Meet Lisa Pogue, the newest member of our Structural Team!
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself…
Lisa: I grew up in southeast Wisconsin and drank out of bubblers…until I moved out of state and learned that the rest of the country calls them water fountains. Since graduating from University of Wisconsin – Madison with a degree in Civil Engineering (emphasis in Structures), I have lived in five different states from the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between following projects and gaining valuable work experience. I took time off to start my family and support my husband in his career aspirations. We now have four beautiful children and my career is once again one of my main focuses.
Q: Why did you want to become an engineer?
Lisa: When I was 11 years old, my parents built their house. Many architectural and structural drawings were reviewed in the process, and I found myself very interested in looking at them. When I was a freshman in college, my major was officially “undecided” with a minor in math. When I chose my future career, I knew it had to incorporate math but also recognized that teaching wasn’t for me. Research of math-heavy careers led me to the broad category of engineering. It was then when I recalled my joy of architectural and structural drawing reviews and realized structural engineering just might be a perfect fit for me.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the types of projects you work on?
Lisa: I have worked on many types of projects, both industrial and commercial, and the diversity of skills, materials, and project types keep things new and interesting. It’s great to have the ability to hone into a multitude of skill sets with each project. Seeing the results of my design and analysis at construction completion, and then being about to point to a building and say to my kids, “mommy did that,” is really rewarding.
Q: Is there a project you’ve worked on thus far in your career that you’re proudest of?
Lisa: The Bluegrass Chemical Demilitarization Project (BGCAPP). I learned design and analysis of 2-way concrete slabs for blast load resistance and was one of the two blast engineers on the construction site. While on site, I provided technical guidance for field issues and changes; resolved technical review comments and concerns of the client (US Army Corps of Engineers); and I planned, developed, and managed team task schedules. It’s fulfilling to know that I played an integral role in meeting critical path milestones on this project, which was under strict time constraints.
Q: What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
Lisa: Skydiving! It was on the pre-kids bucket list and now that it’s checked off, I feel no urge to ever do it again.
Q: Why did you decide to join the Klingner team?
Lisa: I’m excited for the opportunity to grow in my career, not just technically but also at the project management and sales / marketing levels. There is a kind and relaxed atmosphere here that promotes the ability to push oneself out of their comfort zone while providing resources to guide them in their endeavors.