WRA Staff Spotlight: National Engineers Week
Join us in celebrating National Engineers Week (NEW) Feb 16–22, 2025! Founded by the National Society for Professional Engineers, NEW raises awareness of engineering professionals’ contributions while promoting STEM education and inspiring future generations. This week highlights the vital role engineers play in developing sustainable solutions for both people and the environment. We’re excited to feature Bridgette Medeghini from WRA’s engineering team who shares her journey and insights into making a positive impact in her work at WRA.
Bridgette Medeghini, Restoration Engineer
What inspired you to become an engineer?
Bridgette: I have always been drawn to math and science. As a kid, I spent most summers outdoors in the Sierra Nevada foothills. I took AP Environmental Science in high school, and the teacher inspired me to go into the environmental field. I wasn’t aware that you could combine environmental science and engineering until I found the Ecological Engineering program at Oregon State University. I really enjoyed the courses I took and felt supported and inspired by my peers.
What has been the most rewarding project or achievement in your career so far?
Bridgette: I began working on the Bolinas Wye Wetlands Lagoon Resiliency Project when I started at WRA five years ago. Since working on the project, I’ve grown so much as an engineer. The project not only covered many different WRA services but also encapsulated a lot of what I do at WRA, from hydrology and hydraulic modeling to design drawings to sea-level rise analysis and adaption management. It was rewarding to begin working on the project with alternative analysis and follow it to construction, which began in 2024. It was exciting to see that chinook salmon were spotted in Lewis Gulch Creek this winter!
What advice would you give to the next generation interested in pursuing engineering?
Bridgette: The first two years of college are the hardest due to all the weed-out classes. Once you get to higher-level courses, you learn more interesting topics and focus more on projects rather than tests. Your project work, especially your senior capstone will be more applicable to your career teaching you problem-solving and team communication skills. Always ask your professors questions and look to your peers for help. Learn from failures, adapt, and keep pushing forward.
What are you looking forward to in the future?
Bridgette: We have quite a few projects going to construction, so it’s going to be a busy and exciting summer. I’m working on taking the California-specific exams (seismic and surveying) this year, so I can earn my PE in California (I am currently licensed in Oregon and Idaho). Overall I’m excited to start mentoring the next generation of engineers and continue to grow in my career.
At WRA, our engineers work collaboratively with other technical specialists and scientists to prepare sustainable solutions and deliver projects for a wide range of clients and projects throughout California. To learn more about WRA, how we Make a Positive Lasting Impression™, and opportunities to join our team, visit our Culture and Careers page: https://wra-ca.com/culture-careers/wra-company-culture/
Our experts are ready to support your next engineering or design project! Connect on LinkedIn (Bridgette Medeghini) or send us a message on our Contact page!