Dr. Scott M. Peterson admits that he just fell into his profession.

"I was looking for a summer job and was introduced through a roommate's sister’s husband’s dad, who was a professional land surveyor in Utah," he said. "He brought me on, introduced me to the profession. He trained me, he encouraged my education, he grew my interest and love for the profession."

Having worked at Fresno State for almost five years in the Department of Civil and Geomatics Engineering, Peterson holds a master's degree and a doctoral degree in civil engineering (geomatics engineering emphasis) from Purdue University.

He said students who come through the geomatics engineering program at Fresno State graduate with full-time positions already offered to them.

"The demand is high, and I get to help build the quality of the geomatics profession," he said.

Peterson is the previous owner of Oak Hills Surveying in Utah with 12 years of experience in the land surveying profession. He is a professional land surveyor in California and Utah and is a certified federal land surveyor.

Peterson loves to see students' excitement as they glimpse at the bright futures that they have in the geomatics engineering profession through current and upcoming technologies and principles.

"I get goosebumps when I get to see our graduates cross the stage for graduation," he said. "They work so hard and just can’t wait to get out in the industry and begin their careers."

Having the opportunity to teach students ranks highest in Peterson’s priorities, he said, outside of having a family of his own and seeing his kids make good decisions.

To keep up with the industry, Peterson works and consults with Bedrock Engineering.

"I continue my real world practice of the profession so that I can bring current technology/understanding into my teaching," he said.

Peterson is the adviser for several student organizations, such as the National Society of Professional Land Surveyors, the California Land Surveyors Association Student Chapter and student Association of Geomatics Engineers.

"Each year, the students organize and put together a two-day conference for the professional industry," he said. "At this conference — combined with the annual CLSA conference — students are generally awarded between $40,000 and upwards of $70,000 in scholarships/awards. The industry supports our students so much."

Peterson is involved in a research project for CALTRANS with unmanned aerial vehicles, a hot technological tool.

"We use them for mapping purposes," he said. "We can create 2D/3D models from photographic imagery or from other measurement sensors that the UAVs carry."

Peterson's service at the University includes Academic Affairs, recruitment, honors/scholarships and the Student Task Force. He was also involved with the University Committee for Drone Standards for research on campus.

At home, Peterson stays busy remodeling his house, working on old cars, gardening and doing yard work. He also plays the piano.

Married for 16 years to wife Sharae, he has three boys: Bridger, 13, Parker, 10, and Cooper, 7.

They have two cats — Sneakers and Tucker — and a Maltipoo puppy, Evie.