The small groups are one of the most valuable parts of your education because no matter how good you are at math, programming, thermodynamics, controls, etc., if you can't communicate your solution and work with others to implement it, you will not be successful. The biggest issues I have run across in my career are typically the result of people working in a bubble without communication."
What types of work have you performed? What projects have you worked on?
I started out doing new equipment design. Then moved into new plant design. Now I work in reliability and production improvements for gas processing.
What have been some favorite aspects of your work?
At this point in my career i enjoy teaching people, and seeing them learn concepts. I have also enjoyed all aspects of project planning and execution.
What was one of your most satisfying days as an engineer?
As a production engineer I spend a lot of time looking at computer data for performance issue troubleshooting. There was a problem with a plant which has been going on for 20 years, since the plant was built. One day I was out sitting on a pipe in the plant, taking notes for another project, when I saw the actual issue as it was happening. It was fun that I solved a 20 year old problem because I actually got out of the office. After repairing the issue, plant production has improved by $600,000 per year.
Was it worth it? What has your engineering background made possible for you? What value has it added to your overall life?
Yes. I have traveled all over the world and U.S. and solved some pretty cool problems. Also the money is nice.
What would you say to the first-year students currently sitting in your shoes?
The small groups are one of the most valuable parts of your education because no matter how good you are at math, programming, thermodynamics, controls, etc., if you can't communicate your solution and work with others to implement it, you will not be successful. The biggest issues I have run across in my career are typically the result of people working in a bubble without communication.