The American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts (ACEC/MA) named Christina Jones, a project engineer with Tighe & Bond, the recipient of the 2014 ACEC/MA Young Professional of the Year Award. The recognition took place during ACEC/MA's Engineering Excellence and Awards Gala on March 18 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge.
Each year this competitive award recognizes the accomplishments ofone engineer, 30 years or younger, based on their work and its societal impact.
Jones, who is a licensed engineer in Massachusetts, was recognized for achieving significant successes within just five years of launching her civil and environmental engineering career. For the City of Chicopee she provided construction administration and observation, research and analysis for the first paving project in Massachusetts to implement cutting edge intelligent compaction technology. The result was a more streamlined, cost efficient paving process, and better quality pavement that is slated to have a longer life.
Jones is also developing an Integrated Management Plan for Chicopee, which will include working with regulators to advance green infrastructure as an alternative approach to separating combined sewer overflows. In addition, she is developing a unidirectional flushing plan for cleaning water distribution pipes that will improve water quality and pressure throughout Chicopee.
For two of Connecticut's major water suppliers, Jones has developed hydraulic models of critical water reservoirs to assess the impact of new fish habitat friendly streamflow regulations on reservoir management. This research enabled her to assist with reservoir management decisions.
Jones earned her bachelor of science in civil engineering and environmental engineering, as well as her master of science in environmental engineering, from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Her professional affiliations include: the American Water Works Association, the New England Water Works Association (where she is a programs committee member), and Engineers without Borders.