Aug. 21, 2025

Bridges, Resilience & Civil Engineering's Future

Bridges, Resilience & Civil Engineering's Future
Season 1

What inspires someone to become a civil engineer? In Autumn Buesking’s case: a childhood bridge, a statewide flood, and a spaghetti-and-glue design contest.

In this episode of 21st Century Water, host Dr. Dennis Truax welcomes Autumn — named one of ASCE’s 2025 New Faces of Civil Engineering — to share her journey from small-town Missouri to designing real infrastructure with national impact.

They dive into:

  • Building storm shelters, aquatic centers & school expansions

  • The power of internships and hands-on learning

  • Her explosive (literally) minor in demolition

  • The future of engineering: AI, sustainability, and systems thinking

  • The transition from college to career (including imposter syndrome)

  • Real advice for students and young professionals

This is a fun, practical, and inspiring conversation for anyone working in — or entering — the world of civil engineering.

🎙️ Hosted by Dr. Dennis Truax, former ASCE president and Professor Emeritus at Mississippi State University.

🔗 Resources

  • Learn more about ASCE: https://www.asce.org

  • Subscribe to 21st Century Water wherever you get your podcasts

  • Connect with us: www.21stcenturyengineer.com