Inspiring Future Engineers: Our Team Volunteers at ASCE OC Outreach Workshop

At the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Orange County University Outreach Specialization Station Workshop, Mark Thomas team members played an active role in inspiring the next generation of civil engineers. Chris Riehle and Charles Li volunteered their time and expertise to support the event, which brought together thirty students from the University of California, Irvine, California State University, Long Beach, and California State University, Fullerton.

The workshop provided students with valuable exposure to the wide range of career paths within civil engineering. As part of the program, Riehle and Li introduced attendees to the surveying profession, offering insight into its critical role in infrastructure development. They also highlighted their team’s involvement in a surveying project at Los Angeles International Airport, giving students a real-world example of the field in action.

In addition to participating in a question-and-answer panel, where they shared personal experiences and career advice, the two professionals led an interactive exercise designed to make surveying concepts tangible. Students were guided through a hands-on activity that demonstrated how to estimate large distances using their walking pace, an approach that combined practical learning with engaging instruction.

Through their contributions, Riehle and Li helped create an informative and dynamic experience, fostering greater understanding of surveying while encouraging students to explore future opportunities within civil engineering.