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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
As part of our Member Appreciation Program, we are showcasing a member in our bi-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.
June
2025
INTRODUCING
Michelle Sabers
EIT
Junior Engineer
Zephyr Rail
FE/PE Review Committee Chair
ASCE Orange County Younger Member Forum
PERSONAL LIFE
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Orange, California.
What made you want to become an engineer?
Growing up in California, I was always fascinated with how structures and bridges were such complex puzzles that came together and were able to withstand the test of time. I became obsessed with Legos early on and was always striving to improve the bridge and building sets I collected. My passion for finding solutions to complex problems without sacrificing safety is what motivated me to become an engineer and I am proud to say I am now a small part of complex solutions.
Favorite hobbies, sports, and interests outside of engineering?
My favorite hobbies are nature related! I love to hike, garden, and collect houseplants. I also love to travel and explore the world to experience other cultures and marvel at their engineering innovations.
Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...
Attending church and then spending time with my family.
What college(s) did you attend? Can you list your degrees, any honors, and involvement in engineering organizations during school?
I attended the University of California-Irvine and graduated with a Civil Engineering degree with my emphasis in structures in 2022. During my time there I was actively involved as a the Secretary for Chi Epsilon and the Seismic Design Captain/ Treasurer for the EERI UCI student chapter. I was also a general member in ASCE and SWE. I also attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a master's degree in Structural Engineering in 2024. While there I was the vice president of the graduate chapter of EERI and was actively involved in supporting the student team.
WORK & PROFESSIONAL LIFE
Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects.
Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects. My responsibilities at work differ according to the project I am assigned. I am often tasked with vertical and horizontal geometric design for roadway and rail segments as well as the creation of their subsequent plans. Additionally, I have been part of bridge inspections and my related tasks included inspection plans, report writing, and data processing. Some significant projects I have worked on include: the California High Speed Rail, Foothill Gold Line Extension, and the Leesdale Siding Project.
What project are you currently working on and what have you accomplished/what are your tasks?
Currently, I am part of the team designing a siding track for Union Pacific Railroad in Oxnard. Adding a secondary track along this route will increase service, allow for better operational reliability, and expand for future needs. Recently, I have been focused on designing and creating the plans for one of the grade crossings along this project. My tasks have included re-profiling the road, creating construction plans, and providing details. Additionally, as part of this project, I have been tasked with minor retaining wall designs along the route to support the grading design.
What is your favorite part about being a Civil Engineer?
My favorite part of being a Civil Engineer is that I can be part of solutions that make positive impacts to the community around me. It has always been important to me to try and improve the world around me and by working on projects that impact mobility, distribution, and safety, I get to be part of that.
What skills do you find most valuable to focus on in your career?
As I am still in the early stages of my career, I have found that the most important skills to focus on early on are communication and a willingness to learn. Good communication skills are key to every aspect of your career as they enhance efficiency, collaboration, and understanding. Also, having a willingness to absorb every drop of knowledge is essential, and that includes not just your discipline. Understanding what other disciplines or stakeholder positions makes you more well-rounded. It increases efficiency, reduces likely conflicts, and improves collaboration on a whole.
What drew you to your specific career path? If you could start your career differently, what would you do differently?
I have always been interested in optimizing current and future systems in ways that are efficient and effective. Being in transportation allows me to contribute to the community around me. I would not change anything if I could start my career differently as I have wonderful mentors both from ASCE and my workplace that are supporting me as I grow.
ASCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
How/Why did you get involved? Why did you choose to stay involved?
When I attended UCI, I was part of the college mentorship program for 2 years as well as I took the FE Review course. These programs and course were amazing and helped me so much. My mentors gave me so much valuable advice, and I was able to pass my FE due to the review course. So when I moved back to California after grad school, I wanted to make sure young professionals and college students still had the opportunity to take the FE review course. I aim to continue to stay involved because ASCE is amazing and I want to give back at least some of what I have received.
How has ASCE impacted your work and/or what is your favorite benefit of your involvement?
ASCE has not only helped me by giving me opportunities to increase technical skills, but I have also grown my network and gained valuable connections from the mentorship program.
Who is someone you Admire and Why?
I greatly admire my parents. They have always supported me in every endeavor and believed in my dreams and aspirations. When I got interested in construction, my dad would take me to his work sites to show me how things got built in the “real world” and then they would further support me with fueling my Lego collection. At every step, my parents have been there.
If you have one piece of advice to give to young professionals what would it be?
Approach everything with an opportunity to learn and growth mindset. Not every task might be the most important or interesting, but if you look at it through a positive learning mindset then it will never be just a task. It will be the opportunity to grow.
Lastly, what would be your personal motto?
If you have done your best, then that is what is most important.
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