UNIONDALE, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Marquis Who's Who honors Leif Prentice Erickson, SE, for his exceptional leadership in zoo and aquarium engineering. As the managing principal of Equilibrium Engineers LLC, Mr. Erickson is recognized for his innovative approach to solving engineering challenges, particularly those related to large animals and sustainable design. Under his leadership, his firm has become a leader in designing infrastructure for zoos and aquariums.

About Leif Prentice Erickson

Mr. Erickson assumed the role of managing principal of Equilibrium Engineers in 2023, following his acquisition of the company. He joined the firm in 2021, and his leadership has been key to expanding its services. Among Equilibrium Engineers' areas of expertise, designing sustainable facilities for zoos and aquariums stands out as a core specialty. His team is developing innovative solutions for animal habitats, particularly for large species such as elephants and polar bears, making them a trusted partner in this niche field.

Mr. Erickson's career in structural engineering began with his education at Portland State University. He earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 2013, followed by a Master of Engineering in structural engineering in 2020. His academic training provided the foundation for his career, equipping him with the skills necessary to tackle the complex challenges of designing zoo and aquarium spaces. He is a licensed professional engineer in 13 states, including Oregon, California and Washington, with a structural engineering license in six of those states, and holds additional certifications, including one for post-earthquake building safety evaluation.

Before joining Equilibrium Engineers, Mr. Erickson worked with several top engineering firms. He started as an intern at ZCS Engineering, working with the company from 2011 to 2013. Afterward, he worked at KPFF Consulting Engineers as a structural design engineer from 2015 to 2017. He returned to ZCS Engineering in 2017 as a senior project manager, where he worked on large-scale projects until 2021. His time at these firms helped him develop strong skills in structural design, project management and client relations.

In his current role, Mr. Erickson oversees all aspects of Equilibrium Engineers. This includes managing client interactions, running day-to-day operations and handling financial matters. His expertise in zoo and aquarium engineering has helped the company become a leader in the industry, particularly for projects that require specialized knowledge of animal habitats. He also emphasizes sustainable practices that align with the goals of many zoos.

Mr. Erickson is currently a volunteer SCUBA diver with the Oregon Zoo, where he works with other volunteer divers to help zookeepers maintain the cleanliness of the aquatic exhibits. He is also in the process of forming a multidisciplinary committee with the American Society of Civil Engineers to develop a structural engineering loading guide to standardize animal loading in zoos, aquariums, and other animal-related facilities. This committee will bring together structural engineers, zookeepers, research staff, and exhibit designers to develop a comprehensive guide to help ensure the safety of the animals and the public, efficiency in design, and help these facilities focus on the conservation of said animals. Through this, he is working with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to ensure the load testing meets AZA standards for ethics and safety, in addition to gathering load data behind typical animal behaviors.

Staying Active in Zoo and Aquarium Engineering

Mr. Erickson stays active in the professional community. He is a member of the Structural Engineering Association of Oregon and the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations. These memberships keep him informed about the latest industry trends. Mr. Erickson also mentors young engineers through ACE Mentor Portland, helping to guide the next generation of professionals in the field.

Looking ahead, Mr. Erickson plans to further expand Equilibrium Engineers. He hopes to develop the team to manage larger projects and ensure a smooth transition as senior engineers retire. He is also excited to explore new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency and safety in his projects. Mr. Erickson's goal is to continue leading his firm while inspiring a collaborative and forward-looking environment for future engineers in the zoo and aquarium engineering field.

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SOURCE: Marquis Who's Who