Community Advocates

 
Daniel Bressler, PE, M.ASCE, Junior Structural Engineer, Stratford Engineering 

Why do you think it is important to contribute to ASCE Collaborate and the civil engineering profession as a whole?

ASCE Collaborate is a great platform to share and exchange ideas and have positive discussions. The sharing of ideas and positive discussions is essential for growth and development. By having open forums, new topics and conversations can be had with people of varying background allowing for some interesting insight. By furthering conversation we are helping to further the civil engineering profession.

What advice do you often share with someone early on in their civil engineering career?

Have confidence in yourself. Always be open to new opportunities to grow. Don’t be afraid or nervous to ask for help, ask questions, email someone or have a conversation.

Why did you become a civil engineer?

I was always handy and trying to figure out how things worked, I liked science as was good at math. So pretty much I was a catalyst to become a civil engineer.

What do you enjoy most about being a civil engineer?

I enjoy the creativity, problem solving and people skills that come with a day’s work.

Dr. Andres Guzman, ING., M.ASCE

Why do you think it is important to contribute to ASCE Collaborate and the civil engineering profession as a whole?

ASCE Collaborate is an excellent opportunity to share our knowledge with young and former engineers and also with colleagues around the world. We can talk not only about technical issues but also about our profession, including ethical issues.

What advice do you often share with someone early on in their civil engineering career?

As a civil engineering professor, I always tell my students to dedicate their work to serve, to do everything in the right way. I also tell them to be involved in different activities (sports, music, arts, other disciplines) to increase their knowledge and acquire new points of view in facing the daily practice. 

Why did you become a civil engineer? 

I’ve always liked mathematics and physics. I like to know how everything works. Last but not least in importance, my university is the best in my home country (Colombia), and I wanted to learn and know with the best.

What do you enjoy most about being a civil engineer?

I enjoy helping others with no reward in mind. I can design any structure I can imagine and watch how it grows when it is constructed. That is beautiful. 

What is the most challenging project you have ever completed?

Right now I am involved in a project (a concrete building to serve as an art school) that uses different design disciplines, and during construction all conditions changed (soils, materials). The project needs to be verified for every new load that appears during construction.

Dr. Joerg-Martin Hohberg, D.I.C., MSc, Ph.D., Dipl.-Ing., DIC/MSc, PhD (Dr.sc.techn.), M.ASCE

Why did you become a civil engineer?

Apart from playing a lot outdoors as a child and heaving a model railway at home, Civil Engineering appealed to me as a profession where you have a lot of choices in a wide spectrum of career opportunities, from material science to design and very sophisticated analysis. 

What do you enjoy most about being a Civil Engineer?

The interdisciplinary collaboration in project teams, the international contacts and the privilege to see something physical growing from conception to commissioning, which is standing there to serve individuals and society.

What is the most challenging project you ever completed?

The rock mechanics analysis of the main cavern for the Limmern hydropower pumped-storage scheme, viz. https://ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/baug/igt/tunnel-dam/kolloquien/2013/hs2013_hohberg_2.pdf

Jameelah Ingram, P.E., M.ASCE

Why do you think it is important to contribute to ASCE Collaborate and the civil engineering profession as a whole?

ASCE Collaborate is a tool to engage with civil engineers around the world. Contributing to ASCE Collaborate allows me to build relationships and share knowledge with other engineers. I also gain advice, new perspectives, and an opportunity to enhance my writing skills.

As we serve the public through civil engineering, the works we create serve us in return. Therefore, contributing to the civil engineering profession is essential, and I enjoy playing my part.

What advice do you often share with someone early on in their civil engineering career?

1) Join a Professional Association - Professional Associations offer ways to: engage in engineering outreach on a large scale and strengthen the pipeline of future engineers; develop connections with professionals locally and globally; and grow leadership skills.

2) Read Engineering Articles - Reading engineering articles is an excellent way to explore interests outside of the projects you are working on. The articles can give you a glimpse into other niches in the engineering industry. Online publications and industry magazines often provide insight for problems you are working to solve as well.

3) Ask Questions - If you reach an impasse in an engineering calculation, try asking questions. Prior to the conversation, be sure to do your research. Come prepared to show the ways in which you have already attempted to arrive at a solution.

Why did you become a civil engineer? 

I was inspired to study structural engineering by the infrastructure and architecture in my hometown of Chicago. I was captivated by soaring skyscrapers and beautiful bridges. My mother, who is a surreal artist, and father, a technical professional and U.S. Navy Veteran, greatly influenced my path. As a civil engineer, I also have the opportunity to help others reach the destinations most important to them.

What do you enjoy most about being a civil engineer?

As a civil engineer, our projects are tangible. Our designs solve critical problems and create conveniences to improve quality of life. I enjoy the feeling of happiness that comes with seeing a project I have contributed to being constructed and ultimately used by the public.

What is the most challenging project you have ever completed?

The most challenging project I have ever completed was a new six span pedestrian bridge across a busy interstate with spans up to 173 feet (approx. 53 meters). It was challenging because it was a project full of “firsts” for me. It was the first pedestrian bridge, the first prestressed concrete bridge, and the first bridge on the East Coast of the United States I had ever designed. I had to learn new standards and software programs. I also collaborated with a new group of engineers for the project. The challenges made the completion of the project even more rewarding!

Dr. Mustapha Jodi, Ph.D., M.ASCE

Why do you think it is important to contribute to ASCE Collaborate and the civil engineering profession as a whole?  

Contributing to ASCE Collaborate ensures that collective expertise is leveraged to accelerate problem-solving, strengthen professional networks, and foster the civil engineering community.

What advice do you often share with someone early on in their civil engineering career?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It can be intimidating to think that you have to know everything after completing your degree. There’s always something new to learn each day. Master your engineering fundamentals and always keep your mind open to learning and improvement. Also, lean on mentors to help push you forward.

Why did you become a civil engineer?  

My passion for civil engineering began as a kid in school. I was always drawn to the rigorous analytical methods required for creative problem-solving in math and physics, particularly mechanics. I sought a career where I can develop these interests and apply them to solve real-world problems. The opportunity to design infrastructure that tangibly improves communities resonated with my passion for building a safer, more sustainable world.

What do you enjoy most about being a civil engineer?

Seeing calculations evolve into bridges, buildings, and systems that serve people is intrinsically rewarding. Plus the satisfaction of overcoming the perpetual challenges that come your way.

Andre Newinski, S.E., M.ASCE

Why do you think it is important to contribute to ASCE Collaborate and the civil engineering profession as a whole? 

I always believe that Engineering is a creative profession, We aim for positive change. Our designs impact communities and inspire innovations while playing a significant role as buildings perform better. In future times, Will the next generations enjoy a better world? ASCE Collaborate provide us knowledge & motivation and perhaps bond Engineers on finding the solutions for designated purposes. Aesthetics and Social causes need to come first: “Quality of Life” – because if not, Human life can be in danger. Its Philosophy can enlighten Actions and Thoughts, as Justice enables Advocating for maintenance that our profession requires. All contribution here is extremely important, therefore communication styles can evolve to a next stage. ASCE has a Vital role by triggering a powerful effect in a Rapid Changing World, propelling us forward. Together, We are an excellent Team… so we can Advance with ASCE 😊.

What advice do you often share with someone early on in their civil engineering career?

“There is nothing more practical than a transparent Theory - Jörg Schlaich” .

Knowing the existence of different Approaches is the best way to see how Structures works (e.g., truss analogy theory), a core example when advancing “performance-based design”. Structural Art has gifted us with the works of Jörg Schlaich and his Team”, and yet as seen in the Bridges of Swiss Hero Robert Maillart… so many ultimate visual experiences! I Encourage you to take a look into the ASCE “Civil Engineering Body of Knowledge for the 21st Century” - meet the expectations of responsible charge. Changes are in the way and we (Civil Engineers) are strongly happening to the World! (A New Industry). Be proactive, Be Aware, Be Yourself and Stay Together. Align with initiatives like: ASCE Future World Vision and SEI Vision for 2033 (Structural), Net Zero E-Carbon Structures (www.se2050.org). Participate / Engage in Conventions, Congresses, Conversations, Events, Sessions, Activities, and try to Investigate what is going on in the Committees, on the Technical Advancement (CTA), .e.g. and the Global Activities Division (GAD). They should soon achieve their goals as our path continues to unfold: “we need an energy revolution, a prosperity for all . . .”  And you can be a Valuable Engineer for the Future.

Why did you become a civil engineer? 

When I was a teenager, I started creating Advanced 3D Worlds (Maps) by using Hammer - A Level Designer tool provided by Valve Developer Community for Half-Life PC Platform. I end up recreating almost the entire University Campus of our Civil Engineering School: URI 3D Complex 2008-2010 (a parallel research activity started in cooperation efforts with Prof. Dr. Márcio Antônio Vendrusculo). At that time, he was my Soil Mechanics professor and the Head & Director of the Department of Civil Engineering and Computer Sciences from Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missoes (URI University).

To Answer Why: One Experienced Structural Engineer suddenly appears in my High School Classroom, and he introduced insights about what a Civil Engineer could do (Create): bridges, roads, constructions, buildings and others structures. I was instantly interested! I got to know Professor Denizard Batista de Freitas “CES Ouvrages d'Art” (ÉCOLE NATIONALE DES PONTS ET CHAUSSÉES, ENPC, France) years later, on my path also attending his structures disciplines. He was my mentor and an old friend whose thoughts have been evoked a profound gratitude that answers Why I became a Civil Engineer.
He gives me the task to find the “State-of-Art in Prestressed Concrete Beam Sizing” in order to defend my final dissertation.  I was going for the best U.S. structural platforms! but he was still disappointed because I didn’t align with the French Engineering Knowledge he would like. At that window of time, bridge technologies from TDV GmbH (Austria) already have been acquired by Bentley Systems, Inc. … I had to do all the work alone for a long time as we progressively reestablish our friendship.

Accessing Bentley RM Bridge V8i was another complex challenge. Someone gives me the chance to join the most Advanced Structural firm of my state, providing me AASHTO codes – Section V (an almost nonexistent material here in Brazil, since ABNT supremacy codes couldn’t design prestressed members up to fc=15ksi). I move to the capital to work with 2 newly installed mentors: MSc. Marcos Hamann Beier @ UFRGS & His father Martin Alfredo Beier: Delegate of the Brazilian Association of Structural Engineering and Consulting (ABECE) – “The Owner’s of Deltacon Engenharia S/S Ltda in Porto Alegre, RS – Brazil”. They were really supportive, I stay there working for additional 120 days when Marcos reveals the internship opportunity, I was really thankful  to them!  I was happy to shared a lot of new experiences and to find some friends over there (in office), and in the city, same time.

I accept DZ’s initial request because I always knew, that someday in the future I would approximate my Simulated Designs into Real World Experiences (Structures and the Foundation of Everything). Since them, I have dedicated my time to study more structures. I receive my first BSc degree in Civil Engineering in 2011, an additional BA in Physics 2017, and the recent groundbreaking Astrophysics X-Series Program from ANU (2019). With this, I could know now what others major Structures coexists in our Universe, being insightful about other Worlds & Universes, Stellar Formations - so life can exist, so multiple possibilities. I think this answer is well covered, as the Journey remains!.

What do you enjoy most about being a civil engineer?
Engineering has endless potential in the fields of IDEAS, use your Imagination! We can provide alternative resolutions to an array of complex systems, analysis can be conducted to multiple perspectives if you want / when it is required (possibilities). In this way, Engineering permits express Art, and Adapt something into new reality, “every person can achieve really good purposes with this life-long learning dedicated process!” Its really a great profession!  I enjoy the most when Engineers are able to develop conceptions, connections and freely express Intuition, Feeling, Thinking and share their Experiences with people, while using some energizing structural technology at times. I am very proud and profound about the Engineering uniqueness that impacts our society (distinctively). Working with Engineers and Architects for at least 10 years makes me capable of provide impressive structural designs for society and gain some field experience at times.

What is the most challenging project you have ever completed?
Over 100 structural designs, it has occurred the most challenge design: NPROJ001 by default is our First Futuristic Impulse Building 2020-2021. The Extreme Performance Buildings Initiative @edextremo exists in a Team: Andre Newinski, José Carlos Lunardi and José Diniz Lunardi… (this initiative is being now powered by my family support: Davi Newinski & Carmen Maria Zuculoto Newinski).  We are leading the searching to increase resilience and further sustainability for newly installed residential buildings at the city we live - Santo Ângelo. It was necessary to Revolutionize the entire Building System: Design, Analysis, Construction and Experimental Validation in a Holistic way, so the Team could start to thinking in performance objectives (A New Thermal Enclosure & Art). At the same time, I am always attending ASCE-SEI continuing education, and the special events of SEI President Glenn Bell. I attended to ASCE 2021 Convention & SEI Structures Virtual 2021, also powered by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI of ASCE), I also had recently joined SGH to learning purposes.

Since 2012 I have done some experimental research works that enables Evolution in Structural Concrete Frames based on ACI competitions at times: STATE-OF-ART of Advanced Conceptions for Complex Experimental Structures Towards Aesthetics Performances (Highly Efficient Geometries) subjected to Impact Eccentric loads With / Without Shear reinforcement (Joanna Dark IV / XR-20 was my final creation in the structural research field). Doing this, it helps you to gain confidence, and to create a database to use while Designing Structures. One of my beautiful structures awaiting completion is the covered street at nearby city of Entre-Ijuis. done in Alliance with the partnership of Fortes Engenharia & Arquitetura (Professor Arq. João Fortes and his Civil Engineer son), that we hope to be ready soon, next year (2022).

Christopher Seigel, P.E., M.ASCE

Why do you think it is important to contribute to ASCE Collaborate and the civil engineering profession as a whole?
Society faces a myriad of interconnected global challenges every day. No matter where you go on this planet, you can find Civil Engineers working to address these issues. It is my hope that through greater communication, we can learn from each other in order to better solve challenges and work to improve the quality of life for us all.

What advice do you often share with someone early on in their civil engineering career?
Be open to as many opportunities as you can. You never know what experiences you will take away from them or what you will learn. Find a field or a job that truly matters to you. It will help make the tough days more bearable and give meaning to your work. Be kind to your co-workers and remember that everyone is human. Learn to “manage-up” and offer solutions once you begin to understand the lay of the land where you are working.

Why did you become a civil engineer?
Contrary to most other engineers I’ve spoken with, I was never a naturally gifted science or math student. However, I have always enjoyed working with others, and participating in things that can make a positive impact in some manner. As I was finding my way through my undergraduate degree and wondering where this path was leading, I was introduced to some of the environmental issues that society has faced and continues to face today. These topics further drew my interest and led me in the direction of the water resources field in which I currently work.

What do you enjoy most about being a civil engineer?
I enjoy contributing to work that is meant to improve the lives of people and to make us more responsible stewards of this planet that we all call home. 

Heidi Wallace, P.E., M.ASCE

Why do you think it is important to contribute to ASCE Collaborate and the civil engineering profession as a whole?

When we share ideas in a way that is receptive to feedback, we grow both ourselves and our community of engineers. Maybe someone has already found a solution to something that you're struggling with. Maybe you have a perspective on a topic that others can use to broaden their outlook. Maybe no one has a full solution but together we can bring our individual perspectives together to find the next steps. When our ideas and perspectives remain within our little bubbles, we limit our ability to find collaborative solutions that best serve our communities and our profession.

What advice do you often share with someone early on in their civil engineering career?

Don't just ask about the "what" but also the "why" behind what you are designing. For example, if you just ask what pipe material you need for this waterline project and don't ask why, you'll have to ask every single time. When you start to understand the reason behind the design choices, it grows your ability to "think like an engineer."

Why did you become a civil engineer? 

Civil engineering seemed like the intersection of several of my interests in high school: math/science, community service, and communication. When I was thinking about studying engineering, I went to an engineering camp at a university to learn more about the different options within engineering. One of the draws of civil for me was that I didn't have to have a masters right away to go into the workforce. Another benefit was that civil engineering doesn't restrict where you can live since civil engineers are needed everywhere.

What do you enjoy most about being a civil engineer?

One of my favorite things about being a civil engineer is seeing the positive impact made in our community through our projects. Whether it is something as simple as streetscaping in downtown or the redevelopment of a historic building for recovery housing to combat mental health struggles and homelesness, it is rewarding to be part of the team that made these projects come to life.

What is the most challenging project you have ever completed?

My most challenging project so far was probably an apartment project in an existing subdivision. We had to balance the stoop height requirements from the form-based code, meeting code for accessibility, having garages along the back side, maintaining positive drainage, and the roads around the lot were already installed. We ended up with around 25 finish floor elevations across the development in order to meet all the requirements and constraints. It took a lot of working and reworking to find a solution that satisfied both the code requirements and the needs of the developer.

Why do you think it is important to contribute to ASCE Collaborate and the civil engineering profession as a whole? 
I consider myself very lucky. Over the years, I received tremendous amount of support/help/guidance/mentoring from colleges/peers and many professional engineers I have never met in person. I am grateful and truly believe that it’s my obligation to give back to back to our engineering society.  Contributing to ASCE Collaborate is a great way to give back to our engineering profession.

What advice do you often share with someone early on in their civil engineering career?
Do not hesitate to ask questions. There are no dump questions at all.   You will be surprised to know how many people are willing to help.

Why did you become a civil engineer?  
When I was a kid, I was inspired by many landmark buildings/structures designed by civil engineers and wished one day I would leave a mark on the earth!

What do you enjoy most about being a civil engineer?
Learn while solving challenging problems and get paid!

What is the most challenging project you have ever completed? 
Well, this is a tough questions. I have worked on so many projects that seemed to be overwhelmingly challenging at the beginning till practical solutions were developed. Working on challenging projects is like claiming mountains. It looks extremely challenging when you look up from bottom of the mountain but once you reach the top. You appreciate the view and everything learned along the way up.

Sean Homem is a Senior Project Manager with Simpson Gumpertz and Heger, where he has fifteen years of experience as a structural and civil engineer. He has experience in projects involving design, investigation, repair, and rehabilitation of buildings and structures of various types and materials.

He has gained substantial experience in construction administration and investigating the effects of rain and ponding of roof structures. As a member of the ASCE 7 Snow and Rain Loads Committee, he has significant experience with the roof drainage design and investigation.

Sean has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Merrimack College and a Masters of Engineering in Structural Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He currently serves as the Balloteer and Historian for the Snow and Rain Load Subcommittee of ASCE 7.

Michele Heyward, EIT, M.ASCE

Why did you become a civil engineer?  

A hurricane made me a civil engineer. On September 21, 1989, Hurricane Hugo, a Category 5 storm, came ashore in my home state of South Carolina. 

I was just 12 years old. While my immediate family was spared, my aunt, uncle, and cousins, living just outside Charleston, weren’t as fortunate. Their home was destroyed with them inside it. Thankfully, they survived, but their lives, and mine, were forever changed.

Seeing the devastation across our state and hearing the stories of families whose lives were upended ignited something in me. I wanted to understand how structures could be built to withstand nature’s worst. I wanted to be part of creating solutions that would protect people. 

That was the day I became a civil engineer, long before I walked across the stage at Clemson University on May 12, 2000.

For many of us, there’s a defining moment that shapes who we become. For me, it was Hurricane Hugo.

What advice do you often share with someone early on in their civil engineering career?

Build your network early and often. Technical knowledge is critical, but relationships open doors to mentorship, leadership, and opportunity. Don’t wait to “become” a leader, start acting like one now, especially when it comes to advocating for equity and inclusion in the field.

Dr. William McAnally, Ph.D., P.E., BC.CE, BC.NE, F.ASCE

What advice do you often share with someone early on in their civil engineering career?

If coworkers at your first job are still treating you condescendingly like "the new kid" after two years, it may be time to move on. In the next job, you'll get more respect.

Mitchell Winkler, P.E., R.ENG, M.ASCE

Why do you think it is important to contribute to ASCE Collaborate and the civil engineering profession as a whole?  

The opportunity is twofold: 1) to help others develop their professional skills by sharing experience and to 2) create insight into challenging problems that can help others achieve their goals.

What advice do you often share with someone early on in their civil engineering career?

With the caveat that I’ve spent large part of my career outside of mainstream civil engineering, my advice to those early in their careers is to develop a deep technical competency before broadening.

Why did you become a civil engineer?  

I was attracted to civil engineering by the types of problems that civil engineers solve.

What do you enjoy most about being a civil engineer?

Being able to look at building or piece of infrastructure and having insight into how it was designed and constructed.

What is the most challenging project you have ever completed? 

Leading a multicompany team to achieve a common objective.  

Mr. Dennis Lambert, P.E., BC.NE, BC.PE, BC.WRE, F.ASCE

Why do you think it is important to contribute to ASCE Collaborate and the civil engineering profession as a whole?  To pass it on – meaning pass on the lessons learned in my career others – both mistakes and successes.

What advice do you often share with someone early on in their civil engineering career? Try everything until you find your niche.

Why did you become a civil engineer?  Family history primarily but I found my niche!

What do you enjoy most about being a civil engineer? Contributing to a better society through infrastructure 

What is the most challenging project you have ever completed? The Louisiana river diversion projects, watch this link… After spending $500 million on a coastal project, it’s not clear what Louisiana will build

Anna Lisonbee, EIT, M.ASCE, ENV SP

Why do you think it is important to contribute to ASCE Collaborate and the civil engineering profession as a whole?  

Civil engineering is expanding rapidly, and creating direction from that energy takes collaboration. We are expected to be more versatile, more creative, and more decisive as modern civil engineers. ASCE Collaborate has a vision to de-silo geographic and institute knowledge. Participation in efforts that accomplish this vision is vital as a modern professional.

Why did you become a civil engineer?  

I took an Intro to Civil Engineering course in college because I was curious about engineering. During that class we had a guest speaker, Sarah Albano, who spoke on rehabilitation of a superfund site. She and her team transformed an area of pollution into a community asset, and once I heard about her project, I was hooked. I love that civil engineering can be a powerful tool to benefit our communities and our environment. It's an honor to contribute to that legacy.

What do you enjoy most about being a civil engineer?

Our jobs are kaleidoscopic. One day you will be learning technical skills, the next public policy, writing, and even art. We get to collaborate with architects, government employees, residents, construction teams, etc. every day, and hear their stories and learn from their expertise. You need lots of skills to make great projects, and it is so much fun developing different skills all the time.