Dec. 14, 2025
The Future of Civil Engineering
Thomas Smith — longtime ASCE leader and Executive Director for the past 11 years joins Dr. Dennis D. Truax for a special edition of the 21st Century Engineer Podcast. They discuss civil engineering’s future through the lens of workforce shortages, AI, sustainability, extreme weather, and the critical role of advocacy, trusted engineering knowledge, and inclusive pathways into the profession.
Tom’s career path: civil engineering → law → ASCE
ASCE’s biggest profession-wide impacts (report cards, standards, public outreach)
Why AI must be applied “with purpose” — outcomes that serve humanity
Workforce development + career-connected learning
Infrastructure investment advocacy and what comes next
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