Designing the Future: How BETA Engineers are Shaping Tomorrow

Paige Begin, PE
Traffic Engineer

Anthony Carraggi
Water/Wastewater Engineering Designer

Andrew McGrath, EIT
Transportation Engineering Designer

Mary Nguyen
Structural Engineering Designer

Aarsha Sajeev Kudiyil, EIT
Transportation Engineer

For many engineers, their journey begins with a passion for problem-solving, creativity, and a drive to make a difference. Paige Begin, a traffic engineer, knew from a young age that she was drawn to math and science. Inspired by role models in the field, she took an exploratory course in high school that helped her discover civil engineering. Deciding on a specific discipline was harder. “As soon as I became involved in traffic-related tasks, I knew that was the discipline I was looking for,” she says. Similarly, Andrew McGrath, a transportation engineering designer, was guided toward engineering through conversations with an academic advisor. While initially interested in structural engineering, he ultimately found his passion for transportation during his time in college.

The inspiration to become an engineer started even earlier for some. Mary Nguyen, a structural engineering designer, recalls how she loved building small houses out of popsicle sticks and fixing things around her home as a child. With her mother’s encouragement, her curiosity for creating and problem-solving turned into a structural engineering career. Anthony Carraggi, a water/wastewater engineering designer, found his passion through nature. He credits family road trips to national parks for fueling his desire to work in environmental engineering. He wanted to pursue a profession that aligned with his love for the outdoors while tackling real-world challenges like stormwater management and flooding solutions.

At BETA, our engineers don’t just work on projects—they contribute to real-world solutions that have a tangible impact on our local communities. Aarsha Sajeev Kudiyil, a transportation engineer, recently worked on a project installing Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) throughout Connecticut to enhance pedestrian visibility and driver yielding. “I’m proud to be doing work that has a direct impact on the community,” she says. Anthony has been busy working with municipalities on stormwater management. He recently completed a flood study for Needham, Massachusetts to help address persistent flooding issues throughout the town.

As engineering continues to evolve, so do the career paths of young professionals. Technological advancements, new industry standards, and changing climate patterns are shaping the future of the industry. Anthony hopes to specialize further in stormwater solutions. He sees his career evolving to focus on improving hydrology and stormwater systems to address a rise in flooding issues. From a traffic engineering standpoint, Paige is most excited about innovative technologies. “It makes me hopeful that, with these advancements, there will be some great new methods that will improve the safety and well-being of roadway users of all types,” she shares.

For students and young professionals just starting their engineering journeys, the advice from our team is invaluable. Mary encourages aspiring engineers to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. “It is an important step to grow into a better version of yourself.” Aarsha emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamentals and never hesitating to ask questions. Andrew echoes this sentiment, saying “It is much better to get advice on how to solve your problem from someone who has experienced it before than to struggle through it.”

With a diverse team spanning multiple disciplines, BETA provides a nurturing and collaborative environment where young engineers can thrive, grow, and truly design their futures. Whether improving roadway safety, enhancing water infrastructure, or developing environmental solutions, the engineers at BETA are improving our communities together. Many thanks to the wonderful engineers who sat down to share their thoughts with us, and Happy Engineers Week!