 In
1994, Deb Ohlinger graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
with a bachelor of science degree in biological systems engineering.
Immediately thereafter, the former Omaha Burke student joined EA Engineering’s
Lincoln office where she had worked part time as an undergraduate.
Over the next few years, Ohlinger’s career would include providing
technical support in a dispute before the Supreme Court, interacting
with Air Force officers, and visits to local creeks.
Ohlinger’s employer, EA Engineering, is an international
consulting firm that helps businesses and governmental entities
address issues related to energy, environment, and resource management.
EA employs scientists and engineers specializing in areas such as
air quality, hazardous waste management, transportation, and ecotoxicology.
As a project engineer, Ohlinger designs engineering plans, writes
reports, conducts fieldwork, and engages in data analysis.
Much of Ohlinger’s recent work has involved the restoration
of lakes. These restorations occur in lakes where fish numbers have
declined due to increased sedimentation, erosion, and rough fish.
Rough fish are non-game species, such as carp, that destroy a lake’s
vegitation and compete with popular game fish. To confront such
problems, EA studies several design measures such as jetties for
angler access, shoreline protection, excavation of sediment, and
the creation of sediment dikes.
Ohlinger’s first project at EA as a professional engineer
was the one million dollar Wagon Train Lake Restoration near Hickman,
Nebraska. Constructed in the 1960’s by the Army Corps of Engineers,
sedimentation had caused fishing quality to decline. The project
involved the construction of rock-covered jetties and sediment dikes
as well as the excavation of certain areas for the storage of sediment.
Now that the project is completed, Ohlinger finds the transformation
of her design into “real life structures” tremendously
satisfying. “What I find most fulfilling is completing a project
for a satisfied client,” Ohlinger stated.
Ohlinger also sees her skills contribute to the public good. At
one juncture, Ohlinger contributed technical expertise to an interstate
water dispute before the Supreme Court. Recalling the numerous computations,
spreadsheets, and long hours associated with the case, Ohlinger
stated, “I feel my work really helped to make a difference
to the people of this state.”
At EA work responsibilities often involve some travel. A few years
ago, Ohlinger helped develop a series of storm water pollution prevention
plans for Air Force bases. As a result, she spent several weeks
studying the layout and needs of the various bases. She visited
each base, interviewing personnel and studying the base layout.
Ohlinger’s career has taken her to such places as California,
Alabama, Hawaii, and Greenland. Although the weeks away from home
can be tiring, Ohlinger states that the travel presents a pleasant
change of pace from the office routine.
According to Ohlinger, completing engineering projects involves
a diverse set of skills. Engineers must possess the attention to
detail and technical skill to solve complicated problems. They must
also be able to communicate well with clients and coworkers. Ohlinger’s
background at UNL helped her develop in both areas. During her involvement
with the Supreme Court case, Ohlinger drew extensively upon the
technical knowledge she acquired from a UNL irrigation course. Her
senior design class, where she developed a system to treat wastewater
from a hog operation, and a hydrology course provided some practical
experience. Regarding the non-technical aspects of her work, Ohlinger
credits campus activities and her sorority for preparing her to
effectively interact with clients and coworkers. Reflecting upon
her experience at UNL, Ohlinger said “Looking back, my college
years helped me to develop strong communication skills, which have
helped me extensively in my career.” |
