Corey Dunn

Civil Engineer and Regional Environmental Officer

As an engineer in the Austin Regional Office, Corey Dunn has worked on all types of construction projects throughout her career, from roads and bridges, water/wastewater treatment plants, new buildings, renovation of historic structures, robotics training labs, and everything in between.

“All of our projects have a unique set of challenges and opportunities for learning and growing as an engineer,” Dunn said. “Typically, engineers narrow in and focus on a specialty, but I really enjoy that at EDA we do a little bit of everything and experience all types of construction. I’ve learned so much by having such a broad project portfolio.”

Dunn’s role is to review and analyze projects from an engineering and environmental perspective during the application stage and then manage the construction grants once they have been awarded. Because of the varied nature of EDA grants, sometimes interesting scenarios develop.

“For example, one of our projects involves mitigation measures with an endangered species of toad and I’ve learned way more than I ever thought I would about amphibians. It keeps it interesting to manage the different projects and their unique circumstances. I certainly wasn’t expecting this type of work when I was getting my engineering degree and it’s been so fun to stretch my legs and learn. I’ve certainly gained construction experience that I don’t think would be possible in any other position,” Dunn said.

Dunn came to EDA in 2015 from the Federal Highway Administration. As one of six engineers in the regional office, she primarily works as the engineer and environmental officer on projects in Louisiana and East Texas.

“During the last two years, our team has been working at a breakneck speed and capacity when it comes to construction projects, both in the number of projects and the increasing complexities and budget sizes,” Dunn said. “It’s been an unprecedented workload.”

Dunn’s love of learning and curious personality drive her in her professional life and also in her personal life. She enjoys reading and traveling, always excited to learn about the new places she visits, and she plans to do more of that in the future.

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