Nomination Rules

• Nominees must be 40 years of age or younger as of Dec. 31, 2022, and working in the United States for a private-sector company (or self-employed), public agency (i.e., federal, state, county, or city), military, a non-profit organization, or educational or research institution. Self-nominations are acceptable.
• Nominees should have a record of demonstrated exceptional ability and professional accomplishments related to the AEC Industry in one or more of the following capacities: management; leadership; teaching; research; and/or public service.

Originally developed by CE News and Structural Engineer Magazine (now C+S Engineer Media), these awards formerly recognized young professionals only in the civil and structural engineering disciplines. As part of their mission to Elevate the Industry, Zweig Group expanded this award to cover the entire AEC industry.

Rising Star Award winners will be featured in a special issue of Civil + Structural Engineer Magazine (read about the 2022 Rising Stars here) and honored at Zweig Group’s annual conference, the Elevate AEC Conference.

The nomination period closes at midnight (Eastern Time) on March 24, 2023.

Thornton Tomasetti

New York, New York

Samantha Brummell has earned the title of Rising Star early in her career.  She has already become a licensed engineer, fulfilled a need for a young members group within the structural engineering community, and was been elected to leadership positions.  These accomplishments exemplify one of Brummell’s strongest traits: the ability to recognize and fulfill needs.

Accomplishments:

• Kennedy Space Center (NASA), Facilities Department Construction
• Brooklyn Methodist New York-Presbyterian Hospital
• Greenwich Lane Condominiums

Public/Professional Service: SEAoNY Student Outreach Committee, chair, SEAoNY Young Members Group, founder, NCSEA Code Advisory Committee, General Requirements Subcommittee, records keeper

Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, Cornell University, M.E. in Structural Engineering, Cornell University

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Primera Engineers

Chicago, Illinois

Joseph Avram has nearly 15 years of experience working in the transportation industry, focusing on project and team management.  For the last nine years he has primarily worked on a wide variety of airport and airline projects ranging from runways and taxiways, deicing facilities and ramp control towers, hangars and aprons, ground equipment maintenance facilities, fuel and glycol distributions stations, and corporate data centers.  Avram is also an active member of the professional community, participating in a number of professional organizations with the aim of elevating the industry.

Accomplishments:

• American Airline Hangar 2 Facility, Civil Project Manager
• O’Hare International Airport Lead Tunnel Project, Lead Airfield Engineer

Public/Professional Service: Airport Consultants Council Young Professionals, member, American Council of Engineering Companies, Illinois Department of Transportation (ACEC-IDOT), Aeronautics committee member, Airports Council International—North America (ACI-NA), Business Diversity Committee, Illinois Society of Professional Engineers (ISPE), MATHCOUNTS volunteer, Chicago Engineers Foundation, Board of Directors

Education: M.S. in Civil Engineering, Purdue University, MBA, Northern Illinois University, B.S. in Civil Engineering, Bradley University

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Hanson Professional Services, Inc.

Lisle, Illinois

Kim Sumrak has contributed to a variety of projects, including roadways and hurricane relief. Her broad background includes assessing sanitary and storm sewer manholes and inlets, producing drainage designs, providing cost estimates and serving as a representative at public information meetings. Sumrak is a licensed engineer in Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas. Her efforts to expand her skills and licensing are evidence of her desire to continue her path of excellence in engineering. One of Kim’s most outstanding qualities is her willingness to step up for her Hanson teammates, from earning certifications to mentoring junior staff members and coordinating interns.

Accomplishments:

• Indiana Department of Transportation State Road 38 – Dayton to U.S. Route 421
• Indiana Department of Transportation U.S. Route 52 – Templeton to Fowler
• Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities’ Glenn Highway Capacity Improvements
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Program Hurricane Irma Disaster Relief
• San Patricio County Road Improvement Project
• Illinois State Toll Highway Authority Tri-State Tollway Planning, Master plan and Roadway Study (Cermak Road to Balmoral Avenue)

Public/Professional Service: Kansas Society of Professional Engineers member, National Society of Professional Engineers member, American Council of Engineering Companies member

Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, University of Iowa

See all of the Rising Stars here.

HDR, inc.

Princeton, New Jersey

Matthew Fahrenbach has an elite level of experience in the design and construction of highly complex and challenging building projects; he has worked on a wide variety of project types including research and development, pharmaceutical, biological, medical, bio-safety containment, educational, offices, and healthcare facilities.  Additionally, Fahrenbach has embraced a leadership position, guiding his teams from concept design through construction administration.

Accomplishments:

• Penn Medicine Patient Pavillion, Lead Project Structural Engineer
• Hartford Bone & Joint Institute, Lead Project Structural Engineer
• Fort Sam Houston Battlefield Health & Trauma Facility, Lead Project Structural Engineer
• U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit, Building 67 Modernization, Lead Project Structural Engineer
• U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases Biomedical Research, Project Structural Engineer

Public/Professional Service: Delaware Valley Association of Structural Engineering (DVASE), member, University of Kansas, Structural Engineering Conference, presenter

Education: B.S. Architectural Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Patel, Greene & Associates, LLC

Temple Terrace, Florida

Joseph Losaria has been involved in over 30 bridge projects over his 19-year career.  On top of that, he has also served as the Engineer of Record on six bridges in his home state of Florida.  Losaria has extensive project design experience from short span bridges to complex multi-span bridges.  He also provides invaluable research for the Florida Department of Transportation as they apply Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials in highway structures.

Accomplishments:

• US 41 over North Creek and Catfish Creek, FDOT, Structural Engineer of Record
• Valee Road over Blue Creek, FDOT, Project Manager/Roadway Engineer of Record/Structural Engineer of Record
• Fort Lauderdale Airport Runway/Taxiway Extension over US 1, engineer

Public/Professional Service: American Society of Civil Engineers, member, Florida Engineering Society, member, Florida Engineering Leadership Institute (FELI), 2018 graduating class

Education: M.S., B.S from University of South Florida

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Patel, Greene & Associates, LLC

Winter Park, Florida

Elizabeth (Liz) Bartell has only recently transitioned to project management within the last two years, but the amount and quality of her work is exceptional.  In the last year alone, Bartell has been the Drainage Engineer of Record for over fifteen FDOT projects, being project manager for two of them.  Colleagues and coworkers praise Bartell for her ability to juggle multiple issues and deadlines in an organized and efficient manner.

Accomplishments:

• Polk Parkway Resurfacing and Safety Upgrades Project (Florida Turnpike Enterprise), Drainage Engineer of Record

Public/Professional Service: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Turnpike Liaison Committee, Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS), Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA), local chair, ElevateHer, Class of 2020

Education: M.B.A., University of Florida, M.S. Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Florida, B.S. Engineering Science, Smith College

See all of the Rising Stars here.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams

This edition of Civil + Structural Engineer proudly celebrates our 2020 Rising Stars of the AEC Industry. Rising Stars are those with a record of exceptional ability and professional accomplishments related to management, leadership, teaching, research, and public service. The Rising Stars featured in this month’s publication are the future role models and leaders who will shape their firms and professions, leading to a more sustainable AEC industry. Or, that’s how the award is described on our website. One point of clarification, by way of the above quote from John Quincy Adams: remove the word “future.” The 2020 Rising Stars are role models and leaders today, though we are eager to see their continued contributions to their firms and the AEC industry.

Zweig Group’s awards program is central to our company’s mission to Elevate the Industry. Recognizing the bright minds who have chosen to devote their professional energy to the AEC industry is an honor. The Rising Stars award is especially powerful to me as a way to showcase leadership that defies experience. Brilliance, tenacity, and the power to influence change and inspire others to greatness are not gifts bestowed on people once they reach a certain age. It’s so important to the future of our industry that we embrace effectiveness and outcomes and reject conflating accomplishments with the quantifiable, like years of experience or hours on a timesheet.

This year has not been generous in providing opportunities to recognize professional success; many of our Rising Stars will not be able to experience the humbling delight of gathering with peers to hear the big announcement made in person at a company event, nor will they be able to shake hands as they accept their award and bask in the accolades. I encourage our readers to fill in the gaps, whether that’s emailing an award winner to congratulate them, posting online, or taking a moment to recognize the Rising Stars in your own organization and network and telling them that their work is valuable, and their contributions are inspiring. Seizing the opportunity that 2020 presents to each one of us to step up and connect personally is an act of leadership in itself, and creatively rising to the occasion and instilling pride in others is precisely the core of the spirit of our Rising Stars award.

With that, it is my pleasure to present the 2020 Rising Stars of the AEC Industry!

Jamie Claire Kiser is managing principal and director of advisory services at Zweig Group. Contact her at jkiser@zweiggroup.com.

WSB

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Heil is a civil engineer who has served Minnesota communities for over 15 years.  She is a civil engineer with a deep understanding of the operational and maintenance needs associated with municipal engineering.  Heil is known to attack projects and challenges head on, which led to her being named to WSB’s second-highest leadership position.  This position allows her to continue having a profound impact on the communities she serves.

Accomplishments:

• Street Reconstruction Projects, Lakeville, MN, Project Engineer and Manager
• Street Improvement Project. Rosemount, MN, Project Manager
• Holyoke Avenue and Lakeville Area Arts Center Improvement Projects, Project Manager

Public/Professional Service: American Public Works Association—Minnesota Chapter (APWA-MN), Chair, Executive Committee

Education: B.S. Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities

See all of the Rising Stars here.

FDH Infrastructure Services

Raleigh, North Carolina

Dr. Mohammadian’s contributions to the engineering profession have been profound.  Her ability to foster dynamic, multidisciplinary collaborations, combined with an unwaivering pursuit of creative solutions to the problems of aging infrastructure, help drive technological innovations that support the resilience and longevity of critical infrastructure in our increasingly interconnected world.

Accomplishments:

• Concrete Facilities Assessment, Lead Research Engineer
• KPR India, Foundation Investigation, Lead Research Engineer
• Engineer Research and Development Center, Lifecycle Characterization Principal Investigator
• Engineer Research and Development Center, Underwater Inspection, Lead Investigator
• Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC), Primary Technical Reviewer

Public/Professional Service: Transportation Research Board (TRB), National Academy of Sciences, Affiliate Member, Deep Foundations Institute, member, American Wind Energy Association, committee member, American Society of Civil Engineers, member, Structural Engineering Institute, member

Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, Khaje Nasir Toosi University of Technology (Tehran, Iran), M.S. in Civil/Structural Engineering, Sharif University of Technology (Tehran, Iran), Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Fisher Associates

Rochester, New York

Omar El Masri is a structural engineer with project design, teaching and research expertise. His design experience includes bridge rehabilitation and replacement design, in-depth structural inspections, and steel design for industrial buildings. He is an excellent mentor to young engineers due to his background as a researcher and Adjunct Professor at Syracuse University, where he earned his Ph.D. Omar is passionate about research and analyzing real-world bridge-related issues with the intent that his research not only makes him a better design engineer, but provides solutions that improve the life of bridge infrastructure.

Accomplishments:

• A Cost-Effective Method to Retrofit Steel Girders
• Effect of Transient Thermal Gradient on Stresses in Composite Bridges

Public/Professional Service: Association for Bridge Construction and Design (ABCD), member, American Institute of Streel Construction (AISC), member, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), associate member, Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), associate member

Education: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Syracuse University,  M.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering, Lebanese American University, B.E. in Civil Engineering, Lebanese American University

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Patel, Greene & Associates, LLC

Bartow, Florida

Gordon Greene has built a career upon management, leadership, and public service.  He has been an integral part of PGA’s 5-year strategic plan and has helped grow the firm from its initial two employees to now over 75.  Greene is also active within his community, serving several projects and projects throughout Bartow and the state.

Accomplishments:

• Polk Pathway 3D/AMG Pilot Project (Florida Turnpike), Project Manager, Roadway Engineer of Record
• West Pipkin Road Widening, Polk County, FL, Project Manager, Roadway/Drainage Engineer of Record
• SR 64 at Rye Road Roundabout (FDOT District One): Deputy Project Manager, Drainage Engineer of Record

Public/Professional Service: American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida (ACEC-FL), member, Florida Engineering Society, Ridge Branch, Florida Engineering Leadership Institute (FELI)

Education: M.B.A., University of South Florida, B.S. Civil Engineering, University of South Florida

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc.

Montgomery, Alabama

Wheeler Crook possesses a unique set of engineering and interpersonal skills that allowed him to be placed in GMC’s Water Resources & Treatment Division within 3 years of joining the firm.  His ability to design and manage engineering and construction of large-scale infrastructure projects alongside individuals with decades of experience has been a contributing factor in furthering his career in the engineering field.  Currently, Wheeler serves as Vice President of Engineering, managing business development efforts, project managers, and the design of all civil and municipal projects across central and south Alabama, in addition to special projects throughout the Southeast. He has been a crucial part of the firm’s success, bringing an energy and drive that is truly unmatched.

Accomplishments:

• Gadsden MIEX Treatment Facility (Gadsden, AL), Project Manager/Engineer
• Wolf Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade (Foley, AL), Project Manager
• Anderson Regional Joint Water System Membrane Plant Expansion (Anderson, SC), Engineer
• Gautier Water Treatment Ion Exchange System (Gautier, MS), Project Manager/ Design Engineer
• Camp Merrill Sewage Collection System (Dahlonega, GA), Project Manager

Public/Professional Service: Alabama Water Environment Association, member, Water Environment Federation, member, American Water Works Association, member

Education: Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Auburn University, Bachelor of Science, Birmingham-Southern College

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN)

Conroe, Texas

Dedra Ecklund has focused her career on the management and design of water and wastewater systems for public entities. She has designed or managed more than 50 projects ranging in construction cost from $150,000 to $200 million for cities throughout the state of Texas. She has also given back to the profession, starting a program called Public Speaking for Engineers which encourages engineers to become comfortable with public speaking.

Accomplishments:

• Southeast Transmission Water Line (SETL), Project Manager
• Lift Station Evaluations—Pearland, Texas, Project Manager
• Water Plant No. 3—The Woodlands, Texas, Project Manager
• Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation for Emerald Forest Utility District, Designer and Engineer-of-Record

Public/Professional Service: American Water Works Association—Texas Section (TAWWA), Diversity Committee Co-Chair, Sterling Ridge Village Association (SRVA), board member, Education for Tomorrow Alliance (EFTA), volunteer

Education: B.S. in Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Sharing revenue data firm-wide is a great tool to help create a positive and open culture at your firm. It helps keep all employees informed about the health and strength of the company. The percentage of firms that share revenue data at least annually rose quite dramatically in 2019. 88 percent of firms share their revenue data at least annually compared to 79 percent in 2018.

The Best Firms To Work For don’t just offer a great work environment.  They also compensate their employees and take care of them financially. 92 percent of permanent staff received a pay raise in 2019, and no firms administered pay cuts. Firms also paid out and average of over $8,500 in bonuses per employee last year. The average number of PTO days was just under a total of 20 days per year and the number of paid holidays was 9 per year.

2020 has presented a number of unique challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic. Firms have had to completely re-adjust how they conduct business and how to best take care of their employees. There is a silver lining given these challenges. 92 percent of employees have been satisfied or very satisfied with their firm’s COVID-19 response. This shows that our industry has been about to adjust well the such a unique challenge. Another good sign is that employees ranked communication the lowest of challenges working remotely. Normally, communication is considered one of the weaknesses for firms in the AEC industry. Hopefully, we can at least keep up good communication once things get back to the new normal.

We did see some very impressive growth from our Hot Firm winners this year. The average dollar revenue growth from the end of fiscal year 2016 to the end of fiscal year 2019 was $31.5 million which is $2.6 million higher than the average for 2019 Hot Firm winners. The average percentage growth rate held steady year over year at 81 percent. The average Gross Service Revenue per FTE is up slightly over 2019 at $204,500. This is great news. It shows that there is real growth going on in the industry, helping to create and retain good, high paying jobs. This is something we can all celebrate right now.

Zweig Group’s Awards Program, Hot Firm, Best Firms To Work For, Marketing Excellence, Rising Stars, Top New Venture, and Jerry Allen Courage in Leadership, offer such a wide variety of ways for firms in the AEC industry to honor and celebrate their achievements. I wish I could go through all of the impressive data that we get through the awards, but I am glad I can celebrate some of the real highlights from the 2020 award winners. Things are certainly very tough right now, and we recognize and appreciate that. Don’t let that stop you from celebrating what makes your firm so great!

Kyle Ahern is the Awards Manager at Zweig Group. He can be reached at kahern@zweiggroup.com.

Rising Stars in Civil Engineering

Monica Heil, PE

Vice President of Municipal Services

WSB

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Heil is a civil engineer who has served Minnesota communities for over 15 years.  She is a civil engineer with a deep understanding of the operational and maintenance needs associated with municipal engineering.  Heil is known to attack projects and challenges head on, which led to her being named to WSB’s second-highest leadership position.  This position allows her to continue having a profound impact on the communities she serves.

Accomplishments:

• Street Reconstruction Projects, Lakeville, MN, Project Engineer and Manager
• Street Improvement Project. Rosemount, MN, Project Manager
• Holyoke Avenue and Lakeville Area Arts Center Improvement Projects, Project Manager

Public/Professional Service: American Public Works Association—Minnesota Chapter (APWA-MN), Chair, Executive Committee

Education: B.S. Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities

Josh Shaver, PE

Project Manager

LJA Engineering

Houston, Texas

Josh Shaver has been practicing in the oil and gas pipeline, process, energy, industrial facilities, and OEM equipment fields since 2007.  He began working in the LJA Engineering Energy sector as a junior engineer, climbing the ranks upwards through Senior Project Engineer, and now Project Manager.  This rise is due in part to his ability to lead other engineers and quickly adapt to the changing needs of clients.

Accomplishments:

• Pipeline Construction Projects (8” and 6”), Various Locations

Public/Professional Service: Professional Engineering Licensure in 15 states across the U.S., American Society of Mechanical Engineers, member, Gas Machinery Research Council, Project Supervisor Committee

Education: B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas—Arlington

Gordon Greene, PE

Executive Vice President

Patel, Greene & Associates, LLC

Bartow, Florida

Gordon Greene has built a career upon management, leadership, and public service.  He has been an integral part of PGA’s 5-year strategic plan and has helped grow the firm from its initial two employees to now over 75.  Greene is also active within his community, serving several projects and projects throughout Bartow and the state.

Accomplishments:

• Polk Pathway 3D/AMG Pilot Project (Florida Turnpike), Project Manager, Roadway Engineer of Record
• West Pipkin Road Widening, Polk County, FL, Project Manager, Roadway/Drainage Engineer of Record
• SR 64 at Rye Road Roundabout (FDOT District One): Deputy Project Manager, Drainage Engineer of Record

Public/Professional Service: American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida (ACEC-FL), member, Florida Engineering Society, Ridge Branch, Florida Engineering Leadership Institute (FELI)

Education: M.B.A., University of South Florida, B.S. Civil Engineering, University of South Florida

Elizabeth Bartell, PE

Project Manager/Senior Drainage Project Engineer

Patel, Greene & Associates, LLC

Winter Park, Florida

Elizabeth (Liz) Bartell has only recently transitioned to project management within the last two years, but the amount and quality of her work is exceptional.  In the last year alone, Bartell has been the Drainage Engineer of Record for over fifteen FDOT projects, being project manager for two of them.  Colleagues and coworkers praise Bartell for her ability to juggle multiple issues and deadlines in an organized and efficient manner.

Accomplishments:

• Polk Parkway Resurfacing and Safety Upgrades Project (Florida Turnpike Enterprise), Drainage Engineer of Record

Public/Professional Service: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Turnpike Liaison Committee, Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS), Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA), local chair, ElevateHer, Class of 2020

Education: M.B.A., University of Florida, M.S. Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Florida, B.S. Engineering Science, Smith College

Michael Mallonee

Regional Manager, Manager of Aviation Planning Services

KSA Engineers, Inc.

McKinney, Texas

Michael Malonee began his career in Aviation planning in 2006 and has risen rapidly.  His career interests have ranged from encouraging students to pursue careers in aviation to developing master airport plans in the North Texas region.  Malonee currently oversees commercial and general aviation projects across the Southwest region.

Accomplishments:

• Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) Planning
• $1.7 Billion Capital Improvement Program

Public/Professional Service: North Texas Super Bowl Host Committee Aviation Action Team, member, Ground Transportation Coordination Team, chair, Fort Worth, Irving, McKinney-Independent School District(s) Aviation Advisory Committee(s), member, Air Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (ATTAC), staff liason, Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association, member, American Association of Airport Executives, member, American Planning Association, member

Education: B.S. Aviation Management, Southern Illinois University, M.S. Aeronautical Science, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Joseph Losaria, PE

VP/Structures Group Manager

Patel, Greene & Associates, LLC

Temple Terrace, Florida

Joseph Losaria has been involved in over 30 bridge projects over his 19-year career.  On top of that, he has also served as the Engineer of Record on six bridges in his home state of Florida.  Losaria has extensive project design experience from short span bridges to complex multi-span bridges.  He also provides invaluable research for the Florida Department of Transportation as they apply Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials in highway structures.

Accomplishments:

• US 41 over North Creek and Catfish Creek, FDOT, Structural Engineer of Record
• Valee Road over Blue Creek, FDOT, Project Manager/Roadway Engineer of Record/Structural Engineer of Record
• Fort Lauderdale Airport Runway/Taxiway Extension over US 1, engineer

Public/Professional Service: American Society of Civil Engineers, member, Florida Engineering Society, member, Florida Engineering Leadership Institute (FELI), 2018 graduating class

Education: M.S., B.S from University of South Florida

Cooper Allison, PE, PLS

Senior Project Manager/Civil Engineer

Lea & Braze Engineering

Hayward, California

Cooper Allison has been busy early in his career, serving as lead civil designer and project manager for over a hundred different projects.  He has also demonstrated his passion for the profession by engaging with clients and building a strong team by mentoring new civil engineers; he now oversees a team of four full-time engineers and two civil technicians.  Allison’s mentorship is active, and he encourages his staff to pursue licensure.

Accomplishments:

• Ellison Conservation Center for Wildlife Care (Peninsula Humane Society)
• Habitat for Humanity, Capitol Way Project

Public/Professional Service: Lions Club International

Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Rising Stars in Structural Engineering

Armita Mohammadian, PhD, PE

Senior Research Engineer

FDH Infrastructure Services

Raleigh, North Carolina

Dr. Mohammadian’s contributions to the engineering profession have been profound.  Her ability to foster dynamic, multidisciplinary collaborations, combined with an unwaivering pursuit of creative solutions to the problems of aging infrastructure, help drive technological innovations that support the resilience and longevity of critical infrastructure in our increasingly interconnected world.

Accomplishments:

• Concrete Facilities Assessment, Lead Research Engineer
• KPR India, Foundation Investigation, Lead Research Engineer
• Engineer Research and Development Center, Lifecycle Characterization Principal Investigator
• Engineer Research and Development Center, Underwater Inspection, Lead Investigator
• Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC), Primary Technical Reviewer

Public/Professional Service: Transportation Research Board (TRB), National Academy of Sciences, Affiliate Member, Deep Foundations Institute, member, American Wind Energy Association, committee member, American Society of Civil Engineers, member, Structural Engineering Institute, member

Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, Khaje Nasir Toosi University of Technology (Tehran, Iran), M.S. in Civil/Structural Engineering, Sharif University of Technology (Tehran, Iran), Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University

Aysegul Gogus, PhD, PE, SE

Associate

Arup

Los Angeles, California

Dr. Gogus began her career with Arup in 2010 and quickly climbed in the industry. She has worked on 30 projects to date, holding roles such as lead structural engineer, project manager, peer-reviewer, performance based seismic design specialist, and advanced seismic analyst.  Furthermore, Dr. Gogus was awarded the SEAOC Nabih Youssef Young Engineers award for two projects.

Accomplishments:

• Basaksehir Pine and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, Project Manager and Lead Structural Engineer
• Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, California, Design Lead

Public/Professional Service: Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, member, Structural Engineers Association of California, member, American Society of Civil Engineers, member

Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, Middle East Technical University (Ankara, Turkey), M.S. in Strucutral Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Ph.D. in Structural Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles

Samantha E. Brummell, PE, M. ASCE

Project Engineer

Thornton Tomasetti

New York, New York

Samantha Brummell has earned the title of Rising Star early in her career.  She has already become a licensed engineer, fulfilled a need for a young members group within the structural engineering community, and was been elected to leadership positions.  These accomplishments exemplify one of Brummell’s strongest traits: the ability to recognize and fulfill needs.

Accomplishments:

• Kennedy Space Center (NASA), Facilities Department Construction
• Brooklyn Methodist New York-Presbyterian Hospital
• Greenwich Lane Condominiums

Public/Professional Service: SEAoNY Student Outreach Committee, chair, SEAoNY Young Members Group, founder, NCSEA Code Advisory Committee, General Requirements Subcommittee, records keeper

Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, Cornell University, M.E. in Structural Engineering, Cornell University

Rising Stars in Full Service Engineering

Matthew J. Fahrenbach, PE, LEED AP

Professional Associate/Senior Structural Engineer

HDR, inc.

Princeton, New Jersey

Matthew Fahrenbach has an elite level of experience in the design and construction of highly complex and challenging building projects; he has worked on a wide variety of project types including research and development, pharmaceutical, biological, medical, bio-safety containment, educational, offices, and healthcare facilities.  Additionally, Fahrenbach has embraced a leadership position, guiding his teams from concept design through construction administration.

Accomplishments:

• Penn Medicine Patient Pavillion, Lead Project Structural Engineer
• Hartford Bone & Joint Institute, Lead Project Structural Engineer
• Fort Sam Houston Battlefield Health & Trauma Facility, Lead Project Structural Engineer
• U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit, Building 67 Modernization, Lead Project Structural Engineer
• U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases Biomedical Research, Project Structural Engineer

Public/Professional Service: Delaware Valley Association of Structural Engineering (DVASE), member, University of Kansas, Structural Engineering Conference, presenter

Education: B.S. Architectural Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Joseph M. Avram, PE, LEED AP BD+C

Aviation Group Manager

Primera Engineers

Chicago, Illinois

Joseph Avram has nearly 15 years of experience working in the transportation industry, focusing on project and team management.  For the last nine years he has primarily worked on a wide variety of airport and airline projects ranging from runways and taxiways, deicing facilities and ramp control towers, hangars and aprons, ground equipment maintenance facilities, fuel and glycol distributions stations, and corporate data centers.  Avram is also an active member of the professional community, participating in a number of professional organizations with the aim of elevating the industry.

Accomplishments:

• American Airline Hangar 2 Facility, Civil Project Manager
• O’Hare International Airport Lead Tunnel Project, Lead Airfield Engineer

Public/Professional Service: Airport Consultants Council Young Professionals, member, American Council of Engineering Companies, Illinois Department of Transportation (ACEC-IDOT), Aeronautics committee member, Airports Council International—North America (ACI-NA), Business Diversity Committee, Illinois Society of Professional Engineers (ISPE), MATHCOUNTS volunteer, Chicago Engineers Foundation, Board of Directors

Education: M.S. in Civil Engineering, Purdue University, MBA, Northern Illinois University, B.S. in Civil Engineering, Bradley University

Hossein Roshani, PhD, PE, M. ASCE

Project Manager

Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN)

San Antonio, Texas

Dr. Roshani’s career is built around three cores: teaching, research, and public service.  His location in San Antonio allows him to teach undergraduate courses at UTSA, which means he can mentor the younger generation.  Furthermore, Roshani has made significant research contributions to the field by way of civil engineering; he has also worked with the local community by managing several street rehabilitation projects in San Antonio.

Accomplishments:

• 5-Year Street Maintenance Program—City of San Antonio, Program Manager
• 2018 Street Rehabilitation Packages—City of San Antonio, Project Manager
• 2020 Flatwork Construction Management—City of San Antonio, Program Manager
• Accelerating Innovation in Partnered Pavement Preservation—TxDOT, Post-Docural Researcher

Public/Professional Service: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) member, Highway Construction Committee, member, Transportation Research Board (TRB), member

Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, University of Mazandaran, M.S. in Road and Transportation Engineering, University of Guilan, Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)

Dedra A. Ecklund, PE

Project Manager

Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN)

Conroe, Texas

Dedra Ecklund has focused her career on the management and design of water and wastewater systems for public entities. She has designed or managed more than 50 projects ranging in construction cost from $150,000 to $200 million for cities throughout the state of Texas. She has also given back to the profession, starting a program called Public Speaking for Engineers which encourages engineers to become comfortable with public speaking.

Accomplishments:

• Southeast Transmission Water Line (SETL), Project Manager
• Lift Station Evaluations—Pearland, Texas, Project Manager
• Water Plant No. 3—The Woodlands, Texas, Project Manager
• Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation for Emerald Forest Utility District, Designer and Engineer-of-Record

Public/Professional Service: American Water Works Association—Texas Section (TAWWA), Diversity Committee Co-Chair, Sterling Ridge Village Association (SRVA), board member, Education for Tomorrow Alliance (EFTA), volunteer

Education: B.S. in Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University

Mathew L. Busby, PE

Project Manager

Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN)

Dallas, Texas

Mathew Busby’s 12 years of career experience have included water and wastewater treatment, facilities, roadway, and pipeline design.  He began his career in land development, serving as a project engineer responsible for site design and coordinating the platting and development processes with cities across the region.  Subsequently, Mathew was promoted to project manager where he worked on a variety of projects, including land development, construction inspection, drainage utilities and roadway.

Accomplishments:

• City of Gunter Downtown Wastewater Treatment Plant, Project Manager and Designer
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project(s), Project Manager, Project Engineer
• Sachse Southeast Water and Wastewater Improvements, Project Manager, Engineer-of-Record

Public/Professional Service: Texas Society of Professional Engineers, member, Texas Public Works Association, member, Dallas CANstruction Team, co-chair, Hart Center for Engineering Leadership—Southern Methodist University, volunteer

Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, Southern Methodist University

Rising Stars in Multidiscipline Engineering

Wheeler Crook, PE

Vice President of Engineering

Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc.

Montgomery, Alabama

Wheeler Crook possesses a unique set of engineering and interpersonal skills that allowed him to be placed in GMC’s Water Resources & Treatment Division within 3 years of joining the firm.  His ability to design and manage engineering and construction of large-scale infrastructure projects alongside individuals with decades of experience has been a contributing factor in furthering his career in the engineering field.  Currently, Wheeler serves as Vice President of Engineering, managing business development efforts, project managers, and the design of all civil and municipal projects across central and south Alabama, in addition to special projects throughout the Southeast. He has been a crucial part of the firm’s success, bringing an energy and drive that is truly unmatched.

Accomplishments:

• Gadsden MIEX Treatment Facility (Gadsden, AL), Project Manager/Engineer
• Wolf Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade (Foley, AL), Project Manager
• Anderson Regional Joint Water System Membrane Plant Expansion (Anderson, SC), Engineer
• Gautier Water Treatment Ion Exchange System (Gautier, MS), Project Manager/ Design Engineer
• Camp Merrill Sewage Collection System (Dahlonega, GA), Project Manager

Public/Professional Service: Alabama Water Environment Association, member, Water Environment Federation, member, American Water Works Association, member

Education: Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Auburn University, Bachelor of Science, Birmingham-Southern College

Dusty Eaton, AIA, LEED AP

CEO/Principal

A&E Design

Billings, Montana

As CEO of A&E Design, one of the region’s largest and longest-standing design firms, Dusty Eaton leads the practice with talent, heart, and drive.  He is passionate about design, and holds the rare ability to make others not only feel his passion, but adopt it for themselves. Dusty leads with the philosophy of “fail fast,” encouraging staff to explore new ideas, learn from failures, and keep moving forward. While he is strategic in all actions, he is realistic about failure and transparent about its inevitability. He understands that it is how one responds to failure, not failure itself, that is most important.

Accomplishments:

• Medicine Crow Middle School, Billings Public School System
• Norm Asbjornson Hall (Montana State University), Lead Architect
• MSU Innovation Campus (Montana State University), Principal-in-Charge

Public/Professional Service: Leadership Billings. Eagle Mount and Western Security Bank, Board of Directors

Education: Master of Architecture, Montana State University, B.A. in Environmental Design, Montana State University

Kim Sumrak, PE

Civil Engineer

Hanson Professional Services, Inc.

Lisle, Illinois

Kim Sumrak has contributed to a variety of projects, including roadways and hurricane relief. Her broad background includes assessing sanitary and storm sewer manholes and inlets, producing drainage designs, providing cost estimates and serving as a representative at public information meetings. Sumrak is a licensed engineer in Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas. Her efforts to expand her skills and licensing are evidence of her desire to continue her path of excellence in engineering. One of Kim’s most outstanding qualities is her willingness to step up for her Hanson teammates, from earning certifications to mentoring junior staff members and coordinating interns.

Accomplishments:

• Indiana Department of Transportation State Road 38 – Dayton to U.S. Route 421
• Indiana Department of Transportation U.S. Route 52 – Templeton to Fowler
• Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities’ Glenn Highway Capacity Improvements
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Program Hurricane Irma Disaster Relief
• San Patricio County Road Improvement Project
• Illinois State Toll Highway Authority Tri-State Tollway Planning, Master plan and Roadway Study (Cermak Road to Balmoral Avenue)

Public/Professional Service: Kansas Society of Professional Engineers member, National Society of Professional Engineers member, American Council of Engineering Companies member

Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, University of Iowa

Omar El Masri, Ph.D, EIT

Project Manager

Fisher Associates

Rochester, New York

Omar El Masri is a structural engineer with project design, teaching and research expertise. His design experience includes bridge rehabilitation and replacement design, in-depth structural inspections, and steel design for industrial buildings. He is an excellent mentor to young engineers due to his background as a researcher and Adjunct Professor at Syracuse University, where he earned his Ph.D. Omar is passionate about research and analyzing real-world bridge-related issues with the intent that his research not only makes him a better design engineer, but provides solutions that improve the life of bridge infrastructure.

Accomplishments:

• A Cost-Effective Method to Retrofit Steel Girders
• Effect of Transient Thermal Gradient on Stresses in Composite Bridges

Public/Professional Service: Association for Bridge Construction and Design (ABCD), member, American Institute of Streel Construction (AISC), member, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), associate member, Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), associate member

Education: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Syracuse University,  M.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering, Lebanese American University, B.E. in Civil Engineering, Lebanese American University

Danielle Nygren, PE

Civil Project Engineer

Westwood Professional Services, Inc.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Danielle Nygren is a shining star within Westwood Professional Services’ (Westwood) industry-leading wind energy team. At age 28, she is in command of Westwood’s top wind client. In this role she has primary responsibility for overseeing the design and construction of their industry-leading wind portfolio. Her commitment to excellence continues to set the standard for civil engineering design practices in today’s clean energy economy.

Accomplishments:

• Hale Wind Project, Designer/Project Manager
• Sagamore Wind Project, Designer
• Freeborn and Worth County Wind Project, Designer

Public/Professional Service: Society of Women Engineers (SWE), North Dakota State University Chapter, Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy, Twin Cities Chapter

Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, North Dakota State University

A&E Design

Billings, Montana

As CEO of A&E Design, one of the region’s largest and longest-standing design firms, Dusty Eaton leads the practice with talent, heart, and drive.  He is passionate about design, and holds the rare ability to make others not only feel his passion, but adopt it for themselves. Dusty leads with the philosophy of “fail fast,” encouraging staff to explore new ideas, learn from failures, and keep moving forward. While he is strategic in all actions, he is realistic about failure and transparent about its inevitability. He understands that it is how one responds to failure, not failure itself, that is most important.

Accomplishments:

• Medicine Crow Middle School, Billings Public School System
• Norm Asbjornson Hall (Montana State University), Lead Architect
• MSU Innovation Campus (Montana State University), Principal-in-Charge

Public/Professional Service: Leadership Billings. Eagle Mount and Western Security Bank, Board of Directors

Education: Master of Architecture, Montana State University, B.A. in Environmental Design, Montana State University

See all of the Rising Stars here.

KSA Engineers, Inc.

McKinney, Texas

Michael Malonee began his career in Aviation planning in 2006 and has risen rapidly.  His career interests have ranged from encouraging students to pursue careers in aviation to developing master airport plans in the North Texas region.  Malonee currently oversees commercial and general aviation projects across the Southwest region.

Accomplishments:

• Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) Planning
• $1.7 Billion Capital Improvement Program

Public/Professional Service: North Texas Super Bowl Host Committee Aviation Action Team, member, Ground Transportation Coordination Team, chair, Fort Worth, Irving, McKinney-Independent School District(s) Aviation Advisory Committee(s), member, Air Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (ATTAC), staff liason, Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association, member, American Association of Airport Executives, member, American Planning Association, member

Education: B.S. Aviation Management, Southern Illinois University, M.S. Aeronautical Science, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Westwood Professional Services, Inc.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Danielle Nygren is a shining star within Westwood Professional Services’ (Westwood) industry-leading wind energy team. At age 28, she is in command of Westwood’s top wind client. In this role she has primary responsibility for overseeing the design and construction of their industry-leading wind portfolio. Her commitment to excellence continues to set the standard for civil engineering design practices in today’s clean energy economy.

Accomplishments:

• Hale Wind Project, Designer/Project Manager
• Sagamore Wind Project, Designer
• Freeborn and Worth County Wind Project, Designer

Public/Professional Service: Society of Women Engineers (SWE), North Dakota State University Chapter, Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy, Twin Cities Chapter

Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, North Dakota State University

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Arup

Los Angeles, California

Dr. Gogus began her career with Arup in 2010 and quickly climbed in the industry. She has worked on 30 projects to date, holding roles such as lead structural engineer, project manager, peer-reviewer, performance based seismic design specialist, and advanced seismic analyst.  Furthermore, Dr. Gogus was awarded the SEAOC Nabih Youssef Young Engineers award for two projects.

Accomplishments:

• Basaksehir Pine and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, Project Manager and Lead Structural Engineer
• Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, California, Design Lead

Public/Professional Service: Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, member, Structural Engineers Association of California, member, American Society of Civil Engineers, member

Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, Middle East Technical University (Ankara, Turkey), M.S. in Strucutral Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Ph.D. in Structural Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN)

San Antonio, Texas

Dr. Roshani’s career is built around three cores: teaching, research, and public service.  His location in San Antonio allows him to teach undergraduate courses at UTSA, which means he can mentor the younger generation.  Furthermore, Roshani has made significant research contributions to the field by way of civil engineering; he has also worked with the local community by managing several street rehabilitation projects in San Antonio.

Accomplishments:

• 5-Year Street Maintenance Program—City of San Antonio, Program Manager
• 2018 Street Rehabilitation Packages—City of San Antonio, Project Manager
• 2020 Flatwork Construction Management—City of San Antonio, Program Manager
• Accelerating Innovation in Partnered Pavement Preservation—TxDOT, Post-Docural Researcher

Public/Professional Service: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) member, Highway Construction Committee, member, Transportation Research Board (TRB), member

Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, University of Mazandaran, M.S. in Road and Transportation Engineering, University of Guilan, Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Lea & Braze Engineering

Hayward, California

Cooper Allison has been busy early in his career, serving as lead civil designer and project manager for over a hundred different projects.  He has also demonstrated his passion for the profession by engaging with clients and building a strong team by mentoring new civil engineers; he now oversees a team of four full-time engineers and two civil technicians.  Allison’s mentorship is active, and he encourages his staff to pursue licensure.

Accomplishments:

• Ellison Conservation Center for Wildlife Care (Peninsula Humane Society)
• Habitat for Humanity, Capitol Way Project

Public/Professional Service: Lions Club International

Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

See all of the Rising Stars here.

LJA Engineering

Houston, Texas

Josh Shaver has been practicing in the oil and gas pipeline, process, energy, industrial facilities, and OEM equipment fields since 2007.  He began working in the LJA Engineering Energy sector as a junior engineer, climbing the ranks upwards through Senior Project Engineer, and now Project Manager.  This rise is due in part to his ability to lead other engineers and quickly adapt to the changing needs of clients.

Accomplishments:

• Pipeline Construction Projects (8” and 6”), Various Locations

Public/Professional Service: Professional Engineering Licensure in 15 states across the U.S., American Society of Mechanical Engineers, member, Gas Machinery Research Council, Project Supervisor Committee

Education: B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas—Arlington

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Rising stars in civil engineering

Jeff Roman

Partner, Engineering Practice Leader
Little
Charlotte, North Carolina

Roman has led the Engineering Practice at Little to six years of profitable growth, quadrupling staff and revenue while expanding engineering to all offices and adding new service offerings. He created a vision and core values and successfully implemented a culture change to build Little’s national engineering practice. In 2018, he became the first engineer to join the partnership and is currently the youngest partner. In 2019, he was selected for a three-year term on Little’s Board of Directors.

Accomplishments:

• Civil engineer of record for multiple projects at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers.
• Civil engineer of record for most projects within the Forum at Fort Myers, a 700-arce mixed-use development.
• Client relationship manager and project manager for new construction and renovations for automotive dealerships nationwide for Sonic Automotive.

Public/Professional Service: Roman gives back to the engineering profession with his passion for STEM education. His outreach efforts have impacted well over 1,000 students during the last 15 years. Roman speaks in K-12 and college classrooms presenting about engineering and facilitating fun hands-on activities. He leads Little’s efforts to host students for field trips and job shadowing, host teachers for externships, and created an Engineering Explorers Post.

Education: BS Civil Engineering, Lawrence Technological University | Executive MBA, University of Florida

Sharareh Kermanshachi

Assistant Professor and Director of the Resilient Infrastructure and Sustainable Environment (RISE) Lab
University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, Texas

Dr. Kermanshachi has received several prestigious national and regional awards including the UESI Fellowship, ASCE Outstanding Reviewer, Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, ASCE Professional Service Award, ASCE Excellence in Civil Engineering Education (ExCEEd), OER Research Fellowship, and the Graduate Climate Award. Kermanshachi was the only recipient of the 2018 Design Build Institute of America (DBIA) Distinguished Leadership Award from the Faculty category. Kermanshachi’s areas of expertise are risk management, performance optimization, and post disaster reconstruction.

Accomplishments:

• Currently leading the RISE lab, which has more than a dozen Ph.D. and master’s students and teaches various graduate and undergraduate level courses in civil engineering.
• Peer reviewed publications – over 326 citations.
• Has published more than 80 books, scholarly articles, conference proceedings, and research reports and has conducted several national- and state-level research projects with a value of more than $2.3 million.

Public/Professional Service: An extensive record as an advisor, organizer, and mentor.

Education: Ph.D., Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University | MS, Civil Engineering, Mississippi State University | MBA, Eastern Mediterranean University | BS, Architectural Engineering, I.A. University of Tehran

Lambrina Tercala

Project Manager, Environmental & Water Resources Group
OHM Advisors
Detroit, Michigan

Tercala, PE, ENV SP, is one of the firm’s newest shareholders, elected in November 2018 to the now 42-member group of employee owners. Tercala was elected to this important position – a role in which she will contribute to the firm’s leadership and success, elect board members and future shareholders, and exercise voice in the future direction of the company – in just four years since joining OHM Advisors due to her sharp business acumen, eye for advancement opportunities, and candor in strategic conversations.

Accomplishments:

• Developed an odor-control system using new technology in the Midwest for one of the firm’s important, long-term municipal clients.
• Co-manages the oversight and administration of the Downriver Utility Wastewater Authority, a 13-community co-operative serving more than 350,000 people.
• Substantive client work, heavy involvement in the firm’s Project Manager Forum, and active representation in professional organizations.

Public/Professional Service: Analyzed the results of a firm-wide PM survey collecting ideas and information on how managers can best perform and engage their teams.

Education: BS, Engineering, Civil and Environmental Studies, University of Michigan

Mark Origer

Head of Environmental Services Group
ISG
Mankato, Minnesota

A gifted civil engineer driven to improve water quality in rural Minnesota, Origer works closely with public agencies and private landowners alike to implement projects that provide a marked improvement on water quality. Despite being relatively young in his career, Origer has already established himself as an equally talented designer, project coordinator, and committed mentor to his fellow employee owners. With unique hydrologic and hydraulic modeling expertise with softwares such as HydroCAD and XPSWMM, Origer is able to examine alternative practices and select the most advantageous option tailored to serve each individual project. This technological expertise also allows Origer to perform large-scale hydraulic and hydrological analysis across multiple watersheds.

Accomplishments:

• Serves as a project team member for numerous projects within the Heron Lake Watershed located within portions of Nobles, Jackson, Murray, and Cottonwood Counties in southwestern Minnesota, extending approximately 472 square miles.
• Led hydrological and hydraulic analysis on the 18,000-acre Line Creek Watershed in Chippewa and Swift Joint Counties in Minnesota.
• Led hydraulic analysis on a portion of Limbo Creek in Renville County, Minnesota, to determine the flood damages to the area and the public safety concerns of road crossings. The watershed consists of 9,300 acres of open channel and wetland complexes that serve as an outlet to public drainage systems.

Public/Professional Service: Has led tours at the International Drainage Symposium, frequently presents at water quality workshops and Drainage Authority meetings, was a contributor to the University of Minnesota’s Fields to Streams: Managing Water in Rural Landscapes publication, and serves as a mentor for lucky engineering students at his alma mater, Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Education: BS, Civil Engineering, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Lee Daigle

Senior Project Manager
Cornerstone Environmental Group, A Tetra Tech Company
Madison, Wisconsin

Daigle is a project manager with 12 years of experience in the landfill gas industry. He has managed the design, construction, operation, and monitoring of landfill gas extraction and treatment systems at municipal solid waste landfills throughout North America. He has led the initial start-up and monitoring of collection and control systems and has performed data analysis and interpretation to assist in optimizing overall landfill gas system performance.

Accomplishments:

• Project manager for a multi-disciplinary team on a unique landfill gas to renewable natural gas (LFG-to-RNG) facility at the Dane County Rodefeld Landfill, the first of its kind in the US.
• Has registered numerous landfills for compliance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s mandatory rules for greenhouse gas reporting. He has also performed construction management and construction quality assurance services during the installation of numerous landfill gas extraction and treatment systems.
• Served as project manager overseeing routine operation and maintenance activities for landfill gas collection and control systems at four landfill facilities with the San Bernardino County Solid Waste Management Division.

Public/Professional Service: Presented at numerous local, regional, state, and national conferences and events, including the Global Waste Symposium and the Engineering Society of Detroit.

Education: BA, Environmental Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic University

Todd Abrams

Principal-in-Charge, Civil Engineering
WT Group
Hoffman Estate, Illinois

Abrams joined WT Group right out of college as a Project Designer. He rose through the ranks to Project Manager and Vice President, and was then named the youngest President/Principal-in-Charge in the history of the civil engineering division at only 35 years old. His work ethic shows in the number of projects he has successfully completed. In just 15 years he has accumulated experience on projects that would take other professionals decades to acquire.

Accomplishments:

• Regularly hired by the Illinois Department of Transportation as an expert witness.
• Site Design: 10+ residential developments; 20+ truck and trailer facilities; 100+ gas stations throughout the Midwest; 60+ commercial projects; 50+ park district projects; 55+ educational institutions; Eminent Domain Analysis – over 300 reports for State/County and 250 for private owners.
• Redesign of Springfield Park baseball complex in Bloomingdale, Illinois to solve long-standing drainage problem.

Public/Professional Service: He supports the Children’s Advocacy Center, which is dedicated to serving the needs of abused children. He also volunteers with the local park district, painting old playgrounds and making them safe for children. Todd reaches out to young engineers, mentoring them and teaching them how to find the path to success.

Education: BS, Civil Engineering, Valparaiso

Laura Casset

Associate, Floodplain Management and Project Funding Specialist
Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN)
Austin, Texas

Casset has more than a decade of experience serving public clients in stormwater and floodplain management. Her background includes civil engineering design of flood mitigation projects, surface water hydrology/hydraulics, identifying project funding opportunities, grant application development, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) map revisions and studies, as well as site development, utility relocation, and transportation drainage projects throughout Texas.

Accomplishments:

• An expert on FEMA grant funding and travels throughout Texas meeting with cities and counties to discuss funding solutions for infrastructure planning and construction.
• Erosion Hazard Zone Mapping & Geomorphic Assessment of Eastern Watersheds, Austin.
• Riverfront Bank Stabilization and Disaster Recovery Funding, Beaumont.

Public/Professional Service: An avid activist for refugees, Casset volunteers with the Refugee Center of Austin. Volunteers collect donations for refugee families and victims of sex trafficking. Donations include used items, monetary donations, and skill training. She has prepared apartments for refugee families that arrive in Austin with no belongings.

Education: BS, Civil Engineering, University of Texas

Steven Abendschein

Senior Principal
Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
New York, New York

Abendschein has always been a driven individual. It is this drive that put him on the leadership fast track from his first days at Stantec. His engineering expertise and leadership style were first noticed early on in his career, as demonstrated on the Route 9A Redevelopment project. Stantec was in the process of getting the roadway to working order after the devastating September 11th terror attacks. Abendschein led the simulation development for West Street, which illustrated various construction alternatives and their impacts. He  was recognized by the client for his professionalism, technical expertise, and sensitivity. Shortly thereafter, he obtained his professional engineering license.

Accomplishments:

• At the age of 28, was promoted to managing leader of a 30-person group responsible for traffic engineering and national traffic and revenue studies in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.
• Leads Stantec’s Transportation Technology group, focusing on Intelligent Transportation Systems and self-driving vehicle initiatives across the world.
• Since June 2013, has been responsible for 43 investment-grade traffic and revenue studies that have raised $13 billion in revenue bonds.   

Public/Professional Service: Active in ACEC NY and is currently the Chair for the chapter’s Scholarship Committee. He organizes and oversees the committee, and reviews and scores scholarship applications. Since the program’s inception in 2002, the council has awarded $770,500 collectively to 280 high-achieving engineering students attending New York State colleges and universities.

Education: Master of Engineering, Engineering Management, Cornell University | BS, Civil Engineering, Cornell University

Cheryl Bornheimer-Kelley

Design Engineer
McClure
Lenexa, Kansas

Bornheimer-Kelley is constantly pursuing and improving her knowledge of transportation engineering, specifically her passion for traffic and safety engineering. Now as lead PTOE for the Kansas City area offices of McClure, she heads the authoring of traffic studies, alignment and safety studies, interchange justification reports (I.J.R.) as well as designing transportation projects. Currently she is managing the design study of improvements to Kansas & Spruce Avenues in Olathe, Kansas. These improvements are spurred from her traffic study for the new Johnson County Courthouse.

Accomplishments:

• Safety expert for the Ford County Safety analysis for the Kansas Department of Transportation.
• Project manager on the bridge replacement on Highway K-9 in Norton County, Kansas.
• The Highway 76 project in Branson, Missouri, where Bornheimer-Kelley worked on the safety features involved with sidewalks, American with Disabilities ACT (ADA) ramps and other appurtenances intended to allow non-vehicular stakeholders to coexist with very congested vehicular traffic.

Public/Professional Service: Heavily involved with the Engineer’s Club of Kansas City, a philanthropic society that provides scholarships to engineering students in the region. The

group typically awards over $95,000 in scholarships annually. She is on the Board of Directors as Secretary, and is scheduled to be President in 2021.

Education: MS, Civil Engineering, University of Kansas | BS, Civil Engineering, University of Kansas

Abelardo A. Salinas (Abe)

Associate Vice President; Chief Innovation Officer
LNV, Inc.
San Antonio, Texas

LNV’s first ever CIO, Salinas is responsible for leading and carrying out a critical component of the organization’s Innovations Program by providing decisions and recommendations capable of impacting extensive professional and related activities for the company. He is also LNV’s Stormwater/Flood Control Technical Specialist, and developed career track planning worksheets for the firm.

Accomplishments:

• Edwards Aquifer Authority Director, District 3. The Authority is a political subdivision and regional water management agency that regulates the use of the Edwards Aquifer, one of the most prolific artesian aquifers in the world that serves over 2 million South Texans.
• Project lead for the Multi-modal Transportation plan for Laredo, a project featured in Texas Architect Magazine.
• Project manager and design lead for design of a dam and reservoir that will restore an irrigation network that provides water for approximately 33,000 acres of farmland in the Medina River Valley.

Public/Professional Service: Appointed to the San Antonio Airport Technical Advisory Committee to represent the interests of the Edwards Aquifer.

Education: BS, Civil Engineering, Rice University

Rising stars in structural engineering

Jian Li

Chair’s Council Assistant Professor
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas

Li is a Chair’s Council Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering (CEAE) at the University of Kansas and has been selected for promotion to Associate Professor. His research focuses on both theoretical and experimental developments of advanced sensing and health monitoring techniques to improve the resiliency and sustainability of civil infrastructure under operational and extreme loading conditions. His specific research interests include vibration-based damage detection, uncertainty quantification, innovative sensing techniques and wireless smart sensor networks, computer vision, fatigue and fracture, earthquake risk assessment and mitigation.

Accomplishments:

• Since 2013, has served as principle investigator of research projects with a total funding of $1.52 million, of which he is responsible for $1.06 million as PI.
• Has made significant contributions to advanced structural inspection by creating innovative algorithms for detecting various structural defects such as fatigue cracks and bolt loosening using computer vision. This work has so far led to three provisional patents and one international patent application.
• Has published 38 journal papers and 37 conference papers, and has delivered 13 invited seminars and 25 conference/workshop presentations.

Public/Professional Service: As the secretary and a member of the Board of Directors of the U.S.-China Earthquake Foundation, Li has been actively involved in promoting cooperation between the U.S. and China in earthquake engineering. The foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2002 in Pasadena, California.

Education: Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne | MS, Civil Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology | BS, Civil Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology

Benny Lujan

Project Manager
CTL | Thompson
Denver, Colorado

Lujan joined CTL | Thompson in 2006 while still a student at the Colorado School of Mines and is now a project engineer and manager in its Denver office. He performs preliminary and design-level geologic and geotechnical investigations and consultations, as well as post-construction geotechnical engineering consultations. During his tenure, he has authored more than 1,000 engineering reports for a variety of structures and has been the engineer of record on nearly 30 significant CTL projects, designing structural engineering solutions that have improved geotechnical project design and management practices.

Accomplishments:

• Successfully co-managed the effort, that included a team of geotechnical and environmental engineers, to transform a city block into the foundation for 1144 15th, a 42-story, 603-foot-high office tower in Denver.
• Helped design a passive dewatering system for a new development at the Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball stadium that saves the team $200,000 per year throughout the life of the building.
• Denver-area projects include: Denver World Trade Center; Globeville Landing Park/40th Street Outfall; Latino Cultural Arts Center; Metro State Sports Complex; Colorado School of Mines Elm Hall; and CU Systems Biotechnology Building.

Public/Professional Service: Lujan is actively involved in causes supporting Hispanics and Hispanic-owned businesses. He is a member of the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and works alongside the Latin-American Educational Foundation and the Denver Hispanic Coalition. He is the geotechnical engineer for the new six-story Denver Latino Cultural Arts Center.

Education: BS, Civil Engineering, Colorado School of Mines

Ali Ashrafi

Associate Principal
Thornton Tomasetti
New York, New York

Ashrafi joined Thornton Tomasetti in 2006 and is now an associate principal with extensive experience in structural design, investigation and demolition, emergency response to structural failures, façade preservation of historic structures, renovation, and performance-based design for earthquake, fire and wind. Through active participation and leadership in a wide range of projects, membership in professional associations, active research, publication of papers, presentation at conferences, organizing mini-symposia, teaching, and mentorship of young professionals, Ashrafi consistently helps shape the direction of the AEC industry and provides leadership for his profession.

Accomplishments:

• Led performance-based seismic design for Soyak Tower, a 550-ft high-rise with eight basement levels in Turkey. The building’s concrete core was designed to withstand the forces of a dramatic seismic event in a highly earthquake-prone region.
• Led the complex analysis of the seismic soil-structure interactions for the Salesforce Transit Center in San Francisco. Because of the structure’s long length, deep basement and different soil structures, seismic movements of the ground at one end of it can be very different from the other end.
• Led the fire-modeling and structural analysis for the Shed at Hudson Yards, showing that the wheels carrying it could resist the effects of fire without fireproofing.

Public/Professional Service: Ashrafi teaches Earthquake and Wind Engineering at Columbia University, serves on two committees on the Engineering Mechanics Institute, reviews papers for several professional journals, and mentors engineers and students inside and outside the company to help build the next generation.

Education: Ph.D., Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, Columbia University | MS, Civil Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology | BS, Civil Engineering, Sharif University of Technology

Taylor Perkins

Senior Structural Engineer
Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
Lexington, Kentucky

Perkins has developed a diverse project portfolio focused on evaluation and design of long-span and complex bridges, including post-tensioned segmental bridges, curved steel girders, trusses, tied arches, cable-stayed structures, and long span suspension bridges, as well as evaluation and retrofit of large concrete gravity dams. He serves as a corporate expert in advanced numerical modeling and simulation. His finite element modeling expertise extends to non-linear, dynamic, soil-structure interaction, time-dependent, and staged construction considerations. For complex bridge and dam projects, he has performed non-linear simulations incorporating geometric and material non-linearity based on both elastic and plastic theories. His dynamic analysis experience ranges from simple modal analysis to explicit time-history simulations. Perkins is familiar with a wide variety of structural analysis software packages and serves as a Stantec corporate resource for the use and implementation of these programs.

Accomplishments:

• Serves as the structures discipline lead for the quality assurance management team on the Wellsburg Bridge, a $131 million design-build project constructing a new Ohio River crossing in Wellsburg, West Virginia.
• Serves as deputy project manager and lead designer for the $50 million US 60 Cumberland River Bridge Replacement in Smithland, Kentucky.
• He has inspected over 35 bridges, the majority of which are major crossings requiring rope access techniques. Perkins has completed SPRAT Level 1 rope access training.

Public/Professional Service: Perkins is a mentor to several junior structural engineers in his office and several students at the University of Kentucky. Early on in his career, Perkins had an excellent mentor that helped him grow professionally and personally. To pay it forward, he has taken on this mentor role to provide invaluable lessons and structural knowledge to help foster growth in the young engineers he works with.

Education: Ph.D., Structural Engineering, University of Kentucky | MS, Civil Engineering, Structures, University of Kentucky | BS, Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky

Michael Mendenhall

Structural Engineer
Hanson Professional Services Inc.
Springfield, Illinois

During his nearly 17-year career, Mendenhall has provided engineering, planning, and design services for numerous bridges, structures, and retaining walls across Illinois and the U.S., including Alaska. Award-winning Alaskan projects Mendenhall has been involved with include the $42.5 million Glenn Highway capacity improvements in Eagle River and the $187 million Tanana River Bridge in Salcha. He also has performed project management responsibilities for multiple projects, including the $315 million Springfield Rail Improvements for the city of Springfield, and the $75 million Illinois Route 104 bridge over the Illinois River in Meredosia, for IDOT.

Accomplishments:

• As Hanson’s lead structural engineer responsible for studying the effect of skew and continuity of reinforced concrete slab bridges for IDOT, Mendenhall has used his experience to develop structural engineering equations and design code that is used to design reinforced concrete slab brides throughout Illinois.
• Helps drive Hanson’s largest market, infrastructure, which earned $37 million in gross revenue in 2018. Clients include DOTs in Florida, Illinois, and Missouri, the city of Springfield, Illinois, and the Illinois Tollway.
• Provided Phase I and II engineering services for replacement of the McClugage Bridge in Peoria and Tazewell counties, Illinois. For the $200 million project, he was the lead structural engineer and task manager for the east bridge approach unit design, main span foundation design, vessel collisions study, and independent review of the 650-foot-long, tied-arch main span.

Public/Professional Service: As an active member of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers since 2006, Mendenhall has served as the chapter’s president, vice president, treasurer and secretary. He was also chairman of the chapter’s annual fish-fry committee for six years, as well as MATHCOUNTS and Engineers Week.

Education: BS, Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne

Ross Stuart

Structural Division Manager
Pennoni
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Stuart has more than 12 years of experience in the structural engineering profession. He has assisted with the design, coordination, administration, and management of the structural engineering for a diverse spectrum of projects, including new construction, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, inspection, condition assessment, construction engineering, and repair projects covering a wide range of project types and materials including cast in place, precast and post-tensioned concrete, structural steel, cold formed metal framing, masonry, and timber. Since 2007, Stuart has been involved with more than 339 individual projects and is licensed in 11 states.

Accomplishments:

• As Division Manager, Stuart is responsible for the technical and financial performance of the structural department, managing work load, networking, client development, proposals, billing, and evaluating employee performance. The structural division is consistently recognized as one of the firm’s Top 10 financially performing groups.
• Project Engineer for the design, documentation, and construction administration of an $18 million, 70,000-SF office building with composite steel framed mezzanine and 145-foot span of 66-inch deep glue laminated arches supporting SIP roofing system on glulam purlins. Building achieved LEED Platinum certification.
• Project Engineer and manager responsible for the structural design of the $90 million, 235,000-SF Paul VI High School West.

Public/Professional Service: Stuart is a member of the Delaware Valley Association of Structural Engineers and the Structural Engineers Association of Pennsylvania, a local and national member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and a national member of the American Concrete Institute, the American Institute of Steel Construction and the National Council of Structural Engineers Association. Stuart also volunteers his time as an ACE Mentor.

Education: BS, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Rutgers University

Lauren Wingo

Senior Structural Engineer
Arup
Washington, DC

Wingo is a licensed structural engineer in Arup’s Washington, DC office. Her experience includes both conventional and innovative structural materials, with a focus on incorporating sustainable strategies into structural design. She has worked on a number of large scale renovation projects, further influencing the sustainability of projects by adaptively reusing existing structures. Wingo is deeply involved in structural sustainability within the design profession. She was an early-adopter of whole building life cycle assessment and has become an expert. She advocates for considering environmental impacts embodied within structural materials equally alongside operating impacts when evaluating the overall sustainability of a project. She has performed whole building life cycle assessment for several projects, including a new airport terminal and a high-rise timber residential building.

Accomplishments:

• Lead project engineer for Whittle School & Studios located in Washington, DC. In this capacity, she leads the delivery of the structural work for this large-scale renovation spanning over 900,000 square feet, managing a team of engineers.
• Lead project engineer for the Concourse Modernization project at Union Station in Washington, DC. This project, also a large-scale renovation, includes numerous structural interventions that interact with different historic phases of construction and span numerous material types.
• Was the lead project engineer for Washington Latin Public Charter School, the first cross-laminated timber building in the District of Columbia.

Public/Professional Service: Wingo’s volunteer work focuses on promoting STEM fields for younger students. She volunteers with ACE Mentors through Arup’s involvement at Dunbar High School. Wingo recently participated in a day-long workshop Arup put together for the Design Like a Girl mentorship program. The program is designed for girls in the DC metro area aged 11-13, who are passionate about architecture to learn about the profession first-hand from successful women mentors in the architecture, construction, and engineering fields.

Education: MS, Civil Engineering, George Washington University | BS, Civil Engineering, Johns Hopkins University

Vartan Chilingaryan

Associate Vice President, Director of Structural Engineering
HDR
Los Angeles, California

Chilingaryan has accomplished a great deal in a short amount of time. He started with HDR 15 years ago in the Los Angeles office as a structural intern. He joined the firm when he was only a junior in college and balanced school and work in a pressurized schedule. By the time he graduated college, he was already independently leading small structural projects. During his professional career, he has successfully led highly technical projects through design, engaged in project management, and taken on different leadership roles within the firm.

Accomplishments:

• Recently named HDR’s National Director of Structural Engineering, making him the youngest person ever to hold the position at HDR.
• Project Structural Engineer: Fort Bliss Replacement Hospital, a 1.13 million SF medical facility replacing the current William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC) in Texas.
• Project Structural Engineer: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a 1.8 million SF underground parking structure located directly below the main tower. Project was awarded a 2015 Merit Award in the Built category from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Middle East.

Public/Professional Service: Chilingaryan is very active within his local community. For the last few years he has served on the planning board for Art Swagger, which is a well-recognized annual walking art gallery hosted by a handful of architectural design firms, located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. He is also active with the Structural Engineering Association of Southern California.

Education: BS, Civil Engineering with emphasis in Structural Engineering, California State University, Northridge

Joelle Nelson

Practice Leader, New York Downtown Construction Engineering
Thornton Tomasetti
New York, New York

Nelson joined Thornton Tomasetti in 2004 and quickly rose to project director, taking on complicated projects such as the Roosevelt Island Tramway Rehabilitation Project, the U.S. Capitol Dome Restoration Project, and the 95-foot high pivoting doors at U.S. Bank Stadium. She has investigated major structural collapses, lending her expertise in wind loads and cranes. Now a partner at Thornton Tomasetti, she established and leads the firm’s crane and erection engineering practice in New York City, opening doors for women in a typically male-dominated sector. With her experience from forensic investigations of crane collapses, she is working to get in front of the problem and improve site safety.

Accomplishments:

• Restoration of the U.S. Capitol Dome in Washington, D.C.: Performed the structural analysis of the existing cast iron dome structure and analyzed it for modern code prescribed loading requirements and for loading applied from the scaffolding.
• Rehabilitation of the Roosevelt Island Tramway in New York City: Designed new head frames to support the replacement tram, rope, and mechanical/electrical system and analyzed the existing towers for the new increased loading.
• U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings: Performed the structural design and kinetic coordination for the stadium’s operable glass panels, the tallest pivoting glass doors in the world.

Public/Professional Service: Serves on the Wind Load Subcommittee for the referenced standard ASCE 7: Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures. Served on the subcommittee for the published ASCE 7-16, and continues to serve on the subcommittee for the in-progress ASCE 7-22. She also currently serves on the committee for the referenced standard ASCE 37: Design Loads on Structures During Construction.

Education: MS, Civil Engineering, Columbia University | BS, Civil Engineering, Columbia University

Matthew Murray

Project Manager
CE Solutions, Inc.
Carmel, Indiana

Murray brings a unique, research-based perspective to CE Solutions. His graduate research gave him hands-on experience in the design, construction, and testing of reinforced concrete beams, and was published in the January 2018 edition of the ACI Structural Journal. Murray demonstrates a commitment to his projects and a deliberate approach in making important decisions and anticipating obstacles. Due to his outstanding technical capabilities, he serves as Project Manager on the firm’s more challenging projects. His depth of experience with various materials is a great asset for teaching young and seasoned engineers. When Murray shares his knowledge, people listen.

Accomplishments:

• Project Manager for two high-profile pieces of public art: “VOSS” (Visiting our Solar System) at Purdue University in Indiana, and “Rocket” in Richardson, Texas.
• Project Manager for Hooverwood (assisted living), CityWay Phase II Building D (mixed-use), and Hinge (mixed-use). Murray used his technical expertise to provide structural systems to support a green roof, increased loading and removal of load-bearing walls, and custom bracing systems on a pedestrian connector bridge.
• Project Manager for the Duke Energy Central Stores Building. The unique challenge was the need to strengthen the existing floor to double its load-carrying capacity. This creative solution involved a combination of additional columns in the basement and welding new headed studs on existing steel beams. A new composite slab was poured, and the overall capacity of the floor system was increased.

Public/Professional Service: Murray has given his time and talents to various community organizations and initiatives. He has volunteered for Canstruction, an event where teams build a structure using only food cans. The cans are then donated to a local food pantry. He has also volunteered for the annual Passport to Hi-Tech, an event that introduces young children to the STEM fields. He and his family also volunteer their time preparing and serving monthly meals at Neighborhood Fellowship, a church that provides for the homeless in downtown Indianapolis.

Education: MS, Civil Engineering, Purdue University | BS, Civil Engineering, Purdue University

*This article was originally published in Civil + Structural Engineer in August 2019

I’m honored to present the 2019 class of Rising Stars, 20 of the industry’s best in civil and structural engineering. This year’s candidate pool, as it has been for eight years now, was wide and deep, and it took our jury weeks to select the winners. With the process complete, I’m comfortable saying that this year’s group is as good as it’s ever been.   

While the essential format of submission and judging remained the same, there was one big wrinkle: Fewer engineers made the list. We pared it down from 26 to 20. Six might not seem like a big number, but in this context it is, as the club for Rising Stars became a bit more exclusive to join. If your candidate did not make the list this time around, I encourage you to resubmit for 2020. A lot can happen in a year, like a big promotion or the completion of an important project – something that could give your nominee the superlative he or she needs to stand out in a competitive crowd.

The awards will be conferred at the industry’s largest and most prestigious awards celebration, the ELEVATE AEC Conference and Awards Gala in Las Vegas, October 2-4, 2019.

As I looked at this year’s list, I couldn’t help but feel plenty of pride and validation. In keeping with Zweig Group’s mission to Elevate the Industry, the class of 2019 embodies the mission’s five key tenets – Educate, Diversify, Celebrate, Promote, and Change. Our Rising Stars are based in the big markets of Los Angeles, New York, DC, and Philadelphia, but also in heartland areas like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Kentucky. Fields of expertise include academic research, bridge building, wastewater, landfill, environmental protection, interstate traffic, and earthquake resiliency. Collectively, they do it all. Men and women, those from the United States and abroad, they are mentors, educators, and cheerleaders, as well as hard-nosed doers with monster workloads who know how to deliver. They employ tried-and-true techniques but also have the confidence and ability to chart a new course.

One thing, among many, that caught my attention was the age of the candidates. Due to the award guidelines, nominees must be under the age of 40. That being the case, most were in their 30s while some were in their 20s. Reading through the submittals, I was impressed by everyone’s credentials, but nothing, it seems, beats a resume seasoned by a decade or more of experience. By that I mean those in their 30s. Though still young and with the world still in front of them, they have just enough moss on their backs, and just enough arrows in their quivers, to impress a panel of objective jurors. Reflecting the industry at-large, they are the project managers, the team leaders, and the budding C-suiters, the kind of people that every firm covets, the kind of engineer for which every firm recruits and does their best to retain. My advice to those firms that have a Rising Star: Do whatever it takes to keep them on staff because your competitors know who they are and would love to poach them from you.

What also impressed me about the winners was the focus they showed at the beginning of their careers. Starting off as interns while still in college, they were already experienced by the time they graduated. Some of them remain with the firms that gave them their first chance, and now find themselves at a sweet spot in the org chart. The process of career-building is oftentimes compared to the story about the tortoise and the hare. I agree with that analogy. But even if you run the slow and steady race, it never hurts to get off to an early start.

Join me in congratulating the 2019 class of Rising Stars. Read their stories and celebrate their achievements!

Chad Clinehens, P.E., is Zweig Group’s president and CEO. Contact him at cclinehens@zweiggroup.com.

Murray brings a unique, research-based perspective to CE Solutions. His graduate research gave him hands-on experience in the design, construction, and testing of reinforced concrete beams, and was published in the January 2018 edition of the ACI Structural Journal. Murray demonstrates a commitment to his projects and a deliberate approach in making important decisions and anticipating obstacles. Due to his outstanding technical capabilities, Murray serves as Project Manager on our more challenging projects. His depth of experience with various materials is a great asset for teaching our young and seasoned engineers. When Murray shares his knowledge, people listen.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Chilingaryan has accomplished a great deal in a short amount of time. He started with HDR 15 years ago in the Los Angeles office as a structural intern. HDR is a global Architecture and Engineering practice with offices located around the world. He joined the firm when he was only a junior in college and balanced school and work in a very pressurized schedule. By the time he graduated college, he was already independently leading small structural projects. During his professional career, he has successfully led highly technical projects through design, engaged in project management, and taken on different leadership roles within the firm.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Nelson joined Thornton Tomasetti in 2004 and quickly rose to project director, taking on complicated projects such as the Roosevelt Island Tramway Rehabilitation Project, the U.S. Capitol Dome Restoration Project, and 95’ foot high pivoting doors at U.S. Bank Stadium. She has investigated major structural collapses, lending her expertise in wind loads and cranes. Now a partner at Thornton Tomasetti, she established and leads the firm’s crane and erection engineering practice in New York City, opening doors for women in a typically male-dominated sector. She brings her experience from forensic investigations of crane collapses and is working to get in front of the problem and improve site safety.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Wingo is a licensed structural engineer in Arup’s Washington, DC office. Her experience includes both conventional and innovative structural materials, with a focus on incorporating sustainable strategies into structural design. She has worked on a number of large scale renovation projects, further influencing the sustainability of projects by adaptively reusing existing structures. Wingo is deeply involved in structural sustainability within the design profession. She is an expert in and an early adopter of whole building life cycle assessment. She advocates for considering environmental impacts embodied within structural materials equally alongside operating impacts when evaluating the overall sustainability of a project. She has performed whole building life cycle assessment for several projects, including a new airport terminal and a high-rise timber residential building.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Stuart has more than twelve years of experience in the structural engineering profession. He has assisted with the design, coordination, administration and management of the structural engineering for a diverse spectrum of projects, including new construction, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, inspection, condition assessment, construction engineering and repair projects covering a wide range of project types and materials including cast in place, precast and post tensioned concrete, structural steel, cold formed metal framing, masonry, and timber. Since 2007, Stuart has been involved with more than 339 individual projects and is licensed in 11 states.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Perkins has developed a diverse project portfolio focused on evaluation and design of long-span and complex bridges, including post-tensioned segmental bridges, curved steel girders, trusses, tied arches, cable stayed structures, and long span suspension bridges, as well as evaluation and retrofit of large concrete gravity dams. He serves as a corporate expert in advanced numerical modeling and simulation. His finite element modeling expertise extends to non-linear, dynamic, soil-structure interaction, time-dependent, and staged construction considerations. For complex bridge and dam projects, he has performed non-linear simulations incorporating geometric and material non-linearity based on both elastic and plastic theories. His dynamic analysis experience ranges from simple modal analysis to explicit time-history simulations. Perkins is familiar with a wide variety of structural analysis software packages and serves as a Stantec corporate resource for the use and implementation of these programs.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

During his nearly 17-year career, Mendenhall has provided engineering, planning and design services for numerous bridges, structures and retaining walls across Illinois and the U.S., including Alaska. Award-winning Alaskan projects Mendenhall has been involved with include the $42.5 million Glenn Highway capacity improvements in Eagle River and the $187 million Tanana River Bridge in Salcha. He also has performed project management responsibilities for multiple projects, including the $315 million Springfield Rail Improvements for the city of Springfield and the $75 million Illinois Route 104 bridge over the Illinois River in Meredosia for IDOT.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Lujan joined CTL | Thompson in 2006 while still a student at the Colorado School of Mines and is now a project engineer and manager in its Denver office. He performs preliminary and design-level geologic and geotechnical investigations and consultations, as well as post-construction geotechnical engineering consultations. During his tenure, he has authored more than 1,000 engineering reports for a variety of structures and has been the engineer of record on nearly 30 significant CTL projects, designing structural engineering solutions that have improved geotechnical project design and management practices.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Li is a Chair’s Council Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering (CEAE) at the University of Kansas and has been selected for promotion to Associate Professor. His research focuses on both theoretical and experimental developments of advanced sensing and health monitoring techniques to improve the resiliency and sustainability of civil infrastructure under operational and extreme loading conditions. His specific research interests include vibration-based damage detection, uncertainty quantification, innovative sensing techniques and wireless smart sensor networks, computer vision, fatigue and fracture, earthquake risk assessment and mitigation.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Ashrafi joined Thornton Tomasetti in 2006 and is now an associate principal with extensive experience in structural design, investigation and demolition, emergency response to structural failures, façade preservation of historic structures, renovation, and performance-based design for earthquake, fire and wind. Through active participation and leadership in a wide range of projects, membership in professional associations, active research, publication of papers, presentation at conferences, organizing mini-symposia, teaching, and mentorship of young professionals, Ali consistently helps to shape the direction of the AEC industry and provide leadership for his profession.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

LNV’s first ever CIO. Salinas is responsible for leading and carrying out a critical component of the organization’s Innovations Program by providing decisions and recommendations capable of impacting extensive professional and related activities for the company.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Roman has led the Engineering Practice at Little to six years of profitable growth, quadrupling staff and revenue while expanding engineering to all offices and adding new service offerings. He created a vision and core values and successfully implemented a culture change to build Little’s national engineering practice. In 2018, he became the first engineer to join the Partnership and is currently the youngest Partner. In 2019, he was selected for a three-year term on Little’s Board of Directors.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

In her eight-year career, Bornheimer-Kelley has been involved in many projects, large and small, demonstrating increasing project responsibility. A few highlighted projects from her career include the Ford County Safety analysis for the Kansas Department of Transportation, the bridge replacement project on Highway K-9 in Norton County, Kansas, and the Highway 76 project in Branson, Missouri. She is now the lead PTOE for the Kansas City area offices of McClure.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Daigle is a project manager with 12 years of experience in the landfill gas industry. He has managed the design, construction, operation, and monitoring of landfill gas extraction and treatment systems at municipal solid waste landfills throughout North America. He has led the initial start-up and monitoring of collection and control systems and has performed data analysis and interpretation to assist in optimizing overall landfill gas system performance.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Casset has more than a decade of experience serving public clients in stormwater and floodplain management. Her background includes civil engineering design of flood mitigation projects, surface water hydrology/hydraulics, identifying project funding opportunities, grant application development, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) map revisions and studies, as well as site development, utility relocation, and transportation drainage projects throughout Texas.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Abrams joined WT Group right out of college as a Project Designer. He rose through the ranks to Project Manager and Vice President, and was then named the youngest President/Principal-in-Charge in the history of the civil engineering division at only 35 years old. Abrams’ work ethic shows in the number of projects he has successfully completed. In just 15 years he has accumulated experience on projects that would take other professionals decades to acquire.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Abendschein has always been a driven individual. It is this drive that put him on the leadership fast track from his first days at Stantec. His engineering expertise and leadership style were first noticed early on in his career, as demonstrated on the Route 9A Redevelopment project. Stantec was working to get the roadway to working order after the devastating September 11th terror attacks. Steve lead the simulation development for West Street, which illustrated various construction alternatives and their impacts. Steve was recognized by the client for his professionalism, technical expertise, and sensitivity. Shortly thereafter, he obtained his professional engineering license.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

A gifted civil engineer driven to improve water quality in rural Minnesota, Mark works closely with public agencies and private landowners alike to implement projects that provide a marked improvement on water quality. Despite being relatively young in his career, Mark has already established himself as an equally talented designer, project coordinator, and committed mentor to his fellow employee owners.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

Tercala, PE, ENV SP, is one of the firm’s newest shareholders, elected in November 2018 to the now 42-member group of employee owners. Tercala was elected to this important position—a role in which she will contribute to the firm’s leadership and success, elect board members and future shareholders, and exercise voice in the future direction of the company—in just four years since joining OHM Advisors due to her sharp business acumen, eye for advancement opportunities, and candor in strategic conversations.  

See all of the Rising Stars here.

For her accomplishments, Dr. Kermanshachi has received several prestigious national and regional awards including the UESI Fellowship, ASCE Outstanding Reviewer, Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, ASCE Professional Service Award, ASCE Excellence in Civil Engineering Education (ExCEEd), OER Research Fellowship, and the Graduate Climate Award. Kermanshachi was the only recipient of the 2018 Design Build Institute of America (DBIA) Distinguished Leadership Award from the Faculty category.

See all of the Rising Stars here.

FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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This seventh annual Rising Stars in Civil Engineering and Rising Stars in Structural Engineering recognizes 26 professionals, 40 years old or younger working in… READ MORE…

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AUGUST 24, 2018

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BEGLEY, CORN NAMED WINNERS OF GANNETT FLEMING’S INNOVATION CHALLENGE

DECEMBER 10, 2018

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• Nominees must be 40 years of age or younger as of Dec. 31, 2017, and working in the United States as a civil or structural engineer for a private-sector company (or self-employed), public agency (i.e., federal, state, county, or city), military, non-profit organization, or educational or research institution. Self-nominations are acceptable.
• Nominees should have a record of demonstrated exceptional ability and professional accomplishments related to civil or structural engineering in one or more of the following capacities: project design; management; leadership; teaching; research; and/or public service.
• All nominations must be made online at https://www.research.net/r/2018RisingStars. Nominations must provide the following information:

1. Category — civil engineering or structural engineering
2. Nominee’s information, including name, credentials/certifications (i.e., P.E., S.E., LEED AP, etc.), title, employer, city, state, email address, and age as of Dec. 31, 2017
3. Nominee’s degree(s) earned, including school(s) and major(s)
4. Nominee’s professional accomplishments — Describe the nominee’s demonstrated ability and specific accomplishments related to civil engineering or structural engineering in one or more of the following capacities: project design; management; leadership; teaching; research; and/or public service (maximum of 500 words)
5. Significant projects the nominee been involved with and the nominee’s role in each (maximum of 250 words)
6. Describe the nominee’s involvement, if any, with professional organizations (local, state, regional, or national), community groups, and/or public service (maximum of 250 words)
7. Name and email address of person submitting the nomination

• Each nomination should include a publication-quality digital photo (jpg or tiff file) of the nominee — 2 by 3 inches or larger at a resolution of 300 dpi. The image file name should include the nominee’s name.
• The nomination period closes at midnight (Eastern Time) on March. 12, 2018.
• Any private-sector company, public-sector agency, military unit, non-profit organization, or educational or research institution may submit a maximum of four nominations in each category — civil engineering and structural engineering.
• There is no charge for submitting nominations or for any engineer selected as a Rising Star to be featured in the Civil + Structural Engineer article, scheduled for the May 2018 issue.

Selection process

• All completed nominations submitted by the deadline will be considered by judges representing Civil + Structural Engineer magazine and/or Zweig Group. Nominees with incomplete nomination forms may not be considered in the selection process.
• Rising Stars in Civil + Structural Engineering will be selected from the nominations at the discretion of the judges based solely on the information submitted online as described above.
• Nominees selected as Rising Stars in Civil + Structural Engineering will be notified via email on or before May 1, 2018.

Two important notes: 1) Rising Stars in Civil + Structural Engineering are selected exclusively from the nominations received; and 2) selection is based entirely on the information contained in the nomination. So, please take some time to consider the younger, highly skilled and hard-working civil and structural engineering professionals you know who deserve recognition — and then submit a nomination at https://www.research.net/r/2018RisingStars.