Greetings!
As I am sure you have seen, the East Central Branch has really started the year with a bang! Our institutes have already held multiple social, technical, and volunteer events.
February started with the Multi-Regional Leadership Conference (MRLC) – the Branch and Institutes had several representatives attend to connect with members nationwide and learn more about how we can continue to improve our Branch.
Coming up in February is Engineer’s Week from February 20-26th. This is a time to celebrate how engineers improve communities around the world, and an opportunity to educate others on the importance of new engineer recruitment and bringing STEM into local schools and homes. This year, the Branch has teamed up with multiple other engineering organizations to bring events and an awards dinner celebrating engineers in our community. Thank you to Michael Olka for once again spearheading the ECB’s involvement with this important event.
I would like to congratulate the East Central Branch for receiving the Certificate of Commendation in the Large Section and Branch membership category (Runner up award). Our continued past leadership helps us stand out once again!
A complete listing of upcoming events can be found in the newsletter below, I hope you find something that meets your interests and is able to participate!
Cheers,
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Melissa Burns, PE
ASCE East Central Branch President
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This issue
- E-Week
- Annual Branch Award
- Education Committee
- Sustainability Committee
- Structural Engineering Institute
- Younger Member Forum
- Student Chapter Activities
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Engineers Week 2022 will run from February 20 to 26. This year’s theme — Reimagining the Possible — recognizes how engineers create new possibilities from green buildings to fuel-efficient cars to life-saving vaccines. By working together, engineers develop new technologies, products, and opportunities that change how we live. This Engineers Week we hope that you’ll take a moment to recognize and celebrate the work of engineers and engage students in engineering. DiscoverE, the organization behind Engineers Week, has free resources you can use to inspire future innovators, such as hands-on engineering activities and lesson plans, information about engineering education, and pathways to a technical career. Visit DiscoverE.org and get the help you need to focus on the “E” in STEM. |
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Central FL Engineering Societies E-Week Networking Happy Hour, Monday, February 21, 2022, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at Bar Louie - Orlando Gateway 7015 South Semoran Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32822
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Dream Big Movie Night with Panel Discussion, Wednesday, February 23, 2022, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm, Virtual movie screening with a panel discussion following the film.
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Siemen's Energy Orlando - Onsite Tour, Thursday, February 24, 2022, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Siemens Energy Innovation Center by Viable Engineering Solutions at 12501 Research Parkway Suite #150, Orlando, FL 32826.
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Central FL Engineering Societies E-Week Awards Gala, Saturday, February 26, 2022, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm with informal networking after the event. Courtyard by Marriott Orlando South/Grande Lakes Area, 4120 West Taft Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32837.
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National Events
Celebrate
Engineers Week is a time to recognize the critical work of engineers, technicians, and technologists.
1 - Join us on social media #Eweek2022 #WhatEngineersDo
- Post photos of your team, engineering projects, and even selfies!
- Share a message about engineering’s vital role in innovating solutions to global challenges, the value of engineers, or engaging students in engineering.
2 - Host an Engineers Week event.
- It can be as simple as coffee or lunch with a few colleagues to hosting an organization-wide celebration.
- Recognize individuals to honor their achievements – in person, online, or by nominating them for an award.
- Invite an inspiring speaker to deliver a virtual or live talk during Engineers Week.
- Post pictures #Eweek2022 #WhatEngineersDo
3 - Advocate for the field.
- Ask your mayor, governor, or congressional representative to issue a proclamation recognizing the contributions of engineers.
- Work with your corporation, society, or college communications team to post a message from leadership.
4 - Tell a friend.
- Do your colleagues, friends, and family knows about Engineers Week and what your plans are for celebrating? Tell them and let them join in the fun.
Schedule and hashtags
Sunday, February 20: #Eweek2022 Kick-Off
Monday, February 21: Launch of #WhatEngineersDo campaign
Saturday, February 26: Last Day of #Eweek2022
Friday, March 4: Celebrate #WorldEngineeringDay
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ANNUAL BRANCH AWARD NOMINATIONS
Know a fellow ASCE Member in Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, or Volusia County that is consistently going above and beyond, or an impressive project everyone needs to know about? Great! Because ECB is currently accepting nominations for the Annual Branch Awards as listed below.
- Engineer of the Year Award
- Young Engineer of the Year Award
- Government Engineer of the Year Award
- Project of the Year Award
All nominations need to be received by April 15th, 2022.
After April 15th, ECB’s official nominations will be selected, and the formal application process will be initiated with the selected nominees.
All Branch award winners will be submitted as nominees to the Florida Section’s Annual Awards to be presented at the Florida Sections ASCE’s Annual Conference in July 2022, as well as recognized at the East Central Branch Officer Installation Luncheon in September 2022.
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EDUCATION COMMITTEE
(K-12 OUTREACH)
If you would like to continue our success of inspiring and educating local students through sharing your excitement of being an engineer, please consider the following opportunities:
Engineers in the classroom
Seminole County Science Fair ASCE Award Recipients
Members of the East Central Branch judged science fair projects from Seminole County. The students listed below were selected for special awards from ASCE ECB, SEI, & EWRI.
- Avalon McNay – “How to Increase Efficient of Wax Worm’s Biodegradation”
- Ryan Bauer – “Materials: Natural Vs. Artificial Which will be hotter and which will be cooler”
- Moitri Santra – “Innovative Engineering Tools for Controlling Harmful Algal Blooms”
- Gargi Paranjape – “Water Sustainability Through Reclaimed Water Usage”
If you have any questions, or comments about K-12 Outreach or would like to join the committee, please contact Michael Olka molka@lakecountyfl.gov
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SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
The Sustainability Committee’s core mission and function are to organize and facilitate outreach opportunities allowing the members of the East Central Branch to stay informed and promote sustainable engineering practices. Below are some upcoming events and interesting reads recommended by the committee.
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Upcoming Events
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February 24, 2022, noon-1 pm - Introduction to Green Infrastructure Product Solutions- Designing with Maintenance in Mind – Register for free online
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February 16, 2022, 1-2:30 pm – Decarbonization Pathways for Transportation – Civil Infrastructure: Materials, Design, Construction, Asset Management, Interaction with Vehicles, End-of-Life - Register online
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Envision Webinar Series – Free webinars hosted by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure. Next webinar:
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March 2, 2022, 2-3 pm - U.S. Federal Sustainability Plan: Goals and Strategy – Register for free online
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March 9, 2022, 2-3 pm - Nuts and Bolts for Local Government: Building Internal Support, Training Staff & Operationalizing Process – Register for free online
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Other News / Resources
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Florida DEP Southwest District – 2022 Environmental Stewardship Achievement Awards Call for Nominations. Florida DEP is recognizing businesses, professional and community organizations, and local governments within DEP’s Southwest District for exceptional achievements in preventing or reducing impacts on the environment. Your nomination can be placed by visiting the 2022 DEP Southwest District Environmental Stewardship Achievement Award (alchemer.com). Nominations are due by 2/25/22.
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If you would like to join the ECB Sustainability Committee, please reach out to our Committee Chair Steve Sommerfeldt. The committee typically meets (virtually) on the last Tuesday of the month during lunch to plan out future activities and ideas related to sustainability. We welcome any new and/or seasoned individuals interested.
Want to hear more? Join the Sustainability Committee mailing list today!
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STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING INSTITUTE |
Grouting Reinforced Masonry Structures Webinar
When
February 15, 2020, from 12:00 to 1:00
Speaker
Dan Siteman
Fee
$15.00 to fund the SEI scholarship
Credit: 1 PDH
Brief summary: The introduction of grout and reinforcement in structural masonry has expanded masonry’s performance characteristics allowing for taller heights and thinner profiles. Provisions of the code and standards have become more efficient over the past few cycles, yielding to higher productivity in the field. This presentation will cover basic grouting and reinforcement requirements for structural masonry. Considerations for correct grout and reinforcement placement, tolerances, grout cover, consolidation of grout, and placement of anchor bolts are discussed.
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The SEI Standards Series debuted in 2021 as a 6-part sequence of educational, virtual sessions designed to showcase the six, unique, about-to-be-published SEI Standards that govern several niche markets. Now in 2022, the SEI Standards Series will preview ASCE 7-22 as a 5-part series that reviews the changes from ASCE 7-16. This unique program includes a dialogue between the leaders and experts who develop ASCE 7 and includes a detailed technical presentation on the specific changes and three main hazards - Seismic, Wind & Tornado, and Snow/Rain. In addition, information will be provided on the ASCE 7 Digital Products/Hazard Tool. Attendees will be encouraged to join the discussion for the extensive live Q&A portion of the session.
Schedule-At-A-Glance
- May 12, 2022: ASCE 7-22 Seismic
- June 9, 2022: ASCE 7-22 Wind & Tornado
- July 14, 2022: ASCE 7-22 Snow/Rain
- September 8, 2022: How & Why to Use ASCE 7-22 in Your Practice
PDH:
1.5 PDHs available per session
Join ASCE/SEI now to receive member rate and all SEI benefits
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SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS TO ATTEND
ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION AND SUBSTATION STRUCTURES CONFERENCE
Deadline: April 25, 2022
The goal of this scholarship is to assist 15-20 full-time ASCE/SEI Civil Engineering Student Members (all levels B.S., M.S., Ph.D.) to develop and expand their professional opportunities and careers through the ETS Conference. The scholarship is made possible by the SEI Futures Fund.
The scholarship provides complimentary registration and travel assistance for selected student members to attend and actively participate at the ETS in-person conference.
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CALL FOR PROJECTS
The Structural Engineering Institute is seeking submissions from fellow structural engineers about their past or present projects. The submission is to quickly discuss the project's highlights, uniqueness, and/or challenges the structural engineer encountered during the project. This will provide ASCE-ECB members and aspiring student engineers with insight into the current structural engineering practices, and provide an opportunity for local or regional structural engineers to showcase their work. The submittals must include the following:
- At least one photograph of the project location.
- A summary of the project setting and background, such as location, new construction/restoration, private/government, etc.
- A summary of the challenges and/or unique aspects of the project, such as new design technology or use of new construction material not typically used in similar designs.
The submittals shall be sent to Rocio Rodriguez at rocio_rodriguez2@hotmail.com in which we will review and prepare for presentation in a future ECB newsletter.
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CALL FOR OFFICER
SEI is looking for members who would like to serve as an Institute Officer beginning in September 2022. Interested members should send a message to Rocio Rodriguez at rocio_rodriguez2@hotmail.com.
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Community Service Event: United Against Poverty
Come volunteer with ASCE-YMF East Central Branch and Engineers without Borders at United Against Poverty! They serve those who need it most, ensuring every family has access to basic needs, nutritional food, crisis care, education, and employment training.
Join us in assisting with daily needs including stocking and sorting produce or grocery products, processing incoming clothing donations, and helping keep their campus clean!
To protect the staff, clients, and volunteers, everyone attending will be required to bring their own face masks but gloves will be provided. Extra masks will be available upon arrival if needed!
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January Update
This month we were happy to start up the spring semester and continue offering more opportunities to get our members involved. We started off the semester by having our first meeting, we gave updates to our members about the upcoming events and opportunities they can be part of. For this meeting we were joined by Bohler, they showed us what they do and the projects they have worked on, then our members got to ask them questions about what they do and the opportunities they offer. This meeting was held through Zoom because it was the preferred method for Bohler but we expect the rest of our meetings to be in person. Our concrete canoe held tryouts for their rowing team they will take to conference, the participants went through a couple of trials and the best ones were chosen.
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Then our concrete canoe team demolded their canoe after leaving it to cure over the break, it was a good way to get the members involved and show them how the canoe has gotten stronger over the break. After that we held a shop cleanup, we are always making sure our shop is clean and organized, especially now that our smaller competitions will start using it to start working on their projects. |
This month we have also started to get in touch with the members that will be attending the conference to make sure they are on track on what they need to prepare for the competitions, we have already assigned captains and will be checking on them to make sure they know every deadline and are making progress. |
Sincerely,
Khanh Olka
Communications Chair
ASCE East Central Branch
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