Author: Ashley Butler

Infrastructure Week 2019 has arrived! This week is dedicated to educating and advocating for national infrastructure. At Thrasher, we believe in supporting our local communities. That’s why we take on demanding projects and aim to solve the infrastructure challenges within them. Throughout this week, our social media platforms will be highlighting our employees who strive to create infrastructure solutions.

5/20/19 – Transportation

Six months ago, Christopher White joined Thrasher’s Transportation Division ready to apply his impressive project experience in design, execution, and completion of bridge construction. Christopher has utilized his skills in structural design, stress analysis, using three-dimensional modeling software, quality assurance of project drawings, independent verification, and construction activities in his role at Thrasher. Christopher reflected on growing up outside of New York City, viewing the city’s silhouette and its iconic bridges, “I had a desire to use my gifts and talents to better my community and therefore pursued an education that would prepare me to design bridges.”

 A few significate projects Christopher has taken on was the Smither Creek Bridge in Fayette County, WV and the Bradshaw Creek Bridge in Summers County, WV. He stated that bridges have a huge impact on community’s infrastructure, “A bridge, in its essence, creates connections.  It provides vital pathways between communities, and it is my belief that connected communities thrive.”

What are some lessons that you have learned through working on projects that improve infrastructure?

“The importance of fiscal responsibility at all levels of government. Many categories of infrastructure are public goods, maintained by the government and benefitting the people, such as water, roads and bridges. A lot of work is required to fulfill that responsibility and there are significant costs that are associated with each task.  How, when, and where citizen’s monetary contributions are used are very important decisions, and I feel it is our duty as engineers to help governments make the best-informed decision to maximize the money they spend on infrastructure projects.”

What advice would you give an individual who is interested in entering a similar field and projects as yourself?

“For those still in school, study! There is a lot of knowledge needed to design and analyze a bridge … Then once you enter the field, find a mentor and ask questions!  Theory guides practice, but bridges aren’t built in a vacuum, and the wisdom that comes from years of experience will help account for real world variables.”

5/17/19 – Utilities

Derek Johnson

In 2013, Derek Johnson joined The Thrasher Family in the water department of our Utilities Division.  His success working on water systems and wastewater projects can be attributed to his proficiency in project design and management. An impressive skill he processes is being self-taught in Revit. The three-dimensional software is mobilized in Thrasher’s Architecture Division. Derek, however, believes the software is beneficial in utilities construction: “Scanning and digital three-dimensional software cuts out margin of error,” he said. “Compared to analyzing and developing blueprints, Revit is much easier to interpret.”

Derek has worked on various projects that have improved community’s infrastructure. A few notable projects he worked on include the Town of Union’s UTC Waterline Extension and their Source Water Study, where he served a Project Engineer. Derek stated, “Wastewater and water systems are vital to communities. Our utilities projects improve infrastructure and help transport a reliable water supply to residence of the community.”

What are some lessons that you have learned through working on projects that improve infrastructure?

“Never assume there is only one way to solve a problem. Be flexible – creativity during the process will lead to a solution.”

What advice would you give an individual who is interested in entering a similar field and projects as yourself?

“Get firsthand experience on site. There are a lot of aspects of the process that can be overlooked when planning in office.”

5/16/19 – Stormwater

Patricia Escoriaza

Patricia is an accomplished Project Engineer in Thrasher’s Site Division. She brings an impressive educational background, as well as a wealth of experience gained while in the US Marines, where she instructed peers in electrical and mechanical engineering, as well as safety procedures. Her notable credentials allow Patricia to unique deliver project solutions to each client. She has seen particular success in the stormwater field. Since 2013, she has led our team on a variety of stormwater projects, including the City of Clarksburg’s MS4 Permitting and Fairmont State University’s MS4 Permitting.

Her passion for improving stormwater systems stems from her time growing up in Puerto Rico.

“Due to Puerto Rico being surrounded by water, it was absolutely important to maintain the stormwater system,” Patricia said. She noted that efficient stormwater systems are one of the vital foundations of infrastructure – pollution and various contaminates in water affects their surroundings from the public’s use to the environment.

“Constructing buildings and other infrastructure developments cannot happen without analyzing the run-off or water in the area,” she continued. “Stormwater is often overlooked but it has quite the impact.”

What significant infrastructure improvements have resulted from your projects?

“The projects I’ve worked on resulted in preventing pollution, improving water quality, constructing new filters/systems, and updating treatment plants.”

What are some lessons that you have learned through working in projects that improve infrastructure?

“It’s important to research the history of the region and its problems. This background information helps identify the issues and reach possible solutions.”

5/15/19 – Utilities

Rob Hebb, BEng (Hons)

After working 14 years with the Royal Engineers of the British Army, gaining experience in construction management and utility projects, Robb Hebb joined #TeamThrasher in 2010. Throughout his time at Thrasher, Rob has coordinated with public service districts to work on projects that include the transfer, treatment, and storage systems for raw water, potable water, sanitary and storm sewer systems. A notable project Rob managed was a waterline extension and system improvement in Wetzel County. This development included the construction of a new water treatment plant, 27-mile water line extension, and a new booster pump station.

Robb stated that water and sewer improvement projects have a substantial impact on the community’s infrastructure, “These improvements are essential to the general public, especially in West Virginia”. He expanded upon the fact that the state’s topography is unique, which entails a major factor into infrastructure improvement projects from an engineer’s viewpoint.

What are some lessons that you have learned through working on projects that improve infrastructure?

“It is important to design and maintain a cost-effective plan, that ensures your services will deliver a system and technology upgrade.”

What advice would you give an individual who is interested in entering a similar field and projects as yourself?

“Go into the project with open eyes, don’t discount any opinions that help lead to the end result. Listen to the client, make the project cost effective, and resolve the existing concern.”

5/14/19 – Transportation

Nicole Jones, PE, PMP

Nicole got her start at Thrasher on the Transportation side of engineering. The airport improvement projects she worked on have a substantial impact on local community infrastructure. From repairing runways in Beckley to upgrading the Bridgeport airport’s terminal building, and has become an integral part of Thrasher’s Site Division serving as a Project Manager. She has worked alongside Thrasher’s team of talented engineers and support staff to design several million dollars’ worth of critical infrastructure upgrades for entities such as the West Virginia Division of Highways and the Federal Aviation Administration. She has managed a vast array of infrastructure enhancements related to the aviation industry, and helped her clients to secure several million dollars in grants to complete their upgrades.

For her largest client, the North Central West Virginia (NCWV) airport, Nicole has designed a variety of upgrades, including a runway safety study, lighting and security upgrades, ramp rehabilitation, terminal improvements, and a runway extension and widening. Her understanding of the permitting and regulatory hurdles that accompany this type of work has enabled Nicole to guide her clients through the design of safe and sustainable projects. She believes, “Improving infrastructure in locals communities produces more economic opportunities by creating more jobs.”   She cites the NCWV airport gives the community access to career options and allows individuals the opportunity to travel to other parts of the country. “The current luxuries would not exist without infrastructure.”

What are some lessons that you have learned through working on projects that improve infrastructure?

“Communication with clients are key. You must be on the same page to provide services  that create successful projects.”

What advice would you give an individual who is interested in entering a similar field or working on projects as yourself?

“It’s a great opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of projects.”

National Architecture Week 2019 has arrived! This week is dedicated to celebrating architects positivity impacting their communities through their work, community outreach, and dedication to architecture education. Check back on Thrasher’s social media pages throughout the week for #AskTTGArchitecture segments and fun project and employee highlights!

4/27/19 – Architecture & Technology

What happens when you combine #TeamThrasher’s Architecture and Survey Divisions? Advanced technology and better client understanding!

Erik Thornberg, LiDAR Technician, has been working closely with our Architecture Division by using 3D scanning to scan and model buildings before, during, and after construction. Erik starts by scanning the site or building of the project. After all the points are collected, he uploads the data into a software system for processing. Through this software, he can create point clouds – millions of points that allow you to take measurements for everything from the length of a wall to the diameter of a tree. He can also add photo overlays which allow the architects and clients to see the real-world view. Additionally, Erik can also provide as-built data and information on everything at the site, including gas, water, and power lines; curbs; sidewalks; and a variety of other things.

Erik then hands off the information to Thrasher’s Architecture Division. They use his work to create a model of an existing building to start developing more detailed components of the building and can be used to create virtual reality models. This provides an easier channel of communication and decision making for clients by giving a visual of what the designs are going to look like. Through virtual reality, clients and architects can walk through a building before it is even completed.

4/26/19  – Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

Amanda Cheuvront, AIA, NCARB

Amanda Cheuvront is a highly talented project architect with a portfolio ranging from small interior renovations to large campus planning endeavors. Over the past decade, Amanda has been involved with numerous commercial building and healthcare projects and specializes in educational facility design. Her experience has included all facets of project development, including client relations, design proposals, presentations, programming, project coordination, marketing, feasibility studies, and construction administration. Her versatility and knowledge working throughout the Mid-Atlantic region make her a great manager and a powerful addition to #TeamThrasher. We sat down with Amanda for a Q&A on her role, her passion and advice.

 

What does an average day look like for you?

“One thing I love about my job is every day is different. My responsibilities are getting a project from an initial idea, to design, through construction. That involves meeting with clients throughout all phases, initial designing and developing construction documents, and overseeing the project during construction. As a project manager I coordinate all other disciplines and consultants involved. “

What do you like most about being an architect?

“I like how rewarding it is to feel you’ve enhanced people’s lives by improving their space.”

Why did you choose the architecture route?

“I grew up watching my dad, a talented craftsman, renovate and construct. He inspired to want to design and create. I am not a craftsman but had a talent for visualizing space. I realized, at a young age, architecture would be the best career path to pursue.”

What would be your advice to those pursuing a career in architecture?

“My advice for young architects, women in particular, wanting to pursue a career in architecture: there are now more women in architectural school than men, but this is not the case at all in practice. Stick with it. Be confident. Believe in yourself or no one else will.”

 

4/25/19 – Civic Engagement

At Thrasher, we have a heart for home and family — that’s why we pride ourselves in serving out local communities where we live and work. Whether we are running a fundraising 10K, donating canned food, or collecting Angel Tree presents; #TeamThrasher seeks to give back. Our Architecture Division is involved of many community outreach programs from hosting Heart Walk breakfast fundraisers, being involved in United Ways, educating youth at local schools, and promoting a healthy lifestyles through 10K programs and runs. 

Harrison County United Way Emerging Leaders

Our Architecture Division is full of professionals with a passion and excitement to give back. With nine Harrison County United Way Emerging Leaders from Thrasher as whole, four of those members hail from architecture. Josh Lyons, Ashley Lyons, Marsha Benson and CJ Smith are part of a program created to get young people more in involved in their local communities. These individuals help create, plan and execute community impact initiatives throughout Harrison County. The group is comprised of 30 young leaders living in Harrison County. They attend monthly meetings where they discuss topics and produce fresh new ideas for upcoming projects. We are proud of our young team members stepping up to improve their local communities.

American Institute of Architects

Our Architecture Division is heavily involved with the AIA West Virginia Chapter. Our entire Charleston, WV office participates in CANstruction, an innovative and fun design/build competition dedicated to ending hunger. The Thrasher Group has been involved with this great event for the past six years. This year, the event raised over 2000 pounds of canned food.

AIA Safety Assessment Program

In March, Joe Sinclair and Amanda Cheuvront from the Charleston Office, attended and passed the AIA Safety Assessment Program training. Through this program, Joe and Amanda will be trained, ready and able to assist communities in assessing buildings after a natural disaster. Having this training will allow them to give back to their community in the aftermath of a natural disaster. To learn more about the program, visit the AIA Safety Assessment page.

 

4/24/19 – Architecture Education

#TeamThrasher architects strive to improve communities through design and in inspiring the youth to pursue careers in Architecture.  Almost all of the members of our Architecture Division have sat on Design Critiques, advised students in a college program, attended a career fair, or been an adjunct professor at a local college. Currently, we have four adjunct professors teaching at Fairmont State University and BridgeValley Community and Technical College. The Fairmont State University: Department of Architecture + Graphics:  Architecture Program has the only Architecture program in the state of West Virginia comprised of a 4-year Undergraduate Degree with 1 1/2 year Graduate Degree. All of our adjunct professors and other team members also participate in Design Critiques of student’s final projects at FSU on a regular basis.  We are proud to be so involved in the only Architecture program in the state!

Joe Sinclair, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, CDT, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Architecture

Joe Sinclair, Architect and Project Manager, has not only taught classes at Fairmont State University, but created a program at BridgeValley Community and Technical College. During his time at Fairmont State, Joe taught Building Technology II and Sustainable Design. In 2010, he created a 2-year Construction Management Program at BridgeValley Community and Technical College as the Program Director at the college. Joe created all the classes, curriculum, and selected the class books. Although Joe has returned to working full time as an architect, he still teaches adjunct for the program. Joe teaches because, “I enjoy sharing information with those who seek it. The impression you unknowingly make on a student can be profound and long-lasting”.

To learn more about this program and the classes taught, please visit the BridgeValley Community and Technical College website.

Ashley Lyons, Assoc. AIA, PAC for NAAB Accreditation Program

Ashley Lyons, an alum of Fairmont State University, has taught the Design Fundamentals 1 and Design 1: Foundation courses at the college. Ashley is not only an adjunct profession but is part of the Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) for the NAAB Accreditation Program. The Fairmont State University, Department of Architecture + Graphics is in candidacy for accreditation of the following NAAB – accredited degree program. Getting to be involved in this process allows local and regional students to pursue their careers in Architecture while giving back to her state. We can’t wait to see what Ashley will accomplish on the PAC.

 

Josh Lyons, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP O+M, WELL AP, AXP Licensing Advisor

Josh Lyons is an adjunct professor at Fairmont State University for Design Fundamentals 1 and Sustainability Design. Not only does he teach, but he is an NCARB Licensing Advisor. NCARB is an organization that helps to develop and administer national programs for licensure candidates and architects used to regulate architecture within their jurisdiction.  Josh is dedicated to helping advise students to pursue and reach their professional goals.  

 

 

Marsha Benson, AIA, LEED GA, Adjunct Instructor of Architecture

Marsha Benson, an alum of the Fairmont State University Architecture Program, has taught Design Fundamentals II. Design Fundamentals II is a design course focused on the Digital Representation through various computer programs. Marsha is also involved in helping education a much younger audience on the importance of Architecture. Recently, Marsha attended a local 8th Grade Career Fair where she taught students about virtual reality and architecture. The students were given a hands-on educational experience on virtual reality by “walking-through” a building the Architecture team designed. Marsha says, “I like to teach because teaching allows me to collaborate with the creativity and energy of students, while instilling true insight and responsibility in the minds of future architects.”

 

To learn more about Fairmont State University’s architecture program, click here.

 

4/23/19 – Affordable Housing

Our #TeamThrasher architects have been passionate about creating affordable housing for our local communities. Lee Gustafson has been a main contributor to our affordable housing projects, including our most recent building, Seneca Village in Morgantown, WV. Find out more about Lee, other affordable housing projects, and the Seneca Village overview below!

Lee Gustafson, AIA, NCARB

Lee Gustafson, AIA, NCARB is a tenured Project Architect with nearly 37 years of experience in project design and management. Lee has built a highly diversified portfolio of work throughout his career which includes affordable housing projects, historical restoration projects, academic facilities, athletic complexes, healthcare facilities, retail/commercial spaces, government and community buildings.  His ability to help secure USDA funding, Section 8 and other grant funding has  allowed him to have success in many of his affordable housing projects. Lee’s expansive range of projects has challenged him to stay up-to-date on architectural trends to create cutting edge, eco-friendly designs that are feasible within budgetary and timeline constraints. 

Lee’s experience with affordable housing projects:

• HUD Single Family Housing – 7 homes for Clarksburg Housing Authority
• HUD Duplex Housing – several duplex apartment buildings throughout Clarksburg
• 24 Unit Cortland Acres Nursing Home –  Thomas, WV
• 24 Unit Whipkey Manor Apartments –  Morgantown, WV
• 16 Unit D&L Apartments – Morgantown, WV
• 8 Unit Whipkey Apartments – Morgantown, WV
• 11 “Mini 8” Apartment Buildings –  Various WV locations
• 24 Unit Grant County Housing – Petersburg, WV
• 24 Unit Pendleton County Housing –  Franklin, WV

Project Highlight – Seneca Village – Morgantown, WV

The most recent affordable housing #TeamThrasher project is Seneca Village in Morgantown, WV. The construction on this apartment complex was recently completed at the Seneca Center. The building consists of four floors of one and two bedroom apartments on top of a ground floor parking garage. This project allows Morgantown, WV to broaden their demographics beyond student housing due to Seneca Village’s age restriction of 55 or up and affordable rent choices. The Thrasher project team included: Craig Baker, Lee Gustafson, Kenton Blackwood and Josh Lyons.

 

4/22/19 – Sustainability & Resilience #EarthDay2019

In honor of Earth Day, #TeamThrasher is featuring our LEED APs that have helped design sustainable LEED certified projects. Thrasher has six LEED APs and have worked on three USGBC LEED Certified Buildings. Read more about our features below!

Josh Lyons, AIA, LEED AP O+M, WELL AP

Josh Lyons has been a member of Team Thrasher for over five years and currently serves as a Project Architect. Josh is a highly talented BIM operator and is able to produce life-like renderings and 3-D models for his clients. His degree in interior design works in conjunction with his architectural education to give him a complete understanding of building design and layout, taking the entire building into consideration. Josh works on a vast array of project types, including office renovations, educational facilities, recreational facilities, medical centers, and retail spaces. In his recent work, Josh has taken on a larger role with construction administration. He is on-site regularly, ensuring his projects are completed on time and up to specs.

 

Matt Breakey, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB

Matt Breakey has over 20 years of experience providing architectural design and management services. He has worked with a wide range of clients, including those in the education section (K-12 and higher education), state, federal, correctional, commercial, and multi-unit residential and healthcare providers. Matt spent part of his career providing oversight for major capital construction projects for two auxiliary entities at a higher education institute. This experience gave him a refined eye for the design aspect as well as project construction and feasibility. As a LEED Accredited Professional, Matt works with clients to find cost saving and sustainable features that will enhance their projects.

 

 

Kenton Blackwood, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP

Kenton Blackwood has 35 years of experience in the planning, design, bidding and construction of architectural projects throughout the State of West Virginia. Kenton is well-versed in site evaluation and design, building program evaluation, planning and design, construction document development, bidding and construction administration, on-site construction observation, and is very knowledgeable in Fire/Life-Safety Code requirements and ADA/Accessibility Design Standards. He has extensive experience with WVSBA funded projects and is familiar with the agency’s Policy and Procedures and Quality/Performance Standards. Kenton has an unsurpassed understanding of technological architectural media with his knowledge of vector-based 3D modeling and CAD applications.

 

 

Dan Garvin, LEED AP BD+C, CSI, CDT

Dan Garvin started at Thrasher as a Project Draftsman in the Architecture Department after graduating from Fairmont State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture. Since then, Dan has taken on the role of Project Manager where he has managed and designed a wide array of public and private development projects. He is proficient in the Building Information Modeling software Revit and other project management software. Dan also has extensive experience performing construction contract administration for each of his projects.

 

 

Joe Sinclair, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, CDT

Joe Sinclair brings more than 10 years of architectural experience in all phases of design ranging from commercial renovations, additions, and new construction to historic preservation and multi- and single-family residential projects. Joe’s resume is built with architectural experience from Savannah, GA; Atlanta, GA; Charleston, WV; and North Central West Virginia.  Joe joined the Thrasher team in 2017. Joe is an Iraq War Veteran and former member of the West Virginia Army National Guard where he served as a Combat Engineer and Squad Leader. In addition to working full-time as an Architect at Thrasher, Joe serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Construction Management program at BridgeValley Community & Technical College in South Charleston, WV.  Joe’s expertise lies in project design, management, production, and delivery.

 

Charles “CJ” Smith, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, CBCP

As a LEED Accredited Professional, CJ works with clients to find cost saving and sustainable features that will enhance their projects. CJ has expertise in a wide array of projects throughout the Country. Those projects include public and private office designs, building additions and renovations, financial institutes, public safety buildings, healthcare complexes, historic building preservation, educational facilities, single and multi-family residences, and recreational facilities. CJ has experience in several critical 2D and 3D CADD design programs, most notably including a mastery of Autodesk Revit, Sketch Up, Adobe Suite, Lumion, and AutoCADD.

 

 

LEED ACCREDITED BUILDINGS:

Dominion Energy Office – Delmont, PA

Thrasher’s newest LEED Silver certified building is in Delmont, PA for Dominion Energy. Read more about this project here. 

 

Dominion Energy Office – Summersville, WV

The Dominion Energy Office is Summersville, WV is the first in the state of West Virginia to achieve LEED Silver certification. Thrasher was excited to play a role in this monumental achievement for Thrasher, Dominion and the state! Read more about this project here. 

Dominion Energy Headquarters – Bridgeport, WV

Thrasher completed the new 129,000 SF new Dominion Headquarter office located in Bridgeport, WV in 2015. The building features green design technologies and is the largest privately owned LEED accredited facility in the State of West Virginia.

For this project, Thrasher was responsible for architectural design, project management, schematic and final design, permitting, construction documentation, and construction oversight. The project also features landscape architectural design and interior design by the Thrasher team

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As an Engineering, Architecture and Field Services firm, #TeamThrasher celebrates it’s employees from all over the world on #GlobalEngineer Day!

Kurt Ogris is from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Kurt is a Survey Project Manager out of our Fredericksburg, Virginia office.

Jovan Rohena is from Carolina, Puerto Rico. Jovan is a Utility Project Manager out of our Canonsburg, Pennslyvania office.

Patricia Escoriaza is from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Patricia is a Site Project Engineer out of our Bridgeport, West Virginia office.

Robert Hebb, BEng (Hons) moved around various locations around England. Rob is a Utility Project Manager out of our Fredericksburg, Virginia office.

Matt Watson was born in Lakenheath, England. Matt is a Construction Services Senior Project Representative out of our Bridgeport, West Virginia office

Philip Shull was born and raised on the Northern Coast, Germany. Philip is a Site Staff Engineer out of our Bridgeport, West Virginia office.

Zoran Milojkovic is from Belgrade, Serbia. Zoran is a Survey Project Manager out of our Canonsburg, Pennslyvania office.

Marko Milojkovic is from Sombor, Serbia. Marko is a Survey CAD Technician out of our Canonsburg, Pennslyvania office. Marko recently joined Thrasher where his father, Zoran, also works!

Isaac Fadiga is f rom the Ivory Coast, West Africa. Isaac is a Utility Staff Engineer out of our Charleston, West Virginia office.

Fernanda Delduque is from Santa Catarina, Brazil. Fernanda is a Utility Staff Engineer out of our Charleston, West Virginia office.

Jack Liu, PE is from Shenyang, China. Jack is an Energy Senior Project Engineer out of our Canonsburg, Pennslyvania office.

Erik Thornberg is from Okinawa, Japan. Erik is a LiDAR Analyst out of our Bridgeport, West Virginia office.

Aaron Jose is from Clark Airforce Base, Philippines. Aaron is a LiDAR Analyst out of our Burton, West Virginia office.

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BRIDGEPORT, WV – The Thrasher Group has grown over the past two years, adding services and employees to meet the infrastructure and development needs of the region. The latest addition is the hire of Transportation Specialist Donald Williams, who spent more than 30 years with the West Virginia Division of Highways.

Williams had a long and varied career in the WVDOH, holding more than half a dozen titles in his time there. His work encompassed everything from the biggest bridge rehabilitation in WVDOH history to salary studies and personnel oversight.

Most recently, Williams served the WVDOH as the engineer and manager for District 4, overseeing all of the Division’s organizations within Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, and Taylor Counties. In this position, he supervised more than 450 employees, developed budgets and goals, worked with local officials and media, and oversaw maintenance, construction, bridges, and other transportation sections.

It was Williams’s intent to retire when he left this position last October, but when The Thrasher Group reached out to him, it was an opportunity he was excited to join the team.

“I have a real passion for the work I do,” Williams said. “Spending time developing projects and training younger engineers gives me immense joy, and that’s exactly what Thrasher was offering up to me; the chance to work with an enthusiastic young staff in a refreshing, new atmosphere.”

Williams’s passion has been more than evident – while he is still semi-retired, he has already brought a host of new ideas and a bright energy to the company.

“We are thrilled to have Donnie in the Thrasher family,” said CEO Chad Riley. “His knowledge and experience are unparalleled, and he will continue to be instrumental in improving West Virginia’s infrastructure.”

Thrasher’s Transportation Division provides works with clients from federal aviation to local municipalities. Williams’s focus will primarily be on West Virginia roadways and bridges, training young engineers to serve the state for years to come.

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I have always liked numbers and trends of numbers. I have always liked looking at the sky.  Those two things may seem unrelated, but meteorology combines both of them.

On a personal level, I love to see how the sky changes throughout the day. One of my favorite things is how the color of the sky changes with the color of the clouds and the time of day.  When the sun is setting and the clouds turn pink or orange the blue sky becomes the color of turquoise.  Of course there is more to see than just clouds.  Rainbows are beautiful as well.  Look to the east when the sun is shining after a late afternoon rain shower, and you will likely see at least part of a rainbow.  Sometimes the sky can predict the weather too.

Weather observations include a number of atmospheric parameters such as recording the ambient temperature, the barometric pressure, and the wind speed and direction at a given place and time. That’s the numbers side of meteorology.  There are two areas where I use those recorded values.  Meteorological data is an integral part of air quality dispersion modeling.  Data collected by the National Weather Service or from privately operated weather stations are used in the air quality models to predict downwind air pollution impacts from industrial processes.  Air quality dispersion modeling is required for some types of air permit applications.  It’s used to demonstrate that a new or modified source of air pollution will not cause or contribute to an exceedance of a national ambient air quality standard.

Another use of weather data is in forensic meteorology. Sometimes I look at precipitation events, and sometimes it’s the temperature.  Not too long ago, a gas company was involved in a civil lawsuit because some people claimed their drilling activities caused a flood.  A flood occurred, and there was property damage.  A review of the rainfall data in the area revealed that a very significant amount of rain fell in a very short time period, and that was the cause of the flood.  The activities of the gas company were deemed to not have been a factor in the property damage.

In another instance, water damaged an apartment while the tenants were away. It was initially thought that freezing temperatures caused a pipe to burst.  A review of the temperature data around the time of the incident showed that the outside temperatures were not cold enough to have caused frozen pipes.

So, meteorology is not just forecasting the weather on television. I’ve used my interest in numbers and trends of numbers in my career as an air quality specialist.  While my environmental division coworkers are looking at wetlands and streams, I’m looking up to the sky.
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Lori Steele – Senior Air Quality Specialist

Lori graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology in 1980. She brings over 30 years of air quality analysis and permitting experience to the Thrasher team. As an air quality specialist, she is able to use her love for numbers, analyzing climate and weather data and meteorology through air dispersion modeling and forensic meteorology.  She has worked with both public and private organizations to provide clients in various industries these services, along with environmental compliance reporting. Lori’s experience gives her a unique perspective when working on projects and has been an extremely vital part of Team Thrasher.
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