While growing up in Quito, Ecuador, Alessandro Toledo often encountered natural disasters native to that region. He and his family lived in an urban alley amid the Andes, with volcanoes lining either side of his home. When it rained, it caused massive flooding that ultimately affected the infrastructure around his city and led to other issues beyond his control.
“Over time, our own home started to shrink,” Toledo said. “There was so much flooding because the cities were inadequately planned. There were even periods of time when water and power service was intermittent; we could only consume water from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then it was shut off afterwards due to operational issues. Every time I go back to visit, I see the same issues. Hence, these experiences shaped my vocation for working towards water infrastructure.”
These recurring issues back home ultimately inspired Toledo to study civil engineering in the United States in an effort to apply what he’s learned to one day help his community.
When researching universities in the United States, Toledo was drawn to Fresno State for its proximity to water resources, infrastructure opportunities and the booming agriculture in the Central Valley. An international student, he received the Hans and Anna Beck Honors Scholarship and is now a senior majoring in civil engineering. He is completing research on urban water systems and infrastructure and has been involved in professional organizations.
His work in this area recently earned him recognition as the Region 9 Outstanding Civil Engineering Student by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Region 9 represents the state of California and has over 18,000 members.
The award recognizes the outstanding achievements of a student who is actively involved in society and community activities through a university chapter.
Toledo has been a member of the organization since his freshman year in fall 2022. Over the past three years, he served as an officer in the American Society of Civil Engineers, Fresno State student chapter, having just wrapped up his one-year term as president.
“I have attended seven conferences through the American Society of Civil Engineers,” Toledo said. “I’ve had opportunities to present my research in urban water systems at these conferences, and the support I’ve received has been very meaningful. It shows the importance of attending conferences and networking, which really elevates our research and professional development.”
For many students in the Lyles College of Engineering at Fresno State, being active in professional organizations and attending conferences is a significant part of their college experience. Funds from the March 18 Day of Giving will support students in the Lyles College of Engineering with conference fees and travel expenses, research opportunities, internships, club activities and more.
Through Toledo’s research in urban water systems, he examined how infrastructure impacts the way water is supplied, stored, treated and transported in cities and communities. He also explored the development of analytical tools to support drinking water resources planning. His work aims to reduce uncertainty around droughts as water demand rises and cities continue to grow in regions such as the Central Valley.
After graduating in May, Toledo plans to pursue a Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering with a focus on urban water systems. Due to his extensive research and internship experience in the field, he is able to fastrack his master’s degree and go straight into a Ph.D. program.
“Alessandro has pursued excellence in his activities as a student and as a research assistant,” said Dr. Jorge Pesantez, an assistant professor of civil engineering and Toledo’s faculty mentor. “He’s dedicated his undergraduate studies to going beyond his assigned work to explore novel solving methodologies for water resources engineering topics. His work is outstanding.”
Fresno State’s annual 24-hour, online Day of Giving will be Wednesday, March 18. The Lyles College of Engineering relies on private financial support, such as funds raised from the Day of Giving, to support students within each of the six academic areas. For questions about how to support Lyles College of Engineering students, contact Ashley Stiles at ashleystiles@mail.fresnostate.edu or 559.278.3139.
