I was born in Iran and travelled to the US to complete my education as a civil engineer in 1977. After 5 years at Purdue University, somewhat prolonged due to upheavals in my home country. I graduated in 1982 and began my professional career at Century Engineering, Baltimore, MD, Shipyard Marine Division in the first 8 years of my career. Within that time, I pursued my Masters of Civil Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, May of 1987. In October of 1987 I sat for my PE exam and was awarded with the PE in February 1988. After a brief stint at RK&K as a bridge designer, I changed employment once again and embarked as CADD Manger/It Director at JMT in Sparks, MD. I remained at JMT until late 1998, I felt a need to get back to my engineering roots and utilize my training as a scuba diver. I left Maryland for New York, as a Diving Inspector with McLaren Engineering Group. During my 3 years at MGM, I was able to travel all over NY State and became familiar with many NY and NJ clients. During the summer of 2001 as we were inspecting the foundation substructure of the Harlem River Drive Viaduct, I witnessed the destruction of the Twin Towers with my own eyes on 9/11. Subsequently volunteered for Ground Zero cleanup along with witnessing the suffering of many New Yorkers in that process. In 2002, I was hired by Wilbur Smith Associates (now CDM Smith) as a bridge inspector for NYSDOT Regions 9, 8, 1 & 2. I have been with this firm until the present day as Project Technical & Bridge Inspection Discipline Leader.
After 43 years of continuous employment and a proud member of ASCE, I am contemplating retirement but not before I achieve a few more milestones. ASCE has been part of my life as a student and professional. After college I joined ASCE as a full professional member, volunteering for projects through various organizations in Baltimore area like the Neighborhood Design Center and Sand Town Habitat for Habitat. While in Baltimore, I enjoyed attending seminars at the Baltimore Engineering Center up to November 1998. The following year after my move to NY, I joined the Mid-Hudson Branch and forged a long-time friendship with the board members. By 2004 I was offered a board trustee position and by 2007 ran for president of the Branch. Other opportunities became possible through being a permanent board member such as being a Governor for Region 1 bring society and region wide recognition to the Branch, attend student symposia at 4 different universities. As I reach the end of my Governorship, I hope to continue to mentor new civil engineers and share my experiences with the newer generations.