What if your future career helped protect rivers, prevent flooding, and keep pollution out of local waterways—all by using math, science, engineering, and problem-solving? What if classes like biology, environmental science, algebra, geometry, GIS, and even communications could help you design solutions that protect both people and ecosystems? Could you see yourself using what you learn in school to solve real problems in your community?
Judah Gaioni, Stormwater Engineer and Director of the Colorado Stormwater Center at Colorado State University, explains how stormwater engineers protect water quality in cities. Judah asks you to imagine standing in a creek "a thousand years ago" and then standing in that same creek today. His message is clear: today's water moves faster and carries more pollution because humans have changed the landscape. He explains that stormwater engineers design systems that "infiltrate it, filter it, or slow it down," using grassy swales, ponds, and engineered infrastructure to reduce flooding and remove pollutants from runoff. He also shares that modern stormwater engineering isn't just about flood control anymore—it's increasingly focused on environmental protection and water quality.
Judah shares his own career journey from studying biology to returning to graduate school for engineering because he wanted to combine his "environmental ethic" with practical solutions. He describes the work as "intellectually challenging and enjoyable" and emphasizes that careers in water quality go far beyond engineering. Opportunities exist in environmental science, GIS, community outreach, communications, construction management, operations, and municipal government. Whether you enjoy math, science, technology, public speaking, or hands-on problem solving, this presentation highlights how protecting water requires many different talents—and shows how the classes you're taking today can become tools for protecting communities tomorrow.