Our Team
We prioritize building real relationships in order to deliver on time, on budget and beyond expectation. That goes for our team and our clients.
Blake Mendrop
President / Founder
Miranda Nichols
Senior Project Manager
Charlie Little
Senior Hydraulic Engineer
Jonathan Buckley
Project Engineer
Jordan Ainsworth
Betty Lynn Atkinson
Controller
Chris Black
GIS Analyst
Troy McCullough
Land Surveyor/GIS Analyst
Joseph Jones
Survey Technician
Clark Jackson
Survey Technician
Taylor Harrigill
Survey Technician
Slater Thompson
Survey Crew
Matt Bates
Survey Crew
Moses Chen
Hydraulics Department Graduate Engineer
Clara Wimberly
Graduate Engineer
Andrew Stewart
Engineer Intern
Peyton Barnes
Engineer Intern
Connor Malouf
Engineer Intern
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Blake Mendrop
President / Founder
Blake is the founder and President of Mendrop Engineering Resources, with over 30 years of experience in civil engineering, surveying, and project management. A licensed Professional Engineer in five states and a Professional Land Surveyor in Mississippi, Blake leads with both technical expertise and strategic vision. Blake’s areas of practice include river engineering, municipal and private development, economic development, and surveying. He remains deeply involved in technical design and project execution. His early career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided a strong foundation in federal and large-scale infrastructure work. Since founding the firm in 2001, Blake has remained hands-on in complex design work while also cultivating long-term client relationships, mentoring young professionals, and championing technology in the AEC and surveying industries.
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Miranda Nichols
Senior Project Manager
Miranda Nichols was introduced to civil engineering through her dad, a land surveyor who encouraged her to pursue a path that was both practical and dependable. It was a career where she could build something meaningful and understand how things work.
While working toward her degree, Miranda was also raising her daughter. That experience continues to shape how she approaches her work today, keeping her focused, grounded, and mindful of what matters most.
At Mendrop, Miranda leads transportation projects and manages multiple MDOT contracts. She enjoys staying hands-on while also supporting the broader success of each project.
One of the most rewarding parts of her work is seeing projects come to life. Being able to drive down a road and know she played a role in bringing it together.
Miranda is also committed to mentoring younger engineers, helping them grow in their careers and build confidence in their work. She takes the time to know her team beyond their roles, understanding what matters to them both in and outside of work. Her daughter even calls Mendrop’s founder “Papa Blake,” reflecting the kind of culture she values and helps build.
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Charlie Little
Senior Hydraulic Engineer
Charlie Little built his career in hydraulic engineering over more than four decades, with much of that time spent with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His interest in the field began at Mississippi State, where a professor sparked his curiosity in hydraulics and hydrology, setting the direction for the work he would pursue throughout his career.
During his time with the Corps, Charlie worked alongside respected engineers and researchers, gaining experience in river engineering, hydraulic modeling, and stream analysis. That foundation continues to shape the work he does today.
At Mendrop, Charlie focuses on hydraulic modeling and river-related studies, supporting projects involving bridge design, scour analysis, and stream stability. He is most drawn to the technical side of the work, where he can stay focused on modeling and problem-solving rather than project management.
Charlie joined Mendrop after retiring from the Corps, following a long-standing professional relationship with the firm’s founder. He values the flexibility of his role and the opportunity to continue doing work he enjoys while contributing his experience to the team.
He enjoys the work itself, the people he works with, and the relationships built with agencies and partners over time. For Charlie, continuing to work is a choice, and one he makes because he still finds it rewarding.
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Jonathan Buckley
Project Engineer
Jonathan Buckley works as a civil engineer at Mendrop, focusing on site civil design and sewer infrastructure projects for both public and private clients.
His path into engineering began in construction, where he developed an interest in building and working outdoors. That experience led him to pursue civil engineering, allowing him to stay connected to the field while taking on a broader role in project design and development.
Jonathan enjoys seeing projects come together and improve the communities they serve. Whether it is a new development or public space, he values being able to step back and see how the work impacts people’s day-to-day lives.
He approaches his work with a long-term mindset, understanding that meaningful results take consistency and follow-through. For him, success comes from showing up, staying committed, and seeing projects through from start to finish.
Jonathan has been with Mendrop for nearly five years and values the opportunity the firm provides for growth and career development. He appreciates being in an environment where motivated individuals can continue to build their experience and take on new challenges.
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Jordan Ainsworth
Jordan Ainsworth came into engineering knowing he wanted to be in the field, even if the exact path took a few turns along the way. He originally studied geological engineering, drawn to both engineering and earth sciences, before transitioning into civil engineering after college.
That shift led him into civil site design and land development, where he found a strong fit for his skills and interests. He enjoys the problem-solving side of the work, particularly evaluating how a site will function and making design decisions based on environmental conditions and overall feasibility.
At Mendrop, Jordan works on land development projects, supporting civil design and site planning. He is especially drawn to the detailed design phase, where collaboration and problem-solving play a key role in moving projects forward.
Jordan recently joined Mendrop and was drawn to the firm’s flexible structure and hands-on environment. He values the opportunity to take ownership of his work while contributing to a team focused on producing high-quality results and building strong client relationships.
He approaches his work with a focus on continuous improvement, viewing each day as an opportunity to grow and build on the work from the day before.
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Betty Lynn Atkinson
Controller
Betty Lynn Atkinson has been with Mendrop for more than 20 years, supporting the firm’s financial operations and the financial side of projects from initial setup through final closeout.
As Controller, she oversees billing, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and financial reporting, helping ensure accuracy and consistency across the firm’s day-to-day operations.
Her background in public accounting and construction has shaped her approach, giving her a strong understanding of the pace and complexity of the industry.
She values the fact that no two projects are the same and enjoys being part of work that is constantly evolving.
Over the years, she has built a deep understanding of both the financial and operational sides of the business, supporting the team through day-to-day needs while contributing to the overall stability of the firm.
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Chris Black
GIS Analyst
Chris Black brings more than 20 years of experience in geospatial mapping and data management, with a background that includes GIS analysis, infrastructure support, and mapping for public and private clients.
He began his career along the Gulf Coast and spent much of his time working in larger, corporate environments before making the move to Mendrop. After first connecting with the firm years earlier, the timing was not right. When the opportunity came back around, it was a natural fit.
At Mendrop, Chris works as a GIS Analyst, supporting projects through mapping and data management. His work can range from quick-turn maps to more complex efforts that take weeks to complete, depending on the needs of each project.
He values the variety in his work and the opportunity to contribute to different types of projects. After spending several years in a role where the work became repetitive, he appreciates being part of a team where each project brings something new.
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Troy McCullough
Land Surveyor/GIS Analyst
Troy McCullough leads Mendrop’s survey team, coordinating field crews, managing workflows, and supporting the transition from field data to final deliverables. His role spans the full process, from organizing crews in the field to reviewing and coordinating data for drafting and engineering.
Troy got his start in surveying early, working as a summer intern while still in high school. What began as a job quickly turned into a career, and he has been in the field ever since.
He enjoys the technical side of surveying, particularly working on property boundaries and exhibits, where attention to detail and experience play a key role.
Before joining Mendrop, Troy spent several years traveling extensively for work. He ultimately chose to make a change that allowed him to be closer to home and build a more stable foundation for his family. He has now been with Mendrop for over a decade and values the balance the role provides.
Troy approaches his work with a strong sense of responsibility, focusing on getting projects completed accurately and keeping teams moving forward. He is known for his consistency, work ethic, and commitment to doing things the right way.
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Joseph Jones
Survey Technician
Joseph Jones found his way into surveying through hands-on experience. While he initially planned to pursue nursing, he began working with Mendrop during summers and winter breaks and quickly developed an interest in the work.
Over time, he saw how field data was brought into the office and turned into finished plans, which ultimately led him to pursue a full-time role with the team.
At Mendrop, Joseph supports both field and office efforts, with a focus on survey drafting and plan production. He plays a key role in taking field-collected data and translating it into clear, accurate deliverables for clients.
He enjoys the balance between field and office work, recognizing the value in both sides of the process. Whether collecting data or drafting plans, he focuses on making sure information is captured clearly and delivered on time.
Joseph values the close-knit environment at Mendrop, where he can work directly with leadership and teammates. He appreciates the accessibility, flexibility, and strong sense of trust that comes with a smaller team.
He is proud of how much he has grown in a short time, transitioning from field work into drafting and continuing to build his skills across the full survey process.
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Clark Jackson
Survey Technician
Clark Jackson built his career in LiDAR-based surveying, starting as a mobile LiDAR operator before moving into data extraction and processing. Over time, he has developed a strong foundation in working with spatial data and understanding how it translates into real-world applications.
At Mendrop, Clark focuses on processing and managing LiDAR data to support infrastructure and land development projects. His work includes generating surfaces, extracting features, and working with large datasets to produce accurate models used in design and analysis.
He enjoys the technical side of the work, particularly taking real-world environments and translating them into detailed, three-dimensional models through drafting and data processing.
Clark was drawn to Mendrop for its smaller team environment and values the culture and people he works alongside. After working with a larger, multi-state firm, he appreciates the difference a close-knit team can make in day-to-day work.
Outside of work, Clark stays busy with his family. He enjoys spending time with his son, traveling, and getting outdoors whenever he can.
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Taylor Harrigill
Survey Technician
Taylor Harrigill found his way into surveying through an interest in drone technology. After working with drones prior to joining Mendrop, he saw an opportunity to apply that experience in a new way and transitioned into a role that combines both fieldwork and data processing.
He earned his degree in Environmental Geoscience from Mississippi State University, where surveying was part of his coursework and provided a natural path into the field.
At Mendrop, Taylor supports survey and LiDAR-based projects, including collecting data in the field and processing it into usable models for design and plan development. His work includes piloting drones, processing LiDAR data, and contributing to transportation and infrastructure projects.
He enjoys the hands-on nature of flying drones and seeing how a single flight can generate detailed data that supports an entire project. While much of the work happens behind the scenes, he understands the importance of both the field and office side of the process.
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Slater Thompson
Survey Crew
Slater Thompson works as part of Mendrop’s survey team, supporting field operations across a range of projects. He got his start in surveying at 18 and has been in the field ever since.
He enjoys working outdoors and staying active, preferring the field over a desk. After 15 years with another company, he joined Mendrop and values the smaller team and the people he works with.
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Matt Bates
Survey Crew
Matt Bates is part of Mendrop’s survey team and brings a background in construction and environmental work. He joined the firm with no prior surveying experience and has since built his skills in the field.
He enjoys the simplicity of the work, being outdoors, and taking on new challenges across different projects. He also supports LiDAR and drone work as part of the team.
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Moses Chen
Hydraulics Department Graduate Engineer
Moses Chen found his way into engineering while looking for a path that would allow him to support himself and continue his education. After earning his degree in mathematics, he was introduced to environmental engineering through a professor, which led him to pursue his master’s degree and begin working in the field.
At Mendrop, Moses supports the Hydrology and Hydraulics team, assisting with model development, technical analysis, and drafting tasks for transportation and infrastructure projects.
He is particularly interested in hydraulic modeling, where he can build models, test different scenarios, and evaluate how systems perform over time. He enjoys being able to work through problems and see how different inputs affect the outcome.
Moses is motivated by the opportunity to learn something new each day. He values the challenge of the work and the ability to continue building his skills while gaining experience across different types of projects.
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Clara Wimberly
Graduate Engineer
Clara Wimberley pursued civil engineering for its variety and the opportunity to work on different types of projects.
She studied civil engineering at Mississippi State University, where she developed an interest in both technical design and environmental considerations.
At Mendrop, Clara supports transportation projects, working on roadway design and plan development. Her work includes traffic control plans, pavement markings, and typical sections, where attention to detail is important.
She enjoys the detail-oriented aspects of her work, particularly traffic control planning, and is focused on continuing to learn and build her experience.
Clara was introduced to Mendrop through a friend and values being part of a team where she can ask questions, learn, and grow.
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Andrew Stewart
Engineer Intern
Andrew Stewart grew up in central Mississippi and was introduced to engineering early on through his dad, who is also a civil engineer. It was a natural path, even if it took a small detour to get there.
He initially pursued electrical engineering before realizing his interests were better suited to civil. He made the switch and found his place in water resources, drawn to the variety of challenges and the practical nature of the work.
At Mendrop, Andrew works on the hydraulics team, supporting hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for projects across Mississippi. His work includes gathering field data, building models, and helping translate that information into design decisions.
He enjoys being out in the field and working through how all the pieces come together. Each project brings something different, which is what keeps the work engaging.
Andrew was drawn to Mendrop for the balance that comes with a smaller firm. He values learning from experienced engineers while also having the opportunity to take ownership of his work and continue building his skills.
For Andrew, it comes down to doing the work the right way and taking the time to understand each project.
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Peyton Barnes
Engineer Intern
Peyton Barnes was drawn to engineering through a desire to be outside and involved in the work. He initially started in mechanical engineering before shifting to civil, where he found a better fit in work that connects the field and construction.
His path into the industry began with an internship at Mendrop, where he joined the survey crew and gained experience across multiple areas of the business. That foundation grew into a role that now spans surveying, site design, and hydrologic and hydraulic work.
At Mendrop, Peyton works across a wide range of projects, often taking them from initial coordination through fieldwork and into design. He values being able to see projects move from start to finish and enjoys the pace that comes with that.
One of the parts of his work he enjoys most is bathymetric surveying, where he collects and processes underwater data for bridges, culverts, and other structures. Being able to gather data in the field and carry it through into design is especially rewarding.
Peyton is motivated by progress and the ability to see tangible results from his work. He focuses on keeping projects moving and delivering work that is accurate and reliable.
He was drawn to Mendrop’s smaller firm environment, where projects move quickly and each team member has the opportunity to take ownership of their work.
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Connor Malouf
Engineer Intern
Connor Malouf was drawn to engineering early on through a natural interest in building and problem-solving. From a young age, he enjoyed working with his hands, from building with Legos to putting together projects in the backyard.
That interest carried into college, where he pursued a degree in civil engineering at the University of Mississippi. During that time, he interned with Mendrop as part of the survey team, gaining field experience that helped shape his understanding of the work and the industry.
At Mendrop, Connor works across both transportation and site development projects, supporting drafting, design, and plan production. His role has grown to include a range of responsibilities across project work and team support.
He enjoys the design side of the work, where he can take a project from concept to completion and see it come together. Staying focused, meeting deadlines, and contributing to projects that move efficiently from start to finish are key parts of how he approaches his work.
Connor was drawn to Mendrop’s smaller firm environment, where team members work across multiple areas and support one another. He values the familiarity that comes with a close-knit team and the opportunity to continue growing within that environment.