WHO OR WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO ENGINEERING/DESIGN?
As a child I was very interested in water and seeing how it flowed and could move things with the force of water. I was steered into the engineering track by my high school guidance counselor. Once I began studying engineering in college, I found that I was most interested in forces. UTK’s Statics class is when the lightbulb went off that I wanted to study structures and construction.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN KNOXVILLE? WHY?
The Concord area of Fort Loudon Lake. My happy place is being out on the water with my family and friends. I love boating activities, looking at the large houses, and hanging out in a cove enjoying the water and sun.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK OR MOVIE?
My favorite book series is Harry Potter and movie series is Lord of the Rings.

IF YOU COULD HAVE LUNCH WITH ANY ONE PERSON, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
My deceased grandfather, Theophilus James Emison. I owe so much gratitude and admiration to my Pops. He was a wonderful man that I would love to spend time with as an adult.

WHAT’S ON YOUR “BUCKET LIST?”
It’s a long list. My wife and I have plans to travel to many places once our kids get older. Italy, New Zealand, and a return trip to Hawaii are all on the list. We also have more local aspirations like the Tuckaleechee Caverns and The Lost Sea.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?
Boating, real estate improvement projects, going to UT Football games, downhill snow skiing, lazy pool activities, and watching my kids grow up with my wife!

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?
Raising a well-balanced family, being intentionally kind, and contributing in a meaningful way to our built environment.

IF YOU COULD ONLY EAT ONE MEAL FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I’m not particularly excited by this concept but given only one selection I would choose… pizza.

WHAT THREE WORDS BEST DESCRIBE YOU?
Honest, Curious, and Dedicated.