2024 Walter LeFevre Award - Department of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia
On April 11, 2024, The Department of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia was selected by the ASCE Committee on Education to receive the 2024 Walter LeFevre Award in the large program category for “excellence in promoting ethics, professionalism, and licensure in the civil engineering curriculum.” This award is named for E. Walter LeFevre, PhD, PE, Dist.M.ASCE who endowed this award to recognize actions in promoting ethics, professionalism and licensure. Mr. LeFevre was widely recognized and highly respected for his extensive contributions to engineering education and practice, accreditation of engineering programs, and leadership of engineering professional organizations. This award will be presented at the Society’s National Civil Engineering Department Heads Conference in Knoxville, TN, June 4, 2024. Congratulations on your selection!
2024 Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize - Dr. Xing Xie, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE
On April 11, 2024, Dr. Xing Xie, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE of the Georgia Section and Georgia Institute of Technology was selected by ASCE’s Committee on Technical Advancement to receive the 2024 Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize for “research and development of innovative materials, processes, and devices for applications in water treatment, environmental conservation, and public health enhancement.” Research Prizes are given to members of the Society in any grade for notable achievements in research related to civil engineering. The prize will be presented at the Society’s Annual Convention in Tampa, FL, October 8, 2024. Congratulations on your selection!
2024 Certificate of Commendation – University of Florida Student Chapter
On April 10, 2024, the University of Florida ASCE Student Chapter was selected by the Committee on Student Members to receive a Certificate of Commendation for its outstanding activities as recorded in the 2023 Chapter Annual Report. This is a distinction earned by only the top 5% of all student chapters. The chapter’s accomplishments reflect the enthusiasm and hard work of the student officers and members, as well as the fine guidance as faculty advisor. Congratulations on your selection.
Richard J. Scranton Outstanding Community Service Award - Runner Up - University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Student Chapter
On April 10, 2024, the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Student Chapter was selected as one of two runners up for the 2024 Richard J. Scranton Outstanding Community Service Award. This award was named in recognition of Richard J. Scranton, a long-time supporter and advocate for students. His efforts promoted community service as an integral part of ASCE Student Chapter activities. The Student Chapter exemplifies the tradition of public service that Mr. Scranton believed was an essential element of the student learning experience and advances our profession by showing how civil engineers are truly making a difference in their communities, nation, and world. Congratulations on your selection.
2024 Certificate of Commendation – Georgia Institute of Technology Student Chapter
On April 10, 2024, the Georgia Institute of Technology ASCE Student Chapter was selected by the Committee on Student Members to receive a Certificate of Commendation for its outstanding activities as recorded in the 2023 Chapter Annual Report. This is a distinction earned by only the top 5% of all student chapters. The chapter’s accomplishments reflect the enthusiasm and hard work of the student officers and members, as well as the fine guidance as faculty advisor. Congratulations on your selection.
2024 Letter of Significant Improvement – Kennesaw State University Student Chapter
On April 10, 2024, The Society informed the Kennesaw State University ASCE Student Chapter was awarded the 2024 Letter of Significant Improvement. The Student Chapter was recommended for this award by the Committee on Student Members based on activities recorded in the 2023 annual report. The Student Chapter has shown considerable advancement in its activities from the previous year. The Chapter’s accomplishments reflect the enthusiasm and hard work of the student officers and members, as well as fine guidance from the faculty advisor. Congratulations!
2024 ASCE Distinguished Chapter Award for Region 5 and Certificate of Commendation - Puerto Rico, Mayagüez ASCE Student Chapter
On April 5, 2024, the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez ASCE Student Chapter was awarded the 2024 ASCE Distinguished Chapter Award for Region 5 by the ASCE Committee on Student Members. This award is made annually to the most outstanding Student Organization in the Region. The Student Chapter was recommended for this award by the Committee on Student Members based on activities recorded in the Student Chapter’s 2023 annual report. Region 5 and the ASCE Member Communities Committee congratulates the Student Chapter officers and members, the Practitioner Advisors, and the Faculty Advisor. In particular, the Society and Region 5 recognizes and sincerely appreciates the personal contribution, enthusiasm, and hard work, which results in outstanding Student Organization programs.
In addition to the Region 5 Award, the Student Chapter was selected by the Committee on Student Members to receive a Certificate of Commendation for its outstanding activities as recorded in the 2023 Chapter Annual Report. This is a distinction earned by only the top 5% of all student chapters. Congratulations on your awards!
2024 Theodore von Karman Medal – Dr. George Z. Voyiadjis, D.Eng., F.EMI, Dist.M.ASCE
On March 14, 2024, Dr. George Z. Voyiadjis, D.Eng., F.EMI, Dist.M.ASCE of the Louisiana State University Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Louisiana Section was selected by ASCE’s Engineering Mechanics Institute to receive the 2024 Theodore von Karman Medal for “outstanding achievements in macro/micro-material characterization of damage and plasticity in solid mechanics, pioneering contributions in multi-scale modeling and localization problems, and national and international leadership and service to solid mechanics.” This award was established and endowed in 1960 by the Engineering Mechanics Division, now the Engineering Mechanics Institute. The award recognizes distinguished achievement in engineering mechanics, applicable to any branch of civil engineering. Congratulations on your selection.
2024 Computing in Civil Engineering Award - Dr. Yong K. Cho, Ph.D., M.ASCE
On January 18, 2024, Dr. Yong K. Cho, Ph.D., M.ASCE from the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Georgia Tech and of the Georgia Section of ASCE was selected by ASCE’s Computing Division to receive the 2024 Computing in Civil Engineering Award for “leading advances in construction automation and robotics for more productive, safer, and smarter construction job sites: 3D point cloud processing, Scan-to-BIM, SLAM, IoT-based worker’s motion and location, equipment proximity tracking.” This award is made annually to a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers who has made an outstanding contribution to the application of computers to the practice of civil engineering. Congratulations on your selection.
2023 Outstanding Section and Branch Award for Medium Sections and Branches - Miami-Dade Branch
On December 12, 2023, the Miami-Dade Branch was selected for the 2023 Outstanding Section and Branch Award for Medium Sections and Branches. The purpose of this award is to promote activity and program excellence among the Sections and Branches of the American Society of Civil Engineers. The award will be official presented on Friday January 26 at the 2024 Regions 1, 2, 4, & 5 Multi Region Leadership Conference in Miami, Florida. Congratulations on your selection!
2023 Outstanding Web Award for Small Sections and Branches - Montgomery Branch
The Montgomery Branch of ASCE is excited to announce that the branch website was selected by the ASCE Leader Training Committee to be awarded the 2023 Outstanding Branch Website Award for Small Sections and Branches. The website was voted #1 out of 140 Small Sections and Branches. It is a great team effort by the leadership of the Montgomery Branch to produce such great content! This is the 5th time in 8 years that the branch website has been selected as the best. The award will be official presented on Friday January 26 at the 2024 Regions 1, 2, 4, & 5 Multi Region Leadership Conference in Miami, Florida.
2023 Edmund Friedman Young Engineer Award for Professional Achievement - Dr. Jennifer Sloan Ziegler
On July 13, 2023, Dr. Jennifer Sloan Ziegler, Ph.D., P.E., ENV SP, M.ASCE Region 5 Governor of the Mississippi Section was selected by ASCE’s Committee on Younger Members to receive the 2023 Edmund Friedman Young Engineer Award for Professional Achievement for “professional achievement in service to the advancement of the profession, evidence of technical competence, high character and integrity, and contributions to public service outside their career.” Congratulations on your selection!
2023 ASCE MOSAIC JEDI Award – Georgia Section and Tallahassee Branch
On June 12, 2023, the Georgia Section and the Tallahassee Branch were selected by the ASCE Members of Society Advancing An Inclusive Culture (MOSAIC) as the 2023 ASCE Section and Branch JEDI Award! These organizations are making significant and impactful contributions to the enhancement and awareness of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (JEDI) within the profession of Civil Engineering. Congratulations on your selection.
2023 Outstanding Small Chapter Award - Georgia EWRI Chapter
On May 21, 2023, The Georgia EWRI Chapter was named the 2023 Outstanding Small Chapter Award. They received their award at the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress in Henderson, Nevada. The Sections and Branches Council established this award to honor an outstanding ASCE Section or Branch Environmental and/or Water Resource Technical Group or EWRI Chapter based on their activities, relative to their size and geographic location.
2023 ASCE State of the Art of Civil Engineering Award – Dr. Madasamy Arockiasamy and Dr. Ankitha Prakash Arvan
On April 13, 2023, Dr. Madasamy Arockiasamy, Ph.D., P.Eng., F.ASCE and Dr. Ankitha Prakash Arvan, Ph.D., M.ASCE both of the Florida Section were selected by ASCE’s Society Awards Committee to receive the 2023 ASCE State of the Art of Civil Engineering Award for the paper, “Behavior, Performance, and Evaluation of Prestressed Concrete/Steel Pipe/Steel H-Pile to Pile Cap Connections,” Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction, May 2022.
In 1966, the professional associates of John D. Winter, M.ASCE, endowed this award to ASCE to reward the industry's most gifted practitioners who review and interpret state-of-the-art methods, theories, and ideas for the benefit of their colleagues. The benefit of this award is the scholarly review, evaluation, and documentation of the scientific and technical information needed by the profession.
Congratulations on your award!
2023 John G. Moffatt-Frank E. Nichol Harbor and Coastal Engineering Award – Dr. David L. Kriebel
On April 13, 2023, Dr. David L. Kriebel, Ph.D., P.E., D.CE, M.ASCE of the Florida Section was selected by ASCE’s Coasts, Oceans, Ports and Rivers Institute to receive the 2023 John G. Moffatt-Frank E. Nichol Harbor and Coastal Engineering Award for “a career dedicated to coast and harbor engineering research, education, and professional service.” Dr. Kriebel is an independent consultant in coastal and ocean engineering with his company, Coastal Analytics LLC, based in Indialantic, FL and Anchorage, AK. He is also Professor Emeritus at the U.S. Naval Academy where he was a Professor of Ocean Engineering from 1987-2021 and previously served as Chair of the Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering Department.
This award was established in 1977 and was endowed by the firm of Moffatt & Nichol, Engineers, in honor of John G. Moffatt and Frank E. Nichol. The award is designed to recognize new ideas and concepts that can be efficiently implemented to expand the engineering or construction techniques available for harbor and coastal projects. Development of such concepts can occur in any of the academic, design or construction disciplines. Results of such contributions are more efficient techniques or understandings that translate directly into applications which benefit the profession and the public at large.
Congratulations on your selection!
2023 ASCE Certificate of Commendation and ASCE Region 5 Distinguished Student Chapter Award – University of Florida
On April 9, 2023, the University of Florida ASCE Student Chapter was awarded the 2023 ASCE Certificate of Commendation by the Committee on Student Members for its outstanding activities as recorded in the 2022 Chapter Annual Report. This is a distinction earned by only the top 5% of all student chapters.
In addition to the Certificate of Commendation, the the University of Florida ASCE Student Chapter was awarded the 2023 ASCE Distinguished Chapter Award for Region 5 by the ASCE Committee on Student Members. This award is made annually to the most outstanding Student Organization in your Region.
The chapter’s accomplishments reflect the enthusiasm and hard work of the student officers and members, as well as the fine guidance of the faculty advisor. The practitioner advisors and every individual who had a part in this endeavor should be justifiably proud of his or her contribution to the development of the future of civil engineering.
Congratulations on your award!
2023 Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize - Thomas Wahl, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE
On March 16, 2023, Dr. Thomas Wahl, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE of the Florida Section was selected by ASCE’s Committee on Technical Advancement to receive the 2023 Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize for “pioneering work on coastal compound flooding and developing innovative multivariate design concepts.” Award recipients are selected based on the impact of their research, both on their chosen subdisciplines, as well as on the field of civil engineering more broadly. Congratulations on your award!
2023 Orville T. Magoon Sustainable Coasts Award - Bret M. Webb, Ph.D., P.E., D.CE, M.ASCE
On March 16, 2023, Dr. Bret M. Webb, Ph.D., P.E., D.CE, M.ASCE of the Alabama Section was selected by ASCE's Coasts, Oceans, Ports and Rivers Institute to receive the 2023 Orville T. Magoon Sustainable Coasts Award for "lifelong dedication and impact on coastal sustainability research, education, and practice." Dr. Webb is a Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of South Alabama. His specialty area of civil engineering accounts for the unique wave, tide, and sand transport processes in the planning, design, and operation of civil engineering infrastructure within the coastal environment. His research interests include nature-based shoreline protection, resilience, vulnerability, and general coastal processes like waves, tides, storm surge, and sediment transport. Congratulations on your award!
Outstanding Young Civil Engineer in the Private Sector – Jennifer Sloan Ziegler
On January 21, 2023 Jennifer Sloan Ziegler, PE, PhD, ENV SP, CECP, M.ASCE was recognized as the Outstanding Young Civil Engineer in the Private Sector by the Eastern Regional Younger Member Council (ERYMC) at their awards banquet in Charlotte, NC. Shown in the photograph with Jennifer are Katie Bowman, Chair ERYMC 2023 Planning Committee (left) and 2023 ASCE President Maria Lehman, P.E., ENV SP, F.ASCE (right).
Peers Group Award – The Florida Section, Miami-Dade Branch Younger Member Group
On January 21, 2023 the Florida Section, Miami-Dade Branch Younger Member Group was awarded as a co-winner of the Peers Group Award by the Eastern Regional Younger Member Council (ERYMC) at their awards banquet in Charlotte, NC. (in the 2-person photo) From left to right: Lorenzo Fuchs and Jessica Garcia accepting the award on behalf of the Miami-Dade Branch Younger Member Group. (in the ERYMC group photo) The Miami-Dade Branch Younger Member Group along with Katie Bowman, Chair ERYMC 2023 Planning Committee and 2023 ASCE President Maria Lehman, P.E., ENV SP, F.ASCE.
University of South Florida (USF) Group Receives 2023 Wesley W. Horner Award
On January 12, 2023, Mr. Mathews J. Wakhungu, Dr. Noha Adel-Mottaleb, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE; E. Christian Wells; and Dr. Qiong (Jane) Zhang, Ph.D., EIT, A.M.ASCE of the Florida Section were selected by ASCE’s Environmental and Water Resources Institute to receive the 2023 Wesley W. Horner Award for the paper, “Geospatial Vulnerability Framework for Identifying Water Infrastructure Inequalities,” Journal of Environmental Engineering, September 2021. The Wesley W. Horner Award was instituted in 1968 by the Sanitary Engineering Division (now the Environmental & Water Resources institute) of the American Society of Civil Engineers. All papers dealing with hydrology, urban drainage, or sewerage that are published in a print issue of an ASCE journal are eligible. This award will be presented at the Society’s 2023 World Environmental and Water Resources Congress in Henderson, NV, May 21-24, 2023. Congratulations on your selection.
Dr. Michael D. Dukes Receives 2023 Royce J. Tipton Award
On January 12, 2023, Dr. Michael D. Dukes, Ph.D., P.E., F.EWRI of the Florida Section was selected by ASCE’s Environmental and Water Resources Institute to receive the 2023 Royce J. Tipton Award for work contributing to improving irrigation efficiency. This award was created to recognize contributions to the advancement of irrigation and drainage engineering. The award is made to a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers or member of the Environmental & Water Resources Institute who has made a definitive contribution to the advancement of irrigation and drainage engineering management, these contributions being made either in the form of papers or other written presentations, or through notable performance, long years of service, or specific actions which have served to advance the science of irrigation and drainage engineering. This award will be presented at the Society’s 2023 World Environmental and Water Resources Congress in Henderson, NV, May 21-24, 2023. Congratulations on your selection.
Mr. Haochen Li and Dr. John Sansalone Receives 2023 Rudolph Hering Medal
On January 12, 2023, Mr. Haochen Li and Dr. John Sansalone, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE of the Florida Section were selected by ASCE’s Environmental and Water Resources Institute to receive the 2023 Rudolph Hering Medal for the paper, “Benchmarking Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes Turbulence Models for Water Clarification Systems,” Journal of Environmental Engineering, September 2021. The Rudolph Hering Medal was instituted and endowed in 1924 by the Sanitary Engineering Division (now the Environmental & Water Resources Institute) of the American Society of Civil Engineers, in honor of Rudolph Hering, past Vice President of the Society. This award will be presented at the Society’s 2023 World Environmental and Water Resources Congress in Henderson, NV, May 21-24, 2023. Congratulations on your selection.
Dr. Cristiane Q. Surbeck Recieves 2023 Margaret S. Petersen Award
On January 12, 2023, Dr. Cristiane Q. Surbeck, Ph.D., P.E., ENV SP, F.EWRI, M.ASCE of the Mississippi Section was selected by ASCE’s Environmental and Water Resources Institute to receive the 2023 Margaret S. Petersen Award for “excellence in leadership and service to EWRI, for outstanding mentorship and for enrichment of environmental engineering with insights of professional practice and sustainability.” This award was established to honor Margaret S. Petersen, P.E., D.WRE, Dist.M.ASCE, a pioneer in hydraulics and water resources engineering. Candidates for this award must be women who are ASCE or EWRI members in who have demonstrated exemplary service to the water resources and environmental science and engineering community. This award will be presented at the Society’s 2023 World Environmental and Water Resources Congress in Henderson, NV, May 21-24, 2023. Congratulations on your selection.
2022 Outstanding Section and Branch Award - Georgia Section
On December 20, 2022, the ASCE Leader Training Committee selected the Georgia Section as the 2022 Outstanding Section and Branch Award for large Sections and Branches. The award was presented at the Regions 1, 2, 4, & 5 Multi Region Leadership Conference in Charlotte on January 20, 2023. The Georgia Section joins other award winners are as follows: Small Section/Branch - Richmond Branch, Medium Section/Branch - Dallas Branch, and Very Large Section/Branch - Texas Section. Congratulations on your selection!
2023 OCEA Honor Award Recipient - C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area Project
December 2, 2022 – ASCE recognized the C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area project located in Indiantown, Florida as a 2023 OCEA Honor Award recipient. This is one of eleven projects that were selected for excellence. At the OPAL Gala in Chicago, IL on October 20, 2023, 2 runners-up and the OCEA winner will be announced from among the eleven Honor Awards recipients. Established in 1960, this prestigious ASCE award honors the project that best illustrates superior civil engineering skills and represents a significant contribution to civil engineering progress and society. Honoring an overall project rather than an individual, the award celebrates the contributions of many engineers including Susan Ray (Senior Project Manager), Howard Searcy (Owner’s Representative), and Eduardo Colcado (Lead Designer), all within the Florida Section.
2023 OCEA Honor Award Recipient - Rockefeller Refuge Gulf Shoreline Stabilization (ME-0018) Project
December 2, 2022 – ASCE recognized the Rockefeller Refuge Gulf Shoreline Stabilization (ME-0018) project located in Grand Chenier, Louisiana as a 2023 OCEA Honor Award recipient. This is one of eleven projects that were selected for excellence. At the OPAL Gala in Chicago, IL on October 20, 2023, two runners-up and the OCEA winner will be announced from among the eleven Honor Awards recipients. Established in 1960, this prestigious ASCE award honors the project that best illustrates superior civil engineering skills and represents a significant contribution to civil engineering progress and society. Honoring an overall project rather than an individual, the award celebrates the contributions of many engineers including Brett Geesey (Lead Designer), Bevin Barringer (Owner’s Representative), and Ben LeBlanc (Prime Contractor), all within the Louisiana Section. Photo courtesy Louisiana Coastal Protection Agency.
Mr. Matthew Meyer selected to receive 2023 Martin S. Kapp Foundation Engineering Award
On November 16, 2022, Mr. Matthew Meyer, P.E., D.GE, M.ASCE was selected by the Society’s Geo-Institute to receive the 2023 Martin S. Kapp Foundation Engineering Award for “outstanding contributions in deep foundations and retaining structures, including innovative approaches to deep foundations for tall buildings in complicated geologic conditions.” The Martin S. Kapp Foundation Engineering Award is a memorial in recognition of the outstanding professional accomplishments of Martin S. Kapp, F.ASCE. Congratulations on your selection for the award!
Dr. David Frost selected to receive the 2023 H. Bolton Seed Medal Award
On November 16, 2022, Mr. David Frost, Ph.D, P.E., F.ASCE was selected by the Society’s Geo-Institute to receive the 2023 H. Bolton Seed Medal for “his contributions in the analysis of natural and man-made disasters, dedication to teaching and mentoring of students, and abilities in translation of geotechnical methods into approaches to ensure public safety.” Congratulations on your selection for the award!
Region of the Year Award
On October 23, 2022, Region 5 was awarded the Region of the Year Award and the Presidential Award. Region 5 was selected by the Region Support Subcommittee of the Member Communities Committee (MCC) to receive the Region of the Year Award and the Presidential Award. Each region was evaluated based on the 2021 Region Health Scorecard sent on September 8, 2022. The scorecard was developed by MCC and used as a metric to track trends over time and to measure the effectiveness of the geographic regions in moving toward fulfilling ASCE's strategic goals. Additionally, the ASCE Region Award Program was developed to encourage Geographic Regions to fulfill their engagement responsibilities as assigned in the ASCE Official Register and ASCE Strategic Plan. Lawren Pratt accepted the award on behalf of Region 5 from ASCE President Dennis Truax at the Board of Direction meeting in Anaheim, CA.
2022 Region 5 Civil Engineering Student of the Year Award – Ki-Ana Moody, S.M.ASCE
Ki-Ana Moody is a civil engineering student who has worked herself through the COVID years as a transfer student from Belize to the pinnacle of student chapter leadership at the ASCE student chapter at Florida International University. She did everything a chapter president must do – and did all of it with a big smile. This year, she successfully achieved chapter goals of improving member involvement and increasing the sponsorships. She did this by bringing in 72 new members and 17 new sponsors. As president, she oversaw and delegated tasks to officers to make sure tasks were done in a timely matter. She organized e-board meetings and worked with all of the directors and officers to plan events, prepared for the long-awaited student conference all the while working with advisors and faculty in the FIU College of Engineering to receive the much-needed funding for the student conference and oversaw their foundation account. More importantly, she led FIU to placing 5th overall in the ASCE Southeast Student Symposium. As the Sponsorship/Fundraising Director the previous year, she created the sponsorship packet entailing chapter achievements and history. She established and maintained relationships between the new and current sponsors and the chapter. Here she also planned the fundraising events and activities needed for conference competitions.
2022 Region 5 Civil Engineer of the Year Award – Dr. Cristiane Q. Surbeck, Ph.D, P.E., ENV SP, F.EWRI, M.ASCE
Dr. Cristiane Surbeck is a Professional Engineer, Associate Professor, Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering, and former Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs of the School of Engineering at the University of Mississippi (UM). She has worked in academia and consulting, with projects throughout the U.S. and abroad, while also serving on several ASCE-EWRI committees and councils. Her consulting work (1996-2003) included soil and groundwater remediation at hazardous waste sites, environmental due diligence for manufacturing facilities, and stormwater monitoring programs. Her remediation work led to the removal hundreds of thousands of pounds of chemicals from soil and groundwater through the design and operation of numerous remediation systems for corporate and government clients. For her environmental due diligence work, she advised corporate environmental managers after conducting environmental due diligence studies throughout the United States, Brazil, and Mexico. This past work, including 10 years of teaching the subject to undergraduate and graduate students, has led to a contract to publish a textbook on environmental remediation.
2022 Region 5 Young Civil Engineer of the Year Award – Jennifer Sloan Ziegler, Ph.D, P.E., M.ASCE
Dr. Jennifer Sloan Ziegler is a civil engineer and project manager with a wide variety of experience in coastal and water resources engineering. With nearly a decade of experience, she assists with business development efforts and serves as a project manager and engineer for Cypress Environment and Infrastructure, a small woman-owned science, engineering, and planning firm in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. There, she works on a diverse portfolio of projects for public and private clients including coastal structures, water resources, and environmental planning. She was honored as the 2021 ASCE Mississippi Section Young Engineering of the Year and as a National Society of Professional Engineers Emerging Leader. In 2021, the Shepard State Markshwalk Pier, a project led by Sloan Ziegler, was named a 2021 Regional Best Project by Engineering News Record (ENR).
Dr. Paul W. Mayne receives 2023 Karl Terzaghi Lecture Award
On August 11, 2022, Dr. Paul W. Mayne, Ph.D, P.E., M.ASCE was selected by ASCE’s Geo-Institute to receive the 2023 Karl Terzaghi Lecture for “his work with CPT and the correlation with engineering properties of soil that has made a huge impact on the practice of geotechnical engineering.” The Terzaghi Lecture is sponsored annually by the ASCE Geo-Institute (G-I), and it is presented to the Society for all members at the Geo-Institute annual conference. Dr. Mayne was selected based on his continuing contributions to the technical and professional stature of geotechnical engineering; as reflected in his publication, professional standing and, particularly, on ability to communicate verbally with both technical specialists and the civil engineering profession as a whole. Congratulations on your selection for the award!
University of Florida wins the 2022 Student Steel Bridge Competition
On May 28, 2022; the University of Florida defeated 34 other universities to win the 2022 Student Steel Bridge Competition. The finals were held at Virginia Tech in southwestern Virginia. Get all the results at the site of our steel bridge partner, the American Institute of Steel Construction.
Dr. Jose D. Salas receives 2022 ASCE State of the Art of Civil Engineering Award
On April 14, 2022, Dr. Jose D. Salas, Ph.D., Dist.M.ASCE of the Palm Beach Branch of the Florida Section along with co-authors Michael L. Anderson, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE; Simon M. Papalexiou; and Felix Frances were selected by ASCE’s Society Awards Committee to receive the 2022 ASCE State of the Art of Civil Engineering Award for the paper, “PMP and Climate Variability and Change: A Review,” published in the December 2020 issue of Journal of Hydrologic Engineering. Because the science and art of civil engineering can cope with information expansion only if its most gifted practitioners will review and interpret the state-of-the-art for the benefit of their colleagues, in 1966 the professional associates of John D. Winter, M.ASCE, endowed this prize. The direct benefit of this award is the scholarly review, evaluation, and documentation of the scientific and technical information needed by the profession.
Writing Team receives 2022 Norman Medal Award
On April 14, 2022, Dr. Farshid Vahedifard, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE and Masood Abdollahi, S.M.ASCE from the North Mississippi Branch of the Mississippi Section, Mr. Fred Tracy of Region 5, along with co-authors Firas Jasim, Aneseh Alborzi, and Amir AghaKouchak, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, was selected by ASCE’s Society Awards Committee to receive the 2022 Norman Medal for the paper, “Levee Fragility Behavior under Projected Future Flooding in a Warming Climate,” published in the December 2020 issue of Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering. The Norman Medal recognizes a paper that makes a contribution to either practical or research aspects of engineering disciplines. The practical value of contribution and its impact on engineering practice are important considerations.
Dr. Jane McKee Smith receives 2022 International Coastal Engineering Award
On April 14, 2022, Jane McKee Smith, Ph.D., P.E., D.CE, NAE, Dist. M.ASCE from the Vicksburg Branch of the Mississippi Section, was selected by ASCE’s Coasts, Oceans, Ports and Rivers Institute to receive the 2022 International Coastal Engineering Award for “her outstanding career in coastal engineering research crucial for understanding hurricanes and storm surge and for her leadership in making coastal communities around the world safer.” The award is presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of coastal engineering in the manner of engineering design, teaching, professional leadership, construction, research, planning, or a combination thereof.
2022 ASCE Distinguished Chapter Award for Region 5
On April 3, 2022, the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez ASCE Student Chapter was awarded the 2022 ASCE Distinguished Chapter Award for Region 5 by the ASCE Committee on Student Members. This award is made annually to the most outstanding Student Organization in Region 5. The University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM) counts with more than 200 members, making it one of the largest student chapters in the country.
2022 Innovation in Sustainable Engineering Award - Rodney Cook Sr. Park in Vine City, Georgia
On March 10, 2022; Mr. Aaron Wiener of the City of Atlanta was notified that the Rodney Cook Sr. Park in Vine City was selected by ASCE’s Committee on Sustainability to receive the 2022 Innovation in Sustainable Engineering Award for “its collaborative design effort and its watershed achievement. Located in Atlanta’s major economic, cultural, and transportation hub, the 16-acre park includes significant, sustainable features. The park improves the area’s aesthetics and overall quality of life for residents and workers.” To be eligible for consideration, projects must, first and foremost, demonstrate adherence to the principles of economic, social and environmental sustainability. Congratulations to the City of Atlanta and the Georgia Section of ASCE for winning the award!
Dr. Timothy A. Reinhold, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE receives 2022 Jack E. Cermak Medal
On March 10, 2022; Dr. Timothy A. Reinhold, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE of the Florida Section, was selected by the ASCE’s Cermak Awards Committee to receive the 2022 Jack E. Cermak Medal for “his leadership in the development of modern wind engineering practices for the safe and efficient design of residential and small commercial construction.” This medal was established by the Engineering Mechanics Institute and the Structural Engineering Institute to recognize Dr. Jack E. Cermak's lifetime achievements in the field of wind engineering and industrial aerodynamics. Congratulations to Dr. Reinhold on his selection for the award!
Puerto Rico Section Receives 2022 Outstanding Civil Engineer Advocate Team Awards
On March 3, 2022, ASCE announced the Puerto Rico Section as the recipient of the 2022 Outstanding Civil Engineer Advocate Team Award. For the first time in this award’s history, ASCE gave awards to two different teams for their collective excellence in advocacy leadership. Through the advocacy work of the ASCE Puerto Rico Section with the Secretary of the State, Senate Bill RCS 465 transformed from a legislative bill to Executive Order 2021-024, resulting in the creation of the first-ever Infrastructure Advisory Committee. In addition, the Puerto Rico Section worked with Senator Elizabeth Rosa Velez’s office to introduce Senate Bill 665, which aims to establish a multi-sector group to create a long-term infrastructure plan.
2022 ASCE New Faces of Civil Engineering - Collegiate, Tiffany Ritch
Tiffany Ritch, S.M.ASCE has been selected as an ASCE New Face of Civil Engineering - Collegiate, 2022. Ms. Ritch is a senior at the University of North Florida. She is an active member in the UNF ASCE student chapter, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Florida Engineering Society. After graduation, Ms. Ritch plans to pursue a career in transportation engineering. When asked why she chose civil engineering, Ms. Ritch said "I chose civil engineering because I wanted to make the world a better place to live, and I still do. And with the career I've chosen, I can do that every day."
2022 ASCE New Faces of Civil Engineering - Collegiate, Zoe Zhang
Zoe Zhang, S.M.ASCE has been selected as one of the ten ASCE 2022 New Faces of Civil Engineering - Collegiate. Ms. Zhang is a senior at the Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in civil engineering with a minor in architecture. She began her involvement in ASCE her freshman year, and is currently the president of the Georgia Tech ASCE student chapter as well as past president of the Georgia Tech AISC Steel Bridge team. After completing her MS in structural engineering, Ms. Zhang is looking forward to pursuing a career in material reuse, diagnostics, and rehabilitation of existing structures in an industry that increasingly embraces diversity and sustainability. "With so much of our world and our built environment changing every year ... I am excited to one day tackle these challenges alongside the most creative and capable civil engineers that the industry has ever seen."
2022 ASCE New Faces of Civil Engineering - Professional, Katie Kelly
Katie Kelly, EIT, A.M. ASCE has been selected as an ASCE New Face of Civil Engineering, 2022. Ms. Kelly is a bridge designer for Barge Design Solutions in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. Ms. Kelly currently serves in numerous positions throughout the Georgia Section and Region 5 including as the Region 5 Younger Member Advisory Council chair and as a practitioner advisor for Kennesaw State University and Savannah State University. Ms. Kelly is a first-generation college graduate, a disability advocate, and is passionate about STEM outreach and providing early civil engineering exposure to kids.
Learn more about Ms. Kelly here: https://www.asce.org/publications-and-news/civil-engineering-source/article/2022/02/16/new-face-aims-to-change-the-world-as-a-disability-advocate-and-outreach-champion
Dr. Philip J. W. Roberts receives 2022 Hunter Rouse Hydraulic Engineering Award
On January 13, 2022, Dr. Philip J. W. Roberts, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE of the Georgia Section of ASCE was selected by ASCE’s Environmental and Water Resources Institute to receive the 2022 Hunter Rouse Hydraulic Engineering Award for “excellence in hydraulics, particularly the engineering aspects of ocean outfalls and water intakes, and density-stratified flows in lakes, estuaries and coastal waters. This expertise includes mathematical modeling of such flows, field studies, and laboratory studies of turbulent mixing.” This award and lectureship is endowed by the Environmental and Water Resources Institute through personal contributions of engineers and engineering firms throughout the world in honor of Hunter Rouse, Hon.M.ASCE. The award was instituted by the Board of Direction in October 1979.
2021 Outstanding Section and Branch Website Award- Florida Section
On Monday, November 29, 2021, the ASCE Leader Training Committee awarded the Florida Section the 2021 Outstanding Section and Branch Website Award in the very large membership category for Sections and Branches. The Florida Section (https://www.fla-asce.org/) joins the other winners from this year's competition including: Small Section and Branch, Upstate Branch (South Carolina Section) http://www.asceupstate.com/; Medium Section and Branch, Richmond Branch http://ascerichmond.org/; Large Section and Branch co-winner: Orange County Branch http://www.asceoc.org/; and Large Section and Branch co-winner: Kansas City Section https://www.kcengineers.org/. Congratulations on the hardwork and successful website!
2021 Region 5 Civil Engineering Student of the Year Award – Christopher Carrino, S.M.ASCE
Christopher Carrino is the active student chapter president who takes charge and get things done. As ASCE-UCF President, he revamped the chapter, beginning with the constitution and finishing with a website for the student chapter. Chris is not one to stand still and continues his passionate involvement as past president of this very active student chapter.
2021 Region 5 Young Civil Engineer of the Year Award – Hector J. Colón-De La Cruz, EIT, A.M.ASCE
Hector Colón-De La Cruz is a “trailblazer” who graduated from UPR at Mayagüez. Having a multidisciplinary background, he has made significant achievements since a scholar until now. Hector is the President of ASCE Puerto Rico Section and has been involved in the installation of a diverse and inclusive ASCE PR Board. He’s also be involved in the creation of the ASCE Geoinstitue PR Chapter, Senate Joint Resolution 465, ASCE PR Infrastructure Report Card Chair and more. Outside of ASCE, Hector is responsible for the project management duties in his current job. In 2019-2020 he was named Young Engineer of the Year by the ASCE Puerto Rico Section.
2021 Region 5 Young Civil Engineer of the Year Award – Dr. Ben C. Cox, PhD, PE, M.ASCE
Dr. Ben Cox of the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) has a vision and dedication that are making positive impacts in the arena of airfield and highway paving. Ben has worked on responsibly recycling highway and airfield materials from multiple perspectives, and is part of a team on the cutting edge of innovative methods to patch asphalt pavements. His efforts are applicable to military and public works, and he is an active member of committees within the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, and the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists.
2021 Region 5 Civil Engineer of the Year Award - Erin A. Rooney, PE, M.ASCE
Erin Rooney is a professional engineer and certified floodplain manager at HDR Engineering, Inc. in Metairie, Louisiana. She recently received the Outstanding Young Civil Engineer Award from the ASCE New Orleans Branch. Erin has presented at industry conferences on topics including living shorelines, breakwaters, marsh creation, mitigation banking, and numerical modeling.
She has served on the boards for ASCE New Orleans, the Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute Louisiana Chapter, and the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. Erin received her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Virginia Tech and her master’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University.
2021 Region 5 Wall of Fame Award - Dr. Benjamín Colucci-Ríos, PhD, PE, F.ASCE
Dr. Benjamín Colucci-Ríos is worthy of the 2021 ASCE Wall of Fame Award for his significant contributions to ASCE Region 5 and the Civil Engineering community, exemplified by his engineering accomplishments recognized by his peers namely, co-founder of EPICS-PR, ITEPR, LACCEI, and PR T2 Center. Benjamín is an ASCE Fellow and recipient of the Wilbur S. Smith Award, Outstanding UPRM Civil Engineering Professor award (on three different occasions), Puerto Rico Civil Engineer of the Year Award and Engineering Professor Productivity Award. He was also recognized at the 81st Annual Assembly of CIAPR for his Lifetime Engineering Achievements.
Donald Receives 2021 Professional Practice Ethics and Leadership Award
On July 15, 2021, Mr. Victor R. Donald, P.E., M.ASCE of the Georgia Section was selected by ASCE’s Committee on Advancing the Profession to receive the 2021 Professional Practice Ethics and Leadership Award for “his superior ethics, innovative spirit, and love of learning and leadership that has shaped and forever changed the engineering profession.” The Society instituted the award in 2005 to promote and recognize civil engineering leadership in professional practice and ethics.
Colón De La Cruz Receives 2021 Eastern Regional Younger Member Council Award
On May 8, 2021, Mr. Hector J. Colon De La Cruz of the Puerto Rico Section was selected as the 2021 Eastern Regional Younger Member Council (ERYMC) Outstanding Younger Member in Government Relations Award. Congratulations on this great achievement!
Three Region 5 Universities Receive Certificate of Commendation
On April 1, 2021; the University of Florida ASCE Student Chapter, University of Georgia ASCE Student Chapter, and Louisiana State University and A&M College ASCE Student Chapter were selected by the Committee on Student Members to receive a Certificate of Commendations for their outstanding activities as recorded in the 2020 Chapter Annual Report. This is a distinction earned by only the top 5% of all Student Organizations. The Chapter’s accomplishments reflect the enthusiasm and hard work of the student officers and members, as well as the fine guidance by faculty advisors, Mark Newman,
Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE (University of Florida); Stephan Durham, Ph.D, P.E., M.ASCE (University of Georgia); and Chao Sun, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE (Louisiana State University and A&M).
Florida Institute of Technology Student Chapter - 2021 Letter of Significant Improvement
On March 24, 2021; the Florida Institute of Technology ASCE Student Chapter was awarded this 2021 Letter of Significant Improvement. The Florida Institute of Technology ASCE Student Chapter was recommended for this award by the Committee on Student Members based on activities recorded in the 2020 annual report. The Student Chapter has shown considerable advancement in its activities from the previous year. The Chapter’s accomplishments reflect the enthusiasm and hard work of the student officers and members, as well as the fine guidance of faculty advisor, Nakin Suksawang, P.E., M.ASCE.
Florida Institute of Technology Student Chapter - 2021 ASCE Distinguished Chapter Award for Region 5
On March 24, 2021; the Florida Institute of Technology ASCE Student Chapter has been awarded the 2021 ASCE Distinguished Chapter Award for Region 5 by the ASCE Committee on Student Members. This award is made annually to the most outstanding Student Organization in the Region. The Student Chapter was recommended for this award by the Committee on Student Members based on activities recorded in the Student Chapter’s 2020 annual report.
University of South Alabama ASCE Student Chapter Awarded the 2021 Richard J. Scranton Outstanding Community Service Award
On March 22, 2021; the University of South Alabama ASCE Student Chapter was awarded the 2021 Richard J. Scranton Outstanding Community Service Award. This award was named in recognition of Richard J. Scranton, a long-time supporter and advocate for students. His efforts promoted community service as an integral part of ASCE Student Chapter activities. The South Alabama Student Chapter exemplifies the tradition of public service that Mr. Scranton believed was an essential element of the student learning experience and advances our profession by showing how civil engineers are truly making a difference in their communities, nation and world.
University of South Alabama Student Chapter receives Letter of Honorable Mention
On March 22, 2021; the University of South Alabama ASCE Student Chapter was selected by the Committee on Student Members to receive a Letter of Honorable Mention for its outstanding activities as recorded in the 2020 Chapter annual report. This recognition is received by only the top third of all Student Organizations. The Chapter’s accomplishments reflect the enthusiasm and hard work of the student officers and members, as well as the fine guidance of faculty advisor, Eric Steward, Ph.D, P.E. M.ASCE.
Colucci-Rios Receives 2021 Wilbur S. Smith Award
On February 11, 2021; Benjamin Colucci-Rios, Ph.D., J.D., P.E., F.ASCE of the Puerto Rico Section was selected by ASCE’s Transportation and Development Institute to receive the 2021 Wilbur S. Smith Award for “unending leadership and dedication to action for the improvement of road safety in Puerto Rico and around the world.” The award is made to the person who, during the fiscal year preceding the year of the award, shall be judged worthy of special commendation for contributions to the enhancement of the role of the civil engineer in highway engineering. The contribution may be made in the form of a paper published by the Society or by the recipient's personal efforts and achievements toward that goal.
Tansel Receives the 2021 Margaret S. Peterson Award
On January 14, 2021; Berrin Tansel, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE, D.WRE, F.EWRI, F.ASCE of the Florida Section was selected by ASCE’s Environmental and Water Resources Institute to receive the 2021 Margaret S. Petersen Award for “her exemplary leadership and intellectual generosity for professional advancement of women, and outstanding contributions for pioneering research in water conservation, coastal water quality improvement and concentrate management.” This award was established to honor Margaret S. Petersen, P.E., D.WRE, Dist.M.ASCE, a pioneer in hydraulics and water resources engineering.
Pitt Receives the 2021 Julian Hinds Award
On January 14, 2021; Robert E. Pitt, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, M.ASCE of the Alabama Section was selected by ASCE’s Environmental and Water Resources Institute to receive the 2021 Julian Hinds Award for “his tireless endeavors in the field of water resources engineering and urban water resources research. Contributions include WinSLAMM (an urban stormwater quality model), implementation of green stormwater infrastructure, ASCE/EWRI activities, and development of the next generation of water resources professionals. The award is presented annually to the author of a paper which is judged to be the most meritorious contribution to the field of water resources development such as multi-purpose water projects for irrigation, flood control, municipal and industrial water, hydroelectric power or any combination thereof. The award can also be made to an individual for notable performance, long years of distinguished service, or specific actions that have served to advance engineering in the field of planning, development, and management of water resources.
Boya Wang and Youneng Tang Receive the 2021 Rudolph Hering Medal
On January 14, 2021; Lead Author Boya Wang and Co-Author Youneng Tang, Ph.D, of the Florida Section and fellow co-authors from the Arizona Section were selected by ASCE’s Environmental and Water Resources Institute to receive the 2021 Rudolph Hering Medal for the paper, “Modeling Trichloroethene Reduction, Methanogenesis, and Homoacetogenesis in a H2-Based Biofilm,” that appeared in the February 2020 issue of the Journal of Environmental Engineering. The medal is awarded to the author, or authors, of the paper which contains the most valuable contribution to the increase of knowledge in, and to the advancement of, the environmental branch of the engineering profession.
Moradkhani Receives 2021 Arid Lands Hydraulic Engineering Award
On January 14, 2021; Hamid Moradkhani, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, F.EWRI, F.ASCE of the Alabama Section has been selected by ASCE’s Environmental and Water Resources Institute to receive the 2021 Arid Lands Hydraulic Engineering Award for “numerous groundbreaking contributions in data assimilation, drought and water scarcity studies in arid and semi-arid regions.” The Arid Land Hydraulic Engineering Award recognizes original contributions in hydraulics, hydrology including climatology, planning, irrigation and drainage, hydroelectric power development, navigation especially applicable to arid or semi-arid climates or contributions to the understanding and development of new technology in river basins.
Permanent Canal Closures and Pumps Project Selected to Receive Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) Honor Award
On January 7, 2021; Permanent Canal Closures and Pump Project was selected to receive an Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) Honor Award. The project was constructed by PCCP Constructors, a Joint Venture comprised of Kiewit Louisiana South Co., Traylor Bros. Inc., and the M.R. Pittman group, LLC and designed by Stantec. Established in 1960, the OCEA award annually recognizes the project that best illustrates superior civil engineering skills and represents a significant contribution to the civil engineering profession and society.
In response to Hurricane Katrina 's devastation of New Orleans, the USACE embarked on a $14.6 billion Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System to repair the damage and improve the resiliency for the surrounding community. The final piece of this massive initiative was the $690 million Permanent Canal Closures and Pumps design-build project with Stantec as the lead design engineer and architect. As part of an integrated team, Stantec designed a long-term flood damage risk reduction system to reduce the risks and damage of a 100-year storm event. The facility has three main functions. First, it provides drainage pumping and improved water evacuation for the City's three main outfall canals. This is accomplished with giant five-story high axial flow pumps and gearmotors. Second, the solution acts a flood barrier from Lake Pontchartrain's storm surges, which can have wave heights of almost 14 feet. This is accomplished using 18-foot high surge gates. Third, the facility is a power station with enough generator power and fuel to run for five days.
2021 ASCE New Faces of Civil Engineering – Professional, Hector Colón De La Cruz
In January 2021, Mr. Hector Colon De La Cruz, EIT, Section President and Region 5 Liaison for the Puerto Rico Section, was named one of the 2021 ASCE New Faces of Civil Engineering. From a young age, Colón De La Cruz recognized his community’s failing infrastructure conditions. Now a civil engineer for O&M Consulting Engineering in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Colón De La Cruz’s commitment to local infrastructure, the profession, and ASCE extends beyond his work on the Puerto Rico Report Card. In 2019, he reinstituted, reformed, and, at 25, became the youngest president of the ASCE Puerto Rico Section. Also, he’s leading a charge to solve an ongoing water supply crisis impacting the island.
2021 ASCE New Faces of Civil Engineering – Collegiate, Jessica Lewis
In January 2021, Ms. Jessica Lewis from Mississippi State University was selected as one of the 2021 ASCE New Faces of Civil Engineering–College honoree. Ms. Lewis views her civil engineering path as leading toward twin outcomes – research contributions to improve infrastructure and serving as a role model. At Mississippi State, she’s served as an undergraduate research assistant, focused on materials and construction with an emphasis on asphalt paving. Meanwhile, she’s also very active with the I.D.E.A.L. Woman group on campus, doing community service projects and mentoring local students.
2021 ASCE New Faces of Civil Engineering - Collegiate, Peter Psaltakis
In January 2021, Mr. Peter Psaltakis from Georgia Tech University was selected as one of the 2021 ASCE New Faces of Civil Engineer-College honoree. Mr. Psaltakis is taking his place in the family lineage, following both his grandfather and father into the civil engineering profession. Taking full advantage of the opportunities afforded him at Georgia Tech, Mr. Psaltakis has been very involved in a variety of activities, including steel bridge, intramural soccer, and the Chi Epsilon civil engineering honors society. He also has been active in the ASCE student chapter, serving as president this year, with previous roles including student conference chair, secretary, and ASCE student ambassador.
2020 Outstanding Section and Branch Award - Puerto Rico Section
On January 6, 2021, the Puerto Rico Section has been awarded ASCE’s 2020 Outstanding Section and Branch for Small Sections Award by the Leader Training Committee. Congratulations!
2020 Outstanding Section and Branch Award - East Central Branch (FL)
On January 6, 2021, the East Central Branch of the Florida Section has been awarded ASCE’s 2020 Outstanding Section and Branch Award for Large Branches by the Leader Training Committee. Congratulations!
2020 Outstanding Section and Branch Web Award for Small Sections and Branches - Montgomery Branch (AL)
On January 6, 2021, the Montgomery Branch of the Alabama Section has been awarded ASCE’s 2020 Outstanding Section and Branch Web Award for Small Sections and Branches by the Leader Training Committee. This is the fourth time in five years that the Montgomery Branch has been selected for the web award. Congratulations!
2020 Region 5 Civil Engineering Student of the Year - Ms. Gabriela Yanez Gonzalez, S.M.ASCE
Gabriela has demonstrated outstanding leadership as an ASCE UPRM Student Chapter member, documents manager, and president. Under her leadership, the ASCE UPRM chapter has achieved the first overall place in the ASCE Southeast Regional Student Conference competitions for the third year in a row. She is also a member of the Board of the ASCE Puerto Rico Section. Through her leadership skills she has motivated students to find their passion in civil engineering and help shape the professionals of tomorrow. Her contributions go beyond her studies in civil engineering, such as several social aid projects.
2020 Region 5 Younger Civil Engineer of the Year - Ms. Jennifer Smith, P.E., M.ASCE
Ms. Smith is a Senior Engineer at Chen Moore and Associates, leading the company’s community service committee, participating within Leadership Broward, and serving on the FAU Department Advisory Committee. Ms. Smith is an active ASCE Broward Branch member and has led the Branch through two separate presidencies since becoming involved as a professional member. During her Presidency, she worked to reorganize the board, adding new board positions, and increasing PDH classes to increase member benefits. Ms. Smith is an example of what we envision every leader to be: motivated, visionary, and ready to lead for the betterment of the Branch.
2020 Region 5 Civil Engineer of the Year - Dr. Prasad Chittaluru, Ph.D,P.E.,F.ASCE,PMP,BCEE,GIPS
Dr. Chittaluru is Principal EPIC Engineering and Consulting Group, LLC and Vice President of Technology, ECHO, UES, Inc. Dr. Chittaluru is an active member of the ASCE Florida Section East Central Branch. He actively supports ASCE Florida Section and the ECB in various educational outreach activities and professional presentations. Prasad is an entrepreneur at heart, with a passion for STEM education and to bring high-paying technology jobs to Florida. Prasad founded EPIC Engineering in 2006, with the vision to deliver innovative solutions to the infrastructure industry. With a team of almost 40, EPIC is now proudly serving many public clients in Utilities, Transportation, Public Works and Government, delivering innovative solutions that help our communities and infrastructure. In 2017, Prasad joined four of his friends to start ECHO Utility Engineering & Survey, Inc., with a vision to deliver world-class SUE and Survey services to the industry, leveraging the innovations in information technology. ECHO has grown over the past two years to over 40 team members who are serving various public and private sector clients. Both companies are earning industry recognition for their commitment to delivering high quality services and both companies are creating jobs in our community.
2020 Region 5 Wall of Fame - Dr. Dennis D. Truax, Ph.D,P.E.,DEE,D.WRE,F.ASCE,F.NSPE
Dr. Dennis D. Truax, is James T. White Endowed Chair, Department Head and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Mississippi State University and Director of the Mississippi Transportation Research Institute. He is a licensed professional engineer and holds national certifications as an environmental engineer with the American Academy of Environmental Engineering and Scientists and as a water resources engineer with the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers. He was elected a Fellow of American Society of Civil Engineers in 1999 and Fellow of the National Society of Professional Engineers in 2016. He will serve as the 2022 ASCE President.
2020 William H. Wisely American Civil Engineer Award
On August 4, 2020, Ms. Sarah S. McEwen, P.E., M.ASCE from the Jackson Branch of Mississippi Section was selected by the Executive Committee and upon the recommendation of President K.N. Gunalan to receive the 2020 William H. Wisely American Civil Engineer Award for ““her commitment to saving the Mississippi River Basin Model, initiating and enlisting help to clean-up the Model to use it as a tool to inspire excitement in children for civil engineering.”
2020 Young Government Civil Engineer of the Year Award
In July 2020, Dr. Edith Martinez-Guerra, PE from the Mississippi Section was selected as the 2020 Young Government Civil Engineer of the Year. Dr. Martinez-Guerra is a research environmental engineer at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). She earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Arkansas State University (2012). She graduated with her Masters (2013) and PhD (2016) from Mississippi State University where she worked with Dr. Veera Gnaneswar Gude on a project using different feedstocks and different technologies to produce biodiesel. Dr. Martinez-Guerra supports numerous U.S. Army and NAVFAC projects. Dr. Martinez-Guerra has been an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) since she was an undergraduate student. Dr. Martinez-Guerra is also an active member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).
2020 Edmund Friedman Professional Recognition Award
On July 16, 2020, Dr. Dennis D. Truax, Ph.D., P.E., DEE, D.WRE, F.ASCE from the North Mississippi Branch of the Mississippi Section was selected by the Society’s Committee on Professional Advancement to receive the 2020 Edmund Friedman Professional Recognition Award for “advancing professional and ethical practice. He has authored numerous publications and curricula in hazard mitigation, stormwater management, hazardous waste management, groundwater hydrology and risk assessment.”
2020 Robert Horonjeff Award
In May 2020, Jim W. Hall, Jr, PE, PhD, F.ASCE from the Mississippi Section was named the winner of the 2020 Robert Horonjeff Award. Dr. Hall has conducted numerous research and engineering studies pertaining to airports and airfields. He is internationally recognized for his work, which spans all aspects of airfield pavement engineering. Dr. Hall worked for USACE for 30 years where he managed large R&D projects on military and civilian airfield pavements. In 1994, Dr. Hall joined Applied Research Associates (ARA) where he lead pavement R&D for the US Air Force, US Army, FHWA, FAA, IPRF, AAPTP, ACRP, NCHRP, and state DOTs. He retired from ARA in 2018 and continues to serve as consultant on R&D work for the Air Force and FAA and consults on airfield design and evaluation.
Dr. Hall's received degrees in Civil Engineering include a B.S. from Mississippi State University; a M.S. from Texas A&M University; and a Ph.D. from Auburn University. Dr. Hall's ASCE involvement includes: ASCE Airport Practitioners Award, 2011; ASCE Fellow & Life Member; ASCE Airfield Pavement Committee, past chair; ASCE Air Transport Division, past chair; and ASCE Materials Division, past chair.
The Robert Horonjeff Award recognizes and honors a person for outstanding achievements in, and contributions to, the advancement of the field of air transportation engineering. The Robert Horonojeff Award was established by the Air Transport Division of ASCE's Transportation & Development Institute.
2020 ASCE Student Leadership Award - Patrick Stanley
On May 27, 2020, Patrick Stanley was selected as one of the six recipients of the 2020 ASCE Student Leadership Award by ASCE's Committee on Student Members. This recognition is based on Patrick's leadership and dedication to the Jackson State University ASCE Student Chapter in Jackson, Mississippi.
2020 Younger Member Group Award for Small Groups - Mississippi Section Younger Member Group
On May 14, 2020 the Mississippi Section Younger Member Group was selected by ASCE's Committee on Younger Members to receive the 2020 Younger Member Group Award for Small Groups for "their outstanding professional, technical, social, outreach, and community service activities."
2020 ASCE Region 5 Distinguished Student Chapter Award - Georgia Institute of Technology
On April 14, 2020, the Georgia Institute of Technology ASCE Student Chapter was awarded the 2020 ASCE Distinguished Chapter Award for Region 5 by the ASCE Committee on Student Members. This award is made annually to the most outstanding Student Organization within Region 5.
Pictured from Top Left to Right: Stanley Jones (Membership VP), Peter Psaltakis (Conference Chair), Dr. Eric Marks (Faculty Advisor), Tobias Kopp (Secretary), Connor Szeto (Concrete Canoe Captain) Bottom Left to Right: Grace Hamilton (President), Zoe Zhang (Social & Philanthropy Chair), Salsabila Ainina (Treasurer), Margaret Ortiz (Meetings VP).
2020 Raymond D. Mindlin Medal - Dr. Glaucio H. Paulino, Ph.D., F.EMI, M.ASCE
On March 31, 2020, Dr. Glaucio H. Paulino, Ph.D., F.EMI, M.ASCE from the Georgia Section has been selected by the ASCE Engineering Mechanics Institute to receive the 2020 Raymond D. Mindlin Medal for “pioneering contributions to the field of mechanics, including geometric mechanics associated to origami and tensegrity engineering, which led to the creation of multifunctional structures and configurational metamaterials with unprecedented properties.”
This medal is named for Raymond D. Mindlin, Ph.D., M.ASCE who was a Professor at Columbia University and who is best known for pioneering contributions to applied mechanics. The medal was established by action of the Society on February 4, 2008.
2020 Stephen D. Bechtel Pipeline Engineering Award - George R. Ruchti, Jr.
On March 23, 2020, Mr. George R. Ruchti, Jr., M.ASCE from the Southwest Branch of the Florida Section was selected by the ASCE Engineering and Surveying Institute to receive the 2020 Stephen D. Bechtel Pipeline Engineering Award for “his many contributions in the field of pipe material engineering, research and evaluation, pipeline engineering and construction and for his work on national committees and organizations.”
The award is made annually to a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers who has made a definite contribution to the advancement of pipeline engineering, either in research, planning, design, or construction. Any of these contributions may be made either in the form of papers or other forms of written presentations, or through outstanding performance or specific and noteworthy actions which have served to advance the art, science, and technology of pipeline engineering.
Montgomery Branch of the Alabama Section - Awarded the Outstanding Section and Branch Website Award for Small Sections and Branches
Feb. 1, 2020 - The Montgomery Branch of the Alabama Section has been awarded ASCE’s 2019 Outstanding Section and Branch Web Award for Small Sections and Branches by the Leader Training Committee. This is the third time in four years that the Montgomery Branch has been selected for the web award. Presenting the award to Mr. Taylor Janney, Montgomery Branch Secretary, is ASCE President-Elect Jean-Louis Briaud.
2020 Hans Albert Einstein Award – Ronald R. Copeland
On January 20, 2020, ASCE Headquarters and the Regions, Sections, and Branches, Geographic Services announced that Dr. Ronald R. Copeland, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE from the Vicksburg Branch of the Mississippi Section has been selected by the ASCE Coasts, Oceans, Ports and Rivers Institute and the Environmental and Water Resources Institute to receive the 2020 Hans Albert Einstein Award for “his contributions to research teaching and application of sedimentation engineering principles for the development and operation of water resource projects.”
This award was established by the Waterway, Port, Coastal and Ocean Division (now the Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute) and the Hydraulics Division (now the Environmental and Water Resources Institute) to honor Hans Albert Einstein for his outstanding contributions to the engineering profession and his advancements in the areas of erosion control, sedimentation and alluvial waterways. The award was officially instituted by action of the Executive Committee of the ASCE Board of Direction in October 1988.
2020 Rickey Medal – Randall P. Bass
On January 20, 2020 ASCE Headquarters and the Regions, Sections, and Branches, Geographic Services announced that Mr. Randall P. Bass, P.E. from the Georgia Section has been selected by the ASCE Energy Division to receive the 2020 Rickey Medal for “his mentorship of young civil engineers in the field of dam engineering and safety assessment, and for numerous presentations to the Georgia Geo-Institute chapter of ASCE.
This prize was established in 1947 by Mrs. Lucy M. Rickey in honor of her husband James W. Rickey, M.ASCE, a leader in hydroelectric engineering progress.
McEwen wins Outstanding Younger Member in Private Sector
Sarah McEwen, PE, CFM, of the Mississippi Section has been awarded Outstanding Younger Member in Private Sector for the Eastern Region Younger Member Council. This award is presented to a Younger Member who has demonstrated leadership potential in the private sector of civil engineering.
Sarah is a graduate of Mississippi State University and has been actively involved in ASCE, serving in various leadership positions. In 2016, Sarah founded the non-profit Friends of Mississippi River Basin Model to preserve and restore the MRBM, an ASCE Historical Civil Engineering Landmark.
The award was presented at the Eastern Region Younger Member Council on February 1, 2020 in Philadelphia, PA.
2019 Region 5 Civil Engineering Student of the Year - Valerie J. Coloma, S.M. ASCE
As Chapter Sponsorship/Fundraiser Director for Florida International Univeristy (FIU), Valerie Coloma coordinated two career fairs; planned and coordinated fundraising, resume workshops and social events. She raised and managed more than $39,000 gathered from engineering sponsorships, career fairs and funds from the university. She secured a $5,000 sponsorship for the fabrication and welding of the FIU steel bridge. Valerie quickly discovered ASCE involvement was key to her success. “Seeing the universities united in competition for the shared passion in civil engineering inspired her and is one of the reasons I love my student chapter.”
2019 Region 5 Civil Engineer of the Year - Sakid Khan, Ph.D., P.E.
Dr. Sadik Khan received his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh in June 2007. He received his Master’s in Civil Engineering in summer 2011 and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering in fall 2013. Dr. Khan is working as an Assistant professor at the Jackson State University from fall 2015. Dr. Khan is involved in different geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering projects over the last 10 years. Dr. Khan is involved with several technical committees of ASCE, TRB, and USSD.
Dr. Sadik Khan is involved with the GI-Institute of ASCE and serving two technical committees as a committee member. Dr. Khan is a member of the Technical Committee on Unsaturated Soils and Shallow Foundations of ASCE Geotechnical Institute since 2016. Dr. Khan has been selected as the technical member at both of the national committees based on his expertise in the subject matter. As a committee member of ASCE GI committees, Dr. Khan was involved in different technical activities of the committee, attending the committee meeting, review papers, chairing technical sessions and moderating different sessions. Dr. Khan has reviewed more than ten papers for both of the ASCE committees, co-chaired a technical session titled Pipeline and Transportation Structures in Unsaturated Soils of PAN-AM UNSAT 2017, in Dallas, Texas and moderated G-I Web conference - Shallow Foundations on August 2018.
Besides the national activities, Dr. Khan is the faculty advisor of the ASCE Student Chapter at Jackson State University. Dr. Khan is actively leading the students to organize different activities of the students at Jackson State University. During summer 2017, he has taken over the advisor role of the ASCE student chapter at Jackson State University. During his first year as a faculty advisor, the students have won two prizes at the 2018 Deep South Conference for Jackson State University. Dr. Sadik Khan is continuing his role as the faculty advisor of the ASCE student chapter at Jackson State University and will continue to enhance the student chapter’s role in ASCE.
2019 Region 5 Wall of Fame – Norma Jean Mattei, Ph.D, P.E., F.SEI, F.ASCE
Norma Jean Mattei, Ph.D., P.E. is professor and past chair at the University of New Orleans' (UNO) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. She has been active in ASCE for more than 20 years in local, regional and national leadership roles and was elected by the Society's membership as the 2017 ASCE President.
President Mattei sits on the executive committee of ASCE's New Orleans Branch SEI/Structures Committee. The former Region 5 director has served on ASCE's Committee on Diversity and Women in Civil Engineering and the Committee on Licensure and Ethics. ASCE has drawn on her expertise for a number of media relations activities, including an interview with National Public Radio's "Morning Edition" on post-Hurricane Katrina conditions. Recently, she was spokeswoman for "Raised Floor Living," a commercial that aired in the New Orleans' region promoting elevation of residential structures above the flood plain.
In 2012, President Obama named Mattei one of three civilian members of the Mississippi River Commission, which researches and provides policy and work recommendations covering flood control, navigation and environmental projects. In that capacity, she helped oversee a drainage basin that covers 41 percent of the nation. The governor of Louisiana appointed her to the state's licensing board for professional engineers -- LAPELS. She also serves on the board of directors for both the Louisiana Transportation Research Center Foundation and the Louisiana Technology Council.
Mattei has been a member of the UNO faculty since 1995. Her technical research interests include large watershed management, material and structural testing, sustainable reuse of spent construction and fabrication materials, and residual stress measurement. She is also interested in diversity, licensure and ethics issues.
Mattei earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1982 and a doctorate in 1994, both from Tulane University.
2019 Region 5 Younger Civil Engineer of the Year - Sarah McEwen, PE, CFM
Sarah McEwen graduated from Mississippi State University with a B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering. Since graduation she has pursued not only project based success but also supports various community missions. She has been actively involved in ASCE over the years serving in various leadership positions. Recently through her work with the Mississippi River Basin Model and STEM educational programming she was able to help raise the funds needed to fully fund the Dream Big Initiative in all Mississippi Schools. She has achieved licensure in three states and was recently named one of ASCE’s New Faces of Civil Engineering. In 2018 she was named the Young Engineer of the Year by MS Section of ASCE.
2019 Outstanding Public Official Award - Alabama Senator Clyde Chambliss
On June 13, 2019, Alabama Senator Clyde Chambliss, P.E., M.ASCE was selected by ASCE’s Committee on Advancing the Profession to receive the 2019 Outstanding Public Official Award for “impeccable service and dedication to the State of Alabama, as well as to the Civil Engineering profession and Land Surveying professionals.” The award will be presented at the Society’s Annual Convention in Miami, FL in October 2019.
This award was created to recognize those members of the engineering profession who have rendered meritorious service in elective or appointive positions in government. The award is made to those members of ASCE, wherever resident, who have contributed substantially to the status of the engineering profession by meritorious public service in elective or appointive positions in civil government.
2019 William H. Wisely American Civil Engineer Award – Brian D. McKeehan
On June 19, 2019, the Regions, Sections, and Branches, Geographic Services announced that Mr. Brian D. McKeehan, P.E., ENV SP, F.ASCE from the West Coast Branch of the Florida Section was selected by the Executive Committee to receive the 2019 William H. Wisely American Civil Engineer Award for his leadership in researching and developing a cohesive recommendation for how ASCE may leverage credentialing to advance the profession.
This award is a memorial of William H. Wisely, Hon.M.ASCE, who for nearly two decades prudently guided the activities of the American Society of Civil Engineer as its chief staff officer. The award was officially instituted by the Board of Direction on May 14-16, 1983. The award is presented annually to recognize not more than three individuals who have exhibited continuing efforts to better the history, tradition, developments and technical and professional activities of the Society.
2018 Region 5 Wall of Fame – Stuart Moring
Region 5 Wall of Fame is a designation to honor Civil Engineers that have made a substantial contribution to ASCE, Region 5, and the Civil Engineering community. In March 2019, Mr. Stuart Moring was selected to the Region 5 Wall of Fame. Stuart A. Moring, PE, F. ASCE, is past Region 5 Governor for ASCE. He served as the Public Works Director in Roswell, Georgia, responsible for water production and distribution, stormwater management, recycling, environmental protection, garbage and trash collection, and the City garage. In seventeen years in this position, Mr. Moring led several innovations to improve the community and the environment. A sampling of his ASCE accomplishments include
- Board Member, Georgia Section
- Chair, Joint ASCE-ITE Advisory Committee to Georgia Regional Transportation Authority
- President-elect, Georgia Section; increased monthly meeting attendance from avg. 85 to 130
- President, Georgia Section. Section developed first annual Report on Georgia’s Infrastructure, with Presentation to Georgia legislators and media coverage receiving ASCE Journalism award.
- Member of ASCE Peer Review teams for public agencies; served six agencies with organizational and procedural guidance (Committee Chair, 2012-13).
- Regional Board of Governors, ASCE Region 5(La.- Fla.) Chair of Strategic Planning Committee.
- Developed ASCE State Public Affairs Grant (SPAG) application and Middle School contest to guide students to answer the question “What Do Civil Engineers Do?”
- STEM mentor and volunteer at Roswell River Eves School
- Sponsor and mentor to ASCE Georgia Section for Nicaragua humanitarian activities
- Elected as Fellow, ASCE
2018 Region 5 Younger Civil Engineer of the Year - Melissa Burns
Region 5 Younger Civil Engineer of the Year is awarded annually to one recipient to recognize outstanding achievements of a practicing Civil Engineer, age 35 of less that is active within the Region. In March 2019, Ms. Melissa Burns was selected as the Region 5 Younger Civil Engineer of the Year. Melissa Burns, PE, M.ASCE, has been involved with ASCE since becoming a student member in 2010. After graduating from the University of Central Florida in the Fall of 2011, she became a professional member involved with the East Central Branch Younger Member Forum. Since 2011, Melissa has held the following positions within the ECB YMF: Past-President, President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Central Florida Field Trip (separately serving as Chair, and Co-Chair positions), PE Review (separately serving as Chair, and Co-Chair positions), Technical Seminar Chair, Professional Development Chair, Multi-Regional Leadership Council – Eastern Regional Younger Member Council 2019 Host Chair.
While these are the official titles Melissa has held within the group, she has been involved in assisting and attending events for 13 of the 14 positions available within the ECB YMF. A notable event that flourished under Melissa’s leadership is the Central Florida Field Trip (CFFT). This annual event aims to introduce 45 students from five Florida Universities to active job site construction sites and show them the “real-life” engineering for which they are going to school.
2018 Region 5 Civil Engineer of the Year - Brent Whitfield
Region 5 Civil Engineer of the Year is awarded annually to one recipient to recognize outstanding achievements of a practicing Civil Engineer that is active within the Region. In March 2019, Mr. Brent Whitfield was selected as the Region 5 Civil Engineer of the Year. Mr. Brent Whitfield, PE, M.ASCE, has been a committed volunteer in the profession for many years. Beginning with his involvement in the Forest Hill High School Advisory Council, which was started as an ASCE K-12 outreach program in 2006. Brent believes that service to the community and the profession go hand in hand. In 2014, Mr. Whitfield combined ASCE’s volunteer support with the ongoing efforts of the Society for Women Engineers to hold the annual Engineering Family Fun Day (EF2D) at Dreher Park in West Palm Beach where elementary and middle school students can meet engineers and participate in science and engineering activities in a group setting. As the President during 2015-2016 when Palm Beach was awarded Branch of the Year for the State Section, he was part of the evolution of the local branch that now routinely sees standing room only lunch meetings of 75 attendees, uses fully digital communication platforms, has restarted a Young Member Group, and is thriving.
Brent started a local chapter of EWRI in 2016, for the Palm Beach Branch. The launch was timed to coincide with the World Environmental & Water Resources Congress that was held in West Palm Beach that year. In 2017-2018, Brent became a member of the Florida Engineering Society’s statewide leadership program - Florida Engineering Leadership Institute (FELI). This program has afforded him the opportunity to lobby State Legislators on behalf of the profession and regarding issues related to infrastructure and licensure.
2020 Karl Terzaghi Lecture Award - Dr. Edward J. Cording, Ph.D., NAE, M.ASCE
On March 25, 2019, the Regions, Sections, and Branches, Geographic Services is pleased to announce that Dr. Edward J. Cording, Ph.D., NAE, M.ASCE from Savannah Branch of the Georgia Section has been selected by the Geo-Institute to receive the 2020 Karl Terzaghi Lecture for “more than 40 years of continuous efforts to advance the state-of-the practice in the design and performance of underground structures.”
This lectureship was established by the Soil Mechanics and Foundations Division (now the Geo-Institute) of the Society by the solicitation of gifts from the many friends and admirers of Karl Terzaghi, Hon.M.ASCE. It was instituted by the Board of Direction on October 10, 1960.
2019 Harland Bartholomew Award - Dr. Lily Elefteriadou
On February 15, 2019, ASCE Headquarters and the Regions, Sections, and Branches, Geographic Services is pleased to announce that that Dr. Lily Elefteriadou, Ph.D., M.ASCE from the Gainesville Branch of the Florida Section has been selected by the Transportation and Development Institute to receive the 2019 Harland Bartholomew Award for “contributions in enhancing mobility using advanced transportation technologies in Gainesville, Florida.”
The Harland Bartholomew Award was established by the former Urban Planning and Development Division of the Society (now the Transportation & Development Institute) in recognition of the outstanding professional accomplishments of Harland Bartholomew, Hon.M.ASCE. It was instituted by the Board of Direction in 1968.
The award is made to the person who is judged worthy of special commendation for contributions to the enhancement of the role of the civil engineer in urban planning and development. The contribution may be in the form of a paper published by the Society or personal efforts and achievements toward that goal.
2019 Roebling Award - Mr. Andres Baquerizo
On February 15, 2019, ASCE Headquarters and the Regions, Sections, and Branches, Geographic Services is pleased to announce that Mr. Andres Baquerizo, P.E., M.ASCE from the Georgia Section has been selected by the Construction Institute to receive the 2019 Roebling Award for your “leadership in innovative deep foundation construction technologies.” The Roebling Award recognizes and honors an individual who has made an outstanding contribution toward the advancement of construction engineering.
This award was established by the Construction Institute of the Society in memory of three outstanding constructors: John A. Roebling - the visionary designer and builder of suspension bridges, Washington Roebling - John's son, who translated the visions into the "Brooklyn Bridge", and Emily Roebling - Washington's wife, who, in effect, became the field superintendent in support of her crippled husband's effort. The Roebling Award was instituted by the Board of Direction in April 1987 and is funded by gifts from the construction industry.
2019 Rudolph Hering Medal - Dr. John J. Sansalone
On February 13, 2019, ASCE Headquarters and the Regions, Sections, and Branches, Geographic Services is pleased to announce that Dr. John J. Sansalone, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE from the Gainesville Branch of the Florida Section has been selected by the Environmental and Water Resources Institute to receive the 2019 Rudolph Hering Medal for the paper, “Is the Treatment Response of Manufactured BMPs to Urban Drainage PM Loads Portable?” published in the April 2018 issue of Journal of Environmental Engineering.
The Rudolph Hering Medal was instituted and endowed in 1924 by the Sanitary Engineering Division (now the Environmental and Water Resources Institute ) of the American Society of Civil Engineers, in honor of Rudolph Hering, past Vice President of the Society. The medal is awarded to the author, or authors, of the paper which contains the most valuable contribution to the increase of knowledge in, and to the advancement of, the environmental branch of the engineering profession.
Simon W. Freese Environmental Engineering Award - Dr. John C. Crittenden
On February 13, 2019, ASCE Headquarters and the the Regions, Sections, and Branches, Geographic Services is pleased to announce that Dr. John C. Crittenden, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, NAE from the Georgia Section has been selected by the Environmental and Water Resources Institute to receive the 2020 Simon W. Freese Environmental Engineering Award and Lecture for “ extraordinary accomplishments in using fundamental scientific principles and current research findings to solve the most challenging water quality problems.”
This award and lectureship was established by the Environmental Engineering Division (now the Environmental and Water Resources Institute) and endowed by the firm of Freese & Nichols in honor of their distinguished partner Simon Wilke Freese, F.ASCE. It was instituted by the Board of Direction on November 5, 1975.
2017 Region 5 Civil Engineer of the Year - Jose Acosta
- Region 5 Civil Engineer of the Year is awarded annually to one recipient to recognize outstanding achievements of a practicing Civil Engineer that is active within the Region. In March 2018, Mr. Jose L. Acosta was selected as the Region 5 Civil Engineer of the Year.
- Jose L. Acosta, PE, F.ASCE, is Vice President of Chen Moore and Associates. Mr. Acosta is responsible for business development and the strategic positioning of the firm. Mr. Acosta has more than two decades of experience in various types of public and private sector civil engineering infrastructure projects. He has lead design teams for significant land development, water/wastewater infrastructure, roadway/transportation, and education/institutional projects throughout Florida. Mr. Acosta has been a long supporter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), serving as a local branch President, chaired various state committees, served as the President of Florida Section and as a Region 5 Governor representing the southeastern states for a three-year term. Mr. Acosta also served as President of the Cuban-American Association of Civil Engineers (CAACE) for two years. Mr. Acosta served on the Industry Advisory Board of the Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Department of the University of Miami and has served as an adjunct professor for their senior design course. He was the recipient of the Broward Branch’s 2003 and 2009 Young Member of the Year Award. In 2008, the Broward County Chapter of the FES named him the Young Engineer of the Year. In 2011, the CAACE named him their Young Engineer of the Year. In 2015, Mr. Acosta was named one of the Top 40 Under 40 by the South Florida Business Journal.
2017 Region 5 Younger Civil Engineer of the Year – Julie Secrist
Region 5 Younger Civil Engineer of the Year is awarded annually to one recipient to recognize outstanding achievements of a practicing Civil Engineer, age 35 of less that is active within the Region. In March 2018, Ms. Julie Secrist was selected as the Region 5 Younger Civil Engineer of the Year.- Ms. Julie Secrist, PE is a Senior Project Manager with Southeastern Engineering Inc. in Marietta, Georgia. Ms. Secrist leads multiple design teams for all civil department projects including aviation, site development, large-scale mixed-use and commercial developments. She is an expert in hydrology, site design and development, and has more recently diversified her expertise to include aviation planning and design. She manages major expansion projects at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and is noted for her use of green spaces in large-scale site development. Following graduation from the University of Georgia in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Julie accepted a series of leadership positions with the American Society of Civil Engineers Georgia Section; as the current elected Treasurer she serves on the Board of Directors. Ms. Secrist also serves on the Board of the Georgia Engineering Foundation as Scholarship Chair and on UGA’s College of Engineering Advisory Board. In 2015, the American Society of Civil Engineers Georgia Section honored Ms. Secrist by awarding her the Young Civil Engineer of the Year. And in 2017, she was awarded the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers Young Engineer of the Year Award for the state of Georgia.
2017 Region 5 Wall of Fame – Kathy Caldwell
Region 5 Wall of Fame is a designation to honor Civil Engineers that have made a substantial contribution to ASCE, Region 5, and the Civil Engineering community. In March 2018, Ms. Kathy J. Caldwell was selected to the Region 5 Wall of Fame.- Kathy J. Caldwell, P.E., F.SEI, F. ASCE, Pres.11.ASCE had the distinct honor of serving as the Society President of ASCE. She graduated from the University of Tennessee with High Honors in Structural and Construction Engineering. She worked 19 years for Jones Edmunds and Associates and was president of JEA Construction Engineering Services. She is currently a co-owner of Caldwell Cook in Gainesville, Florida. And, for thirty years, Kathy has called ASCE “family.” She stated, “I can’t imagine not being an ASCE member. It has given me a network of friends, as well as technical support. The value of ASCE is well above what I pay in dues.”
2018 John O. Bickel Award
March 15, 2018 - ASCE Headquarters Geographic Services is pleased to announce that Mr. Patricio Vela, A.M.ASCE from the Georgia Section has been selected by the Construction Institute to receive the 2018 John O. Bickel Award Co-Author, for the paper "Optimized Parameters for Over-Height Vehicle Detection under Variable Weather Conditions," published in the September 2017 issue of Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering.
This award was established in 1986 by the Board of Direction and endowed by Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc. in honor of John O. Bickel, a retired partner of the firm, an eminent engineer for rail and vehicular tunnels and for over fifty years an employee of Parsons Brinckerhoff. It is administered by the Construction institute through the Honors and Awards Program.
Mohamed S. Gallow Selected as the 2018 Young Government Civil Engineer of the Year Award
March 8, 2018 - ASCE's Committee on Younger Members (CYM) has selected Mohamed S. Gallow, EIT, A.M.ASCE for the 2018 Young Government Civil Engineer of the Year Award. Mohamed is a Ph.D. candidate in the Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering (CCEE) Department at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He has been actively involved in ASCE in various committees and leadership roles and is currently serving as the President of the Birmingham Branch Younger Member Group. The presentation of this award will be at the Annual Convention in Denver, Colorado in October 2018. Congratulations to Mohamed on this much deserved award!
New Faces of Civil Engineering - Sarah McEwen
February 21, 2018 - Early each year, ASCE reveals the New Faces of Civil Engineering. These are exceptional young professionals and college students who represent the future of the civil engineering profession. Region 5 would like to congratulate Sarah McEwen, P.E., CFM, M. ASCE of Jackson, MS for being recognized as one of the 2018 New Faces of Civil Engineering. http://news.asce.org/new-face-honoree-finds-inspiration-in-mississippi-river-basin/
Montgomery Branch (Alabama Section) Awarded the Outstanding Section and Branch Website Award for Small Sections and Branches
February 10, 2018 -- The Montgomery Branch (Alabama Section) has been awarded the Outstanding Section and Branch Website Award for Small Sections and Branches. This is the second year in a row that the branch has received this award. The award was presented at the 2018 Regions 1, 2, 4, and 5 Multi-Region Leadership Conference on Saturday, February 10 at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo Hotel in Buffalo, NY. Accepting the award from ASCE President Kristina Swallow on behalf of the Montgomery Branch is Montgomery Branch Vice President Ramsey Ashmore.
Tallahassee Branch (Florida Section) Awarded Outstanding Section and Branch Award for Small Sections and Branches
February 10, 2018 -- The Tallahassee Branch (Florida Section) has been awarded the Outstanding Section and Branch Award for Small Sections and Branches. This award was presented at the 2018 Regions 1, 2, 4, and 5 Multi-Region Leadership Conference on Saturday, February 10 at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo Hotel in Buffalo, NY. Accepting the award from ASCE President Kristina Swallow on behalf of the Tallahassee Branch is Tallahassee Branch President Travis Shannon.
Anumba Awarded the 2018 Computing in Civil Engineering Award
December 27, 2017 -- Dr. Chimay Anumba, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE from the Gainesville Branch of the Florida Section has been selected by the Computing Division to receive the 2018 Computing in Civil Engineering Award "For extraordinary leadership in the advancement of computing in civil engineering through academic research, project application, and service to the Society." The Computing in Civil Engineering Award was established by the Technical Council on Computer Practices (now the Computing Division). It was officially instituted by action of the Board of Direction in January 1995, and was funded by computer-oriented industries within the field of civil engineering.
Bonaparte Awarded the 2018 Karl Terzaghi Lecture Award
April 12, 2017 -- Dr. Rudolph Bonaparte, Ph.D., P.E., D.GE, NAE, F.ASCE from the Georgia Section has been selected by the Geo-Institute to present the 2018 Karl Terzaghi Lecture "For his more than 30 years of continuous efforts to advance the state-of-the-practice in the design and performance assessment of waste containment systems." This award was established by the Soil Mechanics and Foundations Division (now the Geo-Institute) of the Society and it was instituted by the Board of Direction on October 10, 1960.
Alabama Section Awarded the 2017 Outstanding Section Civil Engineer Advocate Team of the Year
Pictured (L to R): Ben Russell, Joe Meads, Shelia Montgomery-Mills, ASCE President Norma Jean Mattei, Lawren Pratt, Brad Williams, and Kate Leonard
March 15, 2017 -- At the Awards Dinner of the 2017 ASCE Fly-In, the Alabama Section was awarded the “2017 Outstanding Section Civil Engineer Advocate Team of the Year.” The Section was recognized for their advocacy efforts on the State and National level for the past 15 months, including raising awareness about dam safety needs, efforts in protecting QBS language, organizing a Legislative Drive-in at Montgomery, and the development of the 2015 Alabama Report Card. The award was presented by the Society President Norma Jean Mattei.
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New Faces of Civil Engineering - Natalie Mills
Early each year, ASCE reveals the New Faces of Civil Engineering. These are exceptional young professionals and college students who represent the future of the civil engineering profession. Region 5 would like to congratulate Natalie Mills, EI, A.M. ASCE of Birmingham, AL for being recognized as one of the 2017 New Faces of Civil Engineering. To find out more about Natalie, please click here. Natilie is pictured with 2017 President Norma Jean Mattei.
Georgia Section Members Receive Construction Institute Awards
Mohammad Ilbeigi, A.M.ASCE (GA Tech, Atlanta, GA) – Lead Author, Baabak Ashuri, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE (GA Tech, Atlanta, GA) – Co-Author, and Soheil Shayegh, S.M.ASCE (GA Tech, Atlanta, GA) – Co-Author have been selected by the Construction Institute to receive the 2017 Thomas Fitch Rowland Prize for the paper, “Price Adjustment Clauses and Submitted Bid Prices for Major Asphalt Line Items in Highway Projects,” published in Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, May 2016. The Construction Institute Committee was intrigued by their study into the effectiveness of price adjustment clauses as a strategy to reduce costs for construction owners. The award will be officially presented at the 6th CSCE/ASCE/CRC International Construction Specialty Conference in Vancouver, Canada, May 31-June 3, 2017.
2017 Thomas Fitch Rowland Prize Winners
Mohammad Ilbeigi, A.M.ASCE (GA Tech, Atlanta, GA) – Lead Author
Baabak Ashuri, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE (GA Tech, Atlanta, GA) – Co-Author
Soheil Shayegh, S.M.ASCE (GA Tech, Atlanta, GA) – Co-Author
Eastman Awarded the 2017 Computing in Civil Engineering Award
December 19, 2016 -- Prof. Charles M. Eastman, Aff.M.ASCE, from the Georgia Section was selected by the Computing Division to receive the 2017 Computing in Civil Engineering Award “For extraordinary leadership in the advancement of computing in civil engineering through academic research, project application, and Society service.”
Hussin Awarded the 2017 Wallace Hayward Baker Award
December 2, 2016 -- Mr. James D Hussin, P.E., M.ASCE, from the Florida Section was selected by the Geo-Institute Board of Governors to receive the 2017 Wallace Hayward Baker Award. In selecting Mr. Hussin for this award, the committee particularly noted his unique contribution towards the development of soil mixing technologies, applications of vibro-ground improvement, and service to the GI and ASCE.
Bomar Awarded the 2016 William H. Wisely American Civil Engineer Award
July 5, 2016 -- Upon the recommendation of President Mark Woodson, the Executive Committee has selected Marsha D. Anderson Bomar, M.ASCE from the Georgia Section, to receive the 2016 William H. Wisely American Civil Engineer Award “For her outstanding example to women as a leader in the civil engineering profession, her contributions and service to the field of transportation, and her commitment to the community and those it serves.”
Watson Awarded the 2016 Samuel Arnold Greeley Award
February 10, 2016 -- Mr. Brian Watson has been receive the 2016 Samuel Arnold Greeley Award “For co-author of the paper “Modeling the Factors Controlling Phytoplankton in the St. Louis Bay Estuary, Mississippi and Evaluating Estuarine Responses to Nutrient Load Modifications,” Journal of Environmental Engineering, March 2015.”