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SEAMASS News & Member Briefs
News | Events | Resources | Opportunities
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022
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- SEAMASS Annual Meeting 2022-23 Fiscal Year Kickoff
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President's Message: Bassem Almuti, PE
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SEAMASS 2022 Scholarship Winner
- Events Alert: Professional Development Opportunities
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Member Profiles: Graham Carr, PE and Han Xu, PE
- Member News
- SEAMASS Young Member Group (YMG) News & Events
- BBRS Update & Opportunity
- Building Code Matters
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SE3 Committee Updates & Opportunities
- SEAMASS Programs Progress Recap
- NCSEA News & Updates
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Welcome New Members and Annual Sponsors
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Career Opportunities - Our Members are Hiring!
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SEAMASS Kicks Off 2022-23 Fiscal Year
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Members and guests gathered on May 25 for the first in-person SEAMASS Annual Meeting in two years, at Northeastern University’s Faculty Club overlooking downtown Boston. Following a social hour, outgoing president Lisa Davey, PE kicked off the program, recapped a resilient and successful year, and thanked board members and committees for their service and dedication to SEAMASS.
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On behalf of the Board and members, incoming president Bassem Almuti, PE presented Lisa with a plaque in honor of her service. He also discussed his vision and priorities for the year ahead; welcomed new board members Graham Carr, PE, Ellen Swanson, PE, and Han Xu, PE; and recognized outgoing Board members Doug Antholz, SE, Eric Buckley, PE, and Aaron Ford, PE for their service.
Presenters Liling Cao, Ph.D, PE, Principal at Thornton Tomasetti and Pierre Ghisbain, Ph.D. PE, Senior Associate at Thornton Tomasetti, shared their unique insights into the Arecibo Telescope Collapse. Attendees earned one professional dev. credit hour.
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Your SEAMASS Board of Directors 2022-2023
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OFFICERS: Bassem Almuti, PE, LEED AP BD+C, CDT (President); Nate Roy, PE (Vice President); David Schnerch, PE, Ph.D (Treasurer); Brian Twomey, PE (Secretary); Lisa A. Davey, PE (Past President)
DIRECTORS: Nikki Byl, PE; Graham Carr, PE; David Ferdman, PE; Patrick McCafferty, PE; Ellen Swanson, PE; Han Xu, PE; Orion Paul, PE (YMG Liaison)
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Message from SEAMASS President Bassem Almuti, PE
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When I look back on my experience as an association volunteer, I am honestly surprised that I now serve as SEAMASS President. Ten years ago, I had joined the newly-created SEAMASS Young Members Group (YMG) with some encouragement from my boss at the time, John Isbell. Through my time with the YMG and the Board of Directors, I quickly opened my eyes to the role SEAMASS plays in the lives of practicing engineers and to all the behind-the-scenes work this group does to support, promote, and advance the profession.
As a volunteer-led organization, SEAMASS promotes supporting and advancing the practice of structural engineering as part of our core mission. The enormity of this undertaking requires a robust pipeline of volunteers to make significant strides toward securing a resilient and prominent future for the structural engineering profession.
Therefore, I ask that you help pass the baton, and encourage your colleagues to join and become part of this vital organization. Also consider how you can add value by sharing your skills, perspective, and experience. A number of committees have open positions, including Codes, Scholarship, and Professional Development. We’re also kickstarting two new committees, SE3 (Structural Engineering Equity & Engagement) and Sustainability. Please share this opportunity and reach out to secretary@seamass.org for more details or to lend your support.
For our 2022-2023 fiscal year, we’re planning exciting programs that will bring back the in-person experience, in addition to virtual webinars. We look forward to seeing you at those events! Thank you in advance for your participation and support.
Sincerely,
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Bassem Almuti, PE, LEED AP BD + C | SEAMASS President
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Congratulations 2022 SEAMASS Scholarship Winner
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Congratulations to the 2022 SEAMASS Engineering Scholarship winner, Alanna Joachim, a member of UMass Amherst Class of 2022 who earned her B.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering. She received a $2,000 check; one-year SEAMASS/NCSEA Student Membership, and admission to a SEAMASS professional development event of her choice. Alana formally received her award at the SEAMASS Annual Meeting.
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Two runners-up were Stephanie Baez, an engineering student at MIT, and Myra Forester, a student pursuing her Ph.D in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northeastern University. They receive complimentary SEAMASS/NCSEA Membership for one year and admission to a professional development event of their choice.
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Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
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September 28, 2022| 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. EST
BASE September Dinner Meeting
Presentation: Public Speaking Tips for Success
The Boston Association of Structural Engineers (BASE) hosts dinner meetings with guest presenters bi-monthly from 5:30 – 9 p.m. at Babson College. BASE President Arthur LeBrasseur, PE invites SEAMASS members to attend one meeting for free - a $75 value that covers the costs of meal, drinks, and presentation.
2022-23 BASE Meetings: Sept 28, Nov 18, Jan 18, Mar 15, May 17
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October 5, 2022
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Reception | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Presentation
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT:
Boston University Data Science Center
1.5 NCSEA Diamond-Certified PDH
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*** REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept. 29 ***
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Four presenters will explore key aspects of the design & construction of the new Center for Computing & Data Sciences at Boston University, a 19-story, 305-feet tall tower, and 5-story podium. (Geotechnical; Foundations & Core; Superstructure; and Steel Shoring & Erection.)
SCHEDULE:
5:00 – 6:00 Reception/Refreshments (Hors d’oeuvres, Free Drink ticket)
6:00 – 8:00 Project Presentation
INVESTMENT: Members: $55 | Non-Members: $65 | Students (with ID): $30
Includes: Presentation, 1.5 NCSEA Diamond-PDH Certificate, Light Refreshments, Complimentary Drink Ticket, Parking-Fee Reimbursed
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Graham Carr, PE
Graham is a Senior Project Manager with Vital Structures LLC in Bridgewater, MA, and a new Director on the SEAMASS Board. His structural project expertise includes condition assessments, evaluations, concrete restoration, structural strengthening, and structural design of wood, steel, and reinforced concrete. Graham earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering Technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology with a structural concentration.
Why did you join SEAMASS?
I have been active in other professional organizations in the past. In 2019 I was invited by a colleague and decided to join because SEAMASS focuses more on the structural engineering profession locally... READ MORE
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Han Xu, PE
Han is a Principal with Thornton Tomasetti in Boston, and a new SEAMASS Director. He has 24 years of experience with structural design of buildings, bridges, and infrastructure projects. His engineering and project management expertise includes structural design of steel, concrete, masonry, and timber structures for projects ranging from design of new buildings to structural alteration and renovation of existing buildings. Currently he leads the structural design of several types of building projects.
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Why did you join SEAMASS?
I joined SEAMASS because I would like to contribute more to... READ MORE
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Craig Barnes, PE, SECB, Past President and current member of SEAMASS, has reduced his hours with CBI Consulting Inc., a firm he founded 38 years ago with Charles Chaloff, PE. He looks forward to sharing his “retirement” time with son Jeff’s consulting firm, Barnes Consulting Group, LLC upon wrapping up daily activities with Socotec LLC, the renamed CBI Consulting Inc. Thank you, Craig, for your tireless commitment and many contributions to the local and national engineering community.
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Chelsea Hoplin, PE, Project Manager, GEI Consultants has received a Women in Deep Foundations (WiDF) Professional Development Grant of $1,750. She is one of 6 women working in the deep foundations industry to receive this grant from the DFI Educational Trust. The grant covers conference registration and related expenses for Chelsea to attend DFI’s 47th Annual Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, October 4-7, where she will accept her award.
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SEAMASS Young Members Group Updates
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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 & upcoming events are summarized below.
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SEAMASS YMG Summer Social
In July, YMG members and guests gathered to celebrate Summer and network while enjoying food & beverages on the roof deck patio at Cannon Design's Boston office.
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NCSEA YMG Trivia Night
In June, Boston-area professionals gathered with SEAMASS YMG Members to compete and win against YMG chapters across the country! Trivia generally including random engineering facts. At this free event, attendees enjoyed refreshments and networked with engineers from Boston and beyond.
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Upcoming YMG-Coordinated Event
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Sept 24, Noon - 4 p.m.:
Enjoy a Saturday Hike & Happy Hour
with the SEAMASS Young Members Group
Blue Hills Reservation, 695 Hillside Street, Canton, MA
All SEAMASS Members & Guests are Welcome to Participate
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Follow or Link to SEAMASS YMG on these Social Platforms,
to stay informed about upcoming events currently being planned:
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BBRS Update & Opportunity
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The Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) has been meeting regularly to review updates to the 10th Edition of the MA Residential Building Code. SEAMASS member Lisa A. Davey, PE serves as the Board’s Vice Chair, and provides this report:
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The majority of chapters are now posted to the BBRS website for public review. The Board is still reviewing Chapters 9 and 4. A public comment meeting will be held in October.
Anyone interested is encouraged to review the current draft on the BBRS website, and participate in the October meeting. The Board’s goal is to submit the entire code for promulgation by year-end.
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Michael Fillion, PE, SECB, owner of Fillion Group, Inc. and chair of the NCSEA Existing Buildings Code Committee, represented NCSEA at the ICC Public Comment Hearings on Sept. 15 in Louisville KY with committee member Julie Furr, PE, SECB regarding proposed changes to the 2024 IEBC.
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Mike and Julie will also offer their presentation, Navigating the IEBC and 2024 Structural Provision Changes, at the NCSEA Structural Engineering Summit in Chicago on November 3 from 4 – 5 p.m. In response to the recent building collapse of the Champlain Tower in Surfside FL, the Committee has begun an initiative to research building assessments and become a practical resource that provides standards, guidelines and materials to structural engineers nationwide. The committee is coordinating efforts with ICC, ASCE, and the Applied Technology Council (ATC).
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SE3 Committee Updates & Opportunities
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Did you know that half of all structural engineers have considered leaving the profession at some point in their career? Engineers with mentors are 78% more likely to remain in the industry, and 40% more likely to aspire to principal/owner positions.
If you would like to help guide the next generation of engineers, please consider joining the SEAMASS Structural Engineering Engagement and Equity (SE3) Committee.
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The SEAMASS SE3 committee strives to attract and retain talented people into our profession, and to ensure all structural engineers have a clear pathway to success in their careers. Through hands-on seminars, mentoring, and networking events, the intent is to bridge the gap between engineers of all backgrounds regardless of race, gender, age, or job title. Our work ranges from identifying opportunities for professional development and training to improving project management skills. It also includes promoting flexible policies to accommodate the work-life balance needs of employees and addressing wage gaps and other inequities.
LEARN MORE & PARTICIPATE: Simply reach out to SEAMASS members Rob Kane or Chelsea Hoplin to learn more about the SE3 Committee, and ways to get involved.
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Recap of SEAMASS Professional Development Events
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Since February, SEAMASS has Successfully:
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Produced 10 Professional Development Events featuring 14 Presenters
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Hosted 284 participants from MA and beyond, in 434 virtual or in-person seats
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Distributed 343 PDH credits via SEAMASS or NCSEA Diamond certificates
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NCSEA Initiatives on Behalf of Members
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We SEE Above & Beyond is the powerful tagline of NCSEA’s new brand initiative and marketing campaign that describes the valuable ways structural engineers contribute to the design and construction of built structures and resilient communities.
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Structural Engineering Excellence serves as a guiding principle for the profession. We SEE Above & Beyond is a unifying message of what Structural Engineers do. It was developed to build awareness of the vital, valuable impact that Structural Engineers make within their communities and the world. The campaign landing page provides more info and resources, including this two-minute video.
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Welcome New SEAMASS Members
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SEAMASS welcomes these new members to our vibrant community. The SEAMASS Board thanks all members and sponsors* for their continued support and participation, which enables SEAMASS to maintain quality programs such as professional development opportunities, annual scholarships, and committee initiatives on behalf of all members and our industry.
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Welcome NEW ANNUAL SPONSORS
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BCG clients gain effective solutions for the built environment - based on how the building industry should be. In our vast field experience, we understand that fairness, verity, and responsiveness are the keys to successful on-time, on-budget projects. Our expertise and sizable resources enable us to identify and mitigate challenges as we craft the optimal plan. Whether for new or existing construction, our up-front and honest guidance consistently ensures effective project results.
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Michael Fillion, P.E., SECB, is the owner of Fillion Group, Inc. Structural Engineering. An active member and past President of SEAMASS, Michael is a member of the Structural Advisory Committee to Massachusetts State Building Code and chair of the NCSEA Existing Building Committee. He often presents on code related topics as well as structural engineering projects and insights.
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Qnect is spearheading the movement to bring the structural steel workflow into the 21st century. QuickQnect™️ cloud-based BIM extension details and engineers models in seconds and performs materials optimization that drastically saves on cost (like saving 2-4 bolts/ton). Qnect ISD™️ delivers clients a fully connected and detailed model early on to help reduce uncertainty, shave months off the schedule, ensure precise steel ordering and reduce RFIs.
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A leader in structural systems research and technology, Simpson Strong-Tie is one of the world's largest suppliers of structural building products.
Simpson Strong-Tie is committed to providing exceptional products and services to its customers, including engineering and field support, product testing and training.
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Career Opportunities - Our Members are Hiring!
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BALA seeks a Structural Engineer for the firm's Boston-area office. Click here for position details and how to apply.
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IDEA StatiCa seeks two Regional Engineers, one for the Southern US (Carolinas thru New Mexico) and one in either the Northeast or Western US. Click here for details.
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The Marr Companies seeks candidates for a variety of positions. Click here to view position descriptions and how to apply.
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Socotec seeks candidates for a variety of positions throughout New England.
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Thornton Tomasetti seeks candidates for its Boston office and beyond.
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Vital Structures, LLC seeks candidates for:
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WJE's Boston Office seeks a Mid-Level Structural/Architectural Engineering Associate.
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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.
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ANNUAL CORPORATE SPONSORS
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SEAMASS is grateful to these Annual Corporate Sponsors for
their support and Dedication to our Organization
Click logos to view websites
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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.
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