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ASPE Member Spotlight: Nadine Callaway

By Rebekah Weidner posted 11-14-2023 14:57

  

What is your current position? What is your area of focus?  
Currently I am a mechanical and plumbing designer. I have my EIT and am studying for my PE! I am just try to get my hands on as many projects as possible in all commercial opportunities that come my way. This year I have worked on hotels, TI's, kitchens/ restaurants, schools, natatoriums, various labs and more! 

What are your career journey highlights?

1. Graduation (took me longer than most, I was 26)
2. Passing my EIT (2020) 
3. Had a baby in 2022 and came back to work ready to tackle the next phase of my carrier (PE) 

What motivated you to get into the plumbing engineering industry?
Mike Olson; I was really only exposed to ASHRAE before coming to work with PEA. Mike was a great mentor and helped me expand into plumbing. 

What is the most exciting or rewarding aspect of your work?
The most exciting aspect is learning new things everyday. Just when you think you've got your head around something, there's new technology or information you just didn't have before. I love that the field is dynamic, and there's so many ways to skin a cat (or plumb up a building).

What value have you gained from participation in ASPE Connect?
I read ASPE Connect many mornings before I even start my day, it really helps get your mind going, and everyone has so many questions it's easy to get lost reading it all! 

What has been your most interesting plumbing design challenge?
When I first interned at a different engineering office, they had a really neat project trying to balance the pH of "juice" leaving a site. First they had a huge containment chamber, then it would fill to a certain level, and then was tested, and an acid or a base would be added until the pH was acceptable, and then released down to city sewer. Very cool project! 

What is your favorite hobby or pastime outside of work? 
My first love is my son, 8/8/22 <3 
My second love is outside (not at 115). I love hiking, dirt biking, anything outdoors, and I play volleyball once a week! 

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Nadine Callaway
04-10-2024 10:16

I re-wrote this without typos, and some help of AI. 

ASPE Member Spotlight (Rewritten)

Current Role and Focus:

I'm a passionate Mechanical and Plumbing Designer with my EIT certification, currently pursuing my PE license. I actively seek diverse commercial projects to broaden my expertise. This year alone, I've tackled projects in hotels, tenant improvements (TIs), kitchens/restaurants, schools, natatoriums, and various labs!

Career Journey Milestones:

  • Earning my degree, perhaps a little later than most, at 26, instilled a strong work ethic in me.
  • Passing the EIT exam in 2020 was a significant accomplishment.
  • Balancing the arrival of my son in 2022 with returning to work even more motivated to achieve my PE license demonstrates my dedication to the field.

Finding My Niche in Plumbing Engineering:

Prior to joining my current firm (PEA), my background was primarily in ASHRAE. Mike Olson, a fantastic mentor, opened my eyes to the world of plumbing engineering, and I haven't looked back since.

The Thrill of the Challenge:

Every day brings a chance to learn something new in this dynamic field. Just when I feel confident, a new technology or concept emerges, keeping things exciting. I love the problem-solving aspect and the knowledge that there's often more than one way to achieve optimal plumbing design for a building.

Staying Connected with ASPE:

ASPE Connect is an invaluable resource for me. It's my go-to source for industry updates and thought leadership. The diverse range of questions and experiences shared by members keeps me engaged and learning.

A Unique Plumbing Design Challenge:

During an internship, I encountered a fascinating project – balancing the pH of a facility's discharged "juice." A large containment chamber received the liquid, filled to a specific level, then underwent testing. Based on the results, acid or base was added to achieve the appropriate pH before releasing it to the municipal sewer system. It was a truly unique challenge!

Life Beyond Work:

While my son (born August 8th, 2022) holds the top spot in my heart, spending time outdoors is a close second (especially when the Phoenix heat allows!). I enjoy hiking, dirt biking, and anything that gets me outside. To round things out, I also play volleyball once a week.

Nadine Callaway
11-15-2023 10:18

Thanks RoseAnn :)

RoseAnn DeSantis
11-15-2023 10:07

Nice to "meet" you Nadine!