Counteracting the effects of climate change and social growth on our environment is no small feat, but V3’s Water Resources team is up for the challenge. Discover how Project Engineer Corin Brown uses a hands-on approach and deep-rooted passion to restore our streams and rivers to their natural glory.
Just around the riverbend
Many budding engineers are drawn to the field due to a love for math, but for Corin, the act of problem solving lit the initial fuse. From as early as third grade, his teachers remarked on his creative thinking and kinesthetic learning style; he loved using his hands and tactile learning to find solutions. Educators and family members encouraged him to pursue engineering, which led him to graduating from UNC Charlotte with a degree in civil engineering.
Corin held off focusing on any particular engineering specialty until he gained some real-world experience. After working in residential and commercial land development, he wasn’t sure those types of projects fulfilled his interests; he wanted to explore more natural environments.
“With the threats of climate change and the ways humans are changing our environment, I became interested in finding better ways to make built environments coexist with the natural world. Restoring human impacts to the natural world is important work and I wanted to be part of it.”
At the time, Corin’s firm wasn’t offering those services, but in 2022 Bloc Design merged with V3, creating new opportunity. Rather than making a total career change, Corin was able to transition within a workplace he enjoyed.
“I was looking to transition to environmental restoration and water resources, and V3 had extensive experience in these areas. Leadership encouraged me to make the switch and I’ve had great mentors along the way. It all lined up perfectly.”
Diving in deep
Now part of the Water Resources team, Corin’s passion for engineering has been reignited. Though located in Charlotte, he regularly collaborates with his Chicago-based team members on floodway and floodplain management projects, providing mitigation and restoration solutions. His day-to-day responsibilities include modeling, research, and project design, with occasional site visits for survey verification or client support. No matter what he’s working on, Corin appreciates his readily available network of expertise.
“Our team collaboration is great. Our scientists, ecologists, and engineers all work together and coordinate really well. If I need help outside my area, it’s not a problem to find someone willing to help figure it out. The breadth of expertise is always shared.”
Corin recently contributed to a significant stream restoration feasibility project in Colorado, applying his knowledge and insight into a 60+ page report to support future engineering efforts. Together with his team, he helped create the blueprint for major environmental improvements that will impact generations to come.
“The coolest part of my job is seeing projects go from design to construction. Witnessing all that work come to fruition is a huge motivator.”
Go with the flow
Corin’s kinesthetic learning style is echoed at home, where he’s often found gardening or tackling home improvement projects with his wife. His love for natural environments often calls him on hiking and backpacking trips with friends, exploring the mountainous terrain of North Carolina.
In the past few years, Corin has taken the lead on more and more projects, and looks forward to building the water resources team across V3’s offices.
“A huge driver for me is working on more stream restoration projects and building our presence in Charlotte. North Carolina has a lot of opportunities for stream restoration projects, which aligns with the work I want to do.”
Work with Corin and V3’s water experts
V3 promotes a fully integrated approach to stormwater management, flood prevention, and water discovery, implementing proven sustainability techniques for integrated resource management. Connect with our team to learn more.