Agenda

Track: Registration

Bill Samuels, Jr.

Bill Samuels, Jr. grew up on Whisky Row in Bardstown, Ky, where Jim Beam, a neighbor, was his Godfather. In 1953 at the depth of bourbon’s slump, his father, a 6th generation Kentucky distiller, purchased a small run-down distillery with the intention of it being his retirement hobby. He named it Maker’s Mark. Bill Jr., not waiting to be involved in a hobby, set out to become an Aerospace Engineer. Six years and two degrees later he entered Vanderbilt Law School with the intention of becoming a patent attorney. Upon graduation, the Chair of Jack Daniel’s Distillery insisted Jr. return to Kentucky to assist his father. Together they were able to create considerable buzz around premium bourbon – and in particular Maker’s Mark. Samuels Jr. retired after 12 years and was replaced by his son, Rob, a significant improvement for the business. Story Telling – Growing up on whisky among the “barons” – My discombobulated career, straightened out by a competitor and dear friend – Creating the premium bourbon market – Impact on Kentucky’s economy 1 PDH

Track: Keynote/Plenary Session

Track: Exhibits

Track: Networking

Stephen Druschel, Ph.D., P.E., F. ASCE
Patrick Tebbe

Engineering is inherently people-oriented, serving society; “people first” is baked into our very existence and is the pole star of our ethical behavior. As members of a profession, we get choice and agency over how we work. For our profession to have merit and standing we must check and evaluate ourselves against our code of ethics, recognizing that aspirations can hide shortcomings which must be found out and fixed, or at least disclosed and responsibility taken. Our unacknowledged participation in systemic biases can cause unjust treatment of people that can be enormous, as we are the ones to “normalize” and rationalize biases as we create and build, e.g.: • Designing around a central portion of a population, leaving out the outer portions, because of perceived expense in serving everyone, such as with HVAC and thermal comfort; • Developing professionals with a gender bias because “It is hard to recruit diverse people”; and • Installing utilities for clean drinking water, sanitary sewers or fiberoptic data in a priority not equitable to all people of a municipality. Establishing and following, ultimately embracing, a code of ethics is one foundational block of being a profession rather than simply doing a job. This session will frame discussion and evaluation of bias-causing issues such that our engineering practice can engage, lead, and encourage change and betterment in our communities. 1 PDH

Track: Amplify Your Leadership Power Skills (Sponsored by Freese and Nichols, Inc.)

Emily Brown, P.E., CFM, ENVSP
Lydia Ward, P.E., ENVSP, MBA

Increased development coupled with an increase in frequency and intensity of storm events over the past few years has led to an uptick in streambank erosion problems that has been noticed by both citizens and local governments. Many stormwater professionals are finding themselves needing answers about the rate and magnitude of streambank erosion so that they can effectively communicate with citizens and government officials. To date the erosion rates of streambanks have not been well defined in the Southeastern US, leading to an inability to provide accurate estimates of erosion risk to infrastructure and downstream systems. The objective of this presentation is to discuss erosion rate data that has been collected over the past five years across the Piedmont ecoregion using analysis of exposed tree roots. A comparative analysis of this data will be presented along with an explanation of how planners can use this data to inform resiliency throughout their communities. 1 PDH

Track: Stay Informed about Issues and Trends Impacting the Profession

James Bryant, Ph.D., P.E.

The Engineer’s Blueprint: Success Principles for Winning at Work and at Home is a comprehensive presentation that provides engineers with a four-part framework for achieving success in both their professional and personal lives. The session will cover a range of topics such as vision building, goal setting, planning, and execution, all designed to equip attendees with the tools they need to excel at work and at home. The framework is designed to be useful for engineers at any stage of their career, whether they are just starting out, or have many years of experience. Attendees will learn how to set and achieve their goals, create a vision for their future, plan and execute their plans, and much more. By the end of the session, attendees will have a clear understanding of how to balance their professional and personal lives and will leave with practical tools and techniques they can apply to achieve success in both areas. 1 PDH

Track: Invest in Your Career (Sponsored by Bolton & Menk, Inc.)

Charles Jackson III, PE, PMP, CxA, CEM, LEED AP

As the saying goes, change is the one thing consistent in life. That is no different than in our engineering profession. Gone are the days of engineers striving to sit behind a desk for 30 years and mastering one skill. Many other factors influence young engineers, from learning multiple skills to quality of work and many factors outside of their career. Social issues ranging from sustainability to diversity and inclusion weigh much more than an employer’s ability to match the 401k. To effectively manage this diverse workforce, you must consider all these factors. The relationship must grow from a manager to a mentor to get the best out of the team. 1 PDH

Track: Amplify Your Leadership Power Skills (Sponsored by Freese and Nichols, Inc.)

Julie Hawkins, P.E.

I have had the unique opportunity to try a variety of different engineering positions, working for construction, private consulting, and in the government. The common theme throughout is that there is still a lack of women in engineering fields – according to zippia.com – in 2019, 15.9% of engineers were female in the United States. We need to change the stereotype that the engineering field is inflexible and exclusionary and make it more attractive to women and underrepresented minorities. According to a study presented at the American Psychological Association 122nd annual convention in 2014, 40% of women who earn an engineering degree either leave the field or never enter it at all. The study reported that the major reason women leave engineering is the work environment. I will offer my perspective on being a woman engineer in the workforce and how the culture was different from job to job and what was positive and negative. 1 PDH

Track: Invest in Your Career (Sponsored by Bolton & Menk, Inc.)

Nicholas Albergo, P.E., DEE, F. ASCE, F. EWRI, D. WRE

From the perspective of a global energy shift, with the world’s vehicle fleets transitioning to electric propulsion, the last 10 years have proved to be the decade of the lithium-ion battery. Lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite are critical to battery performance, longevity, and energy density and are essential for the world’s energy transition. But the production of these minerals is dominated by a handful of countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, many with track records of human rights and environmental abuses. Thus, there is a desire for the United States. to shoulder more of the burden for the minerals it consumes. This has EV sector companies examining domestic mineral sourcing while simultaneously re-examining their stance on corporate governance, sustainability, and supply chain human rights concerns. All this is at a time when lithium is at the heart of a changing regulatory landscape in the US. We envision a collision due to recent United States Environmental Protection rules; the Biden Administration attempts to wean the US from foreign dependence and electric vehicle industry concerns regarding minimizing the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) costs of acquiring essential EV materials. Lithium, essential to the EV industry, has become a national health-based concern. Over the next few years, the EV sector will experience a fluid U.S. regulatory climate that will result in strict maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for lithium in the surface and groundwater. Understanding how these regulations unfold will be critical to the industry, as potential liability concerns and costly decisions about an overall growth strategy must be made in the next few years. 1 PDH

Track: Stay Informed about Issues and Trends Impacting the Profession

Track: Networking

Ann Luther, P.E.

La Jefa is what I am called by my construction crew. It is a term of respect. This presentation will show how as engineers our skills are transferable across borders, cultures, languages and economies. It will also highlight that as engineers we never stop learning or sharing our knowledge. All it takes is a willingness to learn, to laugh and to not assume. Working in a developing country provides many challenges that can be overcome with patience, humor, and drawing skills. For the past two years I have been honing my skills in charades and suggest if you are putting together a team you want me as a member. The presentation will show some of the differences in how construction is completed on the coast of Ecuador vs the US. Included will be photos of many of the tools and many will surprise you. Almost everything is done manually, including moving large piles of fill material and bending rebar. Ecuador is a very patriarchal country. I will share details about how I have been treated on the job site in addition to insights on how teams operate and bridging language differences. 1 PDH

Track: Amplify Your Leadership Power Skills (Sponsored by Freese and Nichols, Inc.)

Danielle Yoon, P.E.

Funding has become a critical consideration in the implementation of major infrastructure improvements. The passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act have further ignited these conversations at the local level as entities compete for limited resources. Although it is not typically part of our formal education as engineers, we can play an important role in identifying and obtaining these funds! This course will provide an overview of the types of funding typically used by municipalities, resources to consider when looking for funds, and important metrics to consider before applying for funds. 1 PDH

Track: Stay Informed about Issues and Trends Impacting the Profession

Surajit Amrit, P.E., CEM, LEED AP

The emergence of advanced specialty fields namely artificial intelligence/machine language, cyber security, gene editing, climate resilient design and fusion energy are going to have an effect on the practice of engineering before we know it. The gradual and seamless incorporation of these emerging technologies into the traditional engineering fields has the potential to challenge engineering practice, engineering ethics and project execution and cost. The amalgamation of the native workforce with the skilled immigrants, the ease of collaboration of engineers irrespective of geographical boundaries and the COVID-induced work-from-home “office” environment will have a noticeable effect on the workforce culture (of the ethnically and gender diverse human resource), work habits and work methods. In order to help explore the future of the engineering profession pertaining to the aspects of engineering practice stated above, the author will discuss the history and evolution of the professional practice of engineering in the US through the lens of the NCEES and provide information on the equivalent engineering licensing practices adopted in countries outside of the US. This paper will serve as a prelude to help us chart the steps to be taken for the healthy and prosperous future of the engineering profession, world-wide. 1 PDH

Track: Invest in Your Career (Sponsored by Bolton & Menk, Inc.)

Track: Networking

Susan Habina-Woolard, P.E.
Scarlett Kitts, P.E.

Many leadership seminars focus on developing yourself as a leader and your leadership skills. In our competitive field, there are a few leadership positions and a lot of people vying for those positions. Competition can be fierce, and your skills need to be honed to emerge at the top. However, this session breaks the mold and challenges leaders to think outside of themselves, toward others. Rather than be in competition with other leaders, how can you improve your leadership presence by encouraging other leaders, especially those quite unlike yourself? Join Susan and Scarlett in exploring this avenue of leadership style. After the leadership session, join your colleagues for a networking event supported by the NSPE Women’s Leadership Program Task Force. 1 PDH

Track: Amplify Your Leadership Power Skills (Sponsored by Freese and Nichols, Inc.)

Mark Wade, P.E.

Pressurized pipeline infrastructure (both water and wastewater) throughout the US is reaching a critical stage of critical condition. The outlook of this infrastructure as described in ASCE’s 2017 Report Card shows that the trend line of system deterioration is getting worse for both water and sewer conveyance systems. This trend will not change direction in a positive manner, unless a number of critical steps are undertaken. The report makes clear that the only way out of this mess is through asset management.  This presentation will highlight and describe both established and new technologies in the industry’s large and ever-expanding toolbox to cost-effectively move through any pressurized pipeline system in a tiered or stepwise strategy to identify those assets that are considered highest in priority and in eminent state of operational failure. To turn this corner and establish better and more reliable information on the actual condition of these buried and essential pressurized assets, several recent (and very cool) advances in performing both external and internal inspection and assessment of water mains, force mains, valves, hydrants, and other ancillary facilities has moved the level of understating condition and remaining useful life (RUL) to new levels. With these technologies and established protocols for determining their associated risks, cities and utilities are starting to bring this all together under effective asset management (AM) planning so that the three pillars of AM can be managed: sustainability, reliability, and efficiency. 1 PDH

Track: Stay Informed about Issues and Trends Impacting the Profession

Leanne Panduren, P.E.

Professional engineers maintain their license in one or more states or territories, following the rules enforced by that state or territory. Unfortunately, the rules promulgated for the license as well as the laws creating the license in each state and territory can be amended by legislators with no background in engineering and without a clear understanding of the professional engineer’s role in protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public. For this reason, it is the responsibility of all professional engineers to understand the role they play in advocating for the need for licensure and defending the profession. This session will provide an overview of the legislative process at the federal and state levels and discuss how engineers can become advocates and engage with their legislators. Examples of legislation introduced over the last few years in various states will also be outlined to provide clarity on the various ways the profession has come under attack. 1 PDH

Track: Invest in Your Career (Sponsored by Bolton & Menk, Inc.)

Join us to be inducted into the Order of the Engineer, renew your commitment to the Order or celebrate those undertaking the Obligation. The purpose of the Order is to foster a spirit of pride and responsibility in the engineering profession, to bridge the gap between training and practice and to present the public with a visible symbol of identifying the engineer. The Order of the Engineer requires a solemn obligation to oneself "to uphold devotion to the standards and the dignity of (the engineering) profession". It is an obligation to turn to, "practical use, the principles of science and the means of technology to serve humanity by making the best use of earth's precious wealth." It is an independent organization whose purpose is to foster a feeling of pride in, and a dedication to that profession which binds the group of professionals together. The Order is symbolized by the acceptance of an "Obligation" and the wearing of a stainless-steel ring on the little finger of the working hand. There are no meetings other than the ring ceremony and there are no dues. To participate in the ceremony, please add the Order of the Engineer ($15) option to your conference registration.

Track: Networking

Track: Registration

Megan Bendtzen

As challenges become more complex, with growing workforce shortages, overwhelming stress, and an immense level of responsibility, the future pressures of an engineer seem daunting and discouraging. How will you maintain your drive for excellence and a sense of fulfilment when your value seems diminished, and your ingenuity goes unnoticed? In this clever and entertaining presentation, Megan will completely shift your perspective, debunking the myth of work-life balance and revealing the single biggest lie that the world has misguidedly embraced for years. Bring your wrench so you can truly get a grip on this unique viewpoint. With her trademark humor and wit, Megan shares practical, actionable, real-life strategies that will reignite great passion for your work, unlocking new possibilities, and paving the way for extraordinary outcomes. Walk away energized and with a new formula for success; both professionally and personally. 1 PDH

Track: Keynote/Plenary Session

Bobby Rauf

This session caters to engineers, technicians, facilities managers, energy professionals, architects and others who are interested in enhancing their understanding of renewable energy, and would like to learn about methods, best practices and strategies for selection of the most suitable renewable energy alternative (with technical, geographic and financial feasibility in mind). Attendees will receive an introduction to a few important fundamentals of energy and the “grid” sets the tone for better comparison of the current source of energy with optimal renewable energy alternative. The importance of the concept of most direct application of renewable source to the final energy demand point is also highlighted. This session dives into some of the more proven and mainstream, renewable energy and energy storage topics. The current footprint and relative cost differences between some of the major renewable energy sources and storage systems are examined. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats pertaining to some of the mainstream renewable energy solutions and energy storage systems will also be discussed. 1 PDH

Track: Stay Informed about Issues and Trends Impacting the Profession

David Cox

An aging workforce coupled with the looming higher education enrollment cliff will have a lasting impact on the engineering workforce and its ability to meet the increasing demand for engineering services. Join NCEES CEO David Cox to discuss the need for a multi-pronged approach designed to increase engineering enrollment and graduation rates, to keep qualified engineers in the workforce, and to provide the mobility required to meet the needs of global supply and demand for engineering services. 1 PDH

Track: Invest in Your Career (Sponsored by Bolton & Menk, Inc.)

Megan Bendtzen

Engineers make the world a safer, better place. You are driven to excellence, committed to the highest standards, to serving others and giving your absolute best. The burden of such responsibility does not come without a price. How can you fulfill your pledge to your profession, lead by example, and exceed expectations without impairing your personal wellbeing or unknowingly affecting those around you? Megan takes you on a deeper dive, continuing the journey from the morning’s keynote to practical application; combining intellect, humor, and engineering to create profound results. In this hands-on session, you will be challenged to solve a series of problems in a way you’ve never done before, leading you to an eye-opening experience, and giving you the tools you’ve been missing to creating better habits for a better life. 1 PDH* *Due to the interactive format of this session, it will only be offered in-person for PDH Credit.

Track: Amplify Your Leadership Power Skills (Sponsored by Freese and Nichols, Inc.)

Track: Networking

Bill Atkinson, P.E., F.NSPE
Richard Easley, CAPP

Join Richard Easley, Bill Atkinson, and a cast of peers as we embark upon this highly informative, provocative, interactive and most necessary event.  Be prepared to dive into uncomfortable situations and scenarios as we explore some comments and conversations that many times mean something very different to your co-workers. We will use humor as well as the possibility of uncomfortable/challenging situational conversations as a way to shed light on how people different from you may misunderstand your statements or just the fact that many things said are not appropriate for the workplace or anywhere else in some cases. Is that harmless joke REALLY harmless? Sometimes what you say as a compliment may actually be a very offensive statement to the recipient – even though you mean no harm and have been saying it for years!  Would you still say certain things if you knew they were offensive? Does that make it ‘OK’ to say if you are unaware of the pain they cause?  Sometimes you just don’t know what you don’t know.  This interactive session is a good start to learning ‘what you don’t know.’ 1 PDH* *Due to the interactive format of this session, it will only be offered in-person.

Track: Amplify Your Leadership Power Skills (Sponsored by Freese and Nichols, Inc.)

Patrick Tebbe

In this presentation, we will take a deep dive into the ideas that could shape the next hundred years of engineering and the processes that can be used to bring them to a design reality. Programs like the Apple Industrial Design group or the Lockheed Skunk Works focus on a near term, rapid development process for products that do not exist. While groups like the Advanced Research Project Agency (ARPA) and the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program, examine speculative designs that might be decades away from possibility. On the other hand, visioneering or exploratory engineering goes beyond this to study the design of products and systems that are not even feasible with existing technologies and tools, such as the original concept of nanosystems or Dyson spheres. What all these examples have in common is the employment of an innovative and creative mindset that can lead to breakthrough technologies which carry unexpected rewards – and risks. 1 PDH

Track: Stay Informed about Issues and Trends Impacting the Profession

Jon Tirpak, P.E.

The dream of being one’s own boss is attractive; however, to avoid the nightmare of failure, one needs a playbook for success. This presentation will illustrate how Sabattis, LLC, a veteran owned small business, was concurrently designed and launched in 2019. Today, this thriving firm supports clients with a diversified portfolio to ensure cash flow to the owner and valuable services to customers in need of metallurgical engineering, R&D management, litigation, technical communications, sales methodology, and special projects. The presentation will illustrate the tailored application of the Business Model Canvas, identify critical few tasks for success, and share lessons learned. The same model can be applied within existing enterprises considering growth in new directions. Case studies will be shared which illustrate both positive and negative outcomes of the Business Model Canvas. Yes, sometimes business ideas should NOT be pursued. Tips will be offered for immediate application as you frame your business. 1 PDH

Track: Invest in Your Career (Sponsored by Bolton & Menk, Inc.)

Track: Networking

Blair Richardson, P.E., CEM, LEED

This presentation will walk through the building commissioning process and showcase the benefits of building commissioning through the story of the Three Little Pigs. The premise of the presentation is that three owners hire the three little pigs to build them a new building. Each little pig takes their typical approach to the design, construction, and occupancy phases of the project. Each parable will contain a story/ narrative and commentary on how the commissioning process would help! The first little pig designs his building in a very rushed manner. The second pig designs his building and solicits competitive bids using the 100% drawings. The third pig has a design charette with all project stake holders, submits 100% construction drawings for bid, and works with the owner/engineer to level bids. The most qualified lowest bidder is selected. A construction phase kickoff meeting pulls all parties together to establish expectations, procedures, and responsibilities. During construction regular OAC calls are held to review progress, issues, etc… Training, verified as-builts, and O&Ms are provided. Will it work? 1 PDH

Track: Amplify Your Leadership Power Skills (Sponsored by Freese and Nichols, Inc.)

David Kish, Ph.D., P.E., F.NSPE
Rebecca Bowman, P.E., Esq.

Traditional definitions of project costs or even project-life-cost are changing rapidly. As matters of sustainability and resilience are incorporated, and as project cost is expanded to include extraction costs for materials and disposal costs for end-of-life debris, engineers will need to learn to use a different lens when considering trade-off and alternatives in construction and development. Using as a case study the development of the interstate highway system, this session will help engineers recognize and evaluate trade-offs, choices that benefit one party at the expense of another. The session will also demonstrate how the NSPE Code of Ethics consistently provides reliable guidance, even as engineering practice evolves. 1 PDH

Track: Stay Informed about Issues and Trends Impacting the Profession

Danielle Schroeder, P.E., ENV SP

Join us for an exciting session led by Danielle Schroeder, who through her blog and social media pages as “DaniTheEngineer,” shares her journey as a young engineer in the infrastructure industry. In this interactive panel discussion, you will have the opportunity to hear from panelists who represent different stages of their careers and gain valuable insight into the various career paths available in engineering. From private consulting to education, manufacturing to entrepreneurship, we will explore the many opportunities that exist within this dynamic field. We will also delve into the technical vs. managerial paths, and technical vs. non-technical work. You will gain a deeper understanding of the skills and qualifications necessary for success in each area and learn how to identify and capitalize on your unique strengths and talents. Throughout the session, we will use online tools like Mentimeter to keep you engaged and involved. Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, you can walk away from this session with practical tools and strategies that will help you navigate your career in engineering. Panel: Danielle Schroeder, P.E., ENV SP (Moderator) Rick Guerra, P.E., F.NSPE Megan J Schultz, P.E. Trish B. Smith Kodi Jean Verhalen, P.E., F.NSPE, Esq. 1 PDH

Track: Invest in Your Career (Sponsored by Bolton & Menk, Inc.)

Jenna Carpenter, Ph.D.

For much of its history, engineering has worked to weed out all but the perceived brightest and best, with the belief that the majority of students did not have what it takes to make an engineer. In doing so, we have created an educational system that recruits, admits, retains, and graduates students who have enjoyed the most pre-college opportunity and the preparation it provides, using opportunity as a proxy for ability. Only opportunity and ability are not the same. And most students who lack pre-college opportunity do so through no fault of their own. It’s time for change. Given the demographic trends in the US, weaving a much broader spectrum of student (in terms of pre-college opportunity) into engineering is the key to meeting our workforce needs.

Track: Keynote/Plenary Session

Track: Networking