TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Nathifa Hawkins
ALBANY, NY
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Background:
I have an interesting background for the engineering field. I have a BS in Finance and Information Decision Sciences from University of Illinois at Chicago. I had a 10-year career at AT&T in various positions prior to joining Prudent Engineering in the marketing department. I have had the opportunity to work in just about every department at Prudent, from marketing and finance to survey and construction inspection.
Expertise:
My area of expertise lies in being well-rounded and highly adaptable. My office experience and finance background are indispensable in my role as an Office Engineer, and the IT experience I have enables me to keep the equipment needed for field personnel available and accessible to them. My technology and organizational skills enable me to accurately document project records and quantities and use novel approaches to track the progression of work. My primary goal is to supplement and facilitate the work of the field staff thereby enabling the project to progress smoothly and provide the client with a quality product completed on time and on budget.
Notable Projects:
Project Name: East of Fulton (MP 289.3) to west of Weedsport (MP 304.5): Concrete Pavement Restoration
• Role: Office Engineer
• Description: Responsible for managing field office files and data entry in the CEES System; verifying items of work and quantities; reviewing inspectors’ daily work reports; entering material information; submitting monthly estimates; and reviewing contractor / subcontractor certified payroll reports.
Project Name: TAS 17-29B, Bridge Replacements at I-90 Interchange 43
• Role: Office Engineer
• Description: Entered project with 6 months to completion and served as Office Engineer concurrently for TAS 19-3. Responsible for updating and maintaining office files and issuing payments for quantities to date. Resolved several outstanding issues regarding payments and documentation. Processed outstanding force account work for payment and successfully submitted final project records.
Approach to Engineering:
Although I’m not a classically trained engineer, my unique background has allowed me to bring a fresh perspective to engineering challenges. My approach emphasizes practical problem-solving, leveraging diverse experiences to find innovative solutions. This often involves integrating cross-disciplinary knowledge and focusing on the usability and sustainability of engineering designs. At Prudent Engineering, this perspective complements our mission to provide cost-effective, high-quality engineering solutions that are both innovative and reliable.
Passion for the Field:
I am deeply passionate about engineering because it allows me to contribute to creating a better world through infrastructure. My passion aligns with Prudent Engineering's mission of transforming infrastructure for the next generation. I am committed to developing sustainable and efficient engineering solutions that not only address current challenges but also anticipate future needs. This passion drives me to continually improve my skills and stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field.
Personal Quote:
"Engineering is not just about solving problems; it's about creating solutions that improve lives and communities. At Prudent Engineering, we strive to innovate with kindness and sustainability at the forefront."
In Your Own Words:
Working at Prudent Engineering has been a rewarding experience. The collaborative environment and dedication to excellence have allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. I am committed to our company's mission of delivering high-quality, sustainable engineering solutions and am proud to be part of a team that truly makes a difference in our communities.