|
|
SEAMASS News & Member Briefs
News | Events | Resources | Opportunities
August 2021
|
|
- SEAMASS Kicks off 2021-22 Fiscal Year with Virtual Annual Meeting
- A Message from SEAMASS President Lisa Davey, PE
-
Member Profiles: Nikki Byl, PE; David Ferdinand, PE; Brian Twomey, PE
-
CALL FOR APPLICANTS by Aug 30: SEAMASS 2021 Scholarship
-
SEAMASS Young Member Group (YMG) News & Updates
-
CALL FOR PROJECTS: SEAMASS Spotlight Opportunities
- SEPT. 9 Webinar: T.R. Higgins Lectureship Award-winning Presentation
-
CALL FOR INPUT RE: Your Needs, Interests & Preferences
- Recap of SEAMASS Professional Development Events
- It’s Time to Renew Your SEAMASS Membership or Sponsorship
-
Career Opportunities - Our Members Are Hiring!
- Welcome New Members and Annual Sponsors
- NCSEA News & Updates
|
|
SEAMASS Kicks Off New Fiscal Year |
|
Your SEAMASS Board of Directors 2021-22: |
|
OFFICERS: Lisa Davey, PE (President); Bassem Almuti, PE, LEED AP BD&C (Vice President); Aaron Ford, PE (Secretary); David Schnerch; PE, Ph.D (Treasurer); Doug Antholz, SE (Past President)
DIRECTORS: Eric Buckley, PE; Nikki Byl, PE; David Ferdman, PE; Patrick McCafferty, PE; Nate Roy, PE; Brian Twomey, PE; Dylan Quinn, PE (YMG Liaison)
|
|
More than 75 members and guests gathered via interactive video-conference for the SEAMASS 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting on May 5.
Outgoing president Doug Antholz, SE kicked off the evening with a well-received social half-hour of brief small-group breakout sessions that facilitated casual conversation and connection. He then welcomed all participants; recapped a robust year of programming; and thanked all Board and Committee members for their service and dedication to SEAMASS.
Incoming president Lisa Davey, PE presented Doug with a plaque in honor of his service, and praised his consistent leadership and commitment to moving SEAMASS forward throughout the pandemic. Lisa also discussed her vision and priorities for the year ahead, and welcomed new Board members Nikki Byl, PE; David Ferdman, PE; and Brian Twomey, PE. See Lisa’s President’s Message in this issue.
Outgoing Board members William D. Lovallo, PE; Edward H. Moll II, PE; and John H. Thomsen IV, Ph.D, PE, SECB were also recognized for their service.
Boston-based journalist Doug Most, author of The Race Underground: Boston, New York, and the Incredible Rivalry that Built America's First Subway, presented the fascinating story of the birth of subways in America. Participants gained insight into the early days of tunneling, and new appreciation for how far the industry has come in building and designing massive-scale projects.
The event featured a raffle of three books, signed and personalized by Doug Most. The lucky winners were: Lida Afsari, Yelena Bronshvayg, and Anthony McHugh.
|
|
Message from SEAMASS President Lisa Davey, PE |
|
|
|
It is a great honor to be elected President of SEAMASS for the 2021-2022 year, and I thank you for your trust in me to lead our organization.
A major aspect of our SEAMASS mission is to provide continuing education and networking opportunities to our members. Thanks to the quick pivot by our Board last year under the leadership of Past President Doug Antholz, we maintained our ability to fulfill this mission with monthly virtual presentations.
|
|
This year, as we shift to new state of normal, SEAMASS remains committed to delivering educational opportunities via a mix of in-person events where we can mingle, network, and reconnect, as well as virtual events that enable participation of those who are further away, or unable to commit to half-day seminars. Virtual events also allow us to draw from a larger pool of thought leaders from across the country to present a variety of topics.
Our goal this year is to not only continue to grow our membership but to increase the diversity of our organization. We aspire to identify champions to engage with the SE3 initiative and join our SEAMASS Diversity and Inclusion Committee to advocate for the inclusion and advancement of under-represented groups within the Structural Engineering Community via outreach and educational programs.
We also seek to increase engagement and provide opportunities for members to perform active roles within our organization. We will seek members to assist the Board with various initiatives throughout the year such as program and event planning, task forces, and committees. If you'd like to become more involved with SEAMASS committees or volunteer opportunities please reach out to me or one of our board members. I also encourage you to take the brief survey in this issue.
I ask that if you are a senior leader of your firm, please support and encourage your staff at all levels to become active SEAMASS members. Share our newsletters and program announcements with your entire office and support those who wish to participate. I ask our SEAMASS Young Members Group (YMG) to continue to promote the benefits of membership to those early in their careers. A healthy YMG will ensure a strong and enduring future for SEAMASS.
The strength of our organization comes from members, and I look forward to engaging with you over this next year and accomplishing great things together.
Sincerely,
|
|
Lisa Davey, PE | SEAMASS President |
|
Join the SEAMASS Community online!
The SEAMASS LinkedIn group is a great place to get up to date information on seminars, webinars, and general news of interest to structural engineers.
|
|
Nikki Baldvins, PE
Nikki is a Senior Associate with Wiss, Janney Elstner, and a new SEAMASS Director. With more than 16 years’ experience, she applies her diverse background in construction and engineering to new and existing structure inspection, evaluation, and problem solving. She also serves as WJE’s Specification Coordinator.
Nikki earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from UMass Amherst, and her Master of Science in Structural Engineering from the University of Washington. She has answered the questions below, so we may get to know her better.
Q: Why did you join SEAMASS?
A: I was already a member of SEAW when I was a student at UW in Seattle and it had been a great experience. I joined SEAMASS after... READ MORE
|
|
David Ferdman, PE
David is a structural engineer with more than 22 years of experience with projects ranging from academic buildings to hotels, entertainment venues, infrastructure and transportation.
He is an Associate Principal with Buro Happold and a new SEAMASS Director. David earned his Bachelor of Science in Structural Engineering from Israel Institute of Technology.
He has answered the questions below, so we may get to know him better.
Q: Why did you join SEAMASS?
A: I joined SEAMASS because as someone that's passionate about engineering, I would like to... READ MORE
|
|
Brian Twomey, PE
Brian is a Senior Project Manager with Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.’s Structural Design group, and a new SEAMASS Director. In his role as SGH project manager and engineer for structural design group, he provides and manages analysis, design, and construction administration services for a range of new building projects. Brian earned both his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering concentration) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
He has answered the questions below, so we may get to know him better.
Q: Why did you join SEAMASS?
A: I joined SEAMASS because I have enjoyed the... READ MORE
|
|
CALL FOR APPLICANTS (DEADLINE is AUG 30, 2021)
SEAMASS Structural Engineering Student Scholarship
|
|
SEAMASS is pleased to announce that we will award one scholarship in the amount of $1,500 to one candidate in September 2021, who is a college student (at an ABET accredited university) completing Junior, Senior, or Graduate level courses in a Civil or Architectural Engineering program with a focus on Structural Engineering.
Interested candidates shall provide a brief essay of 500 to 1,500 words in response to these questions: [1] What compelled you to study Structural Engineering? and [2] How do you see yourself contributing to the Structural Engineering field following graduation?
Candidates' essays will be reviewed by the SEAMASS Scholarship Committee, who may decide to interview one or more candidates prior to making a final decision.
The submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 30th.
Candidates must email their completed essays, or any questions, to SEAMASS Secretary Aaron Ford, PE at secretary@seamass.org. The scholarship winner will be announced in mid to late September. View, print or share the PDF summary of this opportunity.
|
|
SEAMASS Young Members Group Updates |
|
The SEAMASS Young Members Group (YMG) continues to grow and enhance the SEAMASS community by coordinating events and programs designed to support young engineering professionals. Recent events are summarized below.
|
|
|
|
Virtual Catan Night & Fundraiser
In May, SEAMASS and BSCES Young Member Groups hosted a virtual game night and fundraiser for Boston’s Friday Night Supper Program (FNSP). This networking opportunity allowed participants to show off their city and road building skills in Settlers of Catan, and promoted ties between BSCES & SEAMASS.
|
|
Introduction to the PE & SE Exams
In April, with participants from across the country joined this annual in-depth discussion, to gain tips on the complex endeavor of taking the PE/SE exam. Panelists Dylan Quinn, Kyle Karschner, and Orion Paul walked attendees through the entire test taking process, as well as application procedures, prep and study tips, the exam itself, and licensure.
|
|
|
|
|
First Years as a Structural Engineer
In April, the YMG hosted a virtual panel discussion for engineering students and recent graduates seeking to enter the field of structural engineering. Panelists Clay Harman, Christine McLaughlin, Orion Paul, Kyle Karschner, Rob Kane, and Dylan Quinn discussed their experiences after graduating and answered questions. Based on positive feedback, this will become an annual event.
|
|
Follow or Link to SEAMASS YMG on these Social Platforms,
to stay informed about upcoming events currently being planned:
|
|
Call for Projects: SEAMASS Spotlight Opportunities |
|
SEAMASS will once again feature spotlight projects designed by engineering firms in Massachusetts. All SEAMASS members are encouraged to submit projects for the Project Spotlight feature section of SEAMASS News, as well as promotion on the SEAMASS website, or potentially as part of a SEAMASS Projects Spotlight Seminar.
Projects may range from small to large; be located anywhere in the world; and designed by structural engineers in the SEAMASS region. Of particular interest are projects that attract attention from the structural engineering community, engaging them to learn about a project. For example, spotlight projects should include relatively unique details, such as unusual structural, construction, or architectural features, or forward-thinking structural design approaches and detailing solutions.
To submit a project, please contact SEAMASS Vice President Bassem Almuti.
|
|
Upcoming SEAMASS Event - Register Now |
|
Thursday, September 9, 2021 | 11 a.m. - Noon EDT
T.R. Higgins Lectureship Award-Winning Presentation:
SpeedCore and Steel-Concrete Composite Construction:
The Best of Both Worlds
|
|
In this presentation, Dr. Amit H. Varma, the AISC 2021 T.R. Higgins Lectureship Award winner, will share what he has learned in more than 12 years of researching composite steel-concrete construction, highlighting experimental behavior, numerical modeling, and design of composite walls and the SpeedCore system for wind loading, seismic loading, and fire loading conditions. |
|
|
CALL FOR INPUT RE: Your Needs, Interests & Preferences |
|
The SEAMASS Board seeks YOUR valuable input, direction, and feedback about how our organization can better serve members and our industry.
Please take a moment to participate in our very brief survey of SEAMASS audience needs, interests and preferences regarding: SEAMASS Programs (content and format) and SEAMASS Committees (types, priorities, etc.). Thank you for your valuable input.
All answers are anonymous.
If you have questions, or prefer to discuss your ideas, contact any Board member. |
|
Recap of SEAMASS Professional Development Events |
|
Since February, SEAMASS has Successfully:
-
Hosted 15 Webinars featuring 16 Presenters
-
Hosted 333 webinar participants
-
Distributed 515 PDH credits via SEAMASS or NCSEA Diamond certificates
|
|
June 2021 Webinar Series [3.0 PDHs]
Modular Construction: Applications, Examples & Insights
Modular Thinking
Presenter: Paul E. Kassabian, PE, Principal | Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Modular Structural Systems on Both Coasts
Presenter: David Farnsworth, Principal, Tall Buildings Business Leader | ARUP
Leading-edge Technologies in Modular & Industrialized Construction
Presenter: Amr Raafat, Vice President of VDC & Technology, Windover Construction
|
|
May 2021 Webinar Series [3.0 PDHs]
The Dirt on Geotechnical Design: From the Ground Up
Ground Improvement Overview
Ground Improvement Overview
Presenter: Ryan Roy, PE | Principal, New England Region | Whitestone Associates, Inc.
Rigid Inclusion Design for Footings
Presenters: Mary Nodine, PE | Project Manager, GEI Consultants, Inc.
Kenneth Kniss, PE | Senior Engineer, Keller-North America, Inc.
Retaining Walls 101
Presenter: Ryan Roy, PE | Principal, New England Region | Whitestone Associates, Inc.
|
|
April 2021 Webinar Series [2.0 PDHs]
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT): What Wood You Like to Know
CLT Diaphragm Design: New Code Provisions & Design Examples
Presenter: Scott Breneman, Ph.D, PE, SE, M.ASCE - Sr. Technical Director/Mass Timber
CLT Design: The Olver Design Building at University of Massachusetts Amherst
Presenter: Jeffrey D. Langlois, Sr. Project Manager - Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
|
|
March 2021 Webinar Series [3.0 PDHs]
Masonry Design: Something to Grout About
When the Numbers Don’t Work: Structural Evaluation of Historic Masonry Facades
Presenters: Edward Gerns, Senior Principal, WJE and Emma Cardini, PE, Associate Principal, WJE
Concrete Masonry Storm Shelters
Presenter: Darrell W. McMillian, PE, SECB, Technical Director, Masonry Institute of St. Louis
Understanding Masonry Specifications
Presenter: Phil Ledent, PE, SE, Executive Director, Masonry Institute of Michigan
|
|
February 2021 Webinar Series [3.0 PDHs]
Heavy Metal: Practical Metallurgy Insights
Identifying Weld Crack Causes
Presenter: Michael A. DeLashmit | Vice President | Thornton Tomasetti
AISC 360 Ch. N and AISC 341 Ch. J: The Specifications and the Provisions, How They Work Together, and What You Should Know
Presenter: Mike Gase, SCWI, ASNT III, CFA, LEED Green Assoc.,Corp Quality Dr. | Midwest Steel
The Metallurgy and Weldability of Structural Steels
Presenter: Robert Warke, PE | Associate Principal | Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
|
|
It's Time to Renew Your Membership or Sponsorship |
|
The new SEAMASS Fiscal Year spans June 1, 2021 thru May 31, 2022. All members must renew their membership as soon as possible, to maintain member benefits.
If you have renewed already, THANK YOU! Please consider inviting peers and colleagues to join SEAMASS. If you have not yet renewed, please renew now or consider taking advantage of sponsorship options.
|
|
Career Opportunities - Our Members are Hiring! |
|
|
|
WJE seeks candidates for this full-time position in its Boston office:
|
|
|
|
Vital Structures, LLC of Bridgewater, MA is seeking candidates for these full time positions:
|
|
This section is a benefit to all SEAMASS Sponsors. Email marketing@seamass.org with a brief description (and PDF file or link to a position description) for publishing consideration.
|
|
Welcome New SEAMASS Members |
|
Sergio Abondano, EIT
Timothy Boyce, PE | Project Engineer | S.W. Cole Engineering, Inc.
Graham Carr, PE | Engineer | Vital Structures, LLC
Baishali Das, PE | Project Engineer
John Deepu | Field Engineer | Stanley Black & Decker
Tyler Demers, PE | Project Engineer | S.W. Cole Engineering, Inc.
Priya Deway, EIT | Structural Engineer | LeMessurier
Michael Favreau, EIT | Project Engineer
David Ferdman, PE | Assoc. Principal | Buro Happold Engineering
Thomas Hammel, PE, JD | Consulting Struc. Eng. | Hampshire Development Co.
Louise Holway |Structural Co-0p | Buro Happold Engineering
Khant Htet | Jr. Eng. | C.A. Pretzer Associates, Inc.
Zacharoula Kopelia, PE | Structural Engineer | SMMA
Ryan Larmouth, EIT | S.W. Cole Engineering, Inc.
Garrett McClean, PE | Sr. Assoc. | DeSimone Consulting Engineers
Derek Mello, PE | Construction Services Mgr. | S.W. Cole Engineering, Inc.
Chad Michaud, PE | Principal, COO | S.W. Cole Engineering, Inc.
Murray Thomas, PE | Principal | AMSE
Jamie Nalley, EIT | Field Engineer | Simpson Strong-Tie
Kim Perrone, EIT | Grad. Structural Engineer | Buro Happold Engineering
Paul Richardson | Buro Happold Engineering
Luke Ruggeri, PE, SE | Associate | KTA Engineering
Brendan Shannon, PE | Consulting Engineer | Simpson Gumpertz and Heger
Christopher Sweet, PE | Sr. Structural Engineer | Tetra Tech
|
|
Welcome NEW ANNUAL SPONSORS |
|
Buro Happold’s core offering of structural and MEP services, complemented by our suite of specialist services and strategic urban realm expertise, enables us to push boundaries and achieve more. We look beyond engineering to see the bigger picture, combining all of our knowledge – whether that means engineering a building or master planning a city or an entire region – to offer truly holistic design and consultancy services. Visit burohappold.com
|
|
e 2 engineers is a consulting structural engineering firm specializing in building structures including educational, municipal, multi-family, commercial, mixed-use, institutional, religious, historic, coastal, and residential. e2 engineers lends their expertise to both the public and private sectors. New Boston area office opening summer 2021! Visit e2engineers.com.
|
|
L.A. Fuess Partners is a Structural Engineering firm specializing in the design of commercial, residential, institutional, and industrial buildings. Since 1979, the firm has been a leader in structural engineering committed to unsurpassed client service, added value for building owners, and innovation in the approach to building design. Visit lafp.com.
|
|
Based in North Providence, Rhode Island with a branch office in Boston, Odeh Engineers is one of New England’s leading structural consulting firms. With expertise in all major structural materials and systems, Odeh Engineers’ work includes new design as well as renovation, expansion, and preservation of existing structures. Visit odehengineers.com
|
|
Established in 1979 in Bangor, Maine, S. W. Cole Engineering, Inc. is a geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing and special inspections firm serving private and public sector clientele across New England from offices in ME, NH, MA, and VT. Our team of engineers and technicians provide services on more than 2,200 projects each year. Visit swcole.com
|
|
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists committed to helping solve, repair, and avoid problems in the built world. Since 1956, our applied experience from more than 125,000 projects and our state-of-the-art laboratory and testing facilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve. Visit WJE.com
|
|
 |
Caledonian Corporation is a Boston-area based, self-performing, specialty and general contractor that specializes in residential masonry repair and restoration projects. The firm’s services include historic building restoration, masonry restoration, concrete repairs, brick repairs, waterproofing and much more.
|
|
|
|
Commercial Masonry serves commercial clients throughout MA and Rhode Island with comprehensive services including masonry construction, waterproofing, restoration, preservation, and concrete repair. Our project experience spans facility types including education, healthcare, government, sports, retail, water treatment, historic buildings, residential complexes and more.
|
|
|
|
|
DeSimone Consulting Engineers provides high-quality structural engineering, facade consulting, and forensic services, in addition to risk management and construction claims consulting for all types of buildings. With offices in the United States, South America, and the Middle East, DeSimone is known for providing each client with personal, dedicated, and inspiring engineering solutions. Visit: de-simone.com
|
|
|
|
For over 40 years, Edison Coatings has formulated and manufactured customized repair mortars, masonry mortars, grouts, coatings and adhesives for use in restoring and protecting stone, masonry and concrete buildings and structures. Our staff of degreed chemical engineers provides highly professional execution of all laboratory, manufacturing and technical support functions. Visit: edisoncoatings.com
|
|
|
|
|
Keller develops innovative, practical, cost-effective solutions to geotechnical challenges including bearing capacity / settlement control, excavation support, heavy foundations, liquefaction mitigation, releveling structures, seepage control, slope stabilization, underpinning and instrumentation and monitoring. Keller has over 50 offices throughout the US and Canada.
|
|
|
|
Vital Structures LLC is a full-service consulting engineering firm that specializes in all aspects of structural engineering and building envelope systems, including forensic analysis, evaluation, roofing and plaza decks, utilities and tunnels, waterproofing, concrete repair and protection, renovation design, structural strengthening, bid assistance and construction administration.
|
|
|
|
The 2021 Structural Engineering Summit is the industry’s FIRST immersive IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL EVENT this year! Join your peers from across the nation in-person in New York City at the Hilton Midtown on October 12-15, or virtually from September 27 to October 21. Attendees of both events will have access to an equally riveting & engaging event! Choose All Access Registration for the most immersive experience. |
|
ANNUAL CORPORATE SPONSORS |
|
SEAMASS is grateful to these Annual Corporate Sponsors for
their support and Dedication to our Organization
Click logos to view websites
|
|
Visit our SEAMASS LinkedIn page and encourage your colleagues to join SEAMASS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
