Brad Davis, PE (BSCE 1996, MSCE 1997) is currently Head of the Environmental Department for SSR Ellers. After his graduation from the University of Memphis with a BSCE degree in 1996, Brad immediately began work on a Master's degree under the direction of Dr. Larry Moore. His thesis project was focused on the effects of an industrial wastewater on municipal wastewater disinfection. In July of 1997, Brad accepted a position with local consulting firm Ellers, Oakley, Chester, and Rike (now SSR Ellers) in their environmental department. In July 2002, he became head of the department, and now manages a team of 5 engineers and his responsibilities include project management, marketing, and design for a wide variety of projects, including water and wastewater.

Some of the more interesting projects that Brad has managed include a current project with the City of Memphis focused on stormwater trash removal. This project involves removing very small pieces of debris that can not be removed by traditional screens. Although is main area of focus has been in water and wastewater, his experience has also included work on stormwater drainage, site development, sidewalk, airport, and industrial (water/wastewater process design) projects. He has also had the opportunity to work on a GIS utility mapping project that he found interesting as well. He believes because he has had the opportunity to work on such a wide variety of projects, this has allowed him to gain confidence as an engineer and to be willing to take on new challenges.

When asked what was the most important thing he learned during his studies at The U of M, Brad responded, “I learned how to learn- I learned a lot about myself and how to challenge myself.” He particularly points to his experience as a graduate student as something that was very important to his professional development. “It really deepened my technical knowledge and understanding,” stated Brad. His work with Dr. Moore on his thesis project made a lasting impression on him. He had the opportunity to work with Dr. Moore on the Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Program, which involved going to different industries all over the state of Tennessee and helping them define and find solutions for environmental issues they encountered. Brad states, “I learned how to meet a client, identify a problem, collect data, and develop a solution. Even now, when I work with industrial clients, I approach it in the same way I learned from Dr. Moore.” He also feels Dr. Gene Wheeler greatly influenced him through his professionalism and high expectations of students.

Brad believes the most rewarding aspect of his career is that he is involved in solving real problems. He enjoys being able to see a city or industry with a problem, being able to help them understand the problem, to walk them through the solution process, and to see the final product of the design solution implemented and successful.

When asked what advice he can offer to new civil engineering graduates, he responded, “People skills and communication are essential. Engineering is all about building relationships and relating to people. If you are good at marketing and bringing in work, this is especially valued, particularly in consulting. These are skills that civil students should definitely try to develop.”

When not working, Brad has many hobbies and other activities with which he is involved. He is an active member of the West Tennessee Branch ASCE Younger Member group. He has been instrumental in the annual CanstructionË event organized by the group to encourage local high school students to consider a career in civil engineering. He is frequently invited to give lectures to Dr. Moore's environmental classes, as well as to the senior design classes at the U of M. He also participates in the E-Day (Engineering Open House) held at the Herff College each year.

Brad also enjoys playing drums and guitars, triathlons, and reading Sherlock Holmes mysteries (he has read all of the novels, and most of the short stories). He and his wife Melissa have three children, Drew (5 years), Tess (3 years) and Sadie (4 months).