Staff Spotlight: Michael Brown

The state of Utah is growing rapidly . . . I would like to be a part of the roadways that people use daily.

—Michael Brown

A Budding Career in Transportation

Michael is an intern in the Transportation department at FOCUS Engineering & Surveying, and an engineering student at The University of Utah. With a packed schedule, he enjoys playing lawn games, ice hockey, and exploring downtown Salt Lake City with friends in his free time.

Michael is passionate about transportation and its impact on society. He takes pride in making roadways more efficient, which helps reduce traffic and enhance safety. Reflecting on pivotal moments in his career, he recalls working with his team to survey UTA bus stop designs during the peak heat of July. By persevering through the sweltering conditions, they were able to collect high-quality survey data. This led to the creation of a new, ADA-compliant bus stop. Experiences like this highlight Michael’s commitment to making a positive impact through his work.

Inspirations and Professional Growth

Much of Michael’s inspiration comes from his parents and grandfather. When he seeks guidance, his parents serve as trusted confidants. He credits his grandfather with instilling a mindset of helping others. This has been a principle that Michael strives to embody in his interactions with coworkers.

As a proud student and attendee of University of Utah football games, Michael draws motivation from the Rice-Eccles Stadium. He was able to witness its expansion from his own front yard, which brought him direct inspiration. Throughout his academic journey, he has also faced challenges in connecting with professors. He views these experiences as opportunities to grow as a communicator, learning through trial and error. One of his role models is his Civil Engineering professor, whose positive attitude and dedication to student success have greatly inspired him.

Community Involvement

Michael remains actively involved in his community as a teaching assistant for surveying at the University of Utah. He skillfully balances this role with his studies while working towards obtaining his Professional Engineer (PE) license and learning how to design safe, efficient roadways.

A significant milestone in Michael’s career was being hired as an intern at FOCUS. This opportunity marked a rewarding first step outside of academia toward advancing his career. With his ongoing efforts and contributions, it is anticipated that Michael will continue to play a key role in the growth of FOCUS and its transportation initiatives.