As we celebrate Engineers Week, we reflect not only on the work we do for our local communities but also on the meaningful contributions our team members are making around the world. Through organizations like Engineers Without Borders, our employees are using their expertise to solve pressing infrastructure challenges in underserved areas, ensuring a more sustainable future for those in need.  

Rick Wilson, Water Resources Client Manager, and Caleb White, Water & Wastewater Senior Engineer, recently shared their experiences working on life-changing projects abroad. 

Bringing Reliable Water Infrastructure to Zambia 

For Rick, the opportunity to work in Zambia was about more than just engineering—it was about adapting, problem-solving, and collaborating with the community. While assessing 48 dams in the Zimba District, Rick and his team worked to evaluate critical infrastructure supporting irrigation, livestock, and drinking water. With most of these dams built before the 1990s, many faced serious issues like erosion, sedimentation, and structural instability. 

One of the biggest challenges? Getting to the sites. Poor road conditions meant some dams were over six hours away, but the team found a solution, splitting into three independent groups to maximize efficiency. Beyond the assessments, they safeguarded the project’s long-term sustainability by partnering with local villagers and government officials, training them on dam maintenance, erosion control, and water conservation. 

“We are fortunate in the U.S. to have access to technical experts and resources. In the African bush, that’s not the case—improvisation and flexibility are key,” Rick shared.  The experience reinforced his appreciation for JEO’s technical expertise and culture, proving that the skills engineers develop at home can have a transformative impact worldwide. 

Addressing Wastewater Challenges in India 

Meanwhile, Caleb took on a challenge with far-reaching health and environmental consequences: Wastewater management in India. In a country where 70% of wastewater is discharged directly into lakes and rivers, Caleb worked alongside national organizations, regulatory agencies, and students to explore sustainable wastewater treatment solutions. 

His work ranged from supporting a zero-waste composting program to partnering with a local textile manufacturer on wastewater treatment improvements. He also played a key role in mentoring students in biological system modeling, ensuring that the research and solutions developed would continue long after his work in the country was complete. Through conferences and community engagement, his team  verified the solutions were technically sound and aligned with the needs of the people affected. 

Caleb emphasized the importance of listening to the community in developing solutions. 

“A long-term beneficial project is not one that is forced on the community, but one that meets the perceived and real needs, according to their voices,” he said.  

His experience reinforced how engineering must be human, balancing regulations, cultures, and perspectives. 

Engineering with Purpose 

These stories are just a glimpse of how our engineers use their skills to drive meaningful change both locally and globally. Whether improving water access in Zambia or tackling wastewater management in India, our team members are proving that engineering is more than just blueprints and calculations—it’s about creating a better world.