Paula Boyle, Environmental Engineer, and Longtime Resident of Her Hometown
1. What drew you to Hoyle, Tanner?
I had co-op’d (cooperative) at several engineering firms in the Boston area but wanted to try a new firm when I graduated from Merrimack College in 1987. The co-op office suggested Hoyle, Tanner and so I interviewed and liked the idea of being a part of the newly forming Environmental Group in our then Burlington MA office.
2. What’s something invaluable you’ve learned here?
Fully understand the client’s objectives, concerns, and budget constraints before starting a project.
3. What’s your favorite time of year to work at Hoyle, Tanner?
Springtime – new beginning after New England winters and outdoor projects get underway.
4. What’s the coolest thing you are working on?
Developing an Industrial Pretreatment Program for a Vermont community that doesn’t currently have one.
5. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you so far this week?
My husband has been making our favorite cup of coffee in the morning!
6. How many different states have you lived in?
Just 1 – Massachusetts.
7. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
Pasta with (homemade sauce, of course ) bread, salad and tiramisu for dessert.
8. What kind of pet do you have and how did you choose to name it?
We had goldfish when the girls were young and they named them blackie and goldie.
9. What is a fun or interesting fact about your hometown?
I grew up in Reading MA in a large family ( I am one of six girls! no brothers) and now live there with my husband Tom and two daughters. Reading is 12 miles north of Boston and best known for its easy access to trains & major highways. Reading is a family-friendly community and is known for our excellent school system.
10. What are three things still left on your bucket list?
1. To visit each of my grandparent’s farm and relatives in Ireland
2. Travel to Italy & Spain
3. Watch our girls graduate from college
11. Name three items you’d take with you to a desert island
My family, food, and a good book
12. What characteristic do you admire most in others?
Honesty, compassion, intelligence, and artistic and athletic ability
13. How old is the oldest item in your closet?
I’m afraid to say, very old – My high school prom dress (I thought my daughters would want to wear – HA!)
14. Words to live by? Favorite quote?
“Do to others what you would have them do to you”
15. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A Landscape architect, then I had a high school mechanical drawing teacher who encouraged me to study Civil Engineering, so I did – and the rest is history.
16. If you were to skydive from an airplane what would you think about on the way down?
I hope I make land!
