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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.
September/October
2026
INTRODUCING
Brian Matthew Marquez
EIT
Roadway/Highway Engineer I
HNTB
K-12 Outreach & YMF Activities Co-Chair, T&DI Liaison
ASCE Orange County Younger Member Forum
PERSONAL LIFE
Where did you grow up?
Lynwood, CA
What made you want to become an engineer?
Primarily, I wanted to become an engineer to help out those around me. Throughout my life I have seen how inadequate infrastructure negatively impacted underserved communities. As an engineer, I am able to work on projects that directly impact the communities around me. Whether it is designing a curb ramp and sidewalk to improve accessibility or redesigning a roadway to accommodate a protected bike lane, the work done has a positive impact on people’s lives. Secondarily, I always had an inclination towards math and science. Engineering is a field where I can put my skills and interests to use.
Favorite hobbies, sports, and interests outside of engineering?
Outside of engineering, I love to bake! I love going to different sporting events with friends like hockey, baseball, and soccer games. I also enjoy reading a good book and discussing it with my friends, shout out our book club!
Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...
Reading a book or at Barnes and Noble. I also like to use Sundays to catch up on sleep, or go for a run.
What college(s) did you attend? Can you list your degrees, any honors, and involvement in engineering organizations during school?
California State University, Long Beach: Bachelor’s of Science, Civil Engineering. During college I was involved in a number of positions for Long Beach ASCE. I had been the Transportation project PM, Timber-Strong steel connectors lead, Fundraising Chair, and PSWS committee chair.
WORK & PROFESSIONAL LIFE
Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects.
As a roadway/highway engineer for HNTB, I was responsible for a variety of roadway design tasks. For the LAX Airfield and Terminal Modernization Project (ATMP), I had worked on the design and modeling of curb ramps and sidewalks that complied with ADA standards. Additionally, I worked on the design of the new roadway segments that would be constructed for the landside improvements. I had also worked on creating exhibits that would depict engineering alternatives to aid design. Alongside the design of roadways, I had worked on quantities for the demolition and construction of these roadway plans. Another significant project would be the Sidewalk Repair Program. This project has a great positive impact on the community as the public submits requests for segments of sidewalk that need to be rehabilitated. Common complaints are uplifted or severely cracked concrete sidewalk panels. As an engineer on the project, I would go to the sites and take a survey of the sidewalk and existing features. I would then design how the sidewalk would be rebuilt to follow ADA standards and address the damage.
What project are you currently working on and what have you accomplished/what are your tasks?
Currently, I have been working on the Reconnecting Neighborhoods Project for the LA28 games. The project's goal is to prepare Los Angeles County for the large influx of traffic that the 2028 Olympics is projected to bring. The specific task orders I had worked on focused on complete streets. During my time on the project, I had worked on the modeling and design of class IV protected bike lanes for a mile-long segment. My other tasks have included: sheet production for demolition, roadway, and general sheets; 2-D and 3-D modeling for bike lanes and curb ramps; and the quantities for demolition and construction of this segment.
What is your favorite part about being a Civil Engineer?
My favorite part of being a Civil Engineer is working on large scale projects and will last. These projects will be able to help many people throughout many years. I am able to feel grateful to have such a meaningful profession.
What skills do you find most valuable to focus on in your career?
Communication. Project teams can vary greatly in size, and in order to be successful, engineers need to be able to clearly and concisely communicate their ideas to others. Effective communication is also important when working within a team, particularly when discussing your workload, deadlines, and any challenges that may affect the project. Being able to communicate effectively ensures that everyone stays informed, aligned, and able to contribute to the project’s success.
What drew you to your specific career path? If you could start your career differently, what would you do differently?
I was drawn to transportation engineering because of the number of large-scale projects entering the industry. I saw an opportunity to contribute to the rehabilitation and improvement of transportation infrastructure so that it could better serve the communities around it. The ability to work on projects that have a tangible impact on people’s daily lives was particularly appealing to me. If I were to approach my career differently, I would be interested in exploring the public sector side of transportation infrastructure. Working directly within a public agency would give me a different perspective on how transportation projects are planned, funded, and delivered, while allowing me to continue contributing to infrastructure that serves the community.
ASCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
How/Why did you get involved? Why did you choose to stay involved?
For a majority of my time in college, I was a Mechanical Engineering major. I felt that the careers that were presented to me did not align with my values and goals. Around the latter half of my junior year, I had joined an ASCE project team per some of my Civil Engineering friends’ suggestions. At first it was a way to experience different disciplines of engineering, but I quickly found a passion for this branch. I transferred over to the Civil Engineering major, and I stayed involved so I could build my civil engineering knowledge and network.
How has ASCE impacted your work and/or what is your favorite benefit of your involvement?
ASCE has played an important role in helping me further my career. I was able to secure my position at HNTB through a career fair hosted by the Long Beach ASCE Student Chapter, which gave me the opportunity to connect with employers and take the next step in my career. My favorite part of being involved with ASCE, however, has been the opportunity to develop my leadership skills through the positions I have held. I have also enjoyed being able to give back by supporting and mentoring the next generation of engineers. Being able to grow professionally while helping others along the way has made my involvement with ASCE especially meaningful to me.
Who is someone you Admire and Why?
Someone I admire is my sister. She has been a great example of hard work and excellence in academic and professional pursuits. I truly believe that there is nothing that my sister cannot achieve if she puts her mind to it. I try to follow in her steps and never shy away from challenges.
If you have one piece of advice to give to young professionals what would it be?
Get involved. Involvement is key to building your network. Civil engineering is a small world, and you will run into many of the engineers involved in professional organizations. These peers will become invaluable connections that can help support you through your career and that you can help as well.
Lastly, what would be your personal motto?
Trying is better than never doing.
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