Board Member Spotlight April/May 2022

As part of our new Board Member Appreciation Program, we are showcasing a board member in our monthly Board Member Spotlight. Our board member spotlight recognizes board members of outstanding contributions to the profession and our local communities. For any questions regarding the program please contact the Past President PastPresident@ymf-oc.org.

For the April/May Spotlight, we would like to introduce...

JAVIER URIAS, E.I.T.

We asked him to state his name, company, and position(s) in ASCE:      

We also asked him a few questions about the following:

PERSONAL LIFE

Where did you grow up?

La Habra, California

What made you want to become an engineer?

Practical applications of theoretical knowledge and seeing results for your hard work. I wanted to create and achieve meaningful attributions to the world around me that I can be a part of. 

Favorite hobbies, sports, and interests outside of engineering?

Being out in Nature, Quality time with Family and Friends, 4x4 Off-Roading, Sports (Basketball, Football, Baseball & Soccer)

Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...

… sipping on a cup of coffee in my backyard with my two golden retrievers while watching SportsCenter.

What college(s) did you attend? Can you list your degrees, any honors, and involvement in engineering organizations during school?

California State University, Fullerton; B.S. in Civil Engineering; Organizations: ASCE, ITE, AGC, Chi Epsilon 

WORK & PROFESSIONAL LIFE

Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects.

Currently, I am an Assistant Resident Engineer with WSP USA at the Fairway Drive Grade Separation Project in the City of Industry, CA. Prior to this role, I was a Structures Inspector also with WSP USA at the Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project in the Port of Long Beach, CA. 

What project are you currently working on and what have you accomplished/what are your tasks?

Currently, I am working at Fairway Drive Grade Separation Project located in the City of Industry, California, where my role is Assistant Resident Engineer where my team and I manage the project and its construction. 

What is your favorite part about being a Civil Engineer?

My favorite part of being a Civil Engineer is constructing and rebuilding my community's infrastructure. It makes me more aware and engaged with the community. Having a background in civil engineering offers a unique perspective of the world around you. 

What skills do you find most valuable to focus on in your career?

Teamwork and eagerness to learn. If you're working on a major project, you're likely not going to be working alone. You're going to be working with a team composed of more than only engineers that have the same mission of providing their services to complete a project. You learn great skills like collaboration and communication that are definitely handy tools to have in the civil engineering industry. Also your willingness and eagerness to learn. You learn from being in certain scenarios or simply seeing something new and asking questions. You want to continue learning and strengthening things that you already know. 

What drew you to your specific career path? If you could start your career differently, what would you do differently?

What drew me to Civil Engineering was my interest and hands-on experience in construction. From an early age, I began working in my family's small construction business and that is when I was exposed to the world of construction which was the foundation for my interest in civil engineering. If I could start my career differently, I would expose myself to other disciplines of civil engineering and within construction to strengthen my background in those other disciplines.

ASCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

How/Why did you get involved? Why did you choose to stay involved?

I chose to stay involved because I can relate with those I am involving myself with, specifically students. I know how it feels to be a student but most importantly having a support system or mentor that provides guidance during your academic career. I always think about that feeling of security and comfort knowing there are people similar to me that are in the position where I hoped to one day be. Another reason why I got involved and continue to stay involved with ASCE is the network of like-minded people.

How has ASCE impacted your work and/or what is your favorite benefit of your involvement?

It definitely helped me build eagerness to begin my career (which I think serves as motivation when you're a student) and into the industry with momentum. My favorite benefit of my involvement is being surrounded by fellow civil engineers.

Who is someone you admire and why?

My Dad, Francisco Javier Urias. There are many reasons why but for this purpose, he's been my life's teacher and companion. 

If you have one piece of advice to give to young professionals what would it be?

Do not be afraid to ask questions and listen. Absorb all the information you can from your mentors and experienced peers. Watch them, listen to them, engage with them. 

Lastly, what would be your personal motto?

Do it for your past, present, and future generations.

If you missed the last (February/March 2022) Board Member Spotlight, Mario Martinez, you can click here to read his article.

To view the archive of all past Member Spotlights, click here.