Dr. Anthony Donaldson received his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Texas Tech University in 1979, 1982 and 1990, respectively. In 1994 he received an M.A. in Missions and Evangelism from the Asbury Theological Seminary.
In the summer of 2006, Dr. Donaldson was hired by California Baptist University (CBU) as the founding dean of a new school of engineering. The program has grown from 53 students and one faculty in the fall of 2007 to over 700 students and 43 full time faculty and staff in the spring of 2017. Degrees are offered in Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Construction Management, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering and Engineering (with concentrations in Pre-Law, Agricultural, Business, and Global Applications). Graduate programs are offered in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Data Science and Knowledge Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Software Engineering. In the fall of 2016 he was chosen as the Honorary Technical Director for the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Corona, and the Guidestone Faculty of the Year for CBU.
From 1998 to 2006, he served as professor of electrical engineering and the director of the engineering programs at Seattle Pacific University where he led a successful accreditation effort and was responsible for numerous innovations and improvements in curriculum and facilities.
From 1994 to 1996 Dr. Donaldson and his family were in Bangalore, India, the “Silicon Valley of Asia”, where he raised venture capital for a native Indian’s vision and started a consultancy business in the telecommunications area.
In graduate school at Texas Tech University Dr. Donaldson worked on the “Star Wars” pulsed power project sponsored by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. His research in modeling electrode erosion in High Energy pulsed switches won critical acclaim and resulted in over 40 peer reviewed articles and conference presentations as well as a patent for a new type of material. The Chief Scientist of the Air Force who served on his committee remarked that it was an outstanding achievement. He won the International Pulsed Power Student award given to the best pulsed power student worldwide, the National Plasma Science award, a NATO sponsorship, the TTU outstanding EE graduate student award and the graduate student teaching award twice.
Originally from Texas, Dr. Donaldson enjoys music, film, puzzles, archaeology, reading and cross cultural cuisine and experiences. He is married to CBU business professor Dr. Darla Donaldson. They have two adult children, Daniel and Deborah, both of which are CBU College of Engineering graduates.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 NASB
Steven Garcia
Job Title: Water Production Operator II
Department: Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, Water Production
Job duties: As a Water Production Operator, I conduct both treatment and distribution operations. I’m responsible for operating water treatment facilities, wells, and booster pump stations to provide the public with high quality, potable (drinking) water.
Describe your education background and training:
I have been working in the water industry as a Water Operator for 14 years. I have training in both treatment and distribution, as well as additional specialized training such as SCBA, confined spaces, HAZWOPER, and incident commander training.
Do you hold any degrees or certificates?
I have a distribution grade 5 certificate and a treatment grade 3 certificate through the state of California, as well as a Water Technology vocational certificate through Mount San Jacinto Community College.
What sparked your interest in the water industry?
Before I began working in the water industry, my primary experience was in construction. I knew that I could use my construction experience and passion for serving my community through the water industry. Serving the public while building a career for myself was attractive to me!
How did you obtain your position at EVMWD?
Before coming to EVMWD, I was employed at a smaller water agency. After about 9 years of gaining experience there, I decided to move up to a larger district where I could further my career potential and further my knowledge of the water treatment process. That led me to EVMWD!
How long have you worked for EVMWD?
5 years now.
What advice would you give to students interested in your field?
Education is key. Be committed, determined, and focused; set goals and research what field you might enjoy. The water industry has a large variety of positions and jobs that one can do – from water operations to construction, maintenance, IT, GIS, and administrative jobs.
Can students to contact you after the event?
Yes. Students can contact me at sgarcia@evmwd.net.
Patrick Allen
Job Title: Interim Water Quality Supervisor
Department: Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, Water Quality
Job duties: In my role, I schedule the sampling and analysis of all water quality samples to maintain compliance by the district. I also review all the data produced by staff and contract laboratories to assure they are meeting certain quality controls. As the technical manager of the laboratory, I must maintain certification from the state of California to produce legally defensible data.
Education background and training:
I received a B.S. in Fisheries Biology in 2001 and learned a significant amount about water quality – and its importance to the environment – through that program. I have spent the past 20 years working in commercial and public utility laboratories, performing a variety of analysis on water, wastewater, biosolids, and solids samples. Further education in water quality and analytical chemistry has come from hands on experience in the positions I have held.
Do you hold any degrees or certificates?
Yes; I have a B.S. in Fisheries Biology from Humboldt State University, and also the following certifications:
· CWEA Laboratory Analyst 3
· Water Treatment Operator 2
· Water Distribution Operation 2
What sparked your interest in the water industry?
My interest came about from attending college along the northern California coast. Humboldt State University is well known for its environmental and natural resource programs. As I saw how important water quality was to spawning salmon, it was only natural to move into a career that protects both environmental and public health.
Please explain how you obtained your position at EVMWD:
I first started at EVMWD as a Water Quality Technician. I was then promoted to Water Quality Analyst and now Interim Water Quality Supervisor. Obtaining my position came with school, hard work, continuously learning, and becoming as well-rounded as I can in my field.
How long have you worked for EVMWD?
9 years.
What advice would you give to students interested in your field?
Study all you can in STEM and never stop learning. There are multiple paths to where you want to go; if you continue working at it, eventually you will get to where you want to be. Learn to multitask and prioritize what is in front of you. Find out what needs to be done at that moment and focus on that. The other things will be worked out in time.
Would you like students to contact you throughout the year?
Yes. Students can reach out to me at pallen@evmwd.net.
Job Title: Utilities Senior Resources Analyst
Department: RPU – Water Resources
Job duties: To Protect the City’s groundwater rights and interests, to ensure the City continues to have access to its water supply, to monitor and evaluate the City’s source water; and to participate with developing new water supplies.
Education background and training: 4 years at Crafton Hills Community College followed by 2 years at UC Riverside.
Degrees/ Certificates: Bachelor of Science Degree, Water Operator D2 and Water Treatment T2 certifications with the State.
Major: Geology
What sparked your interest in the utility company?
I was somewhat familiar with the local issues pertaining to groundwater and geology, and was eager to learn more and get engaged.
Please explain how you obtained your position at RPU:
After graduating from UCR in the early stages of the great recession, I was eagerly looking for a career in Geology. One of my professors informed me of a group called the Inland Geological Society, and mentioned that it could be a great networking opportunity. The Inland Geological Society is a local organization made up of professionals and students with interests and careers in Geology. I met a number of people at this meeting and the Newsletter editor was kind enough to include my resume and a letter of interest in the monthly newsletter. Shortly after, I received a call from the Water Resources Manager at RPU who had received the newsletter and invited me to an interview for a temporary position. I interviewed for the position and got the job.
What other jobs did you do previous to working for the utility?
Paid Call Volunteer Firefighter, short-order cook, worked in the music department at Barns and Noble, lab technician at a geotechnical company testing soil and concrete properties, and worked in a geophysical laboratory at UCR preparing rock samples for ultrahigh pressure and temperature analyses.
How long have you worked for RPU? 11 years
What advice would you give to students interested in your field?
Geology has many different exciting avenues from oil, gas, and mineral exploration to geotechnical work in constructing roads and houses, to working in the water industry. Should any future geologist (or environmental scientists) be interested in the water industry, I would highly recommend getting exposure to groundwater modeling and even consider getting a masters in groundwater modeling or a masters in business administration after earning a bachelors in Geology. Either of these pathways would set you up to be much more marketable when looking for a career after college.
What are some things you enjoy doing outside of your work? Off roading, stand up paddle boarding, hiking, backpacking, showing my kids the world.
Email Greg! Gherzog@riversideca.gov
You will be going on a virtual scavenger hunt! Using the Riverside Public Utilities website and Elsinore Valley Water District Website
Job Title: Chief Water System Operator
Department: Water Operations-Production-Treatment
Job duties: Production, Treatment, Transmission, Storage,
Distribution
Education background and training: Water Technology,
Advanced Mathematics
Degrees/ Certificates: CA Treatment 4, CA
Distribution 5
Major: Water Technology
What sparked your interest in the utility company? I actually was involved in
pond hardscape construction when an overlapping opportunity came up that
eventually led to my transition into Water Treatment/Production
Please explain how you obtained your position at RPU: Competitive Process
(interviews), and a background in Governmental Physical Security
What other jobs did you do previous to working for
the utility?
Other water agencies, US Navy (10 yrs)
How long have you worked for RPU? I was recruited in 2001 as a
direct result of 9/11. I started before the ink was dry on my medical forms.
What advice would you give to students interested in
your field? Learn
all you can about emerging technologies, but don’t forget about the evolution
of water. Some of the most coveted lessons in the field are some of the
earliest facts that have held up over time.
In High School what would you have been voted as
“Most Likely to……” ?
Spend 2 hours describing and defining ‘air’.
What are some things you enjoy doing outside of your
work?
Aquaponic gardening, raising chickens
Would you like students to contact you throughout the
year? It
wouldn’t kill me
If so, please provide your contact information:
Email: cbellinghausen@riversideca.gov
Phone: 951-351-6318
Tony Pollak
Job Title: Assistant Deputy Director of Operations
Department: Operations
Job duties: Operational oversight and guidance of Water and Wastewater Systems; plan, organize, direct, and implement comprehensive strategies and programs for the operation of District water and wastewater facilities.
Education background and training: Twenty-nine years of experience with operation and maintenance of complex wastewater treatment facilities. Experienced with activated sludge, tertiary treatment and disinfection, anaerobic digestion, solids processing, cogeneration, odor management and regulatory compliance.
Degrees/ Certificates: Bachelor of Arts, Public Administration; Master’s Degree Leadership and Organizational Studies (MLOS); California State Water Resources Control Board Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade V
Major: Public Administration and Leadership
What sparked your interest in water/wastewater? Growing up in coastal southern California, I spent countless hours surfing up and down the coast. What I came to know was that sewage ultimately made its way to the Pacific Ocean. If the sewage was properly treated, the beaches remained open and no health hazards; if not treated properly, beaches would be closed and health hazards would be present. Operating a treatment plant that discharged its treated water adjacent to my surf spot, I had a stake in the performance of the treatment plant!
How long have you worked for Western Municipal Water District? 7 years at Western Municipal Water District.
What advice would you give to students interested in your field? The water/wastewater industry is critical to the health and wellbeing of our community. By entering into this field, you will be providing a critical service like no other. The days and nights can be long, but the pride you feel for the service you provide are well worth it!
What are some things you enjoy doing outside of your work? Outside of work, I enjoy coach High school softball, playing men’s slow pitch softball, surfing, and mountain bicycling.
Students will get together with their teams in a Zoom meeting hosted by staff and supported by teacher mentors and start brainstorming ideas for their projects in breakout sessions.
We will also introduce Dr. Anthony Corso's lesson and have students log on and create a GIS account in preparation for his class on Thursday. Directions will soon be posted!