Without structural engineers, our world would fall apart. Find out how V3 Project Engineer Breanne Stromberg found the support she needed to build safe communities near and far.
Starting with a strong foundation
From a young age, Breanne saw the world from a structural engineering lens. Her dad is a structural engineer and regularly brought her to job sites and “take your daughter to work” days, always showing her the bridges he designed and inspected as they drove around town and went on vacations. This early introduction peaked Breanne’s curiosity, and as she started showing a strong aptitude for science and math, a STEM career felt almost inevitable. In high school she explored other interests such as journalism, art, and architecture, but ultimately the pull towards something more technical and with a clear way to make an impact brought her to the Illinois Institute of Technology, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering.
After graduation, Breanne interned at an engineering firm that eventually led to a full-time role. Though she was happy to do work she enjoyed, she longed for a stronger, more inclusive work environment. In 2018, a family friend and V3 employee suggested she check out the firm; she was instantly drawn to the employee-focused culture and impressive array of structural projects. She landed the next open opportunity.
“V3 does such a good job at making people feel welcome. It’s more personal; everyone is more than just a number. When you’re young, it can be hard to find your place, but anyone here can get face time with our CEO and executive team. It makes a big difference.”
Every structure serves a purpose
As a structural project engineer, Breanne touches a wide variety of projects at any given time. It’s her job to ensure structures are safe and secure, so she balances both the design and inspection of bridges, retaining walls, switchback ramps, and other supportive structures. She also dives into design reviews and project proposals, lending her expertise wherever possible.
“No structural project is too big or too small. I love that all my days are different and I’m able to constantly learn and grow.”
Part of that education comes from collaboration across V3’s many service lines. Breanne regularly reaches out to team members specializing in construction, ecological restoration, and more to answer questions and bring holistic viewpoints to structural projects.
“Not every company has so many specialties under one roof, but V3’s multidisciplinary approach makes us so much stronger. We work together to understand unforeseen problems and find collaborative solutions. When all our groups work together it makes the process even more rewarding.”
While it’s hard to pick a favorite project, Breanne admits it’s pretty special to work on things people have heard about. She’s contributed to Chicago’s Lincoln Yards redevelopment and is currently applying her structural expertise towards one of the city’s most ambitious projects. Like her dad, Breanne gets a thrill out of pointing out structures she’s helped design or has inspected to her family and friends.
“It never stops being cool to say, “Oh! I did that!” I have a soft spot for the projects I can see and tell people about.”
Supporting the next generation
One of Breanne’s biggest projects debuted this year: she’s a new mom to a baby girl. As she and her husband settle into parenting life, they’re excited to keep their love to travel and exploring new places alive by taking their daughter on trips. They recently took a trip to a lake house in Knox, Indiana but their first family adventure by plane will be this winter. Montreal is the top contender!
This desire to shape young minds is echoed at work, where Breanne is eagerly sharing her knowledge with newer team members and V3 as a whole.
“The structural group is in an exciting transitional period. We continue to grow into different markets and regions, taking on a larger scale and variety of project types. As I’ve built up my knowledge and experience, I’m excited to mentor younger engineers and continue building our team.”
Work with Breanne and V3’s structural experts
Our structural engineering group brings highly qualified, seasoned experience to a diverse mix of projects ranging from highway and railroad bridge design, innovative retaining wall systems, culverts, and facilities. Connect with our team to learn more.