U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District
Environmental Branch Chief David Frothingham addressed a large group of French
Studies students from Buffalo Public Schools Hutchinson Central Technical,
Buffalo, NY, April 5.
Frothingham, a gregarious and enthusiastic speaker, easily
captured and maintained the attention of the group sprawled throughout the High
School’s sizable auditorium. Through peppering the students with a variety of
engaging questions, Frothingham established an open and friendly relationship
with the group.
The French-speaking, globe-trotting environmental and civil
engineer described his current work in the Formerly Utilized Site Remedial Action
Program (FUSRAP) and his unusual journey which led him to a career with the
Buffalo District.
Frothingham’s traveling experience and ability to speak a
second language has allowed him to enjoy a perspective that not everyone in his
field has. He spoke of his semester in Dijon, France, which set him up for a
two-year engagement with the Peace Corps in the African Country of Zaire (now
the Democratic Republic of the Congo). His mission was to improve drinking water for the
local communities.
This important work inspired him to return to college,
change degrees, and pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a
Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering.
The group was eagerly engaged in Frothingham’s discussion
and asked him a multitude of questions ranging from how the Corps of Engineers
disposes of radioactive waste to whether or not he believes in global warming. These
questions sparked further questions and the presentation quickly morphed into a
conversation between Frothingham and the students.
Frothingham left the group with the message to embrace the
journey, and regardless of the journey that’s taken, anyone can be successful
at the passion they pursue.
“Talking to engaged students, like this group, always
renews my appreciation for the importance and quality of the work we do. It also reminds me what a talented group of
professionals I'm lucky enough to call friends and colleagues,” Said
Frothingham.
The Corps of Engineers recognizes the critical role that
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education plays in
enabling the U.S. to remain the economic and technical leaders in the global
marketplace.
Thanks to the volunteer efforts of team members in the
Buffalo District, the Corps of Engineers continues to inspire and educate
current and future generations of young people to pursue careers in STEM
fields.