Thomas Gruen
Senior Engineer, EMI Uganda
Joined EMI April 2018Professional Training & Experience
- EMI Intern, Colorado Springs, 2011
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University - 2011
- Master of Science in Civil Engineering (Structural), University of Houston - 2016
- Licensed Professional Engineer (Texas), Civil/Structural , 2016 - Present
- Registed Engineer (Civil), Uganda, 2024
During the last summer of University, Tom worked as an intern with EMI in the Colorado Springs office and went away hoping one day he would be back at EMI. After graduating from university, Tom went on to work as a civil engineer in land development where he learned professional design practices. Eventually he went on to attend graduate school part time in structural engineering and obtained his PE license. After graduate school, he switched fields to structural engineering and worked in that role as a structural design engineer on various types of projects. Tom has a passion for developing infrastructure and spaces that are restorative and beneficial for ministry and help the kingdom of God to grow. In Uganda, Tom now serves as Senior Engineer and wears many hats, including: civil engineering manager, structural engineer, intern coordinator, design project manager, project trip leader, project development team member, and owner's representative.
Ministry Experience
During college Tom worked with middle school and high school youth several times per week and spent a few summers working at Christian summer camp. After graduating from college, Tom helped lead the youth at his church where his wife, Kelsey, was on staff with the youth program. During that time, Tom was also involved in helping to grow his church's men's ministry, leading home groups, and assisting his wife in various capacities at a ministry for teen moms. Now Tom spends his free time with his family and community and enjoys motorcycling, soccer, and hammocking.
Family
Tom met Kelsey at Texas A&M University in 2007. In 2012, they got married and started life together in Houston. In 2019, they made the move to serve with EMI Uganda. Now, years later, they have 4 boys and a girl, and live and work in Kampala, Uganda.