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TCEP-The Civil Engineering Podcast

TCEP 140: A Near Death Experience, the COVID-19 Coronavirus, and How Civil Engineers Can Help Reduce the Spread of Pandemics

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Coronavirus

In this episode, we focus on a topic that is on everyone’s minds — the coronavirus and how it should be a wake-up call to civil engineers. And we’re discussing this with Michael Paddock, PE, PS, a licensed civil engineer and surveyor. Twenty years ago, Mike was told he had three to six months to live and since then, through Engineers Without Borders (EWB), he’s helped to grow communities around the world. He also talks about his work managing mega civil engineering projects, and the one thing you must be able to handle to do so.

Engineering Quotes:

Coronavirus

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Michael:

  • Can you tell us about how you went from civil engineering to dedicating your time to Engineers Without Borders?
  • How old were you when you got the news about your stage 4 cancer?
  • When you get this news from the doctor, how did you proceed over the coming months?
  • You recently wrote an article for ASCE entitled, “Coronavirus a Wake-Up Call for Civil Engineers.” Can you tell us about the article?
  • How did you find out about EWB and what moved you towards them?
  • EWB is a membership organization. Could you please explain to us how it works?
  • Did finding out that you had cancer change your life philosophy?
  • What is it like to manage mega-projects?
  • What are some of the skills needed to be able to work on mega-projects?
  • In terms of getting good at managing mega-projects, is on the job experience the main way to get good?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Coronavirus and How We as Civil Engineers Can Make an Impact

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TCEP 139: What Goes Into Developing the ASCE Report Card for America’s Infrastructure?

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ASCE Report Card

In this episode, which is part of our Women in Civil Engineering series, I talk to Peyton Gibson, EIT, ENV SP, a civil engineer who works for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on the Board of Infrastructure and the Constructed Environment. She also serves as the ASCE Colorado’s Infrastructure Report Card Chair, and that’s what we focus on in this episode: what goes into developing the ASCE Infrastructure report card, both at the national and state levels.

Engineering Quotes:

ASCE Report Card

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Peyton:

  • What led you to make your recent career change?
  • What is the report card and what is its intent?
  • Can you take us through the process of how ASCE came up with the final grading in the report card?
  • With the amount of work, staff, and volunteers that are involved in compiling the report, how did you work through the process of managing all the different chapters?
  • What do you think motivated the volunteers?
  • What happens once you receive that grade and how can it be utilized to improve infrastructure?
  • How do you have the funding and the resources for the marketing that needs to be done once the problem areas have been identified?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Developing the ASCE Report Card:

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TCEP 138: Pipeline Infrastructure – Emerging Renewal Technologies for Pressurized Pipelines

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Pressurized PipelinesIn this episode, I talk to Steve Soldati, P.E., the Regional Sales Manager at Aegion Corporation. Steve was previously seen on episode 74 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, where he discussed effective communication strategies. In today’s episode, he will discuss emerging renewal technologies for pressurized pipelines, which can be very applicable to today’s world of crumbling infrastructure.

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Steve:

  • Can you tell us about some of the career transitions you’ve had since we spoke with you last time on the podcast?
  • What is a pressurized pipeline?
  • In terms of the pressurized pipe systems, what is the landscape of the nation’s existing pressurized pipeline infrastructure?
  • What is the risk associated with this aging infrastructure?
  • From an engineering perspective, what are the challenges in trying to address this aging infrastructure of pressurized pipelines?
  • While there are risks involved, what are some things that can be done for renewing and rehabilitating this infrastructure?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Emerging Renewal Technologies for Pressurized Pipelines:

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TCEP 137: The Role of Project Management in Consulting Engineering

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Consulting EngineeringIn this episode, I talk to Ann Tomalavage, PE, PMP, LEED AP, a licensed professional engineer who has spent the last 20+ years training engineering professionals on how to become great project managers. Ann talks about some of the key points to becoming a successful project manager, and she also discusses the role of project management in consulting engineering.

Engineering Quotes:

Consulting Engineering

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Ann Tomalavage:

  • How did you get into project management training and how did you become so interested and passionate about the topic of project management?
  • What differences could an engineer expect when transitioning from a project engineer to a project manager role?
  • What made you decide to start a project management training course?
  • You recently talked at an ACEC event on project management; could you tell us about it and the feedback that you received from the audience?
  • What would you say is one of the biggest challenges for engineers in terms of making the transition to project management?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About The Role of Project Management in Consulting Engineering:

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TCEP 136: How to Network Effectively as a Civil Engineer — Even as an Introvert

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Network EffectivelyIn episode 136 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I am going to give you three actions that you can use to network effectively and build relationships. These networking tips will help you improve your relationship-building skills and give your civil engineering career a jumpstart, whether you are an introvert or an extrovert.

Network Effectively

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Networking:

  • According to the dictionary, the word “introvert” refers to a shy person. Many engineers are labeled as introverts because they are analytical, technical, and deal with details.
  • As engineers progress in their careers, their managers often expect them to build relationships and bring in new business to the firm. When you can’t do that, it can become a barrier to advancement in your career.
  • Networking should be thought of as building relationships. If you take on that mindset, it will be easier to become a successful networker and excel in your career.

Here Are Three Specifics Actions You Can Take to Network Effectively:

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TCEP 135: Effective Communication Is Key With People at All Levels in Civil Engineering

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In this episode of The Civil Engineering Podcast, our tenth episode in our Women in Civil Engineering series, I talk to Disa Wahlstrand, PE, LEED AP, who is a vice president of municipal services and water resources operations for Ayres in Wisconsin. We will be talking about engineering in STEM, big picture mindsets, and why communication is key in multidisciplinary teams.

Engineering Quotes:

Communication Is Key

Communication Is Key

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Disa:

  • How can we influence the attitudes of students, especially females, about engineering and STEM in general?
  • Why do you enjoy doing campus planning?
  • Can you talk to us about your experience being a vice president in a mid-sized company?
  • What can you share with civil engineers out there about transitioning into their careers?
  • Why would you say communication is key for civil engineers?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Why Effective Communication Is Key for Civil Engineers:

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TCEP 134: A Young Female Civil Engineering CEO Shares Her Story

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Civil Engineering CEOIn this episode, I talk with Áine O’Dwyer, PE, Principal and CEO at Enovate Engineering, about various civil engineering career topics including the challenges she faced when working in the construction industry, starting a new firm, and how she achieved success despite these challenges at such a young age to become a civil engineering CEO.

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Áine:

  • What made you interested in civil engineering?
  • What skillsets helped you to get into management at such a young age?
  • How did you rise through the ranks and start your own company?
  • What is it that drives you daily?
  • How did you develop your confidence as a civil engineering CEO?
  • How can civil engineering professionals find opportunities in their careers?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

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TCEP 133: Focusing on People and Community Services as a Civil Engineer

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Community ServicesIn episode 133 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I talk to civil engineer Miranda Patton, a business development director at MNS Engineers. We talk about growing the engineering workforce, women in leadership, community services, STEM education, and the future of public infrastructure in America. 

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Miranda:

  • What made you move from the public sector to the private sector?
  • How did you end up getting involved in business development?
  • What are some of the things that civil engineers can do ahead of time when it comes to getting a project funded?
  • What are some action steps that civil engineers can take to get involved in community services and committees?
  • Could you share some thoughts around growing the engineering workforce?
  • What advice can you give young women in civil engineering who are looking to become a leader in their field?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Focusing on People and Community Services as a Civil Engineer:

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TCEP 132: Renewable Energy and Decoupling the Water-Energy Nexus

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decoupling the water-energy nexusIn episode 132 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, our seventh episode in our Women in Civil Engineering series, I talk with Pavitra Rammohan, PE. ENV-SP, the Region Manager at DeepRoot. Pavitra talks about renewable energy and specifically about decoupling the water-energy nexus. We also dive into her background as well as her journey from India to the United States. 

Engineering Quotes:

decoupling the water-energy nexus

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Pavitra:

  • Could you please tell us about your journey from Chennai to Los Angeles?
  • Can you tell us more about decoupling the water-energy nexus?
  • What is renewable energy?
  • Can you talk about the importance of getting stakeholders involved in this process?
  • How did you develop such a high confidence level?
  • What are Silva Cells?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Renewable Energy and Decoupling the Water-Energy Nexus:

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TCEP 131: Working on a World-Changing Civil Engineering Project

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Civil Engineering ProjectIn episode 131 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, which is our sixth episode in our Women in Civil Engineering series, I talk with Philippa Jefferis, a senior consultant and engineer at IMC Worldwide. Philippa is the safeguard and compliance manager who focuses on the safety and constructability of elements. She talks about working in the international development field and, more specifically, about a world-changing civil engineering project she is working on in Nepal. 

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Philippa:

  • Do you enjoy traveling and working internationally?
  • Tell us about the project you are working on right now.
  • Talk to us about the terrain and how that’s been challenging for the project in general. 
  • How do the weather conditions impact project scheduling?
  • What is the reaction of the people of Nepal toward this project?
  • What would you say to engineers who are considering doing work internationally?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode about Working on a World-Changing Civil Engineering Project:

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