Steven Locke: Academy of Distinguished Engineers - 2013

President & Chief Operating Officer, SLR International Corporation, Portland, Oregon 

Steve Locke followed in his father’s footsteps when he enrolled in chemical engineering at Oregon State. Ed Locke had received his chemical engineering degree from Oregon State College in 1947.As soon as he graduated, the younger Locke took a job as a process engineer with Chevron USA. In 1987, he made the leap from hands-on industry to environmental consulting with SRH Associates, SECOR International, and currently at the United States branch of SLR International, an international environmental consultancy with offices around the world.“Building a team across North America that competes well in high-growth, international markets, enjoys working together, takes care of friends and family, and serves meaningfully in the community is my biggest contribution to my industry,” says Locke. “Our Oregon scientists and engineers help with everything from non-profit neurotherapeutic pediatric clinics to providing clean water in developing countries.”It was at Oregon State that Locke learned to solve complex problems. “Real life is full of interesting developments which don’t have immediately obvious solutions,” says Locke. “Being taught a process at Oregon State for successfully maneuvering through these problems has been an extremely valuable tool.”