Greg Holbrook '12, '13
Greg Holbrook
Class of ‘12, ‘13
Structural Engineer and Project Manager at McKim & Creed
Since graduating from Virginia Tech with my Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and my Master of Science in structural engineering, I have been involved in structural engineering design and assessments in Pittsburgh, PA.
My experience includes:
- Professional experience in the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.
- The design of structural systems for healthcare, industrial, institutional, residential, and solar projects including EV charging stations.
- Structural condition assessments and evaluations for the private and public sectors, ranging from entire buildings and structural systems to isolated structural members.
- Managing projects for the Building, Energy, and Infrastructure Business Unit of McKim & Creed that provides Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, and Structural services for buildings and structures.
- Providing structural engineering design and construction services for McKim & Creed's Industrial Design Build, Distributed Energy Resources, and Water Business Units.
My volunteer work for the industry includes:
- A heavy involvement at the national level in engineering society works through the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) providing technical input in numerous committees and standards.
- Contributing locally in the ASCE Pittsburgh Section as a current board member.
- Various positions at the local SEI Pittsburgh Chapter as the chair, vice-chair, and treasurer.
- Working with local universities and K-12 educational programs to encourage the advancement of the civil and structural engineering profession.
- Serving as a board member of the Civil Engineering Advisory Board for Slippery Rock University.
Outside of work, I enjoy long-distance running, bicycling, traveling, and spending time with my daughter.
How did the college equip you for the ‘real world’?
Virginia Tech's civil engineering program created a strong foundation and base for me to grow as an engineer through its wide breadth of technical knowledge and information. I spent my time at Virginia Tech helping with research in environmental engineering as I focused on structural and geotechnical areas. The professors who guided me along the way had an enormous impact on the technical knowledge I gained. This comprehension allowed me to work on projects in water, wastewater, healthcare, and with universities that I believe are impactful to the greater community and society as a whole.
What was a project that you worked on while at Virginia Tech?
I conducted research in the Charles E. Via, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering focusing on environmental engineering. Our research looked at the levels of organics, oxygen demand, and solid levels in septic systems. I didn't realize it at the time, but this research had an impact on my desire to pursue a career in structural engineering that focused on projects in the water and wastewater fields. To me, these are some of the most important resources we have on this earth.
Being a Virginia Tech alumnus means...
You are amongst a group of intelligent and impactful people! I love having the opportunity to meet other engineers and architects in my field who are Hokies — it instantly creates a connection and bond. I have had the pleasure of meeting Hokies across the world and in many cases in completely different fields. It really shows the strong community and breadth of knowledge that comes from every class of graduates.
What is a guiding principle for your work?
Leave things better than you found them. Your work and any effort that you spend on something should have a beneficial impact on your field, profession, and society.
Why is giving back (time, talent, or treasure) to Virginia Tech important to you?
I wouldn’t have had the opportunities in my life, and career up to this point, without the knowledge and experience I received at Virginia Tech. It allowed me to create a bond and have relationships with people decades later. Giving back to Virginia Tech is important to keep that momentum and support the next generation of college graduates who can impact this world.
Education
B.S, Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2012
M.S., Structural Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2013