We’re wild about our stormwater services at WithersRavenel. Each week in September, we’re profiling one of our amazing professionals from our Stormwater Department. Today, meet Staff Professional Katie Balaze. Katie has worked at WithersRavenel for three years. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering from Michigan State University and is pursuing a Master of Science in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from North Carolina State University.
WithersRavenel: What sparked your interest in stormwater engineering?
Katie Balaze: Growing up in Michigan, the Great Lakes State,I have always been interested in water. Discovering a career that combines water, engineering, plants, and biology (which are just a few of my passions) set me off on the path to stormwater engineering.
WR: Tell us about a project you have worked on/are working on that has interested or inspired you.
KB: I love working with municipalities on their stormwater (MS4) programs because I get to meet people across the state who care deeply about protecting our water resources. One of my favorite projects was with the Town of Kernersville because I got to see a wetland previously designed by our Stormwater Team in bloom while helping with their permitting. We are also working with the Town to design a new park that will go above and beyond the requirements for stormwater treatment and include green infrastructure, which is inspiring.
WR: How has your education and research impacted your career?
KB: Working with the Stormwater Group at North Carolina State University for my master’s has been a great opportunity to learn about the latest and greatest research on stormwater in North Carolina. We are lucky to work in a state that has engineering standards based on research developed by our extension folks at NCSU. I am in the process of writing a fact sheetabout using street trees for stormwater treatment, which will hopefully impact our designs going forward!
Do you want to put WithersRavenel’s Stormwater team to work on your next project? Contact Director of Stormwater Steve Marks at (919) 238-0482 or smarks@withersravenel.com.