More than 100 members and guests attended the 2025 SEAMASS Annual Meeting on May 20. Outgoing president David Schnerch, Ph.D, PE recapped a successful year of programs, presented SEAMASS scholarships, commended outgoing Board member Nathan Roy, PE for his service, and thanked SEAMASS sponsors for their support.  

David was presented with a plaque in recognition of his service by incoming SEAMASS president Han Xu, PE. Han then shared his goals and vision for the coming year and introduced new SEAMASS Director Dana Flood, PE and the 2025-26 Board of Directors.

Keynote presenter Nate Helbach of Neutral (neutral.us) shared an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look into one of the world's tallest mass timber projects from a developer's perspective and answered many audience questions focused on Neutral’s approach to managing code issues and ensuring that their projects are sustainable and focused on resident well-being. Attendees earned 1.0 PDH credit. VIEW MORE EVENT PHOTOS

Event Sponsors were CAST CONNEX represented by Jacinda Collins, PE; Simpson Strong-Tie represented by Derek Gilbert, PE, and Sterling Structural represented by Marc Rivard, PE, SE.

From Left: Nate Roy, PE (Outgoing Past President); Brandon Lathe (SEAMASS YMG Chair); Dana Flood, PE (Director); David Schnerch, Ph.D, PE (Past President); Eric Johnson, PE (Director); Ellen Swanson, PE (Secretary); Han Xu, PE (President); Justin Kordas, PE (Director); David Ferdman, PE (Treasurer); Graham Carr, PE (Vice President); Robert Kane, PE (Director); Brian Twomey, PE (Director). Not pictured: Kyle Karschner, PE (Director)

I am deeply honored to step into the role of President of the Structural Engineers Association of Massachusetts. It is a privilege to serve this vibrant community of professionals dedicated to shaping the built environment with excellence, innovation, and integrity.

First, I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to our immediate Past President, David Schnerch, Ph.D, PE, for his outstanding leadership, vision, and service. Under his guidance, SEAMASS made significant strides in expanding professional development opportunities, strengthening industry partnerships, and elevating the profile of structural engineers throughout the Commonwealth. On behalf of the entire membership, thank you for your dedication and commitment.

Congratulations to the SEAMASS 2025 Engineering Student Scholarship winners!

Two scholarships of $2,000 each were awarded to Northeastern University students Alexandra (Sasha) Pavlov, a rising senior, and Ivan Lin, a May 2025 graduate.

Pictured from left: SEAMASS 2024-25 President David Schnerch, Ph.D, PE, Scholarship Winners Ivan Lin and Alexandra Pavlov, and Scholarship Committee Chair Graham Carr, PE.

The opportunity was open to all undergraduate and graduate students in ABET-accredited Civil or Architectural Engineering programs, either studying at a MA University or an MA resident. The SEAMASS Scholarship Committee received a wide variety of applicants, and was inspired by each applicants’ talent and experiences.

Dana Flood, PE is a Project Engineer II and Boston Office Lead with Mulhern + Kulp. He is also serving on the SEAMASS Board as a Director from 2025-2028. 

A Massachusetts native, Dana is a 2015 graduate of Villanova University with a B.S. and M.S. degree in Civil Engineering. He moved back to MA after a 10-year hiatus in Philadelphia for college and the start of his career. He opened Mulhern + Kulp’s Boston office and has been working to expand their footprint within the residential design world.  

Dana’s goals as a SEAMASS director are to help diversify the learning opportunities within the community and to strengthen the bond within the community. He has answered the questions below, so we may get to know him better. Thank you, Dana, for your contributions to SEAMASS and the Structural Engineering profession!

Why did you join SEAMASS? I joined SEAMASS to give back to a community that has already given me so much during the beginning of my career. I have been blessed with some fantastic mentors, and I hope that I can... READ MORE

The Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) has immediate openings for licensed structural engineers interested in serving on one of the following BBRS Committees as the Board works toward the 11th edition of the building code:

• Residential Code Subcommittee
• Manufactured Buildings Subcommittee
• Existing Building Advisory Committee
• Structural Advisory Committee

VIEW FULL DETAILS and email BBRS Chair Lisa Davey, PE to express your interest in a particular subcommittee. Include a copy of your CV or relevant experience. 

Brandon Lathe is an engineer with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE) in Boston and is President of the SEAMASS Young Members Group for 2025-2026, after serving in previous YMG roles such as VP and Events Coordinator.

At WJE, his work primarily focuses on the investigation and repair of both structural and building enclosure components of existing buildings in the Boston area. A 2021 graduate of the University of Connecticut, Brandon earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering. He looks forward to earning his PE license and becoming more well-rounded in the world of engineering.

He has answered the questions below, so we may get to know him better. Thank you, Brandon, for your contributions to SEAMASS and the Structural Engineering profession!

Why did you join SEAMASS? I joined SEAMASS to socialize and network with individuals within the engineering field in the Boston area. Moving here from Connecticut in 2021, SEAMASS fostered a welcoming environment to meet new people and learn more about the local industry. On top of this, the... READ MORE

The SEAMASS YMG reminds all civil engineers to participate in this brief Compensation and Satisfaction Survey. Data collected will build on the previous survey from 2022, with the aim of informing employees and employers so they can make better decisions going forward.  All survey responses are anonymous, and no identifying information is collected.  VIEW DETAILS

Please share the survey link with your network of civil engineering colleagues and encourage them to participate. The survey will be open through July 2025. Once it closes, the SEAMASS YMG will develop and distribute a report of the results.

Jerome F. Hajjar, Ph.D., PE was recently awarded the 2025 College Outstanding Educator Award from the Boston Society of Civil Engineers and was named a 2025 Distinguished Member of the Structural Stability Research Council. In May 2025, Dr. Hajjar completed 15 years as Department Chair in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northeastern University.  

During his term as Chair, the department grew from 16 faculty in 2010 to nearly 50 faculty; the department graduate population tripled to over 130 masters students and 80 doctoral students; the department research expenditures and laboratory space tripled; the department expanded course offerings; VIEW MORE

Dr. Hajjar recently returned from Tokyo, Japan, where he delivered the opening keynote presentation on new strategies for sustainable and resilient structures at the International Association of Bridge and Structural Engineering Symposium. 

Thank you, Dr. Hajjar (Jerry) and the team at Northeastern University for your contributions to the structural engineering industry and to SEAMASS!

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2025 Conference took place in Boston from June 4–7. The conference featured tours of more than 40 local projects, architectural firms hosting open studios, and presentations on a wide range of industry topics. Several SEAMASS members and sponsors were actively involved—either by participating, hosting tours, or presenting. SEAMASS was glad to participate and support our architectural partners to make this conference a success. A few event highlights with SEAMASS participation include:

Tim Nash, PE and Nathan Roy, PE of LeMessurier helped lead a Hard Hat Tour of the Museum of Science’s Public Science Common. Robert Otani and Zachary Chabot, PE of Thornton Tomasetti presented on cross-disciplinary strategies for the integration of AI and methods to mitigate embodied carbon. Members from SMMA, McNamara Salvia, SGH, and more also participated in the event.

CALMFLOOR is the world’s only active mass damping system. It reduces floor vibrations by up to 90% without requiring steel, concrete, pillars, tuned mass dampers or structural modifications and offers immediate, disruption-free deployment and a unique try-before-you-buy approach. Suitable for existing, retrofit and new builds, CALMFLOOR enhances floor performance with advanced multi-frequency damping technology and provides 24/7 dynamic data, ensuring optimal floor stability and performance.  LEARN MORE: calmfloor.com

Since 1890, Duncan Galvanizing has grown to be a leading hot dip galvanizing company in the U.S. Specializing in full-service architectural metal coatings, the firm provides the most effective form of corrosion protection combined with aesthetic enhancement for all metals including galvanized steel, non-galvanized steel, and aluminum. 

LEARN MORE: duncangalvanizing.com

Tour of Duncan Galvanizing Plant

On June 12, SEAMASS Members enjoyed the opportunity to tour and observe operations at Duncan Galvanizing Plant in Everett, MA, an industry pioneer in galvanizing processes that provide the aesthetic appeal of color on galvanized steel via liquid or powder coatings. Duncan leaders Mike Williams and Howard Levine answered participants’ questions about galvanizing and coatings throughout the very informative event.

Resources at Your Fingertips

The Resources Page of seamass.org includes links to access helpful tools and documents.

For example, you'll find a link to the Building Designer’s Guide to Calculating Flood Loads Using ASCE 7-22 Supplement 2 FEMA P-2345/April 2024, which provides instructional guidance for design professionals for designing buildings or other structures for flood loads in accordance with the requirements of ASCE 7-22-S2.

2025 Structural Engineering Summit

This year's Summit will take place from Oct 14-17 in New York City. Connect with practicing structural engineers, industry leaders, and innovative thinkers from across the country. Explore the latest advancements in structural engineering, building, and design codes through engaging education sessions.

We SEE Above and Beyond

The NCSEA-led We SEE Above & Beyond campaign highlights the structural engineering community’s commitment to sharing their impact by telling the stories behind the structures and the people who make them possible. View the campaign website for articles and answers to questions frequently asked by Architects, Building Owners and Developers.