This article originally appeared in the May/June 2023 issue of Stormwater Solutions.
Overview
Each year, Stormwater Solutions highlights a class of motivated and eager Young Professionals who are helping move the industry forward. 2023 is no exception. Whether they are professors, engineers or public works superintendents, this group of professionals show the range needed to build the industry up.
Rebekah Campbell, PE, CFM
Official Title: Senior Associate and Team Lead, Water Infrastructure Group
Company Name: Walter P Moore
Age: 37What are your professional certifications and education?
Professional Engineer (Texas and Arkansas) and Certified Floodplain Manager. Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, University of Evansville, 2008.
What are your professional accomplishments?
In 2018, I received the Young Engineer of the Year Award by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers Greater Houston Chapter. I also served on the project team for the Cottage Grove Low Impact Development pilot project in the City of Houston, which was awarded the American Council of Engineering Companies (Texas Chapter) Gold Award. I am currently serving as the Past President of TSPE Greater Houston Chapter.
How did you get started in the water industry?
When I first wanted to go into engineering, I wanted to be a traffic engineer. However, after taking several civil engineeringrelated courses, my focus began to shift to stormwater management. The professor I had for my water-related classes, Dr. Brian Swenty, influenced my decision to pursue a career in the stormwater industry. After I graduated, I was hired for a position in hydrology and hydraulics. I am thankful for his guidance.
What are your goals?
I want to help protect communities from stormwater and flood-related events.
Who is your greatest influence?
My parents. They worked hard to support our family and pushed me to be the best I could be. Their encouragement and support led to a number of additional opportunities that helped influence and shape who I am today both from a personal and professional perspective. I very much appreciate everything they have done for me.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Watching the Astros or Cardinals play baseball. I also enjoy bowling, playing the piano and reading.
What is a fun or surprising fact about you?
I enjoy cross-stitching/embroidery. I am currently working on a quilt that includes embroidery blocks I completed when I was younger.
Are you involved in the community outside of work? If so, how?
I serve as a state coordinator for the Texas Society of Professional Engineer’s Houston Chapter committee for Mathcounts, a nationwide middle school mathematics competition held annually in the U.S. Mathcounts reaches 6th to 8th grades and is designed to help students gain confidence in their STEM activities. I am also involved with the Daughters of the American Revolution James Hardage Lane I chapter. I volunteer at the VA Fisher House, donate time at local elementary schools as part of the Houston Reads Day program, and volunteer for the Patriot Records Project.
What is your biggest lesson learned so far?
Change is inevitable. Enjoy it.
What do you think is the most pressing issue facing the stormwater industry and how can we work to overcome it?
It is a combination of our aging infrastructure and working within geopolitical boundaries when stormwater does not. Instead of working as an individual community we should consider management of stormwater on a watershed scale. I think this can break down barriers between community leaders, and lead to equity in managing new development, add possibilities for cost-sharing, and bring more collaboration on projects that benefit the communities in the whole watershed.
