ANCHORAGE, AK  Brian Pugatch has been brought on to R&M's Engineering Department as a Staff Engineer. He will be working in R&M's Waterfront Group on port and harbor projects, as well as other infrastructure projects as needed.

"I was drawn to R&M because of their Waterfront Engineering Group," said Pugatch. "I like that I will be able to develop the civil engineering side of my training while still being able to use my ocean engineering degree."

Pugatch is a recent college graduate. During his time in college, he gained experience with project management, technical reports, structural and stability analysis, corrosion control, electrical and mechanical system integration, coastal processes, and design of coastal and offshore structures. Prior to gaining his degree, he spent eight years in the U.S. Air Force working on the flightline as an Avionic Systems Technician. Since joining R&M, Pugatch has been involved with the city of Valdez, Alaska, Municipal Harbor Facilities and Planning Feasibility project where he has been assisting with permitting and coordinating with FEMA for flood map revisions. He has also been involved with the Seward BCS Float Replacement project.

Pugatch has a Bachelor of Science in ocean engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology. He originally discovered Alaska while in the military and met his wife there. He left to attend college, but after graduation he and his wife moved back to Alaska to be closer to family. Pugatch enjoys brewing his own beer and playing volleyball. He spends his time taking advantage of the numerous outdoor activities Alaska has to offer, including biking, fishing and snowboarding.