The dwindling United States workforce for all engineering and scientific disciplines is a growing problem, and civil engineering is no exception. If the U.S. is to address the challenges it faces with an aging infrastructure, shrinking energy and water resources, and globalization, we must act now to attract, educate, and train talented new professionals to civil engineering to compete in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world. ASCE’s 138th Annual Civil Engineering Conference ENGINEERING: The Workforce of the Future, will describe the issues and offer solutions.
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3:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
What does the future hold for the civil engineering profession? How will you step up to meet the industry’s new challenges and thrive in the civil engineering workforce?
Jason Jennings, business thought-leader and best-selling author, brings two decades of experience building businesses to his keynote address at ASCE’s 138th Annual Civil Engineering Conference. Named one of the three most in-demand business speakers in the world by USA Today, Jennings’ books command a spot on best-seller lists, including his most recent, Think BIG-Act Small. Reap the rewards of Jennings’ five leadership secrets, delivered to you after his extensive research of more than 160,000 companies. These secrets will help you work in a faster, more productive and innovative environment that will drive customer satisfaction, gain employee/worker buy-in, and consistently expand your firm’s bottom line.
Presenter:
Jason Jennings, Author, Think BIG-Act Small |
Moderators:
Anthony DiGioia, Jr., Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE |
Richard Gray, |
David G. Mongan, |
CEO Forum: By CEOs…For Everyone
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
How are civil engineering employers preparing for the workforce of the future? What issues should CEOs be addressing today? Bring your burning issues directly to our panel of experts and help direct a stimulating discussion among leaders of the civil engineering profession. Jason Jennings, the opening plenary speaker, will moderate the Forum and add his unique business and leadership expertise. All attendees are invited to participate in this stimulating session.
Moderator: Jason Jennings, Author and Opening Plenary Speaker
Panelists: H. Daniel Cessna, P.E., District Executive, Engineering District 11, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Dianne Dorland, Ph.D., P.E., Dean, College of Engineering, Rowan University; Robert (Bob) Luffy, P.E., M.ASCE, President & CEO, American Bridge; C. R. Pennoni, P.E., L.S., F.ASCE, Chairman, Pennoni Associates; James A. Rispoli, P.E., F.ASCE, Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy
Sponsored by: AECOM
Much has been written about the dwindling workforce for all engineering and scientific disciplines. It is well known the problem must be addressed and solved if the United States is to maintain its worldwide leadership in technology. Join us to learn about programs developed and successfully implemented by various engineering and other organizations, and discover how you can become an active participant in the solution to this national crisis.
10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
The result of a comprehensive and groundbreaking study led by the National Academies of Engineering and funded by the National Science Foundation, the new report Changing the Conversation argues one of the greatest obstacles to attracting talent to engineering is the lack of compelling messages that appeal to younger generations. This session will report on the surprising findings of this unique project and present the messages recommended by the study’s authors. Speakers will also examine the success of programs that have adapted engineering messages and approaches to attract students from groups underrepresented in engineering, including women, African American, Hispanic American, and Native American/American Indian students. This session will end with a discussion of a recent production by WQED in its attempt to raise everyone’s awareness of the importance of engineers with informative and entertaining stories.
Moderator: Anthony T. Iannacchione, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, Associate Professor and Director, Mining Engineering, University of Pittsburgh
Presenters: James H. Johnson, Jr., Ph.D., DEE, P.E., F.ASCE, Dean of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences, Howard University; Cathy Leslie, P.E., M.ASCE, Executive Director, Engineers Without Borders - USA; Rick Sebak, Producer/Writer/Narrator, WQED Pittsburgh History Series “Invented, Engineered & Pioneered in Pittsburgh”
K-12 Engineering Education
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
In our increasingly technical world, would all students benefit from a K-12 curriculum that includes engineering principles along with math, science, language arts, and social studies? Explore emerging approaches to integrate engineering into the formal K-12 curriculum.
Moderator: Ken R. Maschke, P.E., A.M.ASCE, Senior Engineer, Thornton Thomasetti
Presenters: Tom Weiss, Affiliate Director, Project Lead the Way; Deborah Spencer, Program Manager/Resource Teacher, ASSET Inc.; Kate Hester, Content Development Director, Engineering is Elementary, Museum of Science, Boston
Engineering Outreach Programs
2:45 – 4:15 p.m.
Many new activities are being developed to help students and teachers connect math and science principles to real world engineering. This session will highlight proven outreach programs and resources available to the engineering community.
Moderator: James H. Johnson, Jr., Ph.D., DEE, P.E., F.ASCE, Dean of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences, Howard University;
Presenters: Ken R. Maschke, P.E., A.M.ASCE, Project Engineer, Thornton Thomasetti; Alex Sciulli, P.E., M.ASCE, EVP, Corporate Real Estate Services, National City Corporation; Pamela R. Mullender, President, ACE Mentor Program of America
The consequences of Hurricane Katrina were devastating, but the development and application of new tools for system-wide risk-based project evaluation in New Orleans and in California represent a great opportunity that could change the way the nation prioritizes investment in civil infrastructure, particularly those intended to reduce risk from natural hazards such as hurricanes, earthquakes, fire, and the effects of climate change. Learn from the experts how methods are evolving to quantify risk for large, multi-faceted and geographically distributed infrastructure systems against a variety of hazards. Develop strategies on how to understand and effectively manage risk for civil works infrastructure in the future.
Risk Assessment Evolution and Expectations
10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Explore the accomplishments and challenges of quantifying risk for large distributed infrastructure systems. How is current knowledge being adapted to this new challenge and what types of information can be gained? Discuss where these methods need to go to best serve society and what is the civil engineer’s role in developing and applying these tools.
Moderator: Gregory Baecher, Ph.D., M.ASCE, Professor, University of Maryland
Presenters: Martin W. McCann, Jr., Ph.D., A.M.ASCE, Project Technical Director, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Risk Management Strategy; Jerry P. Brashear, Ph.D., Program Director, ASME Innovative Technologies Institute, LLC; Desmond N. D. Hartford, Ph.D., M.ASCE, Scientific Advisor – Safety and Risk Assessment, Safety, Health, and Environment – BC Hydro.
Risk Policy Issues and Approaches
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Risk assessment has been a routine tool in some areas of civil engineering but is just now emerging in others. Policy does not exist to facilitate the application of a new decision paradigm in areas such as natural hazard risk reduction. This session will define the current policy issues and challenges, discuss the most important changes needed in policy impacting infrastructure systems, and define the role that civil engineers need to play in the evolution of policy.
Moderator: Lewis E. (Ed) Link, Ph.D., M.ASCE, Chair of IPET Risk Team, University of Maryland
Presenters: Gerald E. Galloway, Jr., Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, Hon.M.ASCE, NAE, Professor, University of Maryland and Past President, American Water Resources Association; Piet T. M. Dircke, Ph.D., Program Director, ARCADIS Water; P. Andy Zielinski, Ph.D., P.Eng., Manager, Technology and Dam Safety, Ontario Power Generation
Risk Communication
2:45 – 4:15 p.m.
Risk is a simple four letter word but very complex in the way it is interpreted and used. Explore the major challenges in communicating risk to the public and to public officials. Delineate the methods that have been successfully used in other domains and explore how they might be adopted for civil engineering purposes. Help define the role civil engineers must play in communicating risk and the strategy to be successful.
Moderator: Robert B. Gilbert, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, Professor, University of Texas at Austin
Presenters: Clive Q. Goodwin, Ph.D., P.E., Assistant Vice President; Manager, Flood Underwriting and Engineering, F M Global; Tom Sawyer, Associate Editor, Engineering News-Record; Wesley Shrum, Ph.D., Professor, Louisiana State University
Leadership is more than being the head of an organization. Leaders influence, set long-term visions, and inspire. Developing leadership skills will help you meet the future challenges facing civil engineers in an increasingly fast-paced and globalized marketplace.
Influence
10:15 – 11:30 a.m.Today’s team-oriented engineering projects require leaders who can influence and impart control of a project or organization in more dynamic ways than in the past. Personal skills in imparting your message are becoming increasingly more important. Speakers for this session will address topics ranging from influencing your team, making business contacts, and dressing for success.
Moderator: N. Catherine Bazán-Arias, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, Senior Staff Engineer, DiGioia, Gray & Associates, LLC
Presenters: Angus Berenato, Head Coach, Women’s Basketball University of Pittsburgh; Richard Overmoyer, MPA, Principal, Director of Economic Architecture, GSP Consulting Corporation; Jamie Rupert, Ann Taylor; Matt Grimm, Jos. A. Bank
Vision
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.Leaders must understand the road that lies ahead in order to effectively guide their organization’s future. This session explores future issues facing infrastructure in both the public and private sectors. Be part of the discussion on the upcoming critical infrastructure funding challenges facing the United States. Then, examine how the changing energy sector will require engineering firms to design infrastructure projects to minimize consumption and maximize sustainability.
Moderator: Brian Pallasch, CAE, Aff.M.ASCE, Managing Director, Government Relations, ASCE
Presenters: James Kolb, Staff Director, Highways and Transit Subcommittee, U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee ; Joseph Belechak, Vice President of Strategy, Westinghouse Corporation
Inspire
2:45 – 4:15 p.m.Leaders must create synergy between their team and the mission at hand. Our speakers offer plans to deliver organizational change and inspire others to accomplish your organization’s goals. Learn how to turn changes in your projects and firms into best practices, and how to draw out the positive assets in others and motivate your team to achieve its goals.
Moderator: Martha L. Frech, P.E., F.ASCE, President, Streamline Engineering, Inc.
Presenters: Roland Lazzaro, MBA, Chief Strategic Officer, Chester Engineers; Gary A. Hullfish, P.E., M.ASCE, Vice President, DMJM Harris | AECOM
New this year, ASCE is bringing to you, our valued member and attendee, topics relating to you and your career. These sessions are designed to enhance your career and professional development.
CEO Only Session (by invitation only)
10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Immediately following the CEO Forum, a special CEO-only executive session (by invitation) will be held as a forum for senior industry leaders to discuss critical infrastructure challenges and solutions with fellow civil engineering leaders. A key topic of discussion will include the identification and prioritization of critical infrastructure initiatives needed to improve the 2009 ASCE Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. Jason Jennings, opening plenary speaker and CEO Forum moderator, will facilitate this session utilizing his extensive experience founding, leading, and studying successful businesses over the past 20+ years. NOTE: THIS SESSION IS BY INVITATION ONLY.
Moderator: Jason Jennings, Plenary Speaker and CEO Forum Moderator
Sponsored by: The Bechtel Corporation and CH2M HILL
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
You’ve graduated, and now it’s time to find your first job. But the profession is broad, so where do you start? Your work could take you from engineering design firms, construction contractors, owners, architects, and fabricators to designing, selling, or managing projects within organizations that are large or small, private or public. Now you can have a system for finding the perfect job that custom fits who you are. Dr. Deborah Fisher, civil engineering professor, and co-author of the national award-winning book Four Secrets to Liking Your Work, shares four basic laws of what she calls “people physics.” These laws teach us how to understand our own actions, how to work better with others, and most importantly, how to find the right position where we can be more successful once we’re there.
Presenter: Deborah Fisher, Ph.D., P.E., A.M.ASCE, Associate Professor, University of New Mexico
The Four Laws of People Physics
2:45 – 4:15 p.m.
As civil engineering professionals, we interact with a diverse population that includes owners and contractors, fellow designers, regulators, fabricators, and architects, just to name a few. People problems often get in the way of our effectiveness as engineers. Wouldn’t it be nice to understand human interaction and pull “people types” out of a manual like steel beams? Dr. Deborah Fisher, a civil engineering professor and co-author of the national award-winning book, Four Secrets to Liking Your Work, will demystify human interaction. She will cover the science of behavior, motivation, task balance, and emotional intelligence and show how these relate in our everyday interactions.
Presenter: Deborah Fisher, Ph.D., P.E., A.M.ASCE, Associate Professor, University of New Mexico
4:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Robotics in Civil Engineering
Friday’s sessions end with a presentation on Robotics in Civil Engineering by internationally-known expert William L. "Red" Whittaker, Ph.D., the Director of Carnegie Mellon University’s Field Robotics Program. Listen as he touches base on the state of the robotics industry and the direction in which lunar development is headed. Get the facts from a man who has helped create robots that have searched for meteorites in Antarctica, climbed into the active volcanoes of Alaska, and explored the terrains of Mars. After Dr. Whittaker finishes prepare to laugh as the Galileo Players have prepared a show just for the Closing Plenary. The Galileo Players are a professional comedy troupe known for smart humor and heady themes. During their performance they will provide an audience-interactive mix of smart, clean, and original scripted sketch and Improv comedy. This will definitely be an event you will never forget.
Presenter:
William L. “Red” Whittaker, Ph.D., Director, Field Robotics Program, Carnegie Mellon University |
About the Galileo Players
The Galileo Players are a professional sketch comedy and improv troupe that focuses on scientific themes. Deciding that sketch comedy in the world needed to be smarter and science in the world needed to be funnier, these veterans of the Chicago comedy scene have created a virtual (meaning not yet real) comedic empire – cornering the market on comedy inspired by science, logic and reason. The only limit to their ambition is time, space, and Newton's Third Law, which they have always found to be silly. Until they are able to conquer the known universe, they are content to perform for the civilized world, bringing their quirky sensibility to conferences, colleges, festivals, and corporate events. They hope history and Stephen Hawking approve.
