Episodes

In this episode, Dr. Dennis Turek sits down with Tirza Austin, community manager at ASCE, to talk about mentorship in engineering , how structured programs support career growth, and why mid-level professionals are the mentors most in demand. Tirza shares insights into how ASCE is redesigning mentorship as a strategic initiative—especially for early-career civil engineers navigating career decisions, licensure, and life in the AEC industry. 🔍 Topics Covered: Why formal mentoring programs work be...

Dr. William Hayden Jr. joins us to explain why 60% of engineering projects don’t meet goals—and why it has nothing to do with technical ability. Drawing on global consulting work and a sharp eye for systems thinking, he shares stories from inside the AEC industry, his personal encounters with Dr. Deming, and why young professionals often walk out the door without saying a word. This episode dives deep into the cultural, educational, and structural cracks in the profession—and offers a path forwa...

Dennis D. sits down with Tiffani Neilson (CMO, IoT Marketing) to explore how the engineering and infrastructure industries are adapting to digital transformation. From broadband access to AI-driven content and the future of trade shows, this episode breaks down the opportunities and challenges facing civil engineers, procurement leaders, and infrastructure professionals.

Why are so many civil engineers leaving the industry? In this episode, Scott, Dennis, and Miles dissect the toxic cultures, lack of purpose, and outdated systems driving talent out of one of America’s most essential professions. If you care about infrastructure, this one’s a must-listen.

Is artificial intelligence really a threat to engineering—or is it just another tool in the box? In this episode of The 21st Century Engineer , host Dennis sits down with Nick Heim, Senior Innovation Engineer at StructureCare and host of the AEC Engineering & Technology Podcast, to talk about the evolving role of engineers in an AI-powered world. They explore the real fears and opportunities AI presents, including: – Whether AI can replace engineering judgment – Why engineers are not just button...

This episode of The 21st Century Engineer Podcast , Dennis sits down with Tara Hoke — ethics counsel for ASCE and a 20-year veteran in civil infrastructure — to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping the ethical responsibilities of modern engineers. From the collapse of IBM’s Watson to the pressures of AI-powered decision-making in high-stakes environments, this conversation cuts straight to the core of what today’s engineers need to know. You’ll hear about: – Why AI can’t be trusted bl...

In Episode 7 of The 21st Century Engineer , we sit down with Sarah McEwen — PE, CFM, and Central Region Hydrology & Hydraulics Discipline Lead at Neel-Schaffer — to discuss what it means to lead the future of water resource engineering. From the Mississippi River Basin Model to AI, digital twins, and real-world resilience, Sarah reveals how old-school engineering marvels can inspire next-gen STEM education, and why software literacy matters just as much as foundational theory. We explore: Her fa...

What happens when your dream to save the world meets the reality of design spreadsheets and construction sites? In this episode, Dr. Dennis Truax talks with civil engineer and nonprofit leader Laura Wilson , who shares how her early passion for environmental work turned into a career that spans consulting, hands-on international development, and leadership in Engineers Without Borders . Laura opens up about: Choosing civil engineering over her parents’ chemical engineering legacy What it felt li...

What does it mean to be a civil engineer in the 21st century? In this episode, we’re bridging generations — sitting down with young professional Matthew Jacobson for a real, thoughtful conversation about leadership, service, and engineering in a world that’s changing fast. Hosted by a past president of ASCE, this episode dives into the human side of infrastructure: why it matters, who it serves, and how today’s engineers can shape the future. We talk about: Why Matthew chose civil engineering an...

In this episode of 21st Century Engineering , we explore the dynamic career of Alexis Moran—civil engineer by day, NFL cheerleader by night, and now an entrepreneur shaping the next generation of dancers. Alexis shares how she navigated the challenges of a dual career, why mentorship and continuous learning matter, and how sustainability is becoming a key focus in modern engineering. From shipbuilding to choreography, she proves that passion and profession don’t have to compete—they can compleme...

Welcome to The 21st Century Engineering Podcast , where we dive into the future of engineering, technology, and infrastructure. Hosted by Dennis D. Truax, Ph.D., P.E., a distinguished leader in the civil engineering community, this podcast explores the rapidly evolving engineering landscape. Each episode features insightful conversations with experts and industry professionals like Jonathan Hassen, who share their experiences, challenges, and innovative approaches in engineering and consulting. ...

In this episode of The Infrastructure Network , Dennis Truax engages in a conversation with Jacob Forester, a seasoned engineer who has worked across multiple sectors of the civil engineering industry. Jacob shares insights on his career journey, which spans consulting, government work, and starting his own construction business. He emphasizes the importance of service in engineering and how it plays a central role in his professional life. Jacob talks about overcoming challenges in transitionin...