We recently caught up with Yuri Chia, who completed his bachelor’s in civil engineering and two master’s degrees in engineering management and systems engineering in 2021, to learn more about his time in the Department of Civil and Systems Engineering (CaSE) and how that has impacted his career. While he currently works with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) State Highway Administration (SHA) focusing on bridge design, he will be transitioning to another a role with MDOT SHA in access management.
What is your current position?
I’m currently a transportation Engineer at MDOT SHA and will be moving from a design role to a more regulatory role within SHA.
What are the biggest challenges you face professionally?
Needing to keep up with the advancement of technology because it will change how we design and manage a project, and changes in code, such as AASHTO code. I also am a younger person so it is always interesting working with older experienced engineers who have different approaches than I do!
Why did you pursue this career path? What motivated and attracted you to it?
I wanted to be a sports broadcaster, Major League Baseball player or police detective, so engineering funny enough was not on my list when I was a child! I choose this path because it is a noble field that can help make the lives of people easier and public service is something that I value and want other young people to value. It is also inspirational when I have family and friends in the field!
What attributes, skills, or knowledge are needed to be successful in your field?
We need our engineering knowledge that we gain from our terrific programs in CaSE! Every course that we complete is crucial for success in this field. We also need to remember the big picture, that this field is for a bigger purpose than the individual and our work will affect everyone.
What are the biggest challenges in your field – not just for you, but for all leaders in this area?
Again, needing to keep up with the advancement of technology.
Describe a significant professional accomplishment that makes you proud.
Completing a 6-month rotation while I was working with the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration District 4. I was able to perform project management duties for projects that were right in my backyard, as District 4 is my home district.
What role has your educational background played in your success?
Every course and program I completed in CaSE and through the Engineering Management program prepared me for this career! You gain the technical knowledge and learn how to lead people. It was also a pleasure to serve the Graduate Representative Organization as the department representative for MSEM, and as one of the advocacy chairs on the executive board during the COVID where I learned how to advocate for the interests of our graduate student body and be empathetic to their concerns. Engineers must do the same thing everyday and design to the requirements of the people!
We would love to hear about any noteworthy professors or pivotal experiences you had at the Whiting School.
Every professor I had in CaSE, Environmental Health and Engineering, and the Whiting School of Engineering as a whole, is outstanding not only as an engineer and teacher, but as a person. They have emphasized not only the math in engineering, but also the big picture that this work is for a greater purpose than the individual and that when you have the lives of people in your care, no detail can be overlooked. I cannot name everyone, but I will shout out my advisor, Rachel Sangree, as well as Cris Moen, Ben Schafer, Mike Shields, Thomas Gernay, and Gonzalo Pita!
I had a great conversation with Professor Moen during the pandemic, along with encouragement from my family, that persuaded me to pursue my second masters in systems engineering and I was the first graduate of that program! I would encourage all undergraduates to pursue the combined bachelors and masters program because you’re already in CaSE and have the momentum, so continue that momentum and earn an advanced degree.
Design day is also one of the most fun times of the year as we get to work directly on a project and interface with our colleagues in other WSE departments and the public.
What advice would you offer students preparing for a career in your field?
We need to remember the big picture, that this field serves a broader purpose than just the individual and that our work will affect everyone. There is no substitute for good engineering judgement. Money and fame is intoxicating, especially in a high earning engineering field, but you cannot lose yourself in your business! Take a step back and think about how your design will work from an engineering sense and how the public will benefit from it. Maintain contact with your department at WSE, not only for career advice, but so that you can help current students!