Author: jessmaran

I’ve wanted to be an engineer since I can remember. Early on, I learned that engineering can be challenging, fun, and incredibly fulfilling. My Uncle Keith is a Mechanical Engineer who specializes in forensic engineering and accident reconstruction. I watched my Uncle diligently prepare countless court case files. I saw some of the cars in … Continue reading On Minimalism + Engineering: My Positive Feedback Loop

What a perfect time to launch such an endeavor. Developing science and awareness of water — conservation, treatment, new sources, delivery, disposal, the socio-economics of water — and a changing political and social climate make the launch of Women Leading Water so very important. Whether you agree with current and forthcoming policy decisions or not, … Continue reading Women Leading Water Launches!

Melburnians are serious about using water responsibly. I lived in Melbourne for nearly three years, from 2010 to late 2012. When I first arrived in Australia, I had the perspective of someone who had never been affected by a water shortage: I knew water conservation was important, but in a vague, non-scientifically based, “don’t waste … Continue reading What I learned from the Millennium Drought

Water is one the fascinating topics which brings a huge community from around the world together to serve the public. Each individual protective project can make a big difference in the cumulative lack of pollutants in water systems around the world. No matter the geographical distance, we all are on the same page when it … Continue reading Why I Chose Water: Student Perspectives

The world has changed. As an engineer, I remember when engineering was the hard stuff. Now, when I look at major projects, the engineering is rarely the greatest hurdle a project has to overcome. The hard stuff is getting rate payers to accept the rate increases needed to maintain and build new infrastructure. Getting the … Continue reading Diversity is Our Future

The Portland Metro Area has become well known for quite a few things—breweries, food carts, outdoor activities and, for at least nine months of the year, rain. In this type of climate, with so much precipitation, how do we have engaging conversations about water conservation and efficiency?

June 8th is officially designated as World Oceans Day and it has been celebrated since 1992. The purpose of this designation is to honor the world's oceans and to celebrate the products the oceans provide. So, have you hugged your ocean today?