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Environmental Resources Engineering, B.S. | Class of
GARY NEWMAN
Project Manager/Subject Matter Expert—Wastewater Solids Treatment
Employer: Brown and Caldwell Consulting Engineers
Job description: I worked 44 1/2 years with Brown and Caldwell. I held positions of project engineer, project manager, design department head, subject matter expert, all related to wastewater treatment and resource recovery (biosolids, biogas). My major project assignments included projects in Seattle, Washington DC, New York City, Vancouver B.C., San Francisco, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, as well as a many other assignments for smaller clients.
About GARY
Why did you choose this program?
I was interested in a career in the environmental field. In the mid-1970s, HSU was one of only a few universities offering a degree focused on environmental engineering. That attracted me, together with my love for the redwoods and the California North Coast. I transferred to HSU at the start of my junior year.
How did this program prepare you for your job?
The Environmental Resources Engineering program provided the basic knowledge for all engineering fields—physics, chemistry, math, statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, etc. Then the upper division electives allowed for more focus on the subjects that most interested me—water chemistry, hydrology, limnology, etc. This provided a solid knowledge base for my pursuit of a master's degree.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
Small class sizes and more one-on-one interaction with professors and upper class student assistants. Also, there was ample opportunity for field work outside the classroom.
What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?
Take a broad array of classes, covering as many subjects as possible. The engineering profession covers many, many engineering disciplines—civil, environmental, geotech, hydraulics, electrical, controls, structures, transportation, etc. Take as many courses as you can to provide a broad base of knowledge. Once you enter the workforce, you never know where you're experiences, and passion, will take you. Give yourself as much flexibility as possible through the courses available.
After graduating from HSU, I went to Utah State Univ (USU) for my master's in civil and environmental engineering. In the 1970s there was an informal "pipeline" between HSU and USU; professors from USU came to HSU (Bob Gearheart), a few USU grads returned to HSU as professors, and many students from HSU went to USU from graduate studies in geotech, hydraulics, and water engineering. I think my HSU degree helped me fall into that "pipeline" and succeed in gaining my graduate degree.