TSPE Brazos Chapter Names LAN’s Jacob Torres, P.E., as 2017 Young Engineer of the Year

The Brazos Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) named Jacob Torres, P.E., as its 2017 Young Engineer of the Year at its 67th annual banquet. The award, given by TSPE since 1970, recognizes individuals for their technical ability, professional achievements, and civic and humanitarian activities.

Torres, who serves as a project manager for civil engineering firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN), has worked on numerous projects impacting the quality of life for communities in Texas. Much of this work is related to urban storm water management, regional water supply planning, and water infrastructure planning for clients such as the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Harris County Flood Control District, and other regional water authorities.

He also has trained and mentored several engineers from Texas A&M University and Rice University. Since March 2016, he has taught numerous guest lectures at TAMU, with topics ranging from advanced 2D modeling to what it’s like to be a civil engineering consultant. He also taught a series of lectures in advanced hydrology & hydraulics, a graduate level course, at Rice University in spring 2017.

In addition, Torres is actively involved in community service. He works with Engineers without Borders (EWB) to empower developing communities to meet their basic human needs around the world.  Currently, he serves as a technical support lead and mentor to the TAMU EWB chapter – a chapter with about 100 active members with four water infrastructure projects: two in Nicaragua, one in Peru, and one in Costa Rica.

“The award is a tribute to Jacob’s outstanding service to the engineering industry in the last decade,” said Derek St. John, P.E., LAN’s vice president.

Torres holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering/water resources from Texas A&M University, and a doctorate degree in civil and environmental engineering from Rice University. He is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.