Faces of Reclamation
Every day, those who work at Reclamation dedicate themselves to bringing water and power to the people of the West. We see their commitment to their work but it can be fascinating to look behind the scenes - to get a glimpse into their achievements and interests. This section of ETA will give you that glimpse and introduce you to some of the faces of Reclamation.
| Teneal Jensen describes herself as “fishaholic” who enjoys casting a line into many of Idaho’s streams and lakes. But when she isn’t on the banks of a river trying to hook a fish, she is the Snake River Area Office’s primary point of contact on Native American affairs. |  |
“I look forward to working with everyone in Idaho, this office radiates positive energy and I am so excited to be a part of the Snake River team,”
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| Perry Hill is someone who keeps a watchful eye on finances in the Pacific Northwest (PN) Region. That is just as important to being a good steward of public resources as ensuring that our water resources are available, clean, and reliable. A veteran of the Air Force and Idaho National Guard, Perry may be one of the newest employees in the PN Finance Division, but he has the dedicated spirit of someone with decades of experience. |  |
“From the standpoint of someone who is new to Reclamation, I can say that I feel positive about a career here. Aside from understanding the technical language associated with the job, I do have the opportunity to explore what Reclamation does in the field.” |
| Leonard Willett’s varied duties include the safe handling of wastewater at Hoover, Davis, and Parker Dams. However, he is now famously known as leading the Lower Colorado Region’s comprehensive efforts to address and manage quagga mussel threats to Lower Colorado Region facilities. |  |
“It has been an honor to be involved in such an important environmental issue relating to controlling invasive species (quagga mussel) on Lake Mead and the Colorado River,” Willett said. “The challenge is to come up with solutions to prevent mussel colonization (blockage) of our facilities in a way that does not adversely effect the environment.” |
| Fred Nibling has been occupied with finding ways to manage invasive species in Reclamation water systems since 1977. During this period, his research interests have focused on the control of such invaders as hydrilla, saltcedar, giant salvinia, waterhyacinth, purple loosestrife, and now quagga and zebra mussels. |  |
“My most rewarding career experiences have been spent working jointly with Reclamation scientists and engineers and our water users in finding solutions to the biological problems which hamper the job of providing a reliable supply of water. I am repeatedly impressed by the professionalism, talents, and accomplishments of these combined segments of our society.” |
| Yuliana E. Porras joined Reclamation’s Technical Service Center in October 2001, as a Chemical Engineer Trainee in the Student Career Experience Program. She then joined Reclamation full time in January 2004, as a Chemical Engineer with the Water Treatment Engineering and Research Group. Yuliana is currently working on reverse osmosis membrane research to produce an improved membrane for water treatment and desalination. |  |
“I enjoy my work with Reclamation, it is great to be working in the area of water treatment and to have the capability to do not only Engineering work but also Research. My experience in this area has helped me become a better Chemical Engineer and I thank my Mentor, Andy Murphy, for I would not have gained that knowledge without his guidance.” Yuliana Porras |
Last updated: Fall/Winter 2008