Page 12 - The Splash 2nd Quar2023

NEW HIRES

DANIEL BLAKE

Senior Planning Engineer / Phoenix

I first became interested in the water and wastewater
industries in high school when I completed science fair
projects at my local water treatment plant. While using the
lab there and meeting with operators, I determined that I
wanted to study civil engineering in college so I could go
into the industry.

My early exposure to this field of work has set me on a very
fulfilling and gratifying path. Understanding how water and
wastewater treatment plants and systems operate is very
important to me as an engineer. I benefited from working
three summers in operations while in college, which gave
me an understanding of the day to day challenges and
demands operations staff face.

The New England Patriots head coach Bell Belichick spoke
at my sister’s high school graduation in Massachusetts. I recall him relating the sentiment that
what you know isn’t as important as who you know. This seemed at the time to be ridiculous
advice to give to graduating students. However, the more I progress in my professional career,
the importance of relationships and networking is reinforced to me.

YEN PHAM

Staff Professional / Orange County

Some areas in California don’t have access to clean water,
and global warming is one of the biggest ongoing issues. I
want to improve and provide reliable clean water and create a
sustainable environment for our communities.

During my internship with Los Angeles Sanitation and
Environment, I worked on developing a comprehensive
stormwater infrastructure concept report development manual.
I recently graduated with a Master’s in Civil Engineering with
4.0 GPA.

In my time outside of work, I have been trying to maintain my
weekly hiking despite my busy schedule with work and school. I
normally hike shorter distances of around 2-3 miles, but I finished
a 12-mile hike last summer – I couldn’t walk the next day but I was
able to step out of my comfort zone to challenge myself!