Nick Foster graduated from Portland State University (PSU) in 2014 with a Master's of Science in civil engineering. He is now a Principal Planner at Kittelson & Associates in Boise, ID. The photo on the left shows a project Nick worked on in Boise. On the right, Nick and his daughter are watching the PSU’s women’s basketball team play in the Big Sky basketball tournament.
What do you do in your current role, and what does a typical day look like?
There’s a wide variety of things I get to do in my current role and no two days are the same! On the technical side, I work on a lot of safety and active transportation focused plans and concept designs. Outside of technical work, I have the opportunity to build relationships with clients and colleagues, develop and execute business strategy (including hiring!), mentor staff, and engage in professional organizations and conferences. During any given day, I’ll spend a little over half my time on project work and the rest of my time connecting with colleagues, working on proposals, talking to students interested in getting into the field, and doing all the other things it takes to make a business run!
How did your experience at PSU shape your path into the transportation field?
I worked at Kittelson for six years before coming to PSU. I came to PSU looking to hone my research skills, learn from professors who were leaders in their field, and take some time to explore technical topics I was interested in outside project work. I was able to use the skills and knowledge I gained from my time at PSU to continue on in safety and active transportation research projects, as well as to help the communities I work with advance their capabilities to safely serve all modes of travel.
What advice would you give to current students or recent grads interested in a career in transportation?
It’s an incredibly multidisciplinary field that incorporates topics ranging from psychology to pavement design and geotechnical engineering. Take opportunities to gain exposure to all the different facets of the field as you move through schooling and begin your career. Whatever path you ultimately take in transportation, this foundation will make you a better professional. And don’t ever stop learning from others!
What’s one project or accomplishment you’re especially proud of in your career so far?
Building on some of the knowledge I gained from PSU, I’ve had the opportunity to work with local agencies here in Boise to create better infrastructure for people walking, biking, and driving, including planning for and designing the first raised bike lane through downtown Boise. We tried a lot of new things out in the design, so I was excited to see that it had worked out when I took my then 8-year old on it one day and she immediately lit up as we transitioned from a painted bike lane onto it. Oh, and while I have “planner” in my title, there is one set of constructed signing and striping plans out there that has my name on it!
This is an installment in a Transportation Alumni Highlight series, showcasing Portland State University (PSU) graduates who are making a difference in the world of transportation.
Portland State University's Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) is a multidisciplinary hub for all things transportation. We are home to the Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation (IBPI), the data programs PORTAL and BikePed Portal, the Better Block PSU program, and PSU's membership in PacTrans, the Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium. Our continuing goal is to produce impactful research and tools for transportation decision makers, expand the diversity and capacity of the workforce, and engage students and professionals through education, seminars, and participation in research. To get updates about what's happening at TREC, sign up for our monthly newsletter or follow us on social media.
