After receiving his associate degree from Fullerton College, Francisco Fernandez went on to earn his Bachelor's in Engineering from Cal State LA in 2015. While an undergrad, he was captain of the drainage design team for his undergraduate thesis, which utilized the LA County Hydrology Manual to design suitable piping for bridge structures, catchment basins, and storm drains for local roads. After graduating, Francisco was awarded an internship at the Arroyo Seco Foundation through a US Department of Agriculture program that is designed to encourage young Latinos to get involved in government service. The Water Resources and Policy Initiatives Program provides Cal State and Community College students funding to research local water-related issues. Francisco was highly recommended by professor Claudia Espinosa Villegas.
Since graduating last spring, Francisco has been studying stormwater capture in the Arroyo Seco Watershed. His report proposes Best Management Practices (BMPs) in the ten most critical outfalls (water discharge locations) along the urbanized portion of the Arroyo Seco. The BMPs aim to increase groundwater percolation, improve water quality, and restore wildlife. Francisco views storm water capture as a crucial step in attaining water sustainability in Southern California. You can see a link to his full report in the May Arroyo Currents. This month Francisco will start a career with Aecom, a global engineering firm Aecom located in Los Angeles, where he will be working on high speed rail issues.
Congratulations, Francisco, and thanks for your important work!