the intricate processes involved in geotechnical engineering within the construction industry.

Our club’s treasurer, Montzerrat Arellano, mentioned that a focal point of the tour was when students observed the drilling of holes into the ground, a crucial step in creating a robust foundation for columns. This practical exposure served as a pivotal bridge between theoretical classroom knowledge and its real-world applications in the field.


Astonished CSUF ASCE members watch as the drilling process occurs at the Keller Group Inc. Jobsite 

CSUF ASCE’s Professional Outreach chair, Gerardo Alvarez, states, “The site tour hosted by Keller was a great experience for everyone, including myself. Tom did an amazing job leading the tour and informing attendees about the process of Vibro Piers. He showed us many aspects of the geotechnical world by providing specific procedures that ranged from field fit to design.” This partnership showcases a commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education that extends beyond theoretical concepts, preparing them for the challenges they will encounter in their future careers. As Gerardo puts it precisely, “Tom and the team had a great attitude all through and gave us invaluable knowledge about the geotechnical world.”


About the Author:

Montzerrat Arellano is a senior civil engineering student at California State University, Fullerton. Regarding a specific focus, Montzerrat Arellano aims to be a Geo-Structural Engineer with an Architectural Emphasis. She has been interning as a soil laboratory technician at Associated Soils Engineering, Inc. since May 2023. Alongside her job and schoolwork, Montzerrat is the Treasurer for ASCE’s Fullerton student chapter for the 2023-2024 academic school year. Apart from her work and school life, you can catch her gardening, studying plants, crystals, and healing techniques, and trying out new restaurants and cafes she and her friends find on social media. If you have any questions for her, feel free to contact her at Montze016@csu.fullerton.edu.


CSUF ASCE Partners with Panda Express to Raise Funds


CSUF ASCE supporters pose for a quick snapshot to show their dedication to the club's efforts. 

On Wednesday, October 25th, the ASCE CSUF club organized a successful fundraiser at Panda Express, bringing supporters and community members together to contribute to the club’s initiatives. In the picture above, our club’s External Vice President, Alejandro Gonzalez, is seen with Outreach Chair Christian Lopez, posing with the event’s poster after contributing to the fundraiser by purchasing their lunch at Panda Express. The event provided a delightful opportunity for attendees to enjoy delicious Panda Express food while actively participating in supporting the ASCE CSUF club’s endeavors. With a portion of the proceeds from each purchase reserved for the club, the fundraiser was a meaningful way to generate financial support. The engaging atmosphere and shared sense of community spirit during the event exemplified the ASCE CSUF club's and its supporters' collaborative efforts in advancing their goals and fostering friendships within and beyond. 


About the Author:

Stephanie Botros is a dedicated Civil Engineering student at CSUF whose passion thrives daily. Actively engaged in her academic pursuits, Stephanie is committed to excelling in her studies and strives to contribute to the engineering community. As a proud member of ASCE, Stephanie plays a crucial role in shaping the future of this club. She is currently the Co-fundraising Chair, where Stephanie brings her enthusiasm and organization skills to raise funds and support the club’s various activities. Overall, she is an exemplary student leader, actively contributing to the growth and vibrancy of ASCE CSUF. 


ASCE OC Branch

Welcome New Members! November 2023

Welcome to the American Society of Civil Engineers! We are happy you joined us in ASCE's Orange County Branch. Remember...there are 101 ways to benefit from your membership with ASCE. Become involved, educate yourself on an engineering topic outside of your expertise, and build relationships with others in the industry - to name a few.

Please contact a Board Member if you have questions or a committee chairperson to become involved.

Welcome New Members:

October 2023

  • Shylayna Kirksey, S.M.ASCE
  • Vincent Alcantara, S.M.ASCE
  • Kayla Gottlieb, S.M.ASCE
  • Anthony Guerrero, S.M.ASCE
  • Ryan King, S.M.ASCE
  • Ivy Le, S.M.ASCE
  • Ryan Anema, S.M.ASCE
  • Sebastian Bach, S.M.ASCE
  • Noah Ipanaque, S.M.ASCE
  • Leena Sanchez, S.M.ASCE
  • Savannah Tran, S.M.ASCE
  • Jennifer Tran, S.M.ASCE
  • Andrew Velasco, S.M.ASCE
  • Lya Veski, S.M.ASCE
  • Josh Woo, S.M.ASCE
  • Diemchau Chu, S.M.ASCE
  • Emily Kim, S.M.ASCE
  • Esther Mosase, Aff.M.ASCE
  • Fabian Ortiz, S.M.ASCE
  • Jose Muniz, S.M.ASCE
  • Kel Yu, S.M.ASCE
  • Samantha Moore, EIT, S.M.ASCE
  • Warner Wu, S.M.ASCE
  • Mia Martell, S.M.ASCE
  • Saige Nishimura, S.M.ASCE
  • Nicolas Portilla Villota, S.M.ASCE
  • Parker Roldan, S.M.ASCE
  • Justin Vega, S.M.ASCE
  • Jose E Villacinda Fuentes, S.M.ASCE
  • Felobater Ibrahim, S.M.ASCE
  • Bassel Jaber, S.M.ASCE
  • Joshua Lee, S.M.ASCE
  • Samuel Yu, S.M.ASCE
  • Hafsa Farooqui, S.M.ASCE
  • Daniel Jeun, S.M.ASCE
  • Robert Belli, S.M.ASCE
  • Soroush Mavandadi, P.E., M.ASCE
  • Samantha Moore, EIT, S.M.ASCE
  • Danny Romo, S.M.ASCE
  • Natalie Veronese, S.M.ASCE
  • Soham Ray, S.M.ASCE
  • Tanner Stivers, S.M.ASCE
  • Juan Magallon, S.M.ASCE
  • Matthew Rabahat, S.M.ASCE

 

November 2023

  • Daniel Menendez, S.M.ASCE
  • Kashyap Shah, S.M.ASCE
  • Javier Maldonado, S.M.ASCE
  • Shotaro Mizuno Norville, S.M.ASCE
  • Benjamin Chang, S.M.ASCE
  • Charlene Nguyen, S.M.ASCE
  • Jaime Godinez, S.M.ASCE
  • Bennett Cousins, S.M.ASCE
  • Daniel Lopez, S.M.ASCE
  • Alexis Castaneda, S.M.ASCE
  • Christopher Schimming, S.M.ASCE
  • Mehdi Momen, Aff.M.ASCE
  • James Ruo Rock, S.M.ASCE
  • Almas Jaleel, S.M.ASCE
  • Ryan De Haas, S.M.ASCE
  • Karen Chapman, P.E., M.ASCE
  • Omar Nassar, EIT, S.M.ASCE
  • Joe Cunningham, Aff.M.ASCE
  • Weston Millis, S.M.ASCE

 


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