Environmental Engineer Fall 2012 - 10

Robert C. Marini, P.E., BCEE

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by Christopher Sudol

Bob Marini is a man who was on the front lines of this field throughout his distinguished and remarkable career with CDM Smith, the globally renowned full-service engineering consulting and operations firm headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. CDM Smith, a company that now boasts more than 5,000 professional employees worldwide, was able to grow to that size and status through the efforts and dedication of talented individuals like Bob, who was among a staff of only 18 at the very beginning. Talent and expertise, however, are not the only attributes that set Bob Marini apart from the crowd of professionals in his field. Peers and colleagues alike agree that it is Bob’s “people skills” and positive attitude that have given him the edge all of his life. “I love to deal with people. The interaction with others is just as important as the work,” says Bob when asked what he feels was a key to his success. This fact becomes clearly evident when you experience how in the matter of an hour or so, he can take you from being complete strangers to engaging in a friendly conversation as if you’ve known him for years.

Developing the Environmental Engineer
All four of Bob’s grandparents, and his dad, immigrated to the United States from Italy around the turn of the century. The family settled in Quincy, Massachusetts, where Bob was born in 1931. He is the youngest of three sons, and was educated through the Quincy Public School System. Bob learned early on about self-sufficiency, service, and work ethics, having earned his Eagle Scout badge in 1945. After graduating from Quincy High School, he entered Northeastern University’s Civil Engineering program. This is where Bob experienced first-hand the Cooperative Education process and became a staunch supporter. Before earning his B.S. with honors in Civil Engineering from Northeastern, though, Bob met a professor there whom he credits with shaping his future. He reflected, “Professor Charles Baird sparked my interest in the environmental aspects of our profession, and encouraged me to pursue my Master’s Degree in Sanitary Engineering.” Bob earned that Master’s
V 48, N 4 | Fall 2012

Long before the 1970’s and 80’s gave rise to the popularity of environmental awareness, there were pioneers in the field of engineering who were already laying the foundation and writing the first chapters on how to interact with our natural surroundings.
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Environmental Engineer: News, Current Events & Careers

Environmental Engineer Fall 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Environmental Engineer Fall 2012