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NSPE 2008 Annual Conference
Portland, Oregon
July 24–27
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July 24 | July 25 | July 26
Thursday, July 24
Thursday, July 24, 8:30–10:00 a.m., Planning for the Future of the Engineering Profession, 1.5 PDH
Panel Discussion: In recent years, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying has modified the Model Law to require additional engineering education beyond a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite for licensure in the future. This year, the NCEES Bachelor's + 30 Task Force has been charged with formulating proposed Model Rules to implement this significant change in the Model Law. This task force has proposed, for consideration and feedback, a series of recommendations regarding the definition of "acceptable coursework" that would count toward the 30 additional credits required and the definition of "approved providers" who would be authorized to offer acceptable coursework. Also proposed are methods to assure comity, and administrative provisions required to ensure that the increased requirements can be managed easily and efficiently by applicants and licensing boards. This interactive session will present the background on the Bachelor's +30 initiative and the details developed for consideration. Attendees will have an opportunity to provide input on these important details regarding the future of engineering education.
Speaker Bio: Craig N. Musselman, P.E., is a practicing civil and environmental engineer and founder and president of CMA Engineers, a consulting engineering firm with offices in New Hampshire and Maine. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering from the University of Massachusetts and has over thirty years experience in the planning, design, and construction administration of public works facilities. Musselman has served on New Hampshire Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and has been active in the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors through numerous committees and task forces. He serves as chair of the licensure committee of the American Society of Civil Engineers' Committee on Academic Prerequisites for Professional Practice. For NSPE, he is a member of the Licensure and Qualifications for Practice Committee. He has served as a civil engineering program evaluator for ABET, and is an incoming member of the ABET Board of Directors. Musselman is a Fellow of both NSPE and ASCE.
Speaker Bio: Jon D. Nelson, P.E., is a vice president of Tetra Tech FHC in Tulsa, Oklahoma, practicing civil and environmental engineering. He holds a bachelor's in civil engineering from Kansas State University and a master's in civil engineering from Oklahoma State University. Nelson is a past president of the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors and has also served on numerous NCEES committees and task forces. He is a member of the Oklahoma State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors. Nelson is also a member of NSPE's Licensure and Qualifications for Practice Committee, and for American Society of Civil Engineers he is a member of the Committee on Academic Prerequisites for Professional Practice. Nelson is currently serving as the chair of the American Association of Engineering Societies.
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Thursday, July 24, 10:30 a.m.–noon, Managing a Complex Multipurpose Hydropower Federal Facility [Part I], 1.5 PDH
James R. Mahar, P.E., Bonneville Lock and Dam, Unites States Army Corps of Engineers
The Bonneville Lock and Dam's primary mission is to operate, maintain, and improve the hydroelectric powerhouses, navigation locks, and fish passage systems while supporting the environmental stewardship, emergency response, war fighting, water quality, flood damage reduction, and recreation programs. Two additional facilities also under management's responsibility are the Willamette Falls Locks, located in Oregon City, Oregon, and the Sediment Retention Structure near Mount St. Helens in Washington State. Although these aging structures are increasingly complex to operate and maintain, they are not further considered in this presentation. In the early years, Army Corps duties and responsibilities were funded by annual appropriations from Congress. Direct funding from the power marketing agency, the Bonneville Power Administration, for power specific activities was authorized in 1992, but the actual use of direct funding did not begin until 1996. Managing this facility is complex and success is not always easy, as detailed in this presentation.
Speaker Bio: James Mahar is the operations manager at Bonneville Lock and Dam. After graduating from Southern Illinois University in 1982, Mahar joined the Corps of Engineers and has worked in Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Japan; and Germany as an electrical engineer on hydropower and automation projects. He was promoted to operations manager after working in the Hydroelectric Design Center. Mahar is a registered professional engineer in Oregon and Washington State.
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Thursday, July 24, 10:30 a.m.–noon, Introduction to Wave Energy, 1.5 PDH
Tony Schacher, P.E., Salem Electric
"Introduction to Wave Energy" will run though the basics of what the technology is, how it works, who is working on it, and what the future of the technology may hold. Oregon is blessed with very powerful ocean waves and the energy in the waves can be harnessed to generate electricity. Using wave energy to generate electricity could provide many benefits to the state of Oregon and its citizens.
Speaker Bio: Tony Schacher is an engineer at Salem Electric. In 2002, he completed his studies for a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, and in 2004, received his master's degree in energy systems, specializing in alternative energy generation techniques. Both degrees were from Oregon State University. Schacher was hired as a systems engineer at Central Lincoln People's Utility District in July 2004 and has worked as the engineer specializing in alternative energy projects for Central Lincoln. In 2007, he moved to the Salem, Oregon, area to be closer to family and learn some new aspects of the utility industry. Projects include net metering and grid interconnection of other potential generation from a myriad of distributed generation techniques. In April 2006, Schacher received his PE license in California, and in September 2007, he became licensed in Oregon.
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Thursday, July 24, 10:30 a.m.–noon, Challenging the P.M.: Controlling Project Design Costs, 1.5 PDH
Howard Birnberg, Association for Project Managers
Addressing one of the toughest challenges a project manager faces, this workshop reveals effective approaches to keeping design costs within budget—in particular, what to do before you sign a design services contract. You will learn how to best organize an engineering firm for project delivery and discover ideas for turning a troubled project around.
Speaker Bio: Howard Birnberg is executive director of the Association for Project Managers. He is a former instructor in the Office of Executive Education at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, a former adjunct assistant professor at the Michigan State University College of Human Ecology, and he served as a lecturer on project management for the University of Wisconsin's Department of Engineering Professional Development for more than 20 years. He holds a bachelor's degree in architecture from Ohio State University and an M.B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis. He is a frequent speaker at many construction industry meetings.
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Thursday, July 24, 10:30 a.m.–noon, The Risk of Sustainability, 1.5 PDH
Clark C. Bisel, P.E., Flack + Kurtz
This discussion will focus on the impact of world economic growth, rapidly increasing energy needs, and shifting global energy resources. Over the past few years, Asia has undergone startling, tremendous growth — with the U.S. serving as a model. Design professionals need to be aware of this changing global picture and the enormous impact we all will feel in future years.
Speaker Bio: Clark Bisel has nearly 30 years of experience with Flack + Kurtz, a world-class engineering consultant in the design of many large commercial buildings. Bisel leads the mechanical design team during the preliminary design phase of complex projects to ensure that all specific project requirements are identified and met and the appropriate design solutions are selected, then monitors the implementation of the design intent during the production of working drawings. Bisel is recognized as an industry leader in sustainable design. His projects have been recognized by their uniqueness in approach and for their energy performance results. He is also actively involved in the analysis and implementation of state-of-the-art technology such as sustainable site planning, indoor environmental quality, thermal storage, daylighting, passive solar and central heat pump design, building systems automation, and commissioning.
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Thursday, July 24, 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., Hydropower Federal Facility Tour (Part II — requires proof of citizenship and completion of Part I), 1.5 PDH
James R. Mahar, P.E., Bonneville Lock and Dam, United States Army Corps of Engineers
The Bonneville Lock and Dam's primary mission is to operate, maintain, and improve the hydroelectric powerhouses, navigation locks, and fish passage systems while supporting the environmental stewardship, emergency response, war fighting, water quality, flood damage reduction, and recreation programs. In the early years, Army Corps duties and responsibilities were funded by annual appropriations from Congress. Direct funding from the power marketing agency, the Bonneville Power Administration, for power specific activities was authorized in 1992, but the actual use of direct funding did not begin until 1996. Managing this facility is complex and success is not always easy, as detailed in this presentation.
Security measures that close areas or restrict access are subject to change on a daily basis. Closures or restrictions may apply to visitor facilities, fishing access areas, roadways, and scheduled tours. Non-U.S. citizens may be requested to submit documents for prior review by the U.S. Department of State. Thank you for your patience!
Speaker Bio: James Mahar is the operations manager at Bonneville Lock and Dam. After graduating from Southern Illinois University in 1982, Mahar joined the Corps of Engineers and has worked in Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Japan; and Germany as an electrical engineer on hydropower and automation projects. He was promoted to operations manager after working in the Hydroelectric Design Center. Mahar is a registered professional engineer in Oregon and Washington State.
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Friday, July 25
Friday, July 25, 8:30–10:00 a.m., Peoplemap Workshop, 1.5 PDH
E. Michael Lillibridge, Ph.D., Peoplemap Training
The Peoplemap system is an integrated series of interpersonal effectiveness training programs for individuals at every level of an organization. Would you like to know what your natural strengths are? Would you like to have a personal "map" for getting along with others? Would you like to have a clearer understanding of the things that could block your success? If you are answering yes to these questions, the Peoplemap Personal Profile is your solution. From the personal profile, you will gain critical information on your natural, in-born strengths and what motivates you. In addition, your personal profile outlines five quality of life needs that you need to know and highlights the possible areas for growth in your work and personal life. Take this knowledge, and create success for yourself in everything that you do!
Speaker Bio: E. Michael Lillibridge is the president and founder of the Peoplemap System. Lillibridge is a licensed psychologist and marriage and family therapist with 30 years of clinical experience. For a dozen years, he was a staff psychologist at the University of South Florida's Counseling Center and an adjunct assistant professor in the psychology department and counselor education department. For the last 17 years, he has had a full-time clinical practice; has been a professional speaker and an executive coach; and has developed the complete package of Peoplemap programs. He is the author of 10 books, seven on the Peoplemap System, and of numerous workbook audio and video programs.
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Friday, July 25, 10:30 a.m.–noon, The Language of Business — For Every Engineer!, 1.5 PDH
Rai Chowdhary, Team 2000
An engineer may be excellent at what he or she does; however, one of the key resources every engineer needs boils down to money. Unfortunately, few engineers have a good grasp of how to communicate in the language of money, which every business uses on a daily basis. This workshop will get you started with simple exercises in an interactive learning environment.
Speaker Bio: Rai Chowdhary is an award-winning author and speaker. He conducts workshops and seminars around the world on various topics and brings over 30 years of business and industrial experience. Chowdhary holds degrees in mechanical and production engineering and materials science formation. He is certified in both engineering and management.
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Friday, July 25, 10:30 a.m.–noon, Reducing the Carbon Footprint: Climate & Renewable Policy Trends, 1.5 PDH
Kyle Davis, PacifiCorp, Pacific Power Corporation
PacifiCorp is one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the U.S., providing more than 1.6 million customers with reliable, efficient energy. PacifiCorp has more than 10,400 megawatts of generation capacity from coal, hydrogen, renewable wind power, gas-fired combustion turbines, and solar and geothermal energy. Representatives from Pacific Power, operated by PacifiCorp, discuss the challenges faced by the public utility in developing sustainable systems and the trends they are researching for the near future.
Speaker Bio: Requested bio
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Friday, July 25, 10:30 a.m.–Noon, Engineered Materials Arrestor System at Midway and O'Hare, 1.5 PDH
Orin Acker, Patrick Engineering Inc.
After the December 2005 runway overrun of Southwest Airlines flight 1248, which occurred during heavy snowfall on runway 31C and caused one death to an automobile passenger, Patrick Engineering Inc. was contracted by the city of Chicago to correct the deficient runway safety area of this runway and the remaining three runways at Midway Airport as soon as possible. Patrick's design of the Engineered Materials Arrestor System installation will help to provide a much larger safety margin for all airline and corporate jet operations and reduces the likelihood of a future aircraft overrun.
Speaker Bio: Orin Acker is the director of aviation and senior project manager for Patrick Engineering Inc. of Lisle, Illinois. He was project manager for all four runways at Midway Airport for the Engineered Materials Arrestor System project and two runways at O'Hare International Airport. Orin is an airline transport pilot with eight jet aircraft licenses and over 14,000 hours of flight experience. He has worked closely with the Federal Aviation Administration for over 20 years and recently drafted an FAA Advisory Circular for the use of delineators around EMAS beds that was adopted by the FAA for use at all EMAS installations.
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Friday, July 25, 10:30 a.m.–noon, Contracts: The Front Line in Risk Management, 1.5 PDH
Dennis Strasser, P.E., Lane Powell Spears Lubersky LLP
Written contracts are key elements in your firm's risk management assessments. In this session, we will analyze 10 key clauses that you should consider when preparing and negotiating professional services contracts. The analysis will identify the purpose of these contract clauses, present real-world examples bringing the clauses into play, and provide suggested language for use in professional services contracts. You are invited to bring your professional services contracts to the session and ask questions regarding the terms and clauses you use in your contracts.
Speaker Bio: Dennis Strasser is counsel to Lane Powell Spears Lubersky LLP and a member of its Construction Services Group. He received his engineering degree at the State University of New York at Buffalo, obtained his professional engineering license in 1983, and practiced engineering for 16 years. In 1995 Strasser received his law degree from Seattle University, where he graduated cum laude. He now serves as counsel for design professionals and owners and serves as a neutral in dispute resolution proceedings. He has made numerous presentations for professional organizations regarding contracts, risk management and project implementation. Strasser is a contributing author to State-by-State Analysis of Current Legal Issues Affecting Architects, Engineers, Contractors, and Owners (From a Contracting and Claims Perspective, published by Aspen.
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Friday, July 25, Noon–1:30 p.m., NSPE Annual Conference Networking Lunch ($55), 1 PDH
Become the Ultimate Communicator
Val Baldwin
Do you avoid sensitive subjects and tough topics because you don't know how to handle them? This life-enhancing training will help you gain the crucial communication skills necessary so you never have to avoid a conversation again.
Speaker Bio: Educated in business and psychology, Val Baldwin spent 23 years in the corporate world in marketing, customer service, and training. She experienced firsthand the difference in individuals who had effective people skills and those who did not and soon developed a desire to help people gain these skills to improve their lives and relationships. She went back to school and became certified in life and relationship coaching and set up a private coaching practice. As a professional speaker, Baldwin combines her wealth of knowledge and techniques to help organizations boost people skills, build self-confidence, enhance communication, and strengthen relationships.
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Frday, July 25, 1:30–3:00 p.m., Ten Mistakes of Risk Management, 1.5 PDH
Rai Chowdhary, Team 2000
Risk exists in everything and more so in the engineering profession. Therefore, every engineer needs to have a good grasp of risk management. Unfortunately, many engineers graduate with little know-how in this area, and the gap remains with them for years to come. This session will get them started.
Speaker Bio: Rai Chowdhary is an award-winning author and speaker. He conducts workshops and seminars around the world on various topics and brings over 30 years of business and industrial experience. Chowdhary holds degrees in mechanical and production engineering and materials science formation. He is certified in both engineering and management.
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Friday, July 25, 1:30–3:00 p.m., Emerging Technologies of the Hybrid Electric Vehicle, 1.5 PDH
Chris Mi, Ph.D., University of Michigan
As one of the fastest growing automotive fields, hybrid electric vehicles present both opportunities and challenges. HEVs are more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly than conventional vehicles. Optimizing the power intake in HEVs allows the engine operation to be kept within the range designed for best fuel economy and lowest emission, whereas the motor/generator system either provides additional power input or generates electricity using the excessive power from the engine. HEVs also recover the kinetic energy in braking or coasting. These advantages have attracted worldwide interest in development of HEVs. Hybrid vehicle sales have exceeded 250,000 per year with 14 models available in 2007. Experts predict that hybrid vehicles will take at least 10% of the total vehicle market share in the next five years, and as a result, could affect 200,000 jobs in automotive-related industries.
Speaker Bio: Chris Mi is associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Michigan in Dearborn. He regularly offers a graduate course in electric and hybrid vehicles. He has also taught courses and led seminars on the subject for the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. Mi has conducted extensive research and published more than 60 articles on power electronics, motor drives, and hybrid electric vehicles. In addition to his position at the university, he is the vice chair of the IEEE Southeast Michigan section. Mi holds a B.S. and an M.S. from Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xian, China, and a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto.
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Friday, July 25, 1:30–3:00 p.m., New Tools for Construction in Seismic Zones, 1.5 PDH
Steve McCabe, Ph.D., P.E., NEES Consortium Inc.
Representatives from the Earthquake Engineering Simulation Program of the National Science Foundation will discuss the cutting edge tools being developed by the organization and their vision of how those tools will be used by the engineering and construction industry in the future to improve seismic mitigation.
Speaker Bio: Steven McCabe is the program director for structural systems and hazard mitigation of structures program for the civil and mechanical systems division, engineering directorate of the National Science Foundation in Washington, D.C. His manages the funding of research into structural performance under extreme loading, both natural and manmade. McCabe worked as a professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering at the University of Kansas, where he taught a variety of courses in structural engineering. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana. Prior to 1981, McCabe was a consulting engineer in the power industry dealing with seismic issues and advanced analysis issues in solar, fossil, and nuclear facilities. His research interests include earthquake engineering and structural dynamics as well as the application of the Finite Element Method and other computer-based analysis techniques to static and dynamic analysis problems. A particular area of interest is damage mechanics, the identification of damage levels and reserve capacity as well as the bond and development of reinforcement. He actively publishes technical papers on subjects related to these areas. McCabe is a registered professional engineer and serves as a consultant to engineering firms on advanced analysis projects and new reinforcing systems and specifications.
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Friday, July 25, 1:30–3:00 p.m., It's Who You Know: The Power and Process of Building Your Network, 1.5 PDH
Dan Ryan, Human Capital Group
The old adage "It's not what you know, but who you know" has never been more important in the world of business than it is now. The world of work has become more fragmented and multinational over the past 20 years. People's tenure at one company is much shorter than it once was. As a result, people don't have the connections with colleagues that they used to. This Web seminar will help you understand many important facts, and falsehoods, about networking and then enable you to make a plan for your own networking goals.
Speaker Bio: In his career, Dan Ryan has had the opportunity to work with firms starting from scratch, experiencing rapid growth, or those going through retrenchment. As a senior consultant, he provides retained search for clients, as well as individual and group development activities, such as executive coaching, organizational development, organizational assessment, and feedback. His work in market segments such as engineering, architecture, information technology, life sciences, and non-profits serves as a context for helping leaders become more self-aware and better prepared for change and growth. Ryan earned a B.S. in engineering physics from Murray State University, an M.B.A. from Tennessee State University, and an M.Ed. Vanderbilt University.
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Friday, July 25, 3:30–5:00 p.m., The Leader in You (Part II), 1.5 PDH
Robert S. Miller III, P.E., F.NSPE, NSPE President 2006–07
Former NSPE president and principal of MSA, P.C., an environmental sciences, land planning, land surveying, civil engineering, and landscape architecture firm, Bob Miller will discuss important leadership behaviors you can easily develop. You will learn leadership qualities such as looking at all sides of a conflict, communicating effectively, and active listening. Become the person that others will follow; not because they are under your command, but because they trust you and want to follow you.
Speaker Bio: Robert Miller served as the 2006-2007 president of the National Society of Professional Engineers. Miller is president and CEO of MSA, P.C., which he founded in 1973. Having created and sustained a successful engineering consulting business where more than 80 people come together to make their clients successful, Miller now devotes much of his time to the advancement of professional engineering. Mr. Miller has held numerous positions within the National Society of Professional Engineers to include treasurer; chair of the Horizons Committee; NSPE-PEPP vice president; member of the Professional Employment Committee, the Strategic Planning Task Force and the Annual Meeting Program Task Force. In 2005 Miller was named a Fellow member of NSPE in recognition of his contributions to the Society, his community and his profession. He is a 1967 graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, holding a B.S. in civil engineering. He has completed continuing education in value engineering, community planning, environmental engineering, sanitary and water systems, structures, and traffic. Since 1998, he has served on the Planning Commission for the City of Virginia Beach, where he is involved in reviewing proposed development projects.
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Saturday, July 26
Saturday, July 26, 8:00–10:00 a.m., Energy in the 21st Century: The Critical Role of Innovation, 1 PDH
Linda Hofmann, Exxon/Mobil Research and Engineering Company
(Speaker during the NSPE Awards Breakfast) ($35)
Celebrate engineering innovation and excellence at breakfast today as we present the Professional Engineers in Industry New Product Awards and the Professional Engineers in Higher Education Engineering Excellence Award. After the awards presentation, Linda Hofmann, planning manager for Exxon/Mobil Research and Engineering Company will talk about energy in the 21st century and the critical role of innovation.
Energy-related issues have dominated media coverage in recent months. Whether it is about increasing access to supplies, energy security, industry earnings, climate change, the challenge of meeting higher demand, or gas prices, no global industry generates more discussion than energy. This presentation tackles many of the hot-button issues currently on the minds of people across the globe. It begins with a discussion of the global market, including supply and demand issues and the important role governments play in ensuring the market functions properly. From there, we explore the key role of technology in meeting growing energy needs, from ones that enhance our ability to find, develop and deliver, new supplies to others that increase the efficiency and lower emissions in vehicles, including hybrids. It looks at the role of alternatives in helping meet energy demand and the important issue of climate change, including an exploration into some of the breakthrough research ExxonMobil is leading to tackle this issue head on. The presentation concludes with a primer on gasoline prices and industry profits.
Speaker Bio: Linda Hofmann is the planning manager for ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company. In this role, she works with EMRE management to develop strategies and implementation plans that position ExxonMobil to meet the needs of businesses both short term and into the future. She works closely with planning managers from Exxon Mobil Refining and Supply, Chemicals, Upstream Research, and Corporate Planning to ensure alignment on organizational direction and activities. Hofmann received her mechanical engineering degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1979 and her master's degree in mechanical engineering from Princeton in 1982.
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Saturday, July 26, 8:30–10:00 a.m., PEs in the LEED World, 1.5 PDH
John Albrecht, Knight Engineers and Architects
This presentation will cover the LEED NC 2.2 Green Building Rating system in general and specific terms and how LEED relates to the various professional engineers on a sampling of credits. The attendees learn through examples how the project team would interact on a LEED project including integrated design and then the LEED certification process. The LEED certification process and how the LEED accredited professional credential is virtually required for professional advancement will also be covered.
Speaker Bio: John Albrecht recently joined Knight Engineers and Architects as senior architect and director of sustainable design after 27 years as an architect for the city of Chicago. He has worked on a variety of municipal projects including police and fire stations, libraries, transit facilities, pedways, streetscaping, bridges, land acquisition, and housing projects. He was instrumental in the city's green building and LEED initiatives. Albrecht was on the city's "green team" that initiated the city's LEED Pilot Project Program and the "Chicago Standard," and was the city's first LEED accredited professional. In addition, he is a founding board member of the U.S. Green Building Council, Chicago Chapter, and is a USGBC Heartland Region representative. Albrecht is a licensed architect in Illinois and Minnesota.
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Saturday, July 26, 8:30–10:00 a.m., Managing Project Change, 1.5 PDH
Michael Ellegood, P.E., PSMJ Resources
Cost growth during the delivery of public works projects erodes budgets and threatens the credibility of contractors, design professionals, and public works officials. This session examines the causes of project change and accompanying cost growth and suggests several proven methods of managing and controlling change-related cost growth. All phases of the project delivery process will be discussed, with particular emphasis on the all-important construction phase.
Speaker Bio: Michael Ellegood is an experienced civil projects manager and a recently retired public works director. He has been both a consulting engineer specializing in transportation projects and a public sector official. Currently a consultant with PSMJ Resources, Ellegood brings nearly 50 years of successful transportation and public works project delivery experience to educating active professionals in project management. He has conducted highly acclaimed seminars throughout the U.S. on project management topics.
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Saturday, July 26, 8:30–10:00 a.m., The Art of Persuasion: How to Make Friends and Influence People (and Get Your Way)
Alan Ovson
Engineers have to sell ideas to everyone: contractors, neighborhood groups, planning commissions, clients, and even their bosses. Understanding the skills and preparation strategies needed to persuade and influence others is essential to getting projects moved
forward faster and with less stress. This workshop will help you understand the psychologies of persuasion, how persuasion and influence differ, and it will help you develop and practice the key steps in making persuasive presentations. If you want to get more of what you want, feel more confident and powerful, and reduce your stress, this is a great workshop for you.
1.5 PDH
Speaker Bio: Alan Ovson is a business consultant, facilitator, coach and trainer who is an expert in the field of communication. He has served as director of staff development at one the nations' largest school
districts and CEO of a real estate development company. He has spent 20 years as a business consultant specializing in facilitation, coaching, training, and speaking, and he has degrees and/or credentials from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Theological Union, San Francisco State University, Stanford University, and Mass Media Institute.
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Saturday, July 26, 8:30–10:00 a.m., Risk Management in Premises Liability: Design, Construction, and Maintenance, 1.5 PDH
Johann F. Szautner, P.E., P.L.S., Cowan and Associates
Premises-liability law covers any type of claim that results from an allegedly "unreasonably dangerous condition" on the property. Although commercial facilities such as grocery and retail stores, restaurants, and malls are the most common targets because of the large volume of customers that enter their stores, all business owners who have a physical business location are at risk. But so are homeowners and landlords, when guests or renters get injured because of some property condition. Premises-liability claims typically are made by customers, employees, guests, or tenants who sustain personal injuries as a result of a slip, trip, and fall event; malfunctioning equipment, falling objects, or poor lighting.
Speaker Bio: Johann Szautner has 35 years of experience in the civil engineering field, specializing as a forensic engineer for the last 20 years. He has taught seminars for the Nevada State Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, in addition to the National Safety Council, the American Construction Specification Institute, the Connecticut Society of Professional Engineers, and the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers, and others.
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Saturday, July 26, 10:30 a.m.–noon, Microbial Fuel Cells: Direct Electricity Generation from Wastewater Using Microbial Fuel Cell Technology: Progress and Challenges, 1.5 PDH
Hong Liu, Ph.D., Oregon State University
With worldwide energy demand expected to increase by 57% from 2004 to 2030, the continued deterioration of environment caused by water pollution will require increasing investment in wastewater treatment. Generating energy from the "free" organic material in waste streams while accomplishing the waste treatment can make immediate contributions to the total energy production by reducing the annual expenditures in wastewater treatment. Microbial fuel cell technology, which uses microorganisms to catalyze the direct generation of electricity from biodegradable organic matter, provides a new approach for renewable energy generation from wastewater. This presentation will focus on cutting-edge MFC designs, the environmental factors affecting MFC performance, and the potential and challenges for using MFCs for wastewater treatment.
Speaker Bio: Hong Liu is an assistant professor of biological and ecological engineering at Oregon State University. She obtained her Ph.D. in environmental engineering from the University of Hong Kong and received postdoctoral training at Pennsylvania State University. Liu has published over 30 research papers, mainly in the areas of microbial fuel cell and biohydrogen production. She and her coworkers at Penn State won Popular Mechanics 2005 Breakthrough Awards for their invention of a bio-electrochemically assisted process for hydrogen generation. Her current research interests lie in the areas of environmental biotechnology and microbial fuel cell and bioenergy production.
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Saturday, July 26, 10:30 a.m.–noon, Confronting the Generation Gap in Engineering Firms, 1.5 PDH
 James D. Parker, Adecco Engineering and Technical
Engineering is a seasoned as well as young profession, with experienced professionals at one end of the spectrum and new engineering graduates at the other. How can companies retain employees and continue to engage the older, more experienced members of its talent pool to ensure the proper knowledge transfer to the next generation? How can engineering firms ensure effective work relationships and maximum productivity given the current generation gap? In this session, Parker will discuss the advantages of having a diverse workforce and how it can benefit your bottom line.
Speaker Bio: James D. Parker is President and Chief Operating Officer of Adecco Engineering & Technical USA – leading both the U.S. Adecco Engineering & Technical business line as well as the U.S. Adecco Medical & Science business line. A significant role in sustaining Adecco's position as the global leader in workforce solutions, Parker oversees field operations and executes strategies for the company's professional business lines that provide talent to the Engineering, IT, Scientific, Clinical and Professional markets. He manages all sales and service initiatives, and leads the talent acquisition and development strategies for two Adecco U.S. business lines. With his strong focus on customers, James has become a respected leader in the staffing industry and maintained close relationships with senior leaders of Global Fortune 500 corporations. For them, he develops and executes workforce solutions that optimize resources, improve productivity and maximize financial goals. He has attained an exceptional track record by providing high-quality service, commitment and leadership, producing outstanding results. An effective and strategic leader, Parker has been with the Adecco Group organization for 30 years, and has held many positions, including Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President of the Northeast and Mid-East Divisions, Area Vice President, Area Manager, Branch Manager, Salesperson and Recruiter. Parker is a graduate of the University of Maine with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.
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Saturday, July 26, 10:30 a.m.–noon, Project Management Best Practices and Profitability, 1.5 PDH
Michael R. D'Alessandro, P.E., P.M.P., PSMJ Resources
What are the industry best practices that will contribute to improved profitability? Understanding clients' priorities and recognizing that scope drives price are key drivers. Engineering firms need to instill a culture of improved project management empowerment through better planning, scoping strategies, improved budgeting, precise scheduling, and project controls. These techniques together create a methodology for managing projects that focus on earned value as a way of controlling time and cost, resulting in an early warning system to correct problems and avoid danger.
Speaker Bio: Michael D'Alessandro has a B.S. in civil engineering and a master's in environmental engineering. He has more than 25 years of experience as a consulting engineer with Camp, Dresser & McKee and the Parsons Corporation as manager of projects and design-build practice leader. Over the last eight years he has been with PSMJ Resources as principals consultant for project management and delivery. D'Alessandro has worked with hundreds of A/E firms on project management improvement initiatives and project management training.
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Saturday, July 26, 10:30 a.m.–noon, Drainage Solutions in Buildings, 1.5 PDH
Gilliam Harris, P.E., S.E., Gilliam Harris Engineering LLC
In this session, Gilliam Harris will discuss various methods of moving rainwater from buildings with design aids, including valley, eave and lower gutters (flat, sloping, irregular shapes, and large areas). He will also focus on scuppers, gutter outlets, conductor heads, downspouts, overflow provisions, and lower drainage, and analyze flow from the ridge of the roof through the various conductors out to the ditch.
Speaker Bio: Gilliam Harris is the former director of research and engineering for the Metal Builders Manufacturing Association and chair of the Technical Committee. Through his research at the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, Harris wrote the first version of the wind load design standard and was instrumental in its adoption into the Standard Building Code. At the Texas Tech Disaster Center, he also designed the mechanism to tune the rotating building that measures wind pressures from all directions. He has pioneered work in engineering and drafting computerized automation; was active in the development of the "Virtual Wind Tunnel," used in the structural design of buildings through simulations of wind tunnel action; and oversaw laboratory testing of building products to obtain approval for hurricane-resistant construction in South Florida. Harris received his B.S. from Clemson University and his M.S. from Rice University, both in civil engineering. He is a life member of NSPE.
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Saturday, July 26, 1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m., Conflict is Not a Dirty Word: How to Make Conflict a Problem Solving Event, 1.5 PDH
Alan Ovson
Conflicts, don't you hate them? Most of us do. But the jolts that conflicts provide can lead to useful epiphanies. Whether you are working with a contractor, boss, coworker, or a tough-as-nails client, your success depends on your ability to manage and transcend the pressures of difficult conversations and conflicts and work through the strong emotions they bring up. This fun, safe, interactive workshop will give you workable tools and the practice to help establish trust, acknowledge discomfort, and increase assertiveness, to enable you to set up the ground rules to push through difficult conversations and solve conflicts.
Speaker Bio: Alan Ovson is a business consultant, facilitator, coach and trainer who is an expert in the field of communication. He has served as director of staff development at one the nation's largest school districts and CEO of a real estate development company, and he has 20 years of experience as a business consultant specializing in facilitation, coaching, training, and speaking. He has degrees and credentials from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Theological Union, San Francisco State University, Stanford University, and Mass Media Institute.
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Saturday, July 26, 1:30–3:00 p.m., Field Modifications for Steel Frames, 1.5 PDH
Gilliam Harris, P.E., S.E., Gilliam Harris Engineering LLC
This session will focus on methods for field reinforcing of steel frames to reduce deflections or accommodate loads not anticipated in the original design. Field modifications of frames to accommodate additional headroom above floors, bleachers, cranes, duct work, cable trays, and vehicular traffic will also be discussed.
Speaker Bio: Gilliam Harris is the former director of research and engineering for the Metal Builders Manufacturing Association and chair of the Technical Committee. Through his research at the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, Harris wrote the first version of the wind load design standard and was instrumental in its adoption into the Standard Building Code. At the Texas Tech Disaster Center, he also designed the mechanism to tune the rotating building that measures wind pressures from all directions. He has pioneered work in engineering and drafting computerized automation; was active in the development of the "Virtual Wind Tunnel," used in the structural design of buildings through simulations of wind tunnel action; and oversaw laboratory testing of building products to obtain approval for hurricane-resistant construction in South Florida. Harris received his B.S. from Clemson University and his M.S. from Rice University, both in civil engineering. He is a life member of NSPE.
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Saturday, July 26, 1:30–3:00 p.m., Don't Let Green Design Cause Red Ink, 1.5 PDH
Nahom A. Gebre, P.E., Victor O. Schinnerer & Company
Engineers must respond to society's need for projects that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. But with increasing public emphasis on green design, engineers face significant exposures that challenge their professionalism and profitability. This session focuses on a realistic appraisal of emerging risks and discusses skills to manage them.
Speaker Bio: Nahom Gebre is a risk management attorney with Victor O. Schinnerer & Company. A licensed professional engineer, he practiced civil engineering prior to his involvement with risk management issues. His background includes service as in-house counsel and project manager for a large engineering firm. He provides risk management advice to Schinnerer and CNA policyholders. Gebre received his bachelor of science in civil engineering from Washington University and his juris doctor from Tulane University Law School.
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Saturday, July 26, 1:30–3:00 p.m., Harnessing Climate Change and Engineering a Healthy Economy, 1.5 PDH
Cylvia Hayes, 3EStrategies
Our current fossil-fuel-dependent energy system is harming the environment, contributing to global climate change and weakening the U.S. economy. Transitioning to a full-scale renewable energy system is a massive challenge, but one that can be achieved with investment and innovation. This session will explain our current energy situation, renewable energy options and the opportunity to create a healthy, secure economy by taking aggressive measures to reduce climate change.
Speaker Bio: Cylvia Hayes is the founder and executive director of 3EStrategies. She has 19 years of professional experience in sustainability issues including sustainable energy, green building, waste prevention and sustainable economics. In 2005, Cylvia was honored as a "Top 50 Leader" in Oregon by Oregon Business magazine, and in 2006 she was chosen by Cascade Business News as a "Top 40 Under 40." Hayes serves on Governor Ted Kulongoski's Renewable Energy Working Group, the Central Oregon Economic Development Strategy Committee, and the Bend 2030 Vibrant Economy action planning group. Hayes holds a master's in environmental studies from Evergreen State College.
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Saturday, July 26, 3:30–5:00 p.m., You Be the Judge: Ethical Practice of Engineering, 1.5 PDH
Arthur E. Schwartz, Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel, NSPE
Ethics has emerged as among the most important issues facing U.S. engineering professionals. Individuals and companies are being heavily scrutinized by their clients, regulators, the media, and the public. Recent media reports of ethics scandals and corporate wrongdoing highlight the need for engineers and engineering companies to be more aware of potential ethical pitfalls to avoid the risk of possible harm to their reputation and to the bottom line. In this session NSPE Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel Arthur Schwartz will engage the audience in a conversation and discuss several ethical scenarios to test your understanding of engineering ethics and professional practice issues.
Speaker Bio: Arthur E. Schwartz is the deputy executive director and general counsel of the National Society of Professional Engineers. In addition to leading the NSPE staff and supporting the NSPE Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Schwartz's responsibilities include serving as staff director to the NSPE Board of Ethical Review, Licensure and Qualifications for Practice Committee, as well as the NSPE-PEPP Professional Liability Committee and the Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee. Schwartz is a member of the American Bar Association, the District of Columbia Bar and Florida Bar. He is also an honorary member of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, and a member of the National Institute for Engineering Ethics Executive Board.
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