Cameron Thompson: Finding Balance Through Movement and Design

We’re an interconnected nationwide team, but we each have our own reasons for being passionate about the work we do. This month, get to know Cameron Thompson, engineering associate in our Bend office.

What’s your background, and how did you end up at Kittelson?

I went to the University of Portland for my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. While at UP, I took the transportation engineering course, which ended up being one of my favorites. That led me to continue into the traffic engineering course, which I thought was even better. My first introduction to Kittelson came through that traffic engineering course, which was taught by Kittelson employees. It was a great opportunity to learn from people working directly in the industry. For my senior-year capstone project, I was on a team advised by Kittelson staff, where we worked on a traffic analysis and concept design project. Both of these connections to Kittelson through UP courses led me to talk with a couple of the capstone advisors and apply.

Outside of work, I enjoy running, biking, and hiking in the mountains around Bend. My list of places to explore is always growing. I also like fixing up old bicycles. I’m still learning a lot about how to work on them, and it’s a slow process, but I always love the test ride after finishing one.

What projects have you found most interesting to work on?

I’ve found projects that move from operations analysis through design to be the most interesting. I enjoy figuring out what type of intersection control or lane configuration could work and then designing it with the background knowledge of why we’re designing it that way.

I also find quick-build design projects especially rewarding. Having something that can be built relatively cheaply and quickly, but still have a large impact on the safety of a corridor or intersection, has been really fulfilling. Having only been working for a little over three years, quick-build projects are some of the few design projects I’ve been part of that have already been built.

How has your athletic background shaped your career?

My athletic background helped improve my time management skills, especially during college. Managing practice, coursework, social life, and sleep meant I had to develop processes that worked for me and allowed me to complete everything I needed to. Because of that, I understand what helps me complete work well and efficiently.

The biggest lesson from running track and cross country that I bring into my work is consistency. In running, it’s not the occasional big workout that leads to improvement—it’s putting in the work every day. I try to bring that same mindset into my work by producing consistently good work across all my projects. While it may not be as noticeable as a single impressive workout or a major project, it’s the consistency of doing good work every day that creates the best results.

What do you think is the most exciting development in the transportation industry right now?

The increased focus on safety is exciting to me. Whether it’s safety-focused projects and plans, new design standards, or innovative products that can be implemented to improve safety, they’re all helping move us toward safer roads.

What advice would you give to students or interns who are considering a career in transportation?

Try to get as much exposure to the transportation engineering field as possible. There are a lot of interesting areas you could work in, and learning more about them can help you figure out whether transportation engineering is where you want to build your career. This exposure can come through classes, internships, capstone projects, or simply talking to people in the industry.

Fast Lane Facts:

If you weren’t in the transportation engineering field, what would you be?

Architect

Favorite thing to listen to while running, biking, or hiking?

I don’t listen to anything while running, biking, or hiking

Guilty pleasure snack?

Peanut Butter M&Ms

One piece of technology you can’t live without (besides your cell phone)?

Toaster oven