Meet Ryan Kelley, the newest member of our Water Resources Team!
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself…
Ryan: My name is Ryan, and I’m a fresh graduate from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville (SIUE). I am originally from Griggsville, IL, and I attended John Wood Community College in Quincy for two years prior to transferring to SIU-E to complete my degree in Civil Engineering.
Q: Why did you want to become an Engineer?
Ryan: I have wanted to become a civil engineer since I was in high school. I knew that I would enjoy seeing my projects become a reality while also serving the interests of the public. For me, the ability to develop solutions to everyday problems will make civil engineering a very rewarding career path.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the types of projects you work on?
Ryan: Working in the water resources subfield and coming up with solutions to counter flooding issues is gratifying. The testing of various scenarios to determine the most beneficial alternative is an enjoyable challenge.
Q: What piece of advice would you give someone choosing the same career?
Ryan: If you choose to pursue engineering, or any STEM field, expect to dedicate some time to your studies. Also, internships and other related work experience is a great way to find a specialty that you enjoy.
Q: Is there a project you’ve worked on thus far in your career that you’re proudest of?
Ryan: As a recent graduate, my selection is pretty limited, but I am proud of my work on my most recent project as an intern. I developed a hydraulic model of a ditch network, then analyzed the model to determine the need for additional / larger culverts to alleviate flooding concerns for our client. I have actually had two internships with Klingner and was fortunate enough to make the easy decision to join the Klingner team full-time. The people that I have had a chance to work with have been fantastic. The types of water resources projects here at Klingner closely align with my interests in the civil engineering field.
Q: If you could pick up a skill instantly, what would it be?
Ryan: If I got to choose my skill, I would love to be able to sing well. Music is a huge part of my life, and being able to sing well would only add to the experience.
Q: What is your favorite family tradition?
Ryan: My favorite family tradition would have to be our annual ping-pong tournament held on Thanksgiving Day. We usually have 20-25 people, and it’s probably a lot more competitive than it should be. I look forward to it every year!