10 Questions with MacKenzie Guilliams
What do you do for your job?
I work as a Junior Engineer in the Hydrology and Hydraulics group. I typically assist with hydraulic modeling, post processing and analyzing results, and technical memorandum writing to help clients understand the impacts of projects.
How did you get into engineering?
I grew up next to Folsom Lake and saw how water resource issues affected the local community and the surrounding environment. I knew then that I wanted to get into engineering with water!
What is the best part of your job?
All of it! Although I especially enjoy creating deliverables (tech memos, graphics, figures, etc.) that explain the results of an analysis clearly and concisely for a client.
What job would you be terrible at?
Entomologist. Bugs terrify me!
What skill would you like to master?
Ceramic wheel throwing.
What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
Houseplants. The different varieties, ideal environmental conditions, and typical care.
What’s worth spending more on to get the best?
Anything with a useful lifetime greater than 10 years, or anything you use more than a couple hours a day.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
Taiwan. The people and culture there are fantastic.
How different was your life one year ago?
Very different. I was in my final year of college at UC Davis a year ago. The jump from college to working as a full-time engineer is a big change!
Where would you spend all your time if you could?
In parks or gardens. I find them to be the most relaxing places to spend time.
