From building blocks to college enrollment, Joshua knew he was destined to pursue the pathway of civil engineering. His interests soared when he saw the impact that a mere blueprint could have on a family. A house wasn’t just a roof or an asset, for most people, but it was a shelter of memories that could last families for generations. Joshua realized that his impact would begin with providing environmentally sound and stable housing to rebuild vulnerable communities nationwide.
His interests later merged with sustainability when he participated in Volunteer Building Cambodia. His skill set expanded with his experience as he supported fellow volunteers in building a durable home for a local family. Throughout this exploration, he quickly realized it wasn’t just the house that makes a home for a family but it’s also the environment. For structures to be passed down for generations, they need to be built to withstand environmental changes. Joshua and his team successfully built a home that could withstand constant flooding and droughts in that particular village, allowing a family to experience life without the stressors of climactic changes and financial woes. With modern day engineering, he hopes to positively impact the lives of many families by considering long-term stability when building structures.
Q: What specifically inspired you to pursue last year’s SOAR cohort?
When I saw the description of Grades of Green, I knew it was the gateway to opportunities and the structure that would allow me to pursue my dreams in sustainable engineering. While some applications are not in civil engineering, it provides a different perspective while trying to develop sustainable solutions. After working on multiple house projects in communities that faced unforgivable weather conditions, I began to see engineering as a powerful tool for impact. However, I also recognized how much I still had to learn within this pathway. I pursued Grades of Green and SOAR because I wanted an environment where I could deepen my technical skills while collaborating with others to tackle real-world challenges, especially those related to infrastructure and sustainability.
It’s always a great opportunity to expand on your skillset, even when the objective isn’t specifically tailored to your professional path. You’ve gained access to so much information related to climatic changes and how most people are regularly impacted. This could be easily considered in even the smallest ways as you’re developing structures.
Q: How has the Soar program motivated you as you continue to pursue your professional/academic goals in engineering?
The SOAR program has motivated me to continue my academic goals associated with engineering by allowing me to see how different companies were attempting to make a difference with sustainable practices. Soar motivated me by showing me that engineering isn’t something that I’m just interested in, but something I’m capable of pursuing at a deeper level. Working with real problems alongside my peers pushed me to think more critically and creatively, reinforcing my desire to focus on sustainable solutions. Since then, I’ve become more focused on pursuing opportunities and developing skills associated with engineering. This sophomore year, I founded and currently serve as president of the Greenprint Club at my school, which focuses on engineering solutions through a sustainability lens. One of our initiatives is to build a composting station that transforms organic waste into compost, which will help nourish the native plants and garden on campus.
We’re so glad that our program impacted you in that way. Climate change affects fields across the board so your ability to see past engineering and into deeper issues that could be resolved through engineering is truly admirable.
Q: What have you been up to since the Soar program? Since our last cohort was last year, we’d like to know how you’ve applied your new set of skills.
Recently, [my club members and I] met with the Vice Principal and advisors to introduce our compost bin project at El Segundo High School. A senior who is building a garden will be collaborating with us on the space, and the compost system would be a perfect addition. One of the advisors also invited members of the Climate Club to collaborate with us on the project.
We have submitted a design for a wood-and-wire, three-bin turning compost system to the vice principal for approval. We hope to begin construction in early April and complete the project by the end of the month. Once implemented, the compost system is expected to reduce food waste on campus while supporting the growth of the student garden. In the long term, we aim to educate students to engage in more sustainable practices.
Q: What are your long-term goals for your career in sustainability and engineering (beyond this project)?
My dream is to design and build communities where sustainability is a central theme rather than an additional idea. In these neighborhoods, every home will be a self-sustaining unit, equipped with solar panels to harness renewable energy and power daily life. Each residence will utilize ultra-low-flow fixtures to minimize waste at the source, complemented by greywater systems that recycle water from sinks and showers for secondary use. Rain barrels will be strategically integrated to capture stormwater runoff, transforming a potential drainage issue into a vital resource for local irrigation and landscaping. Beyond individual technologies, the goal is to create infrastructure that is durable, efficient, and accessible. I am particularly committed to applying these sustainable models in areas most vulnerable to environmental challenges. By prioritizing sustainability, we can build communities that not only respect the environment but also actively work to restore and protect it for future generations.
Thank you so much for your time, Joshua. We, at Grades of Green, root for you and your success as you merge into sustainability and climate action. We can’t wait to see your impact in these fields and what else you could use your new skills for. We’re most excited to see who you become as you grow within these roles and what new projects you bring to the table. Keep up the excellent work!
Inspired by Joshua’s journey and ready to take action on sustainability challenges of your own?
The Soar Program offers the tools, mentorship, and real-world experience to help you explore innovative solutions, build technical skills, and collaborate with others who are passionate about making an impact.
Interested in turning your ideas into meaningful change? Explore the Soar Program and start your journey toward creating a more sustainable future.
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