The University of Wisconsin-Platteville College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science is bringing real-world engineering projects to students, faculty and friends of the university with the fall 2022 EMS Engineering Seminar Series. Free and open to the public, the series will highlight five engineering projects and insight from experts in the field.
“We will continue the hybrid format to bring speakers from near and far together to showcase exciting projects,” said Dr. Danny Xiao, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at UW-Platteville and an organizer of the event. “In a time of unprecedented challenges, engineers uphold their mission: develop and apply innovative, state-of-the-art practices and technologies to build a better quality of life for our society.”
The series will kick off on Tuesday, Sept. 20, with “Structural Steel Erection in Bridge Construction,” presented by Eion Hess, project manager at Kraemer North America. Amanda DeAmico, P.E., project manager at MSA Professional Services Inc., will present “Wisconsin’s Evaluation of Roundabout Safety” on Tuesday, Oct. 4. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, Joe Szymanski, project manager at F.H. Paschen, will present “Managing Self-Performed Work.” The series will continue on Tuesday, Nov. 1, with “Defending the Great Lakes: Aquatic Invasive Species Deterrents,” presented by UW-Platteville’s Dr. Thomas Zolper, associate professor of mechanical engineering. The series will end with “The Intricacies of Structural Concrete on a Nuclear Project,” by Pierre Rideau, senior project manager at J.H. Findorff & Son, on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
“I am looking forward to the upcoming seminar series as the past seminars have allowed me to gain knowledge on topics that I would not have otherwise been exposed to,” said Stephanie Rudolph, a structural engineer, EIT at Agra Industries. “Not all topics pertain to my chosen career field of structural engineering, but I have yet to leave a seminar without learning something that I can apply to my career in some way. Additionally, many of the seminars’ speakers reflect on either past or ongoing projects providing that real world aspect that cannot be gained in the classroom and are not experienced by all in the field.”
All seminars will be offered in both 350 Sesquicentennial Hall and virtually on Zoom.
“I very much enjoy the feeling of being back in the classroom at UW-Platteville,” said Andrea Mueller, P.E., a senior civil BIM specialist at HDR Inc. “Having the ability to join in the discussion live via Zoom from my office in Phoenix, Arizona makes the series all the more enjoyable.”
Mary Wagner, P.E., a funding administrator at MSA Professional Services Inc., also expressed her appreciation for the series being remotely accessible while still allowing attendees the opportunity to interact directly with presenters, saying, “It’s a great platform for our peers to share what is happening in their field and learn from the unique projects and challenges.”
The seminar series is in its seventh year and is offered in both fall and spring semesters.
“I believe that these seminars will be a great way to expose new and continuing students to facets of the engineering field,” said Nic Oesau, a senior civil engineering major from Crystal Lake, Illinois. “With topics covering transportation, structures, construction and environmental protection, there should be something for all attendees to enjoy and learn from.”
“We hope audiences can join us to see how difficult decisions are made and how teams come together to solve challenges,” said Xiao.
Attendees are eligible for one professional development hour. For more information about the series and to register, visit the Engineering Seminar Series webpage at www.uwplatt.edu/engineering-seminar-series.