Alumni Profile

Kelly Duval

Kelly Duval.

Engineering is such a big part of who I am and what I do. Whether I'm at work or in my personal life, the engineering mindset will always be a part of me. I enjoy putting the skills I learned in school to use to solve problems and design new things. Absolutely no regrets with choosing engineering or UB!"

Where I've Been

Cities

  • Buffalo, NY
  • Glens Falls, NY

Organizations

  • McMahon & Mann Consulting Engineers
  • NYSDEC

Positions

  • Staff engineer
  • Assistant Engineer
  • Professional Engineer

What I've Done

What types of work have you performed? What projects have you worked on?
Landfill construction and compliance; prepare SWPPPs, SPCCs, SPRs, Title V Permits, State Facility Air Permits, and other compliance permits and reports; spill response, hazardous waste remediation; and water permitting.

What have been some favorite aspects of your work?
Having a nice mix of field work and office work, working a project from beginning to end, and knowing that what I do every day helps to protect the public and environment.

What was one of your most satisfying days as an engineer?
Helping coordinate the basement remediation of a family's home just in time for Thanksgiving.

Was it worth it? What has your engineering background made possible for you? What value has it added to your overall life?
Engineering is such a big part of who I am and what I do. Whether I'm at work or in my personal life, the engineering mindset will always be a part of me. I enjoy putting the skills I learned in school to use to solve problems and design new things. Absolutely no regrets with choosing engineering or UB!

Why it Matters

What would you say to the first-year students currently sitting in your shoes?
Being excited, scared, and nervous at the same time! Some days I questioned whether or not I was going to make it, but Bill and Small Groups helped so much. Make sure to remind yourself why you want to be an engineer. As Bill once told me, school is the hard part. Working is easy, if you love what you do!