Planning and designing public projects are what Snohomish County Public Works engineers Oscar Fuentes-Liendo and Tim Tipton do every day.
The engineers recently took part in Washougal School District’s summer “Brain Boot Camp” in Camas, Washington, via video conferencing. The camp gave middle school students opportunities to learn through real-world project-based learning.
“I was so impressed with these middle-school students,“ said Fuentes-Liendo, a Snohomish County Public Works project engineer. “They displayed an impressive level of knowledge that I’d normally expect from college interns. When we were asked by one of the teachers to participate at the Brain Boot Camp I thought we’d answer a few general questions and help cultivate an interest in engineering. I didn’t anticipate the high level of interest and excitement these students had.”
The math and science students in the Washougal Middle School camp put their skills to work by designing a bridge project. The students were required to have the correct building specifications, proper materials and to incorporate accurate design features. While a book or website could have given the students the information they needed, learning directly from professional engineers was a better option.
The students peppered Fuentes-Liendo and Tipton with specific questions concerning climate compatibility with building materials, the required distance of support beams on a span and the requirements for a bridge near utility power lines. The students also were required to establish a budget, learn building codes and create a mock proposal.
“I‘m encouraged when I see young people excited about science and math and how they see the connection to the kind of work that we do every day,” Snohomish County’s bridge engineer Tipton said. “I’m confident some of these students will be part of the next generation of engineers who build our infrastructure. With their creativity and passion for learning, it will be better than anything that has been previously built.”
Additionally, Fuentes-Liendo, who is Latino, said he was pleased to be able to serve as an example to the minority students at the camp. He believes it is harder for Latinos to transcend barriers to land a career in engineering and hopes he encouraged them to excel.
“If they speak to somebody else (who made it), it really helps,” he said. “To see a minority become an engineer, it’s good to see that. If you put in the work, you’ll make it.”
When there are opportunities to encourage and demonstrate careers paths, Public Works employees have shared their expertise and knowledge over the years. Visit: snohomishcountywa.gov/3703/About-the-Roads-Divisions. If interested in speaking engagements, contact ROAD@snoco.org.
Firefighter completes requirements, gets helmet
South Snohomish Fire firefighter Monica Bagnall has successfully completed all probationary first-year requirements.
Bagnall received a new helmet shield to mark the milestone. Fire Chief Thad Hovis presented her her helmet.
Know someone who deserves recognition? Call 425-339-3432 or email newstips@heraldnet.com
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
