| | |
SEAMASS News & Member Briefs
News | Events | Resources | Opportunities
MARCH / APRIL 2026
| |
-
President's Message from Han Xu, PE
-
Nominations to SEAMASS Board Due MARCH 31
- SEAMASS Scholarship Applications Due MARCH 31
- Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
- SEAMASS Young Member Group (YMG) Updates
- 2026 Structures Congress is APR 29 - MAY 1 in Boston
- 2026 NASCC: The Steel Conference APR 22 - 24 in Atlanta
- EVENT RECAP: Three Special Projects Spotlight
- Member Expertise in Action
- Welcome New Annual Sponsors
- Career Opportunities - Our Members are Hiring!
| | President's Message from Han Xu, PE | | | | As I reflect on my term as President, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our Board of Directors for their dedication, support, and leadership. I am especially thankful for the outstanding efforts of Kristie Janes, whose commitment and organization have been instrumental in keeping our initiatives moving forward smoothly.
It has truly been a collaborative effort, and I deeply appreciate the time and expertise that each of you has contributed to SEAMASS. | | |
Since June 2025, SEAMASS has made meaningful progress in advancing our mission to support the structural engineering community through education, engagement, and professional development. We facilitated 14 professional development events, including 10 virtual webinars and 4 in-person seminars, featuring 26 presenters. These programs enabled us to accommodate 502 virtual attendees and welcome 165 in-person participants.
This commitment to producing high-quality, relevant educational opportunities has resulted in nearly 700 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) provided to members and industry peers for SEAMASS-sponsored and NCSEA Diamond-reviewed programs.
| | |
We are also pleased to report continued growth within our organization. Since June, we have welcomed 38 new members and 8 new sponsors, strengthening both our professional network and the resources available to support our initiatives.
In addition, our Young Members Group (YMG) has remained highly active and engaged. The YMG has facilitated 10 events including professional development sessions, site tours, and socials, 9 in person and 1 in a hybrid format. YMG participation and interest has expanded to 87 SEAMASS members, representing approximately 30% of our total membership. This growth is a testament to the energy and enthusiasm of our younger professionals and highlights the importance of fostering the next generation of structural engineers.
I am also excited to share an important step forward in strengthening collaboration within Massachusetts’ built environment community. In January 2026, SEAMASS initiated discussions with the Boston Society of Architects (BSA), and together we agreed to collaborate on promoting events and advancing our respective organizations. As a first step in this partnership, we will co-host an AI in AEC Panel Discussion on April 16. I encourage SEAMASS members, architects, and construction professionals across MA to register and participate in what promises to be a timely and engaging event.
Looking ahead, I invite you and your colleagues to join us on May 19 in Boston for the SEAMASS Annual Dinner Meeting to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and welcome the incoming Board. I also encourage you to consider serving in a Board role, as outlined in this issue. Your participation is vital to the continued success of our organization.
I am proud to share that the Board has approved the establishment of a Project Excellence Award Program. This new initiative will recognize outstanding achievements in structural engineering and highlight the exceptional work of our members. Program details are being developed, and information is forthcoming. I strongly encourage members to submit their projects recognition by peers across our professional community.
As my term nears conclusion, I extend my best wishes to the incoming Board and the next President. I am confident they will continue to serve and advance our profession through collaboration with industry partners, government agencies, and allied organizations, and embracing innovation in materials, sustainability, and resilient design.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve, and proud of what we've accomplished together. Thank you again to our Board, our volunteers, and our members for your continued support and engagement.
Warm regards,
| | Han Xu, PE | SEAMASS President June 2025 - May 2026 | | Nominations to SEAMASS Board DUE MARCH 31 | | |
The SEAMASS Board of Directors Nominating Committee is accepting nominations for next year’s Board. Open positions for the fiscal year beginning in June 2026 include at least two Directors.
A diverse board with multiple size firms and professionals represented will help SEAMASS fulfill its mission and shape the future of our organization. Please consider this opportunity for yourself, and encourage your professional colleagues to consider how they can contribute to this vibrant organization and benefit from their service.
Email the name and contact info of your nominee(s) to:
David Schnerch, Ph.D, PE, Committee Chair by March 31, 2026
| | SEAMASS Scholarship Applications DUE MARCH 31 | | |
Eligible students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate Civil or Architectural Engineering programs are encouraged to apply for the SEAMASS 2026 Scholarship opportunity. Below is a link to one-page PDF summary with eligibility requirements and application criteria. Please share this opportunity with any eligible students you know.
The 2026 application deadline is March 31. 2026 SEAMASS Scholarship Opportunity
| | Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities | | |
Thursday, APRIL 16, 2026 | 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. | 2.0 PDHs
Co-hosted by BSA and SEAMASS at BSA Space, Boston
AI in AEC: A Panel Featuring the Perspectives
and Insights of 5 Industry Experts
| | |
If you’re in the AEC industry, this event is your opportunity to witness firsthand a frank and open discussion about AI in the built environment for all designers. With an emphasis on direct thinking about issues regarding both technology and business, we will cover current topics in the field, and push even further with our panel of experts representing various industry perspectives. You’ll leave this event with state-of-the-art information and insights that will benefit you, your career, and others you work with.
PANEL of BUILD INDUSTRY EXPERTS:
Nirva Fereshetian, Principal, CIO, CBT Architects - Representing Architects
Murat Melek, Director, Design AI, Suffolk Construction - Representing GCs
Robert Otani, PE, CTO, Thornton Tomasetti - Representing Structural Engineers
Zach Kron, Sr. Principal Product Manager - Representing AUTODESK
Paul Kassabian, PE, Principal - AI Director, Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger (Moderator)
Registration Opens Soon! VIEW FULL DETAILS AND REGISTER
| | |
Thursday, MAY 7, 2026 | Noon - 1:00 p.m. ET
1.0 PDH WEBINAR
Helical Design: Theory, Applications & Testing
PRESENTER: Darin Willis, PE | President | Fortified Engineering Solutions
| | |
Helical piles and anchors have been used in construction applications for more than 175 years. The helical pile industry has seen substantial growth in the last 20 years as most practicing engineers recognize the strength, versatility and many applications of the system. This presentation will cover helical pile design, applications and building code requirements.
Save the Date! Registration opens soon.
Full details forthcoming on the SEAMASS Events Calendar
| |
Tuesday, May 19 | 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. | 1.0 PDH
SEAMASS 2026 Annual Meeting & Dinner with Feature Presentation:
Reframing Practice Through Material: Mass Timber at Studio Gang
Presented by Arthur Liu | Design Principal | Studio Gang
| | |
Structural engineers, architects, property developers, contractors and industry professionals are encouraged to attend and connect with 100+ industry peers.
Come experience an engaging and informative presentation from Studio Gang Design Principal Arthur Liu, who will speak about the firm's use of mass timber across its impressive project portfolio - not only as a structural and environmental strategy, but also as a catalyst for expanding the possibilities of architecture.
Looking beyond mass timber’s benefits of structural efficiency and low embodied carbon, Liu will highlight how the material has informed the firm’s design process and even become part of the architectural expression of several projects. The presentation will feature a selection of built and ongoing projects by Studio Gang, ranging from early work such as the Bengt Sjostrom Starlight Theatre to the recently completed David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University.
| | 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, engage, and connect young engineering professionals. Recent event titles and photos are summarized below.
Are you a SEAMASS member who recently sat for the PE or SE Exam? The YMG is looking for panelists to share their experience at an upcoming Exam Prep Seminar.
LEARN MORE: Contact Brandon Lathe, YMG President or Annabelle Mathers, YMG VP
| | |
Recent Events Coordinated by the SEAMASS Young Members Group:
FEB 2026 – Ski Day at Mount Sunapee, Co-hosted with SENH YMG
JAN 2026 – YMG Screening of the SEAoNY Movie, Engineers at Ground Zero
DEC 2025 – YMG Holiday Celebration Sponsored by DeWalt
NOV 2025 – PE/SE Exam Prep Insights, Panel Discussion, Q&A
OCT 2025 – Build Day in Support of Habitat for Humanity - South Shore
| | Follow or Link to SEAMASS YMG on Instagram (@seamassymg) and LinkedIn to stay informed about YMG events and initiatives | | 2026 Structures Congress in Boston Apr 29 - May 1 | | |
ASCE invites SEAMASS members to participate at a discounted rate in Structures Congress from Wednesday thru Friday, April 29-May 1, 2026 in Boston. This is your opportunity to learn, engage, and network with your structural engineering community as we work together to advance the profession for a better future. Enjoy a robust technical program, engaging keynote speakers, and numerous networking opportunities.
SEAMASS Members: Use Discount Code BOS26COOP to register at the ASCE member rate.
On Friday, May 1 the SEAoNY movie Engineers at Ground Zero will be screened, followed by a panel discussion with engineers who responded after 9/11, moderated by SEAMASS Past President Bassem Almuti, PE.
On Tuesday, April 28 (the day before Congress begins) the SE 2050 Summit will be held under separate registration. Anyone from SE 2050 Signatory firms or simply interested in learning more about embodied carbon is encouraged to participate.
VIEW FULL DETAILS at StructuresCongress.org
| | NASCC: The Steel Conference Apr 22 - 24 | | |
NASCC: The Steel Conference is the premier event for everyone involved in the design and construction of steel buildings and bridges. From April 22-24, 2026 in Atlanta, GA the event will feature nearly 300 technical sessions (up to 17 PDHs), a large exhibition hall showcasing more than 280 products and services that can help you design and build better with steel, and networking with more than 6,500 colleagues, from designers to fabricators, and researchers.
This year’s event also incorporates the Specialty Conferences: World Steel Bridge Symposium, QualityCon, Architecture in Steel, SafetyCon, SSRC Annual Stability Conference, and the NISD Conference on Steel Detailing. View Full Details and Register at nascc.aisc.org
| | EVENT RECAP: Three Special Projects Spotlight | | |
The SEAMASS Special Projects Spotlight professional development seminar held on February 5 at CityPoint in Waltham drew more than 60 structural engineers and architects to celebrate and share lessons-learned from presenters of three outstanding projects.
SEAMASS is grateful to the presenters, Aaron W. Malone, PE of LeMessurier; Rami Bahjat, PE and Omer Tigli Ph.D, PE, INCE Bd. Cert. of McNamara Salvia Structural Engineers; and Patrick Kenny, PE of Thornton Tomasetti.
Special thanks to event sponsors Alpha Weatherproofing Corporation and Nordic Structures.
CALL FOR PROJECTS TO BE FEATURED in a FUTURE SPOTLIGHT EVENT:
SEAMASS invites firms to submit their projects to be featured in future Project Spotlight events - particularly projects focused on renovation and adaptive reuse, and other interesting structural projects featuring unique engineering challenges and solutions.
Access the Projects Submission Form
| | MEMBER EXPERTISE IN ACTION:
Industry Collaboration with ICRI-New England Chapter | | SEAMASS Members David Schnerch, Ph.D, PE of RDH Building Science; Greggrey Cohen and Ben Rybaltowski, PE of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH); and Todd Neal, PE of Thornton Tomasetti presented individual topics based on the theme, Concrete Solutions: Protect, Repair, Sustain at a one-day professional development bootcamp on March 3 in Quincy MA.
Coordinated and produced by ICRI-New England Chapter, the event drew more than 100 AEC professionals and awarded 4 PDHs. Each presenter shared insights and case studies in addition to participating in a discussion panel moderated by ICRI-NE Director Peder Hals, PE. | | Welcome NEW ANNUAL SPONSORS | | |
| EXO-TEC Manufacturing offers the Stand-Off MPV Bracket for attaching cladding systems to buildings. It is non-combustible, cost effective, mechanically fastens the continuous insulation to the building and has 1” of adjustability. LEARN MORE: EXO-TEC.co | | |
| FPA is a full-service engineering and consulting firm serving diverse public and private clients. With over 50 years of experience, we deliver collaborative, comprehensive solutions for complex projects. With a strong footprint in New Jersey and growing presence in Massachusetts, our client-focused approach drives everything we do. LEARN MORE: FPAEngineers.com | | |
| Nordic Structures is one of seven businesses within Les Chantiers Chibougamau's forest products ecosystem. Our 60+ professionals in Montreal design, fabricate and install Sustainable Mass Timber structures from our extensive boreal spruce forests. Operating with integrity since 1961, our family-owned company delivers exceptional projects for exacting clients across North America. LEARN MORE: Nordic.ca | | |
| |
Thermal Bridging Solutions has served Architects, Engineers, and Contractors for more than 13 years by assisting with design of building enclosure details that reduce heat loss due to thermal bridging. Connect with TBS for recommendations on which thermal break material to use for your transition and interface details.
LEARN MORE: ThermalBridgingSolutions.com
| | Career Opportunities - Our Members are Hiring! | | | | BALA seeks a Senior Structural Engineer for the firm's Boston office. Click here for position details, or visit bala.com/careers. | | |
| e2 engineers seeks a Senior Structural Engineer and Business Development Coordinator to support the continued growth of its office in Concord MA. | | | | French & Parrello Associates seeks a Project Engineer-Highway/Traffic for Boston & NJ locations, and Senior Staff Engineer-Bridges for its Boston Office. | | |
| |
H + O Structural Engineering seeks engineers for open positions in the firm's Boston Office.
View all position descriptions and how to apply on the firm’s Careers Page.
| | | | McNamara Salvia seeks candidates for Project Engineer and Project Manager positions in the firm’s Boston office. For more information and to apply, visit the firm's Careers Page. | | |
| RDH Building Science seeks to connect with Building Enclosure Consultants of all levels. We're expanding our team in Boston, across the Northeast, and on the West Coast. Explore opportunities at the RDH Careers Page. | | |
| Tighe & Bond seeks a Structural Project Engineer to join their Building Services Business Line in Sandwich or South Harwich, MA office, to play a key role in delivering vital infrastructure projects across the Northeast. | | |
| WSP seeks a Senior Structural Engineer for its Boston, MA office. Be involved in projects with the Property and Buildings Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets clients' objectives and solves their challenges. | |
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.
| | ANNUAL CORPORATE SPONSORS | | |
SEAMASS is grateful to these Annual Corporate Sponsors for their support:
Click logos to view websites
| |
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.
| | | | |
