MESA Impact Story

Ivan Perez-Gonzalez – New Mexico MESA

Lead Civil Engineer
WSP USA

Ivan Perez-Gonzalez, a distinguished civil engineer and community leader, has forged an impactful career rooted in innovation and service. Beginning his journey at Jimmy Carter Middle School and West Mesa High School in New Mexico, Ivan’s involvement in MESA laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors. MESA kick started Ivan’s interest in science and engineering. The MESA competitions made him realize his passion for teamwork and problem solving.

Ivan’s passion for engineering was then further ignited during his undergraduate years, where he participated in groundbreaking research on seismic preparedness under Dr. Claudia Wilson at New Mexico Tech. His work involved developing a method using MATLAB and fuzzy logic to assess the seismic readiness of buildings—a project that earned him recognition at various conferences.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech) in 2016, Ivan distinguished himself as a high-achieving student, graduating with high honors and obtaining his Professional Engineering License in August 2020. His academic journey was marked by accolades, including the Outstanding Senior/Overall award at West Mesa and a second-place finish in the Technical Paper category at the 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Rocky Mountain Region Student Conference.

Currently serving as a Lead Civil Engineer at WSP USA in Albuquerque, Ivan leads the Civil/Roadway group with precision and expertise. His role involves overseeing a diverse array of roadway projects for clients such as the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and Bernalillo County. Ivan’s contributions range from project management to innovative design solutions, reflecting his commitment to excellence in engineering.

Prior to joining WSP, Ivan honed his skills at the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), where he completed the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) program. This rotational program exposed him to diverse facets of transportation engineering, from design and maintenance to construction management, providing invaluable experience for his career.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ivan remains deeply connected to his roots as a first-generation United States citizen with Mexican heritage. He actively engages with organizations like ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) and SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers), leveraging his identity to inspire and mentor future engineers from diverse backgrounds. He emphasizes the importance of design skills and client care relations.

In his personal life, Ivan finds joy in culinary exploration, experimenting with new recipes and sharing his culinary creations with friends and family. His dedication to his profession, combined with his love for cooking, exemplifies Ivan’s multifaceted approach to life—a blend of technical expertise, community leadership, and personal passions.

Learn more about New Mexico MESA