Changing the world with technology

Dr. Rena Chen is a senior professional engineer with the Department of Water and Sewer (WASD). She is a believer in the power of engineers to solve key problems and improve work efficiencies through a combination of engineering principles and the intelligent use of technology. This describes her power to thrive and make a difference in the world.

Her leadership skills also empower her team. Alex Retamar, an engineer 3, acknowledged her many professional accomplishments and shared that Dr. Chen leads by example, impacting the lives of everyone around her.

“It has been an honor and a rewarding learning experience to be working under Ms. Chen's leadership for many years,” Retamar said. “She inspires me and our team every day.”

Dr. Chen’s impact on our community is evident in the array of projects she is involved with and how these projects stay on track and on budget.

“We are changing the world with technology,” Dr. Chen said.

Dr. Chen likes to build computer apps that help staff work more efficiently. PM Notebook is a popular engineering web app that Dr. Chen has developed. It is a tool that allows project managers to input project status updates and obtain real-time project reports. By her exceptional computer skills, Dr. Chen has helped provide immediate support for expediting WASD emergency project initiation requests and funding requests in various computer systems.

Working with WASD for more than 20 years, Dr. Chen has been in charge of the utility pipeline engineering project team managing design consultants with a capital budget of over 100 million dollars during the last five years. She works closely with Florida Department of Transportation and the City of Miami on Joint Participation Agreement projects and as well as our Department of Transportation and Public Works on Interdepartmental Memorandum of Agreement for joint utility and roadway improvement projects.

Dr. Chen has two children who graduated from the University of Florida. While she enjoys kayaking and biking in her spare time, she says her passion is helping WASD be more efficient and effective.

“I so much enjoy creating positive change and using what I know to support my team and our organization,” Dr. Chen said.