Math Does Count

2016 SLCC Distinguished Alumni

Marisa Dawn Egbert discovered her love for civil engineering during a pre-engineering class at Salt Lake Community College, where she attended with an athletics scholarship and played on the women’s basketball team. Her focus at SLCC was on STEM-related (science, technology, engineering and math) courses. She transferred to Utah State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering.

In 2000, Egbert became state coordinator for MATHCOUNTS in Utah and continues to lead the program, which annually benefits about 500 middle school students and more than 60 participating schools statewide. Over 5,000 Utah students have participated in MATHCOUNTS, a national nonprofit foundation that strives to engage students of all ability and interest levels in fun, challenging math programs to expand their academic and professional opportunities.

Over the past decade, her relationship with SLCC has come full circle through her work with MATHCOUNTS as dozens of SLCC students, faculty and staff have volunteered to help her run MATHCOUNTS competitions every February and March on the SLCC Taylorsville Redwood Campus.

“I am grateful for my STEM education at SLCC,” Egbert says. “I had no trouble transitioning seamlessly to Utah State with my SLCC education. I found a quality STEM education at SLCC, where I love bringing MATHCOUNTS every year. I’m proud that I got my start at SLCC, and I want young students participating in MATHCOUNTS and who are interested in STEM subjects to be excited about what SLCC has to offer in those areas.”

Egbert is a registered professional engineer in Utah and has worked for the Utah State Division of Water Resources for the past 11 years. Prior to working for the state, Egbert worked in the geotechnical engineering field in Florida for several years.

She is a project manager in the Division’s Development Branch. The Branch provides financial assistance for water-related projects throughout Utah. She also leads the Bear River Development Feasibility Study, planning for the future water needs of Utah. Egbert has served on the Executive Committee of the Utah Section of the American Water Resources Association for the past 10 years, including the past eight as secretary/treasurer.