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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
As part of our Member Appreciation Program, we are showcasing a member in our monthly Board Member Spotlight. Our member spotlight recognizes members for their outstanding contributions to the profession and our local communities. For any questions regarding the program please email PastPresident@ymf-oc.org.
August
2026
INTRODUCING
Jonathan Nguyen
EIT
Assistant Engineer
Advantec
University Outreach Co-Chair
ASCE Orange County Younger Member Forum
PERSONAL LIFE
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Orange County and live in Garden Grove with my family.
What made you want to become an engineer?
I looked forward to helping out in group settings and working in an industry where I can up with solutions and applications for current infrastructure issues.
Favorite hobbies, sports, and interests outside of engineering?
Playing the piano for choir, outdoor leisure/exercise, and eating Asian food
Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...
spending time with people I love.
What college(s) did you attend? Can you list your degrees, any honors, and involvement in engineering organizations during school?
I graduated in 2024 with a Bachelors in Civil Engineering at CSULB. My ASCE leadership included being Vice-President and Outreach Chair of the student chapter.
WORK & PROFESSIONAL LIFE
Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects.
As an assistant engineer, I work on on-call or major agency projects whether it be coming up with a Synchro network, conducting field measurements, or working with timing parameter data. Some projects I have worked on are the Glendale Citywide Traffic Mobility Study and Monterey Park Traffic Signal Synchronization for 3 corridors.
What project are you currently working on and what have you accomplished/what are your tasks?
I am working on the Alhambra Traffic Adaptive Project by conducting field work for design elements such as conduits runs and signal pole photos. Our firm is also doing a study on the signal timing so a timing parameters table needs to be created.
What is your favorite part about being a Civil Engineer?
Having fellow young engineers to converse with at the office and working on local traffic engineering projects that will be implemented in the short term future.
What skills do you find most valuable to focus on in your career?
I find allotting time to balance activities you enjoy after work hours with having a focused and committed mindset during your day shift is essential to being a civil engineer.
What drew you to your specific career path? If you could start your career differently, what would you do differently?
I interned at the City of Anaheim after the end of my third year of college and got exposed to the fascinating disciplined of traffic engineering. I learned about how transportation planning and design work have a lasting impact on communities especially those who commute on the roads daily.
ASCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
How/Why did you get involved? Why did you choose to stay involved?
I got involved with ASCE when my PSWS surveying team project manager pushed me to participate more with the student chapter as I stepped into my upperclassmen years. I chose to stay active for ASCE with the large network I have built over the last handful of years and to support the local student chapters with planning outreach events.
How has ASCE impacted your work and/or what is your favorite benefit of your involvement?
I have been able to attend ASCE student chapter body meetings to speak about University Outreach and our mission within the Younger Member Forum. My favorite events besides attending and competing in PSWS are hosting informative career workshop for the students and the pickleball charity tournament in Long Beach.
Who is someone you Admire and Why?
I admire my former supervisor, John Thai, when I was an intern at the Anaheim Traffic Management Center. He encouraged me to not shy away from making mistakes and gain as much knowledge about traffic engineering as I could before leaving to begin my early career.
If you have one piece of advice to give to young professionals what would it be?
I would advise them to think carefully as a sharp engineer because certain choices go beyond just the surface.
Lastly, what would be your personal motto?
Believe your doubts and struggles are best conquered by you!
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