NMSPE salutes the accomplishments of our 2023 Award Winners, which were announced during our EWeek Conference held on February 24, 2023. The knowledge, ethics, hard work, professionalism, talent, innovation, and dedication to the Engineering profession are outstanding. The Awards Committee would like to honor all the nominees for their submissions this year and encourages your submissions for next year.
2023 Engineer of the Year, Ashley Arrossa, PE
The 2023 Engineer of the Year, Ashley Arrossa, PE, is an accomplished young environmental engineer with over 12 years of experience in sampling, analysis, and reporting support of environmental site investigation and remediation projects. Working for state and municipal agencies as well as commercial industry, she has supported projects involving the permitting of new mine sites and the reclamation of former sites; the operation and maintenance of landfill monitoring and groundwater remediation systems; subsurface investigations to determine the nature and extent of contamination resulting from leaking petroleum storage tank sites; environmental assessments to support Brownfields Civil three-dimensional (3D) and site plans in ArcGIS, manages data using EnviroData, and is familiar with the Hydrologic Evaluation Landfill Performance (HELP) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Net modeling programs.
She is a dedicated young professional who is passionate about STEM outreach and helping other young women discover great careers in engineering. Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from New Mexico Tech. She earned her professional engineering licensure in 2017.
Jonah Ruybalid, PE, CFM, 2023 Young Engineer of the Year
Jonah Ruybalid, 2023Young Engineer of the Year, is a Licensed Professional Engineer and Certified Floodplain Manager with 10 years of experience in civil and water resources engineering, including roadway, drainage, site development, sewer line and water line planning and design. He is an accomplished project manager having served communities across New Mexico, as well as serving as the project manager for on-call contracts with the City of Las Vegas (6 individual on-call contracts), Greater Chimayo Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association, City of Belen, Town of Bernalillo, Village of Los Lunas and Village of Tijeras.
Jonah has also spent two years with the Dona Ana County Flood Commission where he assisted with flood control projects, reviews for building permits, drainage analyses, and other applications for compliance with the most current standards and specifications. Jonah obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from NMSU in 2013, his Certified Floodplain Manager in 2012, and his Professional Engineer designation in 2014.
2023 Project of the Year: Simplified Inundation Mapping Toolset – Dam Breach Analysis and Mapping
Max Shih, CDM Smith and Sushil Chaudhary, OSE
Project Owner, New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, in conjunction with CDM Smith, Inc. was awarded Outstand Project of the Year. CDM Smith provided consulting and engineering services to develop the new state guidance/directive of the simplified dam breach analysis (SIM dam breach) and emergency plan (EAP) preparation. The project tasks include the dam EAP compliance survey of western states, the SIM dam breach directive development, SIM dam breach workbook tools, GIS mapping toolset, and public support of the development of EAP’s for small and intermediate size dams throughout the State of New Mexico with significant high hazard potential. CDM Smith developed tools and guidance intended to simplify the EAP process for dam owners and operators while meeting the key requirements of an EAP including engineering analysis, inundation mapping, and emergency action planning. Key members of the CDM Smith team were Hui-Ming (Max) Shih, PhD, PE, CFM, Robert Fowlie, PE, Joseph Machala, PE, Grace Houghton, PE and Carlos Yvellez, EIT.
The future value of applying the new SIM dam breach program in this project can be expected to perform a simplified dam flood risk assessment coordinated with a reliable risk to show the dam’s breach consequences are associated with a low-risk designation and avoid unnecessary, substantial efforts related to an emergency action plan development, evacuation plan preparation, dam rehabilitation, and other associated actions.
Mine Does Not Have Water Rights, State Engineer Says
After it closed in 2014, the Chevron Questa molybdenum mine company planned to divest some of its water rights, including to a family hoping to start a farm. However, the Office of the State Engineer has ruled that water rights no longer exist. Chevron had asked OSE for an exception because they want to help the community economically.
The decision leaves unanswered questions about whether Chevron will be able to go forward with its plans to transfer water rights to the village of Questa, which needs additional sources of water, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports. Chevron has ongoing mine reclamation projects and federal Superfund cleanup work that require significant amounts of water, but the company wants to return surplus water to the community, the article says.
Hydrogen Hub to Build Near Albuquerque Sunport
A California-based hydrogen firm, Universal Hydrogen says it will build a new manufacturing and distribution center on property near the Albuquerque Sunport. The company, which seeks to use hydrogen to fuel airplanes, is getting a $10 million dollar investment from the state for the project through New Mexico’s Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) funding, according to according to a KRQE News report.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham made the announcement alongside several state lawmakers, Universal Hydrogen officials, and Albuquerque city officials. With the announcement, the governor also signed an executive order centered on furthering hydrogen investment in New Mexico.
Universal Hydrogen’s future hub is expected to sit on 50-acres of airport property near the intersection of Gibson and Girard. Known as the “Aviation Center of Excellence,” the property on the northeast corner of the Sunport is a former, now decommissioned runway site that’s sat vacant for nearly a decade.
Robert Zueck, Ph.D., P.E., was named NSPE’s Federal Engineer of the Year during a virtual awards event on February 24 for his discoveries and contributions in the engineering field. The Federal Engineer of the Year Award, sponsored by the Professional Engineers in Government, honors engineers employed by a federal agency that employs at least 50 engineers worldwide.
Zueck works in the US Department of the Navy’s Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), Expeditionary Warfare Center at Port Hueneme, California. He is heralded for applying his vibration research to military defense projects for which engineers can now design beyond the speed, agility, and stealth limitations of many military sensors, weapons, and platforms.
“Every success for me has come out of the hard teamwork of many fellow engineers and scientists,” Zueck stated. “I thank them all—particularly those who provided valuable constructive criticism of my rather unique research results.”
In a basic research project conducted several years ago, Zueck discovered how geometrically complex vibrations initiate, grow, and sustain themselves, often limiting higher performance for many combat systems. He used this new vibration knowledge to improve the Expeditionary Warfare Center’s modeling capability for designing, analyzing, and deploying towed sensors, ship moorings, sub-sea arrays, and other slender naval structures.
“This basic science discovery could be very useful for modeling, simulating, and testing in many other fields of engineering and science,” he said.
Mark Your Calendars: 2022 Professional Engineers Conference
The 2022 NSPE Professional Engineers Conference will bring together professional engineers across disciplines from August 1–3, in Philadelphia at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown. Registration for the conference opens in April.
PECON attendees can access specialized content from experts as they discuss issues and trends impacting the profession, develop power skills and life skills not taught in school, and advance their careers by expanding their expertise and preparing for future developments in the industry.
The seventh annual PE Day will coincide with the conference’s culmination on August 3. These two events allow PEs to join their peers in celebration of the profession and advocacy for licensure.
NSPE will continue to monitor health and safety guidelines while we proceed toward hosting this in-person event.
2022 NSPE Student Scholarships Available
Students can apply for the 2022 NSPE Education Foundation scholarships through a new online submission platform. The following scholarships have an April 1 application deadline:
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.
The Steinman Scholarship is awarded annually to undergraduates entering or continuing their junior year in a four-year ABET-accredited engineering program.
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.
Coming soon! The Swadesh and Om P. Popli, P.E., P.L.S. Scholarship will be a multi-year scholarship, providing $5,000 each year for the recipient’s four-year education. Applicants must be a female high school senior from an ethnic minority pursuing a degree in engineering at an ABET-accredited program.
Los Alamos Laboratory Launches from Spaceport America
Los Alamos National Laboratory partnered with UP Aerospace, a private company, on a successful suborbital launch experiment from Spaceport America in August. This was the first collaboration of its kind for LANL. The flight used a Los Alamos-developed diagnostic and communication payload.
“The ReDX-1 flight test…is just the first example of a unique collaboration between the Laboratory, UP Aerospace, and Spaceport America that will enable us to train a whole new generation of scientists and engineers by giving them rapid and frequent access to experimental flight test data,” said Deputy Director of Weapons Bob Webster. By partnering with private companies, the lab can conduct such tests more frequently and at a fraction of the cost within the State of New Mexico. The flight cost only $1 million and occurred only 15 months after the initial concept.
This summer, Spaceport America’s executive director asked state lawmakers for $2 million in funding. No actions in response to the request have been reported.
Texas Earthquakes May Be Caused by “Produced Water” from New Mexico
Earthquakes in west Texas’s oil basin, which have increased in strength and frequency over the past few years, could be caused by the brackish water that is a byproduct of oil and gas extraction in New Mexico. What is known as produced water is injected into the ground, a traditional disposal method for the toxic water, the Carlsbad Current Argus reports. Scientists believe this can cause seismic activity in the area.
New Mexico has also experienced more earthquakes within its borders. State regulators are encouraging alternative water disposal methods, such as recycling, which is expensive for operators. It is estimated that the amount of oil and gas wastewater that will need to be disposed of will grow to 20 billion barrels by 2024.
Company Facilitates “Earthship” Construction Using Upcycled Materials
People interested in building a type of home known as an Earthship may purchase construction plans from Earthship Biotecture, a company based near Taos, or pay for it to be constructed for them. The core principles of an Earthship are: building with repurposed materials; thermal/solar heating and cooling; solar and wind electricity; water harvesting; contained sewage treatment; and food production. Each of the design principles leverages existing natural phenomena and blends them to create a sustainable living environment, designed to collect water, produce electricity, and grow food.
The unique homes are constructed using both natural and discarded materials including used tires packed with earth, bottles, and cans to create structural walls. Earthships were referred to in the movie Nomadland, which won last year’s Academy award for Best Picture.The company offers workshops and hosts an academy in Taos that teaches these building techniques, the AP reports. The cost of building an Earthship is just $225 per square foot but building one yourself can take up to two years. Stay up to date on legislative issues through the NSPE Advocacy Center
Anti-Licensing Forces Miss the Point
Extreme anti-licensing bills have popped up in numerous states and are posing a threat to the rigorous and established professional standards followed by PEs, architects, and others who design and construct the built environment, according to an op-ed in The Hill.
Lawmakers calling for these extreme measures don’t differentiate between barbers and manicurists, for example, and PEs and architects, say Tom Smith, executive director of ASCE, and Michael Armstrong, CEO of NCARB. “In their absolutist free-market view, reflected in the language of their model legislation, a visit to a barbershop or beauty salon should be treated the same as designing a bridge or water treatment plant.”
The legislative proposals range from measures that would eliminate licensing entirely to so-called “Universal Licensing” bills that would require states to accept licenses from any state regardless of whether the out-of-state license had the same level of qualifications behind it.
NSPE Calls for PE Role in AI Risk Management
To protect the public from the potential dangers of artificial intelligence applications, NSPE is calling for the involvement of licensed professional engineers in the AI development process.
NSPE’s recommendations were submitted to the National Institute of Standards and Technology in response to NIST’s request for input on an artificial intelligence risk management framework. The recommendations advocate for professional engineers or certain certified individuals to be included within the risk management framework, which covers all levels of development and implementation.
“This individual would be responsible for making decisions related to protecting the public, including those who would use or potentially be affected by an AI application,” wrote NSPE President Rick Guerra, P.E., F.NSPE. “Oversight responsibility should include having the authority to approve or reject the process, methodology, or other characteristics of the specific AI project. Having a credentialed individual to ensure these considerations are made can reduce risk that an artificial intelligence application will fail.”
Meet the 2021 Scholarship Winners
The NSPE Education Foundation recently awarded several scholarships to support talented students pursuing engineering. Meet the 2021 winners:
Markie Ash, of Waupaca, Wisconsin, is winner of the Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship and the George B. Hightower, P.E. Fellowship . Ash is studying civil engineering with a structural emphasis at University of Wisconsin-Platteville. The $2,500 auxiliary scholarship is awarded annually to a female undergraduate entering, or continuing, her junior year of a four-year ABET-accredited engineering program. The $3,000 Hightower Fellowship is awarded annually to an engineering undergraduate or graduate student who is enrolled in, or graduated from, an ABET-accredited engineering program.
Justin Sivasothy is this year’s recipient of the Maureen L. and Howard N. Blitman, P.E., Scholarship to Promote Diversity in Engineering . The $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a high school senior from an ethnic minority going into an ABET-accredited engineering degree program at a four-year college or university. Sivasothy, of Sugar Land, Texas, is attending the University of Texas at Austin.
The $5,000 Steinman Scholarship has been awarded to five students studying in ABET-accredited programs this academic year. Michael Kadus (Chicago, Illinois) is studying industrial engineering at Purdue University. Robert Schneider (West Coxsackie, New York) is studying civil engineering at Clarkson University. Annabel Sharnowski (Novi, Michigan) is studying mechanical engineering with a minor in electrical engineering at the University of Michigan. Noah Struck (Alexandria, Minnesota) is studying civil engineering at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Jacob Witlin (Ellicott City, Maryland) is studying fire protection at the University of Maryland.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MICHAEL KADUS, ROBERT SCHNEIDER, ANNABEL SHARNOWSKI, NOAH STRUCK, AND JACOB WITLIN
Nominations Open for Federal Engineer of the Year Award
Honoring the commitment of federal engineers to innovation and service is the hallmark of the Federal Engineer of the Year Award . Nominations for the award, which attracts participation from more than a dozen federal agencies, are open until October 31.
The FEYA ceremony is scheduled for February 24, 2022, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Tickets will be available for sale in January. Apply or nominate a worthy engineer .
The 2021 Federal Engineer of the Year
Major Monica Pickenpaugh, Ph.D., P.E., of the US Air Force, was named NSPE’s 2021 Federal Engineer of the Year Award winner during a virtual awards event in February. As US Forces Korea’s chief of construction, she 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.
Rick Guerra, P.E., F.NSPE, was recently installed as NSPE’s 2021–22 president during the 2021 Installation Ceremony at NSPE headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. In the latest issue of PE magazine, he offers a perspective on the engineering workforce pipeline, climate change, and engineering licensure.
Guerra is the president and CEO of Jose I. Guerra, Inc. a full-service, facilities engineering firm with offices in Austin, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi, Texas. The firm provides a comprehensive range of civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering services to clients throughout the state.
As an active member of NSPE since 1994, Guerra has served in numerous leadership roles at the chapter, state, and national levels, including as president of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers in 2016-17 and was named a NSPE Fellow in 2018. In 2007, he was appointed by Governor Rick Perry as the licensed professional engineer member of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, serving until 2019. He received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1982 and a master’s degree in engineering in 1988, both from the University of Texas at Austin.
Guerra continues to promote the engineering profession by serving as a guest lecturer at UT Austin, acting as a high school career day host and serving as an engineering mentor for local high school students. He is also an active volunteer for his church, the Boy Scouts of America, and various other community organizations.
Celebrating Excellence in the Profession
NSPE members were honored on August 4 for their outstanding contributions to the profession during the 2021 Virtual Professional Engineers Conference.
Young Engineer of the Year Award
Stephanie Blain, P.E. was named the 2021 Young Engineer of the Year for her outstanding contributions to the engineering profession and the community. She is employed with Palmer Engineering Company in Winchester, Kentucky.
Engineering Education Excellence Award
Scott R. Hamilton, Ph.D., P.E., received the Engineering Education Excellence Award, which recognizes licensed engineering faculty who have demonstrated the ability to link engineering education with professional practice. He is chair of the Civil & Mechanical Engineering Department at York College in York, Pennsylvania.
The Milton F. Lunch Ethics Contest winner and the QBS Award winners were also recognized during the conference.
The 2021 Milton F. Lunch Ethics Contest provides an opportunity for NSPE members to put their ethics knowledge to the test on topics that present ethical challenges such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and industrial exemption. Michael Rademacher, P.E., of St. Louis, Missouri (Burns & McDonnell), is this year’s winner. He will receive $2,000, a certificate, and recognition in PE magazine.
The QBS Awards are cosponsored by NSPE and ACEC to recognize public and private entities that make exemplary use of the qualifications-based selection process at the federal, state and local levels. The City of San Diego was honored in the state/city government category and the Idaho QBS Facilitators Council received a special recognition award.
The award winners serve as examples of how well the QBS process works, and they help promote the practice in jurisdictions that do not use, or underuse, QBS to procure engineering services.
Introducing the 2021 Class of Society Fellows
By demonstrating exemplary and devoted service to their profession, the Society, and their community, 12 professional engineers have been honored as the 2021 Class of Fellow members.
In May, a group of stakeholders discussed the formation of a Clean Energy Economy Roadmap for the state during a virtual town hall. The forum was hosted by the Innovation and Commercialization for a Regional Energy Workforce project at New Mexico State University. The goal was to illustrate a roadmap to harness regional opportunities in support of a clean energy ecosystem in New Mexico. Project partners included NMSU’s College of Engineering, Arrowhead Center, Indian Resources Development and the New Mexico-based think tank, the North American Intelligent Manufacturing Initiative.
The roadmap is just one example of the state’s research universities and labs, public agencies, private think tanks and business groups are working together to transition to a clean energy economy, reports the Albuquerque Journal.
Manufacturers Like the Southwest
Manufacturing is humming in the Southwest, reports the Wall Street Journal. In the four years through 2020, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma increased manufacturing output more than any other region in the US. “The lure is open land, local tax breaks and a growing supply of tech-savvy workers.” Among the article’s examples, Intel Corp. said it would spend $3.5 billion to expand its manufacturing operations in New Mexico, adding 700 jobs. The company said it will also invest $20 billion to expand its manufacturing in Arizona and pledged to add 3,000 high-tech jobs.
Electric Charging Stations Grow in New Mexico
With electric vehicles becoming more common in the state, hundreds of charging stations have been installed, and utilities are planning to put in more, according to nmpoliticalreport.com. Public Service Company of New Mexico spokesperson Eric Chavez said that New Mexico is a leader in electric charging stations. A total of 51 are open to the public throughout the state and four more are planned.
Attendees will have access to up to 14 unique and insightful PDH sessions (live and on-demand sessions) and will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers and experts from across the country through the morning “coffee chats” and Mastermind sessions. In the Mastermind sessions, attendees will address their most pressing professional issues and tap into the knowledge, experience, and advice of their peers and PE experts to help workshop solutions. There will also be virtual engineering facility tours and a celebration of PE Day (August 4).
A Day Pass for NSPE members is $99 until July 15 and $149 after July 15. The pass provides access to four PDH sessions, networking morning “coffee chat” roundtables of your choice each day, and evening post-session discussions.
The All Access Pass for NSPE members is $249 until July 15 and $299 after July 15. This pass provides access to 14 PDH sessions, access to daily networking morning “coffee chat” roundtables, and evening post session discussions.
Student members can register for a Day Pass or the All Access Pass for free until July 15. The rate for both passes is $50 after July 15. Nonmembers can join NSPE for $299 and receive member pricing.
Women in Engineering Event to Explore Gender and Racial Equity
DiscoverE and the Congressional Women in STEM Caucus will co-host an event on June 23, in celebration of International Women in Engineering Day . The event will include a lively panel discussion exploring the factors that attract girls to engineering, why women persist in the field, and the role you can play in achieving gender and racial equity in engineering and technology.
NSPE Government Relations staff coordinated the participation of the Women in STEM Caucus for the event. The Women in STEM Caucus seeks to bring public and congressional awareness to policies, programs, and initiatives that support women in STEM fields, and develops the next generation of women leaders. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) serve as caucus co-chairs.
NSPE recognizes the benefits of a diverse population of licensed engineers in shaping the future of engineering. Diverse backgrounds foster unique contributions and capabilities and create an inclusive community ultimately leading to a more creative, effective and technically respected community.
NSPE needs your knowledge, expertise, and time to help the Society carry out its vision and mission and meet the goals of the strategic plan . Volunteer positions begin in mid-August and end at the 2022 Professional Engineers Conference.
There are three types of volunteer opportunities:
Level 1 (Highest Engagement)–Standing Boards and Committees Often includes attending at least one in-person meeting. Most meetings held via video conference. Terms may be up to three years.
Level 2 (Intermediate Engagement)–Ad Hoc Committees and Task Forces Activities primarily include online correspondence and video conference meetings.
Level 3 (Lowest Engagement)–Ad Hoc Volunteer Volunteer on a project-by-project basis.
Attendees will have access to up to 14 unique and insightful PDH sessions (live and on-demand sessions) and will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers and experts from across the country through the morning “coffee chats” and Mastermind sessions. In the Mastermind sessions, attendees will address their most pressing professional issues and tap into the knowledge, experience, and advice of their peers and PE experts to help workshop solutions. There will also be virtual engineering facility tours and a celebration of PE Day (August 4).
A Day Pass for NSPE members is $99 until July 15 and $149 after July 15. The pass provides access to four PDH sessions, networking morning “coffee chat” roundtables of your choice each day, and evening post-session discussions.The All Access Pass for NSPE members is $249 until July 15 and $299 after July 15. This pass provides access to 14 PDH sessions, access to daily networking morning “coffee chat” roundtables, and evening post session discussions.Student members can register for a Day Pass or the All Access Pass for free until July 15. The rate for both passes is $50 after July 15. Nonmembers can join NSPE for $299 and receive member pricing.
Women in Engineering Event to Explore Gender and Racial Equity
DiscoverE and the Congressional Women in STEM Caucus will co-host an event on June 23, in celebration of International Women in Engineering Day. The event will include a lively panel discussion exploring the factors that attract girls to engineering, why women persist in the field, and the role you can play in achieving gender and racial equity in engineering and technology.
NSPE Government Relations staff coordinated the participation of the Women in STEM Caucus for the event. The Women in STEM Caucus seeks to bring public and congressional awareness to policies, programs, and initiatives that support women in STEM fields, and develop the next generation of women leaders. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) serve as caucus co-chairs.
NSPE recognizes the benefits of a diverse population of licensed engineers in shaping the future of engineering. Diverse backgrounds foster unique contributions and capabilities and create an inclusive community ultimately leading to a more creative, effective, and technically respected community.
Kansas Society Protects PE Qualifications in Licensure Bill
The Kansas Society of Professional Engineers played a major role in ensuring that legislation introduced to expedite licensure for military personnel and military spouses didn’t negatively impact engineering licensing.
KSPE convinced the Kansas House of Representatives to amend a bill (H.B. 2066) known as the Universal Licensure/Military Spouse Bill, according to the society’s newsletter. The amended bill included language allowing the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions to continue to measure PE licensure by established qualifications. Professional engineers were the only licensed industry to receive this status. The law takes effect on July 1.
This year, KSPE also led an industry effort to extend the University Engineering Initiative Act for an additional 10 years. The law provides $10.5 million of annual support split between the engineering schools at Kansas State University, the University of Kansas, and Wichita State University to increase student enrollments and provide scholarship and internship opportunities.
The Problem with One-Size-Fits-All ‘Universal Licensing’
Making it easier for professionals to practice across state lines is appealing, but if it isn’t done right, the public health and safety can be endangered. In an op-ed, Marta Zaniewski, executive director of the Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing, examines the trend among state lawmakers to attempt to solve economic challenges through occupational licensing reform, often in the form of so-called “universal licensing.” These reform attempts require states to grant a license to a license holder from any state across all occupations and professions.
Zaniewski points out that poorly conceived, one-size-fits-all licensing reform can create new problems and could put the interest of constituents at risk by scaling back regulations and established accountability models that have protected the public for decades.
The Unnatural But Ethical Act of Admitting Mistakes
By Rebecca Bowman, P.E., Esq.
Various philosophers and grandmothers have reminded us that the only way to avoid mistakes is to do nothing. Since we are not doing nothing, we will make mistakes. Consequently, we have to examine the mistakes we make as learning opportunities—opportunities to learn where we went awry—as well as accept personal responsibility.
In the NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers, the eighth professional obligation (III.8) states, “Engineers shall accept personal responsibility for their professional activities, provided, however, that engineers may seek indemnification for services arising out of their practice for other than gross negligence, where the engineer’s interest cannot otherwise be protected.”
In our business, learning where we went awry is called forensic engineering. As PEs, we are called to continually examine our assumptions, to diligently watch for deviations from expectations and other warning signs, and to continually dissect our problems and mistakes. Arrogant confidence that “I know that I have considered everything” frequently shifts to the humbling discovery that, in fact, something was missed. All problems and all mistakes contain at least one faulty assumption and at least one lesson to be learned so that that problem or mistake doesn’t happen again.
NSPE needs your knowledge, expertise, and time to help the Society carry out its vision and mission and meet the goals of the strategic plan. Volunteer positions begin in mid-August and end at the 2022 Professional Engineers Conference.
There are three types of volunteer opportunities:
Level 1 (Highest Engagement)–Standing Boards and Committees Often includes attending at least one in-person meeting. Most meetings held via video conference. Terms may be up to three years.
Level 2 (Intermediate Engagement)–Ad Hoc Committees and Task Forces Activities primarily include online correspondence and video conference meetings.
Level 3 (Lowest Engagement)–Ad Hoc Volunteer Volunteer on a project-by-project basis.
Registration for the October 2021 pencil-paper exam administration will open on June 14 (10:00 a.m. EDT) and close on August 26 (3:00 p.m. EDT). Exams will be administered on Thursday, October 21 and Friday, October 22. Registration for the computer-based FE and PE exams is open year-round.
NCEES is closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on exam administration. All exam site locations are currently proceeding with reduced capacity restrictions in place. Changes to state and local requirements that further reduce capacities for groups and events may impact the number of examinees that are able to test at a specific site. NCEES will continue to monitor these changes between now and exam day.
Explaining the Standard of Care to Clients.This article examines how design professionals can explain the standard of care concept to clients and why they should do so as early as possible in the client relationship.
What a difference a couple of months makes! I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling much more optimistic about the vaccine distribution and our path forward than I was at the beginning of the year. I’m feeling a strong sense of hope for the future, and I’m so relieved knowing that we are in a much better position in regard to public health and safety. The fear and frustration of 2020 are finally dissipating, and it is a great feeling!
I am also feeling excitement about NSPE and the future of our profession. Our new executive director, Monika Schultz, is on the job and hard at work bringing her leadership and expertise to bear. She’s been meeting virtually with NSPE members and leaders across the country as well as interacting with the heads of our fellow engineering organizations. It’s been fun to watch her immerse herself in all things engineering, and I’m really enjoying the ideas she’s bringing to the table. Between Monika’s leadership on the staff side and our outstanding board of directors on the volunteer side, I am very confident that we are in good hands for the year ahead.
The NSPE Government Relations staff is dedicated to ensuring that members stay informed of critical legislation and advocacy campaigns. The latest effort involves the launch of Committee Corner, a video series created to provide updates on legislative activity coming from Capitol Hill through the lens of the committee system.
Committee Corner will feature a video each week while Congress is in session. The latest episode No. 6 examines a House Natural Resources subcommittee hearing on a bill that could affect PEs working in the energy sector. Past episodes can be viewed on NSPE’s YouTube page.
Are You a Top Advocate? The Government Relations staff recently announced the Top Advocates, who were recognized for their advocacy activity. Eight NSPE members achieved this top status in April by consistently participating in the NSPE Advocacy Center campaigns in March.Each NSPE Advocacy Center campaign is worth a certain number of points. The more campaigns a member participates in, the more points he or she earns. At the end of each month, staff tabulates the total number of points each participating member has accumulated. The top point-earners are recognized the following month.As a thank you for their high level of engagement and commitment to the profession, all top performers have been invited to an exclusive online event with NSPE and state society staff.
New Jersey Student Wins MATHCOUNTS Title
Marvin Mao, an eighth-grade student from Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, was named the 2021 Raytheon MATHCOUNTS National Competition champion during the virtual event held May 8-10. Mao will receive a $10,000 scholarship.
This year’s national competition engaged 224 students representing 56 US states and territories in four rounds: Sprint, Target, Team, and Countdown.
The runner-up for the individual competition was Bohan Yao, an eighth-grader from Redmond, Washington, who will receive a $5,000 scholarship. Ten finalists will receive $3,000 scholarships.
Mao is also a member of the first-place New Jersey team consisting of fellow eighth-grade students Evan Fan, Ying Lu, and Alexander Wang. The team will receive a trip to the US Space Camp. The California team finished in second place and the New York team placed third.
California Team Captures Math Video Award
A video combining algebraic equations with an exciting heist won the 2021 Math Video Challenge for a team representing the Elite Academic Academy in southern California.
Team members Bradley Carpiuc (eighth grade), Madelynn Carpiuc (sixth grade), Zoe Kim (eighth grade) and Cole Seelman (sixth grade) each won a $1,000 college scholarship for their “The Sanitizer Stealers” video during the challenge finals on May 9. The video is about a group of thieves who steal overpriced hand sanitizer from a store. The crime is caught on camera, and the owner uses math to piece together just how much the thieves got away with.
The Math Video Challenge is a national program sponsored by MATHCOUNTS and the Department of Defense (DoDSTEM). More than 200 students who advanced to the national level of the MATHCOUNTS competition voted to determine the winning video.
NCEES Revamps Records Program for Military, Spouses
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying is allowing active-duty military and their spouses to transmit their NCEES Record to a state licensing board at no charge when military orders require them to relocate to that state.
The Records program provides licensed engineers and surveyors an easier and faster way to complete the comity licensure process. An individual’s Record is a verified compilation of his or her official academic transcripts, full employment history, professional references, and exam results. Once established, the Record includes most—if not all—of the materials needed to apply for comity licensure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
“This new no-cost option will help members of the military and their spouses by simplifying and expediting the comity licensure process in their new state,” explained NCEES Chief Executive Officer David Cox. “Military transmittals will include a special designation to alert the receiving licensing board of their priority status. Applying for comity licensure through the NCEES Records program can often be completed and a license issued within a matter of days.”
In 2019–20, almost 40,000 engineers and surveyors transmitted their information to a state licensing board through the program.
Active-duty military and their spouses who are interested in learning more about the program or how to use it when they are restationed in a new state or territory should visit the Records section of the NCEES website or send an email for more information.
Nominations Open for the QBS Awards
Every year, ACEC and NSPE partner to administer the QBS Awards, recognizing public and private entities that make exemplary use of the qualifications-based selection process at the federal, state, and local levels. Award winners serve as examples of how well the QBS process works, and they help promote the practice in jurisdictions that do not use or underuse QBS to procure engineering services.
ACEC and NSPE are now seeking nominations for the 2021 QBS Awards by the deadline Monday, June 7. The awards are administered in three categories: federal government sector; state government sector; and nongovernment sector.
Nominations may originate from an ACEC member organization, an NSPE state society, a public or private entity, or an individual in the public or private sector. Self-nomination is not permitted.
Get ready to join your professional colleagues for three days of learning and networking at NSPE’s Virtual 2021 Professional Engineers Conference, August 3–5. Registration will open by June 1.
Originally scheduled for Philadelphia, the conference shifted to a virtual format due to continued concerns for the health and safety of members, staff, and others during the COVID pandemic. The conference, as in 2020, will be held in conjunction with the celebration of PE Day on August 4.
The virtual format comes with several benefits. It’s easier for attendees to participate according to their own schedules, and it’s also more accessible and affordable due to the elimination of travel costs and reduction in registration fees. Even though the conference will be held in a virtual setting, emphasis will remain on exceptional content along with opportunities for connecting with colleagues and friends around the country.
Boost Your Career with NSPE’s Spring Webinars
This season’s NSPE webinars will take place on Wednesdays starting at 2 p.m. EST. The webinars are available to members for $99 ($129 for nonmembers) and will include an online discussion and a 10-question quiz for the sessions to qualify for continuing education credit.
Does Licensing Need a Shake-Up? Artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, the internet of things, and robotics are just a few of the latest technological advancements that are transforming society as part of a fourth industrial revolution. Is the current system of licensing engineers up to the task of protecting the public as these new technologies race ahead?
Yet Another Close Call In an astonishing case that grabbed the public’s attention this winter, hackers attempted to poison a Florida town’s water supply. This incident highlights the cybersecurity risks facing water systems across the country. PE experts say vigilance, proactiveness, and funding are needed to protect the public from future attacks.
Don’t Miss…
Meeting the Demand for Engineers. NSPE member Jeff Roman, P.E., offers insight on how to fill the pipeline to meet the increasing demand for engineers and simultaneously diversify our workforce.
New Financial Services Member Benefit. NSPE has partnered with BHG to provide a robust suite of financial services to members including options for both personal and business loans, SBA 7(a) loans, and NSPE-branded credit cards.
Apply for the George B. Hightower, P.E. Fellowship. 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.
The Engineer’s Role in the COVID Response. A National Academy of Engineering webinar series explores the work of the innovators and companies pursuing the most impactful engineering advances related to the COVID pandemic crisis.
