New Mexico roads are in terrible disarray, according to a new report by TRIPS, a national transportation research nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. The study found 56% of all highways and major roads in the state are in poor or mediocre repair due to a lack of funding, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports. Poor roads cost each driver about $767 annually in additional vehicle operating costs.
State lawmakers are considering a bill to increase gas taxes in the state, which has some of the lowest tax rates in the region, to raise funds for repairs.
Bill Paves Way for More Solar Power Use
A bill that would provide electricity for New Mexico residents using local solar power infrastructure passed in the state Senate earlier this month, according to the Carlsbad Current Argus. Under the Community Solar Act, lower-income residents and renters could use energy generated by arrays known as solar gardens, which are smaller than utility-scale but larger than residential arrays. The bill is now in the House.
Senator Gay Kernan noted progress in solar energy use in the state, pointing out that Xcel Energy has already increased renewable energy by 50% to the New Mexico grid, 10 years earlier than is stipulated in New Mexico Energy Transition Act.
FAA safety engineer goes public to slam the agency’s oversight of Boeing’s 737 MAX
Haunted by the two deadly crashes of Boeing 737 MAX jets and his agency’s role in approving the plane, veteran Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety engineer Joe Jacobsen is stepping forward publicly to give the victims’ families “a firsthand account of what the truth is.” In a detailed letter sent last month to a family that lost their daughter in the second MAX crash in Ethiopia two years ago this week, and in interviews with The Seattle Times, Jacobsen gave the first personal account by an insider of the federal safety agency’s response to the MAX crashes. Jacobsen should have been among the FAA specialists who reviewed the MAX’s critical new flight control software during its original certification, which was largely controlled by Boeing. He’s confident that he and other FAA engineers would have flagged its serious design flaws.
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Wanted: 2021 NSPE Emerging Leaders
NSPE is fostering a new generation of engineers who can think strategically, build effective teams, and lead successfully through its Emerging Leaders Program. This intensive seven-month, professionally facilitated, the virtual program is now accepting applications until May 31.
Early-career professionals with 5-8 years of experience who are just beginning to lead and think strategically in the profession are encouraged to apply. The program graduated its first class of diverse, super achieving professionals in February.
Between August 2021 and February 2022 participants will learn how to be successful at higher levels of leadership responsibility. Participants will engage in 90-minute leadership training sessions each month with learning discussions and mentoring on topics such as ownership, team development, communication skills, giving/receiving feedback, and presentation skills. There will also be ample networking opportunities with peers and national NSPE national leaders.
Ethics Webinars for PEs and Those on the Licensure Path
Don’t miss NSPE’s upcoming ethics webinars on truthfulness and fidelity to employers and clients, with insight from Rebecca Bowman, P.E., Esq., NSPE’s senior director for ethics and professional practice and NAFE executive director, and other NSPE ethics experts.
April 7 Engineering Ethics–Canon III–Truthfulness Learn from a variety of situations in which circumstances can tempt (and even encourage) engineers to dance around the edges of Canon III. Presenters: Hugh Veit, P.E., Susan Sprague, P.E., F.NSPE, and Rebecca Bowman, P.E., Esq.
May 5 Engineering Ethics–Canon IV–Fidelity to Employers/Clients Examine the duties to employers and clients, and circumstances under which those duties can be pre-empted by higher duties, especially to the public health, safety, and welfare. Presenters: David Kish, Ph.D., P.E., Jeff Greenfield, Ph.D., P.E., F.NSPE, and Rebecca Bowman, P.E., Esq.
FEYA Winner Shares Passion for Mentoring, Lifelong Learning
If Major Monica Pickenpaugh, Ph.D., P.E., of the US Air Force is an innovator in the development of drinking water distribution systems, she is equally passionate about making sure her thirst for knowledge reaches the next generations of engineers.
In recognition of her dedication to the profession, Pickenpaugh was named NSPE’s 2021 Federal Engineer of the Year Award winner during a virtual awards event on February 24. FEYA is the only award recognizing the exceptional achievements of engineers employed in the federal government, and the nominees for 2021 continued the legacy of representing outstanding engineers employed in the public sector.
In accepting the award, Pickenpaugh thanked everyone from her kindergarten teacher to her doctorate advisor, and she emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and mentoring. “I have learned that learning is a lifelong process to be passed on to future generations,” she said. “I believe it is our duty as engineers to continue to teach and mentor future generations of engineers as my teachers and mentors have done so well.”
As US Forces Korea’s (USFK) chief of construction, Pickenpaugh directed $5.7 billion of funded construction in the Republic of Korea. As part of a sharing agreement with the US, the construction program supports USFK commanders’ defense efforts through critical projects. She synchronized all US Armed Forces’ project requests to validate and fund key construction requirements vital to USFK’s mission. Prior to all planned project scheduling and coordination, she strategically advocated for use of the National Defense Authorization Act to allow construction authorization.
Because of the pandemic, the FEYA award winner was celebrated virtually, for the first time in its 42-year history.
“Each of those being honored today share these values and are dedicated to making the world a better, healthier, and safer place for all,” said NSPE President Tricia Hatley, P.E., F.NSPE in a recorded video message. “This award represents a great deal of respect and appreciation for their significant accomplishments, and for their adherence to the code by which all engineers should be guided.”
NSPE Delivers Policy Priorities to the White House
NSPE is urging the Biden Administration to develop common-sense climate change mitigation policies and make swift investment in the nation’s infrastructure, among other recommendations.
In a letter sent on February 18, NSPE highlighted its vital role in society and the value of having PEs “play a lead role in creating, maintaining, and renewing infrastructure.” The letter encouraged the administration’s Domestic Policy Council to work toward the following goals:
Implementing a regulatory framework for emerging technologies that encourage innovation while continuing to protect the public;
Improving access to STEM education by allocating the necessary resources to develop or improve STEM education facilities for underserved students;
Developing equity and inclusion policies that use tools like professional licensing and certification, which have been proved to reduce the wage gap for women and minorities;
Promoting common sense climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability policies; and
Advocating proper investment in the nation’s infrastructure.
NSPE, House Lawmaker Partner on Engineers Week Resolution
NSPE’s Government Relations team worked for several weeks with Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) and his staff to write the language for this year’s Engineers Week resolution. The Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Engineers Week resolution (H. Res 164) was introduced on February 25, with 19 original cosponsors.
Advocacy campaigns have been created for NSPE members to thank their representatives who co-sponsored the resolution and ask those who didn’t to sign on. Members can view and participate in the campaigns at the NSPE Advocacy Center.
Wanted: 2021 NSPE Emerging Leaders
NSPE is fostering a new generation of engineers who can think strategically, build effective teams, and lead successfully through its Emerging Leaders Program. This intensive seven-month, professionally facilitated, virtual program is now accepting applications until May 31.
Early-career professionals with 5-8 years of experience who are just beginning to lead and think strategically in the profession are encouraged to apply. The program graduated its first class of diverse, super achieving professionals in February.
Between August 2021 and February 2022 participants will learn how to be successful at higher levels of leadership responsibility. Participants will engage in 90-minute leadership training sessions each month with learning discussions and mentoring on topics such as ownership, team development, communication skills, giving/receiving feedback, and presentation skills. There will also be ample networking opportunities with peers and national NSPE national leaders.
Take the 2021 Milton F. Lunch Ethics Contest Challenge
Artificial intelligence, climate change, and the industrial exemption are all topics that can present ethical concerns and challenges. The 2021 Milton F. Lunch Ethics Contest is presenting an opportunity for NSPE members to put their ethics knowledge to the test on these issues.
Members can participate through their state societies and local chapters (including student chapters). State societies and local chapters are encouraged to consider using this contest as an activity to generate member discussion and spur greater interest in engineering ethics.
Participants can select from one of three issues to develop a submission (video, photo essay, poster, essay, or PowerPoint presentation) that demonstrates an understanding of the ethical issues involved. Participants are encouraged (but not required) to consider and cite in the submission the NSPE Code of Ethics and previous NSPE Board of Ethical Review opinions.
NSPE will award the author of the winning entry $2,000, a certificate, and recognition in PE magazine. All submissions must be received by Monday, April 26.
The NSPE Education Foundation is committed to ensuring the future of the engineering profession through the generous support of NSPE members and friends of the Society. There are several scholarships available to support the educational and ethical practice needs of engineering students and practicing professionals.
Undergraduate The Steinman Scholarship is awarded annually to undergraduates entering or continuing their junior year in a four-year ABET-accredited engineering program. The award is for $5,000. Multiple awards are potentially available. Apply by April 1.
The Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship is awarded annually to a female undergraduate entering or continuing their junior year of a four-year ABET-accredited engineering program. Apply by April 1.
Graduate/Undergraduate The George B. Hightower, P.E. Fellowship is awarded annually to a current engineering undergraduate or graduate student who is enrolled in, or graduated from, an ABET-accredited engineering program. Apply by June 15.
Upcoming Webinars: Spring Ethics Series
The NSPE ethics webinars series is back for the spring season! This series will focus on the topics of competence, truthfulness, and fidelity to employers and clients with insight from Rebecca Bowman, P.E., Esq., NSPE’s senior director for ethics and professional practice and NAFE executive director, and other NSPE ethics experts.
The webinars are available to members for $99 ($129 for nonmembers). Each webinar will be held 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. EST and will include an online discussion and a 10-question quiz for the sessions to qualify for continuing education credit. *The ethics webinar series can be purchased as a discounted bundle until March 10 at 1 p.m. EST.*
March 10 Engineering Ethics–Canon II–Competence This webinar will explore examples of new materials, new techniques, and new technologies; consider relevant cases from the Board of Ethical Review; and review a case study. Presenters: William Lawson, Ph.D., P.E., F.NSPE, Craig Musselman, P.E., F.NSPE, and Rebecca Bowman, P.E., Esq.
April 7 Engineering Ethics–Canon III–Truthfulness Learn from a variety of situations in which circumstances can tempt (and even encourage) engineers to dance around the edges of Canon III. Presenters: Hugh Veit, P.E., Susan Sprague, P.E., F.NSPE, and Rebecca Bowman, P.E., Esq.
May 5 Engineering Ethics–Canon IV–Fidelity to Employers/Clients Examine the duties to employers and clients, and circumstances under which those duties can be pre-empted by higher duties, especially to the public health, safety, and welfare. Presenters: David Kish, Ph.D., P.E., Jeff Greenfield, Ph.D., P.E., F.NSPE, and Rebecca Bowman, P.E., Esq.
Study Shows Value of Licensing. The study Valuing Professional Licensing in the US found compelling data about the differences between occupational and professional licensing, especially as it relates to gender- and race-based wage gaps. The Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing hosted a webinar on February 24 to share the study’s findings.
Get Your 15 Free PDHs. Take advantage of the annual NSPE membership benefit of 15 free courses for 2021.
What Mars and Texas Tell Us About Engineering. NAE President John L. Anderson and NAE Senior Director Guru Madhavan examine the recent success of the Perseverance rover landing on Mars and the electric grid failure in Texas.
