THE ENGINEERING SOCIETY OF DETROIT
V.26 | N.2 FALL 2021
CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN AWARDS
2021 John G. Petty Image Award: Janice Means 18
Meet the First Female Master Plumber
41
Failing Grades: Fixing Michigan’s Infrastructure 45
POWER UP UP your career
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Architecture and Design | Arts and Sciences | Business and Information Technology | Engineering ltu.edu/powerup | ltu.edu/applyfree
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Technology Century
®
THE ENGINEERING SOCIETY OF DETROIT
FALL 2021 V.26 | N.2
FEATURES
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 18 20 29
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An Out-of-this-World Experience!
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Vroooooom! Girls in Engineering Learn the Ins and Outs of Auto Racing
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MSU COE to be Home for Industrial Assessment Center
ESD CORPORATE MEMBERS PUBLICATION NOTES PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE IN THE NEWS IN MEMORIAM THANK YOU, DONORS UPCOMING EVENTS & DEADLINES ESD HAPPENINGS IMAGE AWARD: JANICE K. MEANS CORPORATE MEMBER PROFILE: TETRA TECH ESD CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN AWARDS
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BY LINDA J. GERHARDT
BY MATT DAVENPORT
Why Wood? And Other Biophilic Construction Questions BY ALLISON MILLS
38 Michigan Central Station: Turning the Past into the Future Cover photo: An interior shot from the Ford Motor Company Driving Dynamics Lab, one of the 2021 C&D Award Winners. Read more about this project on page 30. Above photo: ESD’s Girls in Engineering Academy celebrated achievement after this year’s summer programs. Participant Natasha Shell and her family are pictured. See page 21.
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Expanding with the Times: Colleges and Universities Evolve to Meet Engineering Needs BY SUSAN THWING
45 Failing Grades: Cards in Place for Building Back a Better Michigan
BY SUSAN THWING
48 Networking in the Pandemic: Making the Most of College Opportunities
BY DANA MARIE LEFEVRE
T H E E N G I N E E R I N G S O C I E T Y O F D E T R O I T esd.org | 1
ESD SUSTAINING AND CORPORATE MEMBER COMPANIES
SUSTAINING MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNERS
AKT Peerless Environmental Services Altair Engineering American Axle Manufacturing American Center for Educational and Professional Services American Society of Employers Aristeo Construction AVL North America The Bartech Group Barton Malow Company Brightwing Central Michigan University Chrysan Industries Citizens Insurance Clark Hill, PLC CleanEarth CMS Enterprises Comfort Engineering Solutions, LLC Construction Association of Michigan Cornerstone Environmental Group, LLC CPCII Credit Union ONE CulturecliQ Danlaw, Inc. DASI Solutions DENSO International America, Inc. Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau Detroit Transportation Corporation Dow Chemical Company DTE Energy DTE Energy Gas Operations Dürr Systems, Inc. Eastern Michigan University Education Planning Resources, Inc. Electrical Resources Company Electro-Matic Products, Inc. Energy Sciences Experis Farbman Group Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Financial One, Inc. FirstMerit Bank Fishman Stewart PLLC Fusion Welding Solutions Gala & Associates, Inc. Gates Corporation GHD
General Dynamics General Motors Company Gensler George W. Auch Company Ghafari Associates, LLC Glenn E. Wash & Associates, Inc. Golder Associates Inc. Gonzalez Contingent Workforce Services GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. Harley Ellis Devereaux Hartland Insurance Group, Inc. Hindsight Consulting, Inc. Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. The Hunter Group LLC IBI Group Ideal Contracting Integrity Staffing Group, Inc. ITT Technical Institute Canton ITT Technical Institute Dearborn IBEW Local 58 & NECA LMCC JNA Partners, Inc. Jozwiak Consulting, Inc. JTL America, Inc. Kettering University Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti and Sherbrook, PC Knovalent, Inc. Kolene Corporation Kostal North America Kugler Maag CIE North America Lake Superior State University Lawrence Technological University LHP Software Limbach Company, Inc. Link Engineering Co. LTI Information Technology Macomb Community College Maner, Costerisan & Ellis, PC Makino McNaughton-McKay Electric Company Meritor MEDA Engineering & Technical Services MICCO Construction Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters Michigan State University Michigan Technological University Midwest Steel Inc.
Mitsubishi Motors R&D of America, Inc. Monroe Environmental Corporation Myron Zucker, Inc. Neumann/Smith Architecture Newman Consulting Group, LLC NORR Architects Engineers Planners Northern Industrial Manufacturing Corp. NTH Consultants, Ltd. O’Brien and Gere Oakland University Optech LLC Orbitak International, LLC Original Equipment Suppliers Association Pure Eco Environmental Solutions R.L. Coolsaet Construction Co. Rocket Fiber ROWE Professional Services Company Rumford Industrial Group Ruby+Associates, Inc. SEGULA Technologies Saginaw Valley State University Special Multi Services SSI Talascend, LLC Testing Engineers & Consultants Thermal-Netics TRANE Commercial Systems Troy Chamber of Commerce Trialon TRW Automotive Turner Construction Co. UBS Financial Services—Lott Sheth Farber Group Universal Weatherstrip & Bldg. Supply University of Detroit Mercy University of Michigan University of Michigan-Dearborn U.S. Farathane Corporation voxeljet America Inc. Wade-Trim Walbridge Walker-Miller Energy Services, LLC Wayne State University Western Michigan University Whitehall Industries The Whiting Turner Contracting Company WSP ZF
techcentury V.26 I N.2 Fall 2021
20700 Civic Center Drive, Suite 450 • Southfield, MI 48076 248–353–0735 • 248–353–0736 fax • esd@esd.org • esd.org
Publication Notes Karyn Stickel Associate, Hubbell, Roth & Clark
TECHNOLOGY CENTURY® EDITORIAL BOARD CHAIR: Karyn Stickel, Hubbell, Roth & Clark Sandra Diorka, Delhi Charter Township Utpal Dutta, PhD, FESD, University of Detroit Mercy Linda Gerhardt, PhD, FESD Richard, Hill, PhD, University of Detroit Mercy Dana Marie LeFevre, Student, Michigan State University William A. Moylan, Jr., PhD, PMP, FESD, Eastern Michigan University Matt Roush, Lawrence Technologicial University Larry Sak, PE, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (retired) Rajiv Shah, PE, ACSCM Michael Stewart, Fishman Stewart Intellectual Property Filza H. Walters, FESD, Lawrence Technological University Cyrill Weems, Plante Moran CRESA Yang Zhao, PhD, Wayne State University
ESD BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Kirk T. Steudle, PE, FESD, Econolite VICE PRESIDENT: Robert A. Richard, DTE Energy TREASURER: Alex F. Ivanikiw, AIA, LEED AP, FESD, OAC Advisers, LLC SECRETARY: Robert Magee, The Engineering Society of Detroit PAST PRESIDENT: Daniel E. Nicholson, PE, FESD, General Motors Company Paul C. Ajegba, PE, Michigan Department of Transportation Carla Bailo, Center for Automotive Research Katherine M. Banicki, FESD, Testing Engineers and Consultants Mike Boss, Dürr Systems, Inc. Denise Carlson, DENSO International America, Inc. Sean P. Conway, American Axle and Manufacturing Farshad Fotouhi, PhD, FESD, Wayne State University Alec D. Gallimore, PhD, University of Michigan Lori Gatmaitan, SAE Foundation Malik Goodwin, Goodwin Management Group, LLC Ronald R. Henry, AIA, NCARB, Sachse Construction Marc Hudson, Bamboo Detroit Leo C. Kempel, PhD, FESD, Michigan State University Thomas McCarthy, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US Dan Milot, ZF Group Claude Molinari, Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau Scott Penrod, Walbridge Bill Rotramel, AVL Powertrain Engineering, Inc. Terry J. Woychowski, FESD, Caresoft Global
TECHNOLOGY CENTURY STAFF PUBLISHER: MANAGING EDITOR: EDITOR:
Robert Magee, Executive Director Nick Mason, Director of Operations Susan Thwing
Postmaster, please send changes to: ESD, 20700 Civic Center Drive, Suite 450, Southfield, MI 48076. Technology Century® (ISSN 1091-4153 USPS 155-460), also known as TechCentury, is published by The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD). Periodical postage paid at Southfield, MI, and at additional mailing offices. The authors, editors, and publisher will not accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may be made in this publication. The publisher makes no warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the material contained herein. Advertisements in TechCentury for products, services, courses, and symposia are published with a caveat emptor (buyer beware) understanding. The authors, editors, and publisher do not imply endorsement of products, nor quality, validity or approval of the educational material offered by such advertisements. ©2021 The Engineering Society of Detroit.
As summer winds down, we are excited to be coming to you again with our latest issue, which focuses on our Construction and Design Award winners and takes a look into advancements in construction safety, efficiency, sustainability and processes. We are also exploring the state of Michigan’s infrastructure in 2021. With the Senate passing a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, this topic has been in the news, and we hope that this bill will provide some much needed funding to invest in the state. Other articles include the ongoing renovations of the Michigan Railway Station on Michigan Avenue by Ford Motor Company, including a profile of the first female master plumber to work on the project. An article focused on the Future City program, and the challenges that the competition faced during COVID is included. Also, from a university perspective, is an article about new, innovative college programs. And we are pleased to announce a new student member of our Editorial Board, Dana LeFevre. Ms. LeFevre was a winner of last year’s student writing contest and is providing a student insight on networking. Look in these pages for a profile of the 2021 Image Award winner, Janice K. Means, as well as the announcement of the award’s name change. Lastly, please consider supporting this magazine—while taking advantage of the industry and business exposure you will receive—by sponsoring, advertising in, or writing an article for future editions. By doing so, you can share your industry expertise with our 22,000 engineers and technical leaders in Michigan. We hope you enjoy!
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PRES IDE N T ’S M ESSAGE
Today’s Challenge is Tomorrow’s Opportunity
S
ometimes a challenge can turn into our best opportunity. In this issue of TechCentury, you’ll read an update about the low grade Michigan received on the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Report Card. Since 1998, ASCE has issued the Infrastructure Report Card every four years. When the most recent report was released, our state received a D+. Just this spring, President Joe Biden reiterated this low grade on Michigan’s infrastructure when announcing a $1.2 trillion national infrastructure bill. If approved, the bill provides Michigan with billions of dollars to fix its decayed bridges and roads. The report from ASCE was accurate. We have a lot of work to do to get up to speed: to provide a strong system of roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, dams, energy systems, and more, that will bring us back to where we need to be to succeed as a state. A pessimist would look at these monumental challenges and see insurmountable work, energy, funding and time to make it happen. But engineers are not pessimists. Instead, we see a challenge and envision tomorrow’s opportunity. Ahead of us is the opportunity to create new solutions, develop new jobs, and lead this state into an even greater place to work, live and grow. As President of The Engineering Society of Detroit, I see this same opportunity. I am honored to be able to lead this incredible group of people forward as we regroup from all we have been through in the past years and all that we have before us to do. Throughout my career I have served on several national boards, but I am most proud and excited about the work ESD is doing right here in this state. We are coming together—virtually for now—to fulfil the important role of engineers. Engineers are critical thinkers.
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We are future-leaning professionals. We know how to ‘rethink.’ When faced with a challenge, we look at ‘what else is possible.’ And ESD is small and nimble enough to make big changes, to come to big solutions, and make a real difference. Hopefully soon, we can come together in person again. Until then, I know we, as the members of The Engineering Society of Detroit, will be at the forefront of bringing the ASCE grade to an A+, solving the infrastructure needs of this state, and doing what we engineers do—finding tomorrow’s opportunity in today’s challenges. Kirk T. Steudle, PE, FESD President, The Engineering Society of Detroit Senior Vice President, Econolite
IN THE NEWS LTU’S MOUDGIL RETIRING
AYYAR JOINS ALTAIR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lawrence Technological University (LTU) President Virinder Moudgil has announced his retirement at the end of the year. Dr. Moudgil has served as president and CEO of LTU since 2012. He oversaw a period of significant growth of the university’s enrollment, fund raising, and community outreach. Campus facility growth and improvements include purchase of an adjacent five acres and 92,000 sq. ft. twin buildVirinder Moudgil ings, construction of a third and fourth student residence hall, LTU’s Detroit Center for Design and Technology in midtown Detroit, and the Taubman Complex and Marburger STEM Center opened in September 2016, which is also home to advanced engineering, life sciences, and architecture programs.
Shekar Ayyar has joined Altair’s board of directors. With more than 25 years of industry experience, Ayyar was most recently an executive vice president and general manager for VMware’s telco and edge cloud business unit and previously held other l e a d e r s h i p p o s i t i o n s a t V Mwa re including as the company’s executive vice president of strategy and corporate development. For more about Altair Engineering, visit altair.com.
BARTON MALOW’S IVANIKIW RETIRES
Shekar Ayyar
LINK CELEBRATES 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY LINK Engineering celebrates ten years of operation in three of global test laboratories: Europe, China, and Dearborn. The Dearborn Technical Center is LINK’s largest testing laboratory, supporting test operations throughout the world with comprehensive facility capabilities. LINK Germany runs a full testing operation with the most up-todate laboratory and vehicle testing equipment. The LINK China Shanghai testing laboratory has been testing components such as automotive brakes, wheels, hubs, and more for ten years. For more, visit linkeng.com.
After 31 years at Barton Malow, Executive Vice President Alex Ivanikiw has retired. “Alex has brought a unique ability to view opportunities and challenges from the builder, designer, and owner perspective,” says Barton Malow PresiZF JOINS DTE GREEN POWER PROGRAM dent/CEO Ryan Maibach. Ivanikiw ZF North America has joined began his career with Barton Malow in DTE’s MIGreenPower program. 1989. He was instrumental in developMIGreenPower MIGreenPower is a voluntary ing the design-build delivery method renewable energy program that MIGreenPower and has participated in more than $10 Alex Ivanikiw enables DTE Electric customers billion worth of such work during his time at Barton Malow. Ivanikiw will remain as Treasurer of to attribute a greater percentage of their electricity use to DTE’s wind and solar projects beyond the 15% already The Engineering Society of Detroit Board of Directors. included in customers’ energy mix. “ZF North America joins several Metro Detroit-based automotive companies GANDY NAMED ‘RISING STAR’ who are now using MIGreenPower to help meet their Barton Malow Senior Community sustainability targets,” said Brian Calka, DTE Director of Engagement Specialist Katie Gandy Renewable Solutions. has been named a 2021 Rising Star by News/Talk 760 WJR and the Detroit NEW LEADERSHIP AT TURNER Economic Club. Gandy supports initiaRobert Bowen has been promoted tives such as the Barton Malow Boot to General Manager of Turner ConCamp, a six-week program that works struction’s Michigan operations. to expose youth to careers in the skilled Bowen takes over leadership from trades and offer sustainable employDavid Kelly who will now serve as ment opportunities with either Barton Vice President and General Manager Malow or its subcontractor partners. Katie Gandy of Turner’s Austin and San Antonio Gandy also works with career tech education partners to recruit and educate underserved residents offices. Turner holds a Bachelor of on careers in construction, provides access to supportive Science in Civil Engineering from the services and grants for apprentices to remove barriers to University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. Robert Bowen success within the skilled trades..
T H E E N G I N E E R I N G S O C I E T Y O F D E T R O I T esd.org | 5
IN MEMORI A M
With deep gratitude for their participation and service, the Society acknowledges the passing of the following members:
WARREN C. BROWN, FESD
Vice President, Motor Products, Link Engineering Co. Burroughs Corp. College of Fellows Chair, Professional Licensing & Governmental Affairs Chair, SIG Committee Strategic Planning Roundtable Education & Professional Activities Board EPA Board Nominating Committee Future City Special Award Judge Member since 1973
DAVID M. GATES
Engineer, Electrical Hardware, LG Clem Power, Inc. Member since 1991
EUGENE D. MILLER
Engineer, Ric-Man Construction Co. Member since 1967
P. SCOTT MILLER
Sales Engineer/Consultant, RW Mead & Sons Member since 1979
GILBERT F. OSTERDAY Retired, General Motors Corp. Member since 1980
IRVIN E. POSTON, PE, FESD, FSPE
JOHN M. HARLAN, FESD
Retired, Manager, Plastics/Composites, General Motors Corp. College of Fellows 2015 Gold Award Winner Distinguished Service Award Lifetime Achievement Award Composites Committee Member since 1959
WESLEY D. KAPPLER, PE
Retired, Mechanical Engineer, Ford Motor Co. Member since 1980
President & CEO, Harlan Electric Co. ESD Board of Directors College of Fellows Science & Engineering Fair Board of Directors Member since 1977
Retired, Detroit Edison Co. Member since 1967
DAVID G. KOLODZIEJ
Retired, President, ABEX NWL Retired, VP, Vickers Aerospace Marine Defense Div. Senior Engineers Council Member since 2002
THOMAS A. MADEJA
Retired, Director of Exhibitions / Food & Beverage Director, The Engineering Society of Detroit Joined the ESD staff in 1967
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GEORGE L. RINGSTAD
THOMAS P. ROACH
Retired, President, Thomas P. Roach Retired, Partner, John K. Lark Co. Membership Committee Member since 1998
RAYMOND W. SKROCKI
Mechanical Quality Engineer, Easom Automation Systems Member since 1995
GLENN E. WASH
President, Glenn E. Wash & Associates, Inc. Membership Committee Recruiters Committee PA Corporate Committee Member since 1993
MEMBERS H IP
THANK YOU, 2020 DONORS! Thank you to all those individuals who supported the Society last year with monetary gifts—by participating in the 2020 Annual Fund Raising Campaign or by giving with their dues last year. It is with their generous support that we are able to continue our outreach efforts. TRANSFORMATION LEVEL Thomas M. Doran, PE, FESD Alec D. Gallimore, PhD Kouhaila Hammer, CPA, FESD Alex F. Ivanikiw, AIA, LEED AP, FESD Roy H. Link, FESD Richard E. Marburger, PhD, FESD (in memory of Mary E. Marburger) William A. Moylan, Jr., PhD, PMP, FESD, DTM (in memory of John G. Petty) Daniel E. Nicholson, PE, FESD Lloyd E. Reuss, FESD (in honor of the Marburger Challenge) Robert A. Richard Terry J. Woychowski, FESD INNOVATION LEVEL Anonymous Robert R. Byrom (in honor of the Future City program) Sean P. Conway Farshad Fotouhi, PhD, FESD Donald E. Goodwin, FESD Marty Hogan Marc Hudson Leo Kempel, PhD, FESD David Low William Rotramel Kristen M. Siemen INVENTION LEVEL Anonymous Paul Ajegba, PE Michael A. Aznavorian Carla Bailo Katherine M. Banicki, FESD John P. Cole, PE John T. Danic James DeDyne Malik R. Goodwin Edward C. Levy, Jr. Robert Magee Parikshita Nayak, PhD, PE David E. Pamula, PE Douglas E. Patton, FESD Scott Penrod Robert Victor Petrach, Jr., CMfgE Michael Ryan, FESD Dinesh C. Seksaria, PE, FESD Donald J. Smolenski, PE, FESD (in memory of John G. Petty)
CREATION LEVEL Anonymous John C. Anderson Drew Bartlett James L. Bertram Richard A. Bither, PE Joie Gabrielle Blakey Patricia M. Bober David T. Bozek Donald Robert Brasie Robert J. Buckler, PE, FESD Denise Carlson David Edward Cole IV, FESD Thomas C. Cook, CPE Thomas J. DeLaura, PE Hon. Christopher D. Dingell, JD Robert A. Ficano, JD Lori Gatmaitan Richard P. Green, PE, CEM, LEED GA E. E. Hagenlocker, FESD Norman Edward Hall David L. Harrington, FESD Mitchell Harris Sr. Jerry Hendler James C. Hobson, PE Jason P. Huber, PE James Hall Kent Timothy Keyser Raymond A. Kobe, PE James Kosniewski Gary Kuleck, PhD Gregory A. Lesnau William E. Liverman EdD Thomas B. Locke, PE David A. Lomas, PE, QEP, D.WRE, PMP, FESD Craig R. Love Philip Macy, PE, PMP Richard W. Marks, PE Tito R Marzotto, PE, FESD (in memory of John G. Petty) Margarit Morgan Cleotha Morgan, Jr. William J. Moylan, PE, Fellow MSPE, Fellow IEEE Kalyan Mutyala, PhD Joseph F. Neussendorfer, FESD Christopher Van Northcross, Sr. Donald Nowosiadly James C. O’Rourke Dennis Ohm
Lawrence Parets David C. Paterson, CIS, AIA Palash Pattewar Carlos A. Pertusi Nancy Philippart, PhD, FESD Russel Pogats Marva C. Pope Robert T. Quail Nassif Rayess, PhD Larry A. Rose, PE Pranab Saha, PhD, PE, INCE Bd Cert, FESD, FSAE Peter F. Salamon, PE Joseph Lawrence Schaffer, PE Charles K. Sestok III Douglas W. Smith Donald R. Spivack, AICP Charles J. Squires Kirk T. Steudle, PE, FESD Godfrey A. Udoji, PE Filza Walters, FESD (in honor of Richard Marburger) Raymond M. Womack Thomas J. P. Wysocki Sekai R. Young
Every effort has been made to provide an accurate list of donors. If there are any errors or omissions, please contact Nick Mason at nmason@esd.org or call 248-353-0735, ext. 127. Thank you to all those who have donated so far in 2021. We will add your name to next year’s list. Please watch your inbox for our 2021 Fall Fund Raising Campaign, which we will send soon. Many members give to the Society by sponsoring and participating in our programs such as our Golf Outing or Girls in Engineering Academy. That support is not reflected here—only individual donations.
T H E E N G I N E E R I N G S O C I E T Y O F D E T R O I T esd.org | 7
UP COM IN G EV E N TS GOLD AWARD RECEPTION & RECOGNITION March 16, 2022 • In-Person Event
Join the ESD Affiliate Societies as we come together to honor and recognize our leaders—engineers, scientists and technical professionals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding achievement and service within their respective Societies. Hosted by ESD and its Affiliate Council, the event will feature the 2022 Gold Award winner. For more info, visit esd.org or contact Elana Shelef at eshelef@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 119.
October 21, 2021 • Online
This year’s event is complimentary, but preregistration is required. For more information or to register, visit esd.org or contact Leslie Smith, CMP, at lsmith@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 152.
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Spring 2022 • In-Person Event Jo b Se e ke r s : ESD’s Engineers G e t H i re d j o b fair provides an opportunity to meet faceto-face with representatives from some of Michigan’s leading companies. Employers will be recruiting for full and part-time positions, internships, and co-op opportunities. Employers: The Engineers Get Hired job fair regularly draws hundreds of engineers and technology professionals eager to find their next opportunity. Join some of Michigan’s leading companies and meet with candidates seeking full and part-time positions, as well as internships and co-op opportunities.
MICHIGAN CYBER SUMMIT A full-day virtual conference, the 2021 Michigan Cyber Summit ( f o r m e r l y t h e No r t h A m e r i c a n International Cyber Summit) will be fully interactive delivering all the benefits of an in-person event to you from the comfort of your home or office. This event, now in its tenth year, will bring together experts to provide timely content and address a variety of cybersecurity issues impacting the world. Attendees will hear from government and industry leaders on the latest developments and gain insights into managing today’s security challenges. Session topics include: % Government and private sector collaboration % Cybersecurity and workforce development % Cybersecurity infrastructure % Private sector cybersecurity trends
ENGINEERS GET HIRED
31ST ANNUAL SOLID WASTE TECHNICAL CONFERENCE Spring 2022 • In-Person Event
In its 31st year, the Solid Waste Technical Conference, hosted by the Michigan Waste and Recycling Association (MWRA) and ESD, focuses on cutting-edge technological innovations and solutions related to the solid waste industry. The one-day conference will feature experts in waste management practice to help attendees learn about issues related to policy, new technologies, regulatory updates and what the future holds for the solid waste industry. Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities are available, visit esd.org for details or contact Leslie Smith, CMP, at 248-353-0735, ext. 152 or lsmith@ esd.org for more information.
The job fair will be held at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Visit esd.org. For exhibit space contact Leslie Smith, CMP, at lsmith@ esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 152.
ESD ANNUAL GOLF OUTING June 6, 2022 • In-Person Event
A day of fun and networking in support of engineering ! Mark your calendar and plan to join your colleagues and friends for ESD’s Annual Golf Outing. Outing proceeds help support outreach and educational efforts such as the Girls in Engineering Academy, the Michigan Regional Fu t u r e C i t y C o m p e t i t i o n , E S D Student Chapters at Michigan universities and scholarship programs for high school and college students. The outing will take place at Oak Pointe Country Club in Brighton. For more information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Heather Lilley at hlilley@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 120.
UP COMING EVENTS
ONLINE “EARNING YOUR PE LICENSE” INFORMATION SESSION October 2021–January 2022
Are you ready to set yourself apart? Attend a complimentary session and find out how you can earn your PE license. Engineering professionals will be on hand to answer your questions and provide you with the information you’ll need to get started on your path to licensure. Sessions will be held o n Mo n d a y a n d Tu e s d a y evenings from 6–7 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. Sessions are complimentary, but preregistration is required. Fo r d a t e s a n d h ow t o r e g i s t e r, v i s i t e s d .o rg or contact Elana Shelef at eshelef@esd.org or 248-3530735, ext. 119.
ONLINE LIVE-INSTRUCTOR FE/PE EXAM REVIEW COURSES Winter 2022 classes start in February
Holding a PE license sets you apart from other engineers. Licensed engineers also enjoy higher salaries and faster career advancement, and become qualified to work independently as a consultant or business owner. ESD has been preparing engineers for the State of Michigan PE Licensure exam for over 75 years. Let our experience help you prepare for and pass the exam on your first try. You’ll learn in a small online setting from expert instructors who have first-hand knowledge of the course material.
ONLINE FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING (FE) FOR CIVIL, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL Tuesdays & Thursdays, Beginning in February 2022
This course is for candidates planning to take the computer-based FE Exam. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6–9 p.m.
ONLINE PRINCIPLES & PRACTICE OF ENGINEERING (PE) FOR CIVIL, ELECTRICAL POWER, ENVIRONMENTAL AND MECHANICAL Saturdays, Beginning in February 2022
The PE review course focuses on problem-solving techniques to help candidates prepare for and pass their specific PE exam. Courses are taught by academic and industry professionals. Civil and Environmental classes meet 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Mechanical and Electrical Power classes meet 1–5 p.m. For details or to register for a review course, visit esd.org or contact Elana Shelef at eshelef@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 119.
ONLINE PE CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES Ongoing
Michigan PEs who want to enhance their personal and professional growth, or who need continuing education hours, can check out ESD’s online three and four-hour courses. For a schedule and to register, please visit esd.org or contact Elana Shelef at eshelef@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 119.
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UP COM IN G EV E N TS & D E A D LINES MICHIGAN ENERGY EFFICIENCY CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION
ESD STUDENT WRITING CONTEST
May 3, 2022 · In-Person Event
In its 23rd year, this conference, hosted by DTE Energy and ESD, the only one of its kind in Michigan, is designed to educate small to large commercial and industrial businesses on technology, products, and services that will assist them in successful energy management. The conference will take place at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. For more information or to register online, please visit esd.org. For exhibit and sponsorship opportunities, contact Leslie Smith, CMP, at lsmith@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 152.
CAMPUS PARTY TECHFEST
In an effort to promote and engage student voices and ideas about the profession of engineering, the TechCentury magazine will hold its 3rd Annual Engineering Student Writing Contest. The contest is now open to all students attending Michigan universities and studying within any of the engineering disciplines or related fields. The top three entries will be published in the spring issue of TechCentury. The top awardwinning essay author will receive recognition at the 2022 Gold Award Reception and a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Fishman Stewart, LLC.
Contest details
Summer 2022 · In-Person Event
Since its inception 24 years ago, Campus Party has been a global meeting place for thousands of creative, knowledgeable, and visionary minds who want to accomplish one common goal: propel tech to new heights. This is what Campus Party TechFest is all about—whether it’s happening through thought-provoking presentations, cutting-edge challenges, interactive workshops, or unique networking opportunities. The first-ever North American Campus Party TechFest will be held in 2022 in Detroit at the TCF Center. Visit usa.campus-party.org for more information.
Campus Party
% The student will write a 750-word essay on one of four topics listed below. % The student must be studying an engineering or related discipline at an accredited Michigan university. % Entries must be received by close of business, Friday, November 19, 2021 via email to sthwing@ esd.org. % The TechCentury Editorial Board will review entries and the top three essays (along with a student profile) will be published in the Winter 2022 issue of TechCentury, both print and online. % The top essayist will be recognized at the 2022 ESD Gold Award Reception as well as receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Topics
% Hybrid Learning/Work: how is your university preparing you for the new methods? % What is something positive that came out of the last 18 months of living in the pandemic world? % Write an advice column: What advice would you give your mentors in relation to how they can help you become trained and educated in a hybrid world? % What’s your favorite SciFi or Fantasy story and why? Visit esd.org to obtain the application form, then send the entry form and essay to sthwing@esd.org by Friday, November 19, 2021. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!
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UP COMING EVENTS & DEADLIN ES
HONORS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS GOLD AWARD NOMINATIONS
JOHN G. PETTY IMAGE AWARD
At a special reception each March, the ESD Affiliate Council (made up of 92 societies) presents its most prestigious tribute, The Gold Award, to honor an outstanding engineer or scientist. Each society may nominate one individual; all nominations received are then judged by a group comprised of past Affiliate Council presidents. The 2022 Gold Award Recognition & Reception will be held on March 16. Nomination forms can be found at esd.org. For more, please contact Elana Shelef at eshelef@esd.org or 248-3530735, ext. 119.
ESD’s John G. Petty Image Award recognizes individuals who have promoted, publicized and enhanced the engineering and technical professions to the public-at-large through public engagement, mentoring, public speaking, authoring articles, and other publicly visible activities. No m i n e e s d o n o t h ave t o b e ESD members, but nominators must be. Nominations are due by February 28, 2022. Nomination requirements and additional information can be found at esd.org or contact Susan Thwing at sthwing@esd.org.
Deadline: December 10, 2021
ESD COLLEGE OF FELLOWS NOMINATIONS
NOMINATION DEADLINE: FEB. 28, 2022 Help us recognize leaders by nominating a Fellow, one of the highest recognitions that ESD can bestow its members. Candidates are selected based on outstanding professional accomplishments, leadership and service. They must be members in good standing for at least five years at time of application deadline. Full details and instructions are at esd.org. For questions, contact Heather Lilley at hlilley@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 120.
Entry Deadline: February 28, 2022
ESD CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN AWARDS ENTRY DEADLINE: FEB. 28, 2022
ESD’s Construction and Design Aw a r d s h o n o r t h e t h r e e p r i mary members of the building team—owners, designers, and constructors—and recognize outstanding team achievement and innovative use of technology. At least one of the primary members of the project team must be an ESD member. For more information, visit esd.org or contact Leslie Smith, CMP, at lsmith@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 152.
Fellow nominations are due February 28.
ESD HONOR AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
Applications Due: February 18, 2022
Outstanding Young Engineer of the Year
This award recognizes a young professional under the age of 35 who has best distinguished him/herself in the engineering and scientific communities. Criteria include education, work experience, and professional a n d c o m m u n i t y a c t i v i t i e s. Applicants must be members of ESD.
Outstanding College Student of the Year
T h i s aw a r d r e c o g n i z e s a n undergraduate student who has best distinguished him/ herself in the engineering and scientific communities. Criteria include academic background, extracurricular activities, and employment experience. The winner(s) will receive a $2,000 scholarship.
Outstanding High School Student of the Year
This award recognizes a graduating high school senior. To be considered, applicants must have a least a 3.0 GPA, plan on pursuing a career in the field of engineering or the life sciences, and participate in volunteer activities. The winner(s) will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Applications and additional criteria can be found at esd. org. For more info, contact Sue Ruffner at sruffner@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 117.
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ES D HA P P E NI NGS
ESD AWARDS $20,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS
2021 Outstanding Young Engineer of the Year:
GAUTHAM PRASAD Each year, The Engineering Society of Detroit recognizes a young professional under the age of 35 who has best distinguished him/ herself in the engineering and scientific communities. Criteria include education, work experience, and professional and community activities. The 2021 ESD Outstanding Yo u n g E n g i n e e r o f t h e Ye a r i s Gautham Prasad, PE, SE, a Structural Engineer at Ghafari Associates. Through a decade-long career in structural engineering, Gautham has honed his passions for bridge and building design, earthquake analysis, finite element modeling, and structural inspections and investigations. He has been a member of the Ghafari structural team since 2012, supporting projects in the automotive, industrial, education, and aviation sectors.
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A licensed engineer in four states, he holds a Master of Science in civil engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Technology in civil engineering from the National Institute of Technology in Bhopal, India. While earning his master’s degree, he was awarded a research assistantship by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Pennsylvania State University. He has co-authored several papers, including “Seismic Risk Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Bridges in Flood-Prone Regions”, which was published in Structure and Infrastructure Engineering. Past recipients of this award include Donald Frey (1953), Reinhold Tischler (1970), Dr. Ralph H. Kummler (1974), James J. Padilla (1980), Dr. Nancy Philippart (1986), and Ryan Maibach (2010), to name a few.
E S D re c e n t l y awa rd e d s i x high school students and four college students with $2,000 merit-based scholarships. Recognizing and honoring the future of our profession is key to our mission. Thank you to all of our donors who helped fund these scholarships!
2021 HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS % Robert Adams II, Rochester Adams High School, Rochester Hills % Maya Abdallah, Saline High School, Saline % Ishra Ibadat, Rochester Adams High School, Rochester Hills % Maansi Nema, Novi High School, Novi % Marcella Zarouk, Marian High School, Bloomfield Hills % Christine Zeng, Troy High School, Troy
2021 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS % Gabriella Kelsch Bledsoe, Michigan State University % David DeLisle, Eastern Michigan University % Heather Noonan, Michigan State University % Lauren Ross, University of Detroit Mercy
ES D HAP P ENIN GS
STUDENTS IMAGINE LIFE ON THE MOON This past February, middle-school students shared what they dreamed up for their future lunar city. The 2021 Future City theme, Living on the Moon, challenged students to design a futuristic lunar city using two Moon resources to keep its residents safe and healthy. Working in teams with an educator and engineer mentor, participants spent four months imagining, researching, designing, and building cities of the future. The 2021 competition was even more challenging during the time of COVID. Future City was adapted so that teams could be successful whether they were physically together or apart. The deliverables were also adjusted to meet the needs of both in-person and remote learning. The competition format was also changed to a virtual production to allow the teams to compete in a safe environment. Dr. Anthony W. England, Professor Emeritus of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan Dearborn, made a special presentation to the students at the competition. A former astronaut with NASA, Dr. England was selected as a scientist-astronaut in 1967 when he was just 25 years old, the youngest candidate to be chosen up to that time. Anthony England ESD has hosted the Michigan Regional Future City Competition for 26 years. Each year, over 45,000 students take part, with teams presenting at regional competitions around the county and then facing off at the Future City nationals. Teams are currently forming and gearing up for the 2022 Future City Competition. This year’s challenge, “A Waste-Free Future,” encourages teams to use the three principles of a circular economy to design a waste-free city. The regional competition will be held in-person in late January 2022 and will also include a virtual option. For more information – including how to sign a middle school team up for the 2022 competition and what sponsorship opportunities are available – contact Allison Marrs at amarrs@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 121.
First Place: St. John Lutheran School, Rochester, Gateway Station Armstrong Team
Second Place: JKL Bahweting Anishinaabe PSA, Sault Sainte Marie, Nova City Team
Third Place: Light of the World Academy, Pinckney, STAR City Team
THANK YOU, SPONSORS! Detroit Chapter
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ES D HA P P E NI NGS
ESD Golf Outing Thank you to all those who supported or participated in our tenth annual ESD Golf Outing, held in memory of David A. Skiven on June 7 at Oak Pointe Country Club. Proceeds from this event help to support ESD’s scholarship program for high school and college students, as well as ESD’s highly successful student outreach efforts, including the Future City program for middle school students, and our intensive Girls in Engineering Academy. The team from Design Systems took first place on the Honors Course, with the Walbridge team coming in second. On the Championship (Champs) Course, the Tri-Tec team came in first, while the AEI team placed second. The Closest-to-the-Pin winners were Tricia Ruby and Todd Ayers on Honors and Diane Hanna and Mike Haise on Champs. Longest Drive prizes went to Stella Wixom and Hunter McClelland on Honors and to Diane Hanna and Ross Hussein Elhage on Champs. The winner of the 50/50 raffle was Roy Link of Link Engineering. For more coverage of the event, including all photos, please visit esd.org.
From left: Keith Skiven, Debbie Bishop, John Anderson and Ray Tessier.
The Walbridge team receives their second-place trophy on Honors.
Members of the Golf Committee, from left: Ken Mahnick, General Motors Company; Keith Skiven, Pegasystems; Ron Young, Ruby and Associates; Robert Magee, ESD Executive Director; Leslie Smith, ESD; Alex Ivanikiw, Barton Malow (retired); Heather Lilley, ESD; Mike Ryan, Ghafari Associates, LLC; Dave Harwood, DTE Energy; and Ray Tessier, General Motors Company (retired). Not pictured: Todd Hoisington, IBI Group; and Matt Stone, Commercial Contracting Corporation.
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ES D HAP P ENIN GS
THANK YOU TO OUR GOLF SPONSORS! PRESENTING SPONSOR:
DIAMOND SPONSORS:
PLATINUM SPONSORS:
GOLD SPONSORS: th
Anniversary
Hunter McClelland, left, receives his award.
SILVER SPONSORS:
®
COMMERCIAL CONTRACTING CORPORATION
SGCS
success through partnership
PRINTING SPONSOR:
ESD Executive Director Robert Magee, left, presented the Honors Closest-to-the-Pin prize to Tricia Ruby.
LUNCH SPONSOR:
HOLE SPONSORS: Azimuth Capital Management LLC Climate Technologies
JOC Sales John E. Green Company RWDI
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2018 China Future City Finals presenters Ethan Dodson, Reagan Rutkowski, Prisca Yim (alternate) and Sloan Kerska in Beijing. 2019-2021 presenter Emerson Kerska is shown on the right.
An Out-of-this-World Experience! BY LINDA J. GERHARDT
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he Future City Competition challenges middle school students to apply the engineering design process to brainstorm solutions to an annual problem while imagining, designing, and building cities of the future. Program deliverables include a project plan, a research essay, a scale model made from recycled materials, a presentation highlighting the solution, and Q&A sessions with panels of judges. This year’s challenge was as unique as this entire year has been: to build a city on the Moon that uses two lunar resources that help keep residents healthy and safe. For the past 13 years, it has been a privilege to share some of what I have learned throughout my education and career as an engineer, first as mentor
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and then as an educator, with the many St. John Lutheran School in Rochester students who have participated in the Future City program. Over the years, our team has been honored with numerous regional titles and special awards, multiple top 5 at nationals finishes, two national titles, and an invitation to participate at the China Future City Finals in Beijing. Despite our many experiences throughout the years, completing project deliverables and preparing to compete during a pandemic year was difficult. Although our school held in person classes, we did not have an academic enrichment class during the school day. In addition, after school meetings were hit or miss, since mandates changed over the course of the project. To build our model, construction started in one team member’s
garage, continued in our classroom, and was completed in another team member’s garage. Essay development and presentation practices also took place when and where possible. For this reason, our team’s motto for this year was ‘be flexible.’ Our team of 8 for the 2020-21 competition year included presenters Emerson Kerska, Brendan Koss, and Hannah Bernthal, alternate and moving part presenter Grant Hiler, and team members Caleb Raikes, Amber Koss, Noah Toth, and Johnny Hering. Our faculty sponsor is St. John Lutheran 8th grade teacher Tim Grothaus, and our mentor is General Motors engineer Tim Koss. To capture the experiences of the presentation team members during this challenging year, I posed some questions to them.
Emerson Kerska participated in our program from 5th grade through 8th grade and was able to travel to China with the team as a 6th grader. When asked how her experience this year compared to previous years, she responded: “This year was so different from any other year. The biggest change was our ability to meet and practice. In a normal year, we would spend over 100 hours practicing. The mandates for when we could meet kept changing and we really had to work hard when we did meet.” Brendan Koss participated in both 7th and 8th grade and was our go-toguy during the many Q&A sessions the team participated in. When asked what the best part of this year’s competition was, he answered: “The best thing about this year is that we were still able to participate, because a lot of schools could not. We were lucky that we were able to meet in person as a team.” Hannah Bernthal, who was quiet in the classroom but strong as a presenter, was also on our team during 7th and 8th grade. When asked what she learned from participating in Future City, she responded: “I learned about the Moon, space travel, teamwork, and problem solving. However, the most important thing I learned was presenting confidently. I learned how to think quickly when asked questions and how to push forward when I made a mistake.” As far how students benefit from the program besides being a part of a team and learning about how engineers impact our community, 3-year presenter Emerson seconded Hannah’s comment: “The biggest thing that I gained from participating is the ability to speak confidently in public. Before Future City, I was always timid when it came to public speaking. Now, I can get up and speak confidently.” B r e n d a n a l s o g av e a s i m i l a r response about a main benefit of the program: “The biggest thing I gained is public speaking. Being a presenter has helped me gain a lot of confidence. When I first started, I was shy. By the
2021 Future City Presenters were Emerson Kerska, Brendan Koss, Grant Hiler (alternate), and Hannah Bernthal. Faculty Sponsor Tim Grothaus is on the left and Engineer Educator Dr. Linda Gerhardt is on the right.
2021 St. John Lutheran Future City Team consisted of (from left) Grant Hiler, Noah Toth, Emerson Kerska, Hannah Bernthal, Caleb Raikes, Brendan Koss, Amber Koss, and Johnny Hering.
end of the competition, when we were participating in the regional and finals Q&A, I felt comfortable in front of a screen with all of the judges.” Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Michigan Regional Competition was held virtually on February 25, and the national Future City competition was held virtually over the course of two weekends in March, and the awards ceremony took place on April 7. St. John Lutheran Rochester, representing the Michigan Region with its city Gateway Station Armstrong, captured a 4th place finish at the national competition, along with the ASABE-sponsored Most Sustainable Food Production System special award.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary nationally and its 26th in Michigan under ESD sponsorship, Future City is a program of DiscoverE, the organization behind National Engineers Week. More information about Future City can be found at futurecity.org or contact Michigan Future City Coordinator Allison Marrs at amarrs@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 121. Linda J. Gerhardt, PhD, FESD, has been an Engineering Society of Detroit Engineer Mentor for Middle School for the Engineering Program for 13 years. Guiding the Future City teams at St. John Lutheran in Rochester, Michigan, she has guided teams to nine State Regional Championships and 33 State Regional Special Awards.
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2021 JOHN G. PETTY IMAGE AWARD:
Janice K. Means C
ongratulations to Ja n i c e K . Me a n s, PE, LEED AP, FESD, Professor Emerita from Lawrence Technological University (LTU), on receiving the 2021 John G. Petty Image Award Means’ diverse experience in consulting, industry and higher education—with engineering work ranging from energy efficiency, solar energy design and blasting effects to pipelines to natural gas pipeline transmission problem solving and facilities work in a major automobile company ’s research center— made her a perfect candidate for the award. But it was her dedication to the field and to up-and-coming engineers that impressed decision makers the most. “She epitomizes one who has promoted and enhanced the engineering profession to and for students, other professionals and the general public throughout her career,” says Filza Walters, nominator and long-time colleague at LTU. “She continues to encourage women and minorities to enter STEM/STEAM fields and to present/publish on several topics even after her 2019 retirement. “Janice has been a bigger than life example of an intelligent, driven, hardworking, professional woman, mentor and educator. She exhibits the very foundation of the TechCentury Award,” Walters says. Means’ outreach in the promotion of engineering and energy extends beyond teaching. She is active in three professional societies, has published and lectured for seminars and international conferences, and has chaired or co-chaired ten local conferences on sustainability and solar energy.
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Becoming an engineer was an interest early in Means’ life. “Even as a small child, I had a curiosity and developing love of science and math. My father and I used to watch Sputnik go by in the night sky, and the Cranbrook Institute of Science was my favorite place to visit,” she says. “My high school counselor, Don Arsen, asked me if I wanted to be an engineer. I said no; I didn’t know what an engineer was! So, like many women, I came to engineering by a circuitous route, starting my professional life as a math and science teacher.” Throughout her career, Means says she never lost that childhood fascination with discovery. “I love learning and sharing my findings with others. To me, it is like being a detective deciphering problems and finding solutions to create a better world,” she says, adding that inspiration grew from the accomplishments of others. “I admire those engineers and scientists who paved the way before me— especially those ESD Fellows who inspired or mentored me: Joe Olivieri, Stanford Ovshinsky, Dick Marburger and John Petty.” An increased reliance on technology—demanding that engineers improve and build on the work of those who preceded them – has continued that motivation as she paved her own way as a female engineer. “Unlike my male counterparts, I didn’t have many role models of my gender. I could expand on how technology has changed the field, but I choose to talk about the people side of engineering and the plight of women engineers in the U.S.,” Means explains. “Had I applied to the company which hired me in my first engineering position three years earlier than I did,
they would not have even considered my application because I am a woman. During my tenure at this company, there were few as one and as many as six women engineers—less than 0.5 percent to 3 percent of the company’s 200 engineering employees.” While opportunities have grown for women in the field the numbers are still low. According to the Society of Women Engineer’s (SWE) 2019 statistics, women make up only 13 percent of all engineers, 1 percent of mechanical engineers, and the percentages are even lower for women of color. “Women engineers also earn 10 percent less than their male counterparts today. More women are entering college with the goal of getting an engineering or other STEM-related bachelor’s degree now, but nearly a third of them switch to another program before graduation, and then 70 percent of the women who become engineers leave the profession prior to celebrating 20 years after graduation,” Means explains. “As I have said many times, ‘We cannot afford to have only 50% of our population contributing to the creativity and innovation that’s needed to solve the challenges of the 21st century.’ ” Means says that although the field is more open to women, it still has a long way to go. One of her goals in retirement is to mentor and encourage
Award Renamed after John G. Petty wo m e n a n d u n d e r- r e p r e s e n t e d minorities to enter the field. With great accomplishments come great rewards, and Means has many. “During the last 40+ years, I have held positions in industry, operated my own consultancy, and during the last 15 years until retirement, taught university students who were studying to become architects or architectural engineers. My greatest rewards are twofold: seeing my students blossom in their own careers; and sharing information to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, thus reducing their negative impact on the environment and climate.” As an engineer, she takes her responsibilities very seriously “I believe the greatest role of engineers is to recognize and act on our responsibility to the public to design, build and operate better buildings, vehicles, mechanisms and systems which improve the lives of all… while protecting the individual, community and the environment,” she says. As technology, the profession and the goals of the engineering profession evolve and grow, Means sees a coming together of engineering disciplines as a positive focus for the future. “I see engineers becoming more integrated with other professionals in their day-to- day work. We are beginning to recognize that a group composed of diverse disciplines, as well as a mixture by gender, nationality, race, etc., is much more creative in solving problems and developing better designs to meet the needs of society as a whole.” And although she is now technically retired, Means will forever be an engineer, “Since I retired from teaching in 2019, I have continued to research, publish and present--spending most of my time volunteering with my professional societies. I also plan to do some limited consulting,” she says. “You might say that I will never truly retire from being an engineer—a profession which continues to provide me with great fulfillment.”
The ESD Image Award has been re n a m e d i n h o n o r o f E S D Pa st President John G. Petty, FESD, who passed away on January 23, 2020. The John G. Petty Image Award is for individuals who have made a positive impact on the engineering profession. These leaders have helped promote the engineering and technical professions through involvement in the community, mentoring, public service, public speaking, and presentations to various groups. John Petty was ESD’s first African American President and served on both the ESD and Lawrence Technological University boards of trustees for many years. He was a recipient of The Horace H. Rackham Humanitarian Award. He served on the ESD Editoral Board when the Image Award was created. “John was an exemplary individual who made a significant impact on the Detroit engineering community,” said Robert Magee, ESD Executive Director. “John was extremely active in the community, as well as a prominent engineer, and his wisdom, generosity and kindness—as well as his support for the engineering profession and its membership—is greatly admired.” Petty’s family was thrilled to hear of the award being named after him. “It is a great source of pride for my father to be the champion of this honor,” says his son, John Petty. “Engineering was his ultimate passion. He did math for fun. But he always encouraged my sister and I to follow our own passion. He used to say, ‘Be who YOU are, do the thing you are called to do.” For the senior John Petty, that was to make his mark on engineering. Petty started working in the field before his graduation from college, first in 1963 with the engineering design firm G. L. Bowen Co., and then, in 1964, with Williams International, where he helped develop and analyze gas turbine engines for both aerospace and automotive applications. In 1973, he joined General Dynamics Land Systems and become involved in engineering a 1,500-horsepower gas turbine engine used to power the U.S. Army’s main battle tank—the M1 Abrams—which was then undergoing its initial design and development. The tank was designed so efficiently that according to the history of the Abrams tank “Very few M1 tanks were hit by enemy fire, and none were destroyed as a direct result of enemy fire, with no fatalities due to enemy fire.” During his 30-year tenure he held many other positions of high responsibility, including ethics program director for all General Dynamics locations worldwide. Petty’s son says he never considered engineering as a profession himself because. “We thought my dad was so awesome at what he did it would be like being Michael Jordan’s son and playing basketball.” T H E E N G I N E E R I N G S O C I E T Y O F D E T R O I T esd.org | 19 19
CO RP ORAT E M E M B E R PRO F ILE
Award-Winning Tetra Tech Provides Clear Solutions to Complex Problems
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etra Tech is a global provider of consulting and engineering services with more than 21,000 employees worldwide, and 270 based here in Michigan. With the Engineering News Record placing the company consistently first in ratings for water, environmental management, and wind power solutions, among others, Tetra’s reputation has led to consistent contracts with the Michigan Department of Transportation, DTE, and Consumers Energy. Other accolades include Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2021 and the Top 10 companies in the Professional Services category. Tetra Tech’s focus is to serve public and private clients by addressing fundamental needs for water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development services. Services include technical studies, planning, engineering, design, and construction management solutions to address project needs. Philip Spalding, PE, PMP, ENV SP, Vice President of Tetra Tech prides himself on looking to the future for solutions to today’s challenges. On the forefront of sustainable infrastructure, the company’s storm water management lead is based in Ann Arbor and is directing projects to “work with communities to develop the long game and undo what we used to know to provide better solutions... we’ve learned so much about better ways for sewage treatment, water
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Philip Spalding
treatment and landfill operations to make engineering better for the environment.” Among recent projects Tetra Tech is serving as the Owner Engineer with the decommissioning and retirement of three coal-fired power plants , part of DTE Energy’s initiative to reduce carbon emissions. Tetra Tech was recently selected by MDOT to provide design engineering services for the reconstruction of an interchange, five bridges, and 3.23 miles of multilane on Interstate 75. Similar to projects for MDOT, Tetra Tech has supported dozens of
state departments of transportation, environmental agencies, and planning departments to design the critical infrastructure to move goods and services across the country and to manage natural resources sustainably. In addition, the company has technical experience providing full lifecycle services for CCR disposal landfills and impoundments. This includes knowledge of regulatory specifications, compliance guidelines and construction management needs. You can learn more about the company online at tetratech.com or tetratechmichigan.com.
This June, Girls in Engineering Academy students participated in the pilot Detroit NXG Academy MA100 Road Ready class. Their first day on the track is shown above.
Vroooooom! GIRLS IN ENGINEERING LEARN THE INS AND OUTS OF AUTO RACING
BY SUSAN THWING
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elping girls push past the traditional and make their mark on all aspects of engineering careers—that’s one of the goals of the Engineering Society of Detroit’s Girls in Engineering Academy (GEA). And what better way to do that than take them out to the racetrack? “Automobile racing had its origins in Europe during the late 1800s and eventually made its way to the United States in the 20th century. Historically, men have dominated the sport of auto racing since its inception,” says Dr. Gerald Thompkins, GEA Program Manager. To help change that, GEA partnered with NXG Youth Motorsports to get middle and high school girls more engaged in motorsports and motorsports competition. “Fewer than one percent of all the motorsports drivers are women. We want our students to have a well-rounded understanding of STEM education, and every aspect of
motorsports has some relevant element pertaining to STEM concepts,” Thompkins said. The partnership kicked off at last summer’s Detroit Grand Prix with two GEA participants joining in on the NXG Youth Motorsports program—designed to show minority students the world of motorsports. NXG is a nonprofit that originated 15 years ago in Indianapolis in response to the lack of African American involvement in motorsports. NXG teaches life skills and puts kids behind the wheel aiming to bring the next generation into the sport. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan made a multi-year commitment to sponsor the program which introduces urban children to opportunities available in the industry. The program offers experiential learning programs to students from under-represented communities using go-kart driving. It has an academy of courses that uses performance driving as a tool for life skill development, the application T H E E N G I N E E R I N G S O C I E T Y O F D E T R O I T esd.org | 21
THANK YOU
of STEM concepts, interactions with INDYCAR personnel and racing teams, along with exposure to career options in racing. The weekend before the Grand Prix, GEA participants Riya Bagri and Je’Nia Mills joined about 20 Detroit kids to experience a hands-on class in STEM inside the paddock and on the track. Bagri, a 13-year-old 8th grader at West Bloomfield Middle School, says “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” adding that the rally race was fun and exciting, but the education beforehand will stick with her for some time. “They were super detailed in teaching us about racing, from the cars to the flags. I feel like I totally know about racing now.” Mills, also 13 and in 8th grade, agreed. “We learned all about the eight to 10 different types of flags, how to wear and carry the suits, helmets and gloves, and where to place your hands when driving.” Learning about the apex in driving—the clipping point on the inside portion of a corner that a vehicle passes closest to—was also impressive to Mills and will lead to her being a better driver in day-to-day life. “You learn when to slow down and at what point is the safest to turn.” Two additional GEA participants had an opportunity to continue the NXG program on September 11-12 when they participate in a Nexgeneracers class at TCF Center in Detroit. ESD created the GEA to improve academic achievement and increase the interest in engineering among girls. ESD’s goal is to decrease the gender gap in engineering professions by helping girls to excel at STEM and eventually pursue engineering careers. Each year, ESD selects a new group of approximately 30 middle school girls from applications for the summer and academic year program. Those girls will continue with their cohort through high school and beyond to higher education and a career. Currently, five cohorts are active: three middle-school groups and two high-school groups. The program provides math and science enrichment, engineering and computer science concepts, English/language arts comprehension, h a n d s - o n p r o j e c t- b a s e d S T E M a c t i v i t i e s , mentoring, virtual field trips to industry, and engineering career exploration. After an intensive month-long summer program, students meet two Saturdays per month for threehour sessions during the academic year to learn about various engineering disciplines and careers. To learn more about the ESD Girls in Engineering Academy, please visit esd.org or email Gerald Thompkins at gthompkins@esd.org.
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TO ALL THE SPONSORS OF THE ESD GIRLS IN ENGINEERING ACADEMY MAJOR SPONSORS
THE HOLLEY FOUNDATION SPONSORS
UNIVERSITY PARTNERS
®
GIRLS IN ENGINEERING CELEBRATE ACHIEVEMENT Participants in this year’s Girls in Engineering Academy program gathered on September 11 and 18 for a special closing ceremony to celebrate their achievement. The programs featured special speakers, such as ESD Fellow
Frenae F. Smith, FESD, of DTE Energy; and Oakland University Dean Louay M. Chamra, PhD. ESD Executive Director Robert Magee welcomed the girls, and lunch was provided in an outdoor setting.
All students received a certificate. From left: Dr. Louay Chamra, the dean of Oakland University’s School of Engineering; high schooler Brooklynn Harris; guest speaker Frenae Smith; GEA program manager Dr. Gerald Thompkins; and GEA Coordinator Alexandra Lofton.
The 2021 Middle-School Cohort, our first-year students. The Girls in Engineering Program begins the summer after girls finish fifth grade. These rising sixth graders spent one month this summer studying math, English, science and engineering.
The 2020 Middle-School Cohort
The 2019 Middle-School Cohort
The 2018 High-School Cohort
The 2017 High-School Cohort, our inaugural GEA group. T H E E N G I N E E R I N G S O C I E T Y O F D E T R O I T esd.org | 23
MSU COE to be Home for Industrial Assessment Center HELPING MICHIGAN BUSINESSES SAVE COSTS, REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT BY MATT DAVENPORT
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ichigan State University will be home to a new Industrial Assessment Center, or IAC, where faculty, staff and students will work with Michigan companies to save money, improve energy efficiency and shrink carbon footprints. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded MSU $2.25 million over the next five years for this effort, which will support Michigan’s small and medium-sized manufacturers and commercial buildings. This is part of a national DOE initiative that began in 1976 and now funds 32 IACs across the country. MSU’s will be the only one operating in Michigan and the state’s first since 2017. “We have so much manufacturing in Michigan, but we didn’t have an IAC,” said Kristen Cetin, the director of MSU’s center and an assistant professor in the College of Engineering. “It’ll be nice to fill that void,” she said. “Even though we’re starting something new for MSU, we’re really not starting from square one because we have a lot of collaborative support. We have a large, diverse and crossdisciplinary team.” “We spent a lot of time on Zoom developing this proposal — it felt like we talked to everyone in Michigan,” said Cetin’s colleague, Annick Anctil.
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“But we both like working with lots of people,” said Anctil, who is the center’s assistant director. “A big part of this center is trying to reach communities and manufacturers who haven’t traditionally been represented in these projects.” This goal of being more inclusive, explicitly stated by U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm when DOE announced the 2021 IAC cohort on July 26, resonated with Cetin and Anctil. Not only does the emphasis align with MSU’s values, but the university also has the breadth of expertise needed to help Michigan’s diverse array of manufacturers and commercial workspaces. “Michigan State University is a world-class institution and a global leader in groundbreaking discoveries that are not only saving lives but creating jobs,” said U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, and a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. “MSU will continue playing a key role in innovations that will help manufacturers save costs and reduce their carbon footprint.” The College of Engineering provides the nucleus for the IAC, with faculty involvement spanning several departments, including Cetin and Anctil’s home in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Kristen Cetin
Annick Anctil
“The IAC builds upon MSU’s rich history of collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises in Michigan for the common good,” said Leo Kempel, dean of the College of Engineering. “Ensuring clean water, air and communities for the people of Michigan—while assisting local companies with transformation of their business based to support new markets and customers—has been part of the College of Engineering’s mission since the first class at the end of the 19th century. It continues forward into today and tomorrow.” Beyond the College of Engineering, MSU’s assessment center will capitalize on the wealth of experience and expertise found in MSU Extension, the Office of Sustainability, the Construction Management Program and Infrastructure Planning and Facilities. MSU is also collaborating with Henry Ford College in Dearborn, Michigan, and Michigan Technological University in the Upper Peninsula to ensure that the IAC is suited to serve all of Michigan.
Experts from these institutions will lead the assessments of Michigan’s manufacturing and commercial facilities. Students will play a critical role in evaluating a company’s costs, energy usage and productivity, as well as offering recommendations for improvements. “Students will participate in significant field work, through conducting assessments with real manufacturers in real buildings,” Cetin said. And these opportunities will be open to any student who is interested in sustainability and energy efficiency, not just engineering majors. The center will support more than 35 students per year assessing manufacturing and commercial buildings. “One of the goals of this center is workforce development,” Cetin said. “We are trying to improve the pipeline of students available who have the skills to support the manufacturing and energy sectors of the future.” She and Anctil are excited about the opportunity to support Michigan’s storied and dynamic manufacturers, while continuing to train and promote
new opportunities for the next generation of leaders and innovators. “It ’s not super common to see women in industrial assessment,” said Anctil. “So, for me, that’s also an exciting thing—having two women as leaders of this center—which will hopefully interest a more diverse group of students across the board.” For so many reasons, MSU is a natural fit for the state’s newest IAC. “We have all these different parts working on sustainability between IPF, Extension and our engineering departments connected with manufacturing. All of these different areas have had links in the past, but we didn’t really have a central force pulling them together until now,” Cetin said. “This is a good opportunity for the university and for the state.” Story courtesy of MSUToday. M a tt h e w Dave n p o r t i s a strategic science storyteller at Michigan State University. He was formerly a senior editor at Chemical & Engineering News.
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Why Wood? AND OTHER BIOPHILIC CONSTRUCTION QUESTIONS
BY ALLISON MILLS
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ike farm-to-fork for the local foods movement, forest-to-frame is a new way to think about using wood for construction and building stronger regional bioeconomies. Rather than going back to hand-hewn cabins, the future of sustainable construction for skyscrapers, cars, classrooms, and homes relies on mass timber and innovative wood products. One such material is hardwood cross-laminated timber (CLT). It’s an oldie, but a goody: Crossed grains in boat hulls—pinned in place with dowels—sailed the world for hundreds of years. Modern CLT panels are pressed boards of low-grade pulpwood that fit together like toy building blocks and can be custommade, cutting down on waste, and the material has become a prime choice for earthquake safety. Currently, only softwoods like pine and other conifers are included in building codes for CLT, but hardwoods like maple and poplar may have equal or even better chemical and mechanical properties. In Michigan, with more than 19 million acres of timberland and more maple than you can shake a stick at, that makes hardwood CLT a major untapped market. “It’s easy to sell high-value veneer and timber logs, but the challenge is what to do with lower-value pulp logs,” says Mark Rudnicki, professor of practice in forest biomaterials and
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the coordinator of industrial research, innovation, and commercialization at Michigan Technological University. Rudnicki points out that Michigan already grew a forest economy with logging, lumber, paper, pallets, furniture making, maple syrup, and tourism. But as the pandemic’s timber prices illustrate, supply and demand is subject to change—and grocery coupons, pancakes, and Adirondack chairs alone cannot seed future forests’ potential. “Softwoods—which we really mean are conifers instead of angiosperms—are graded for construction, while hardwoods—which have a lot more variety in material behavior—are graded for appearance,” Rudnicki says. “It’s not rocket science, but someone has to do all the detailed tests to make hardwood CLT accepted for construction.” Michigan Tech, West Virginia University, and Virginia Tech are leading U.S. testing for hardwood CLT. Rudnicki works alongside Xinfeng Xie, associate professor of forest biomaterials at Michigan Tech, and Munkaila Musah,a Michigan Tech doctoral graduate now at Auburn University. When they talk about hardwood CLT, they get a handful of common questions.
DO WE HAVE ENOUGH TREES?
When forests are managed properly, trees can be renewable and grow as
WOOD BENEFITS
WoodWorks, part of the Wood Products Council, and Think Wood, funded by the Softwood Lumber Council, gather data on CLT, mass timber, and other wood construction. In Europe, wood and natural construction are called biophilic designs. Here are their main selling points: % wood buildings can cost less and earn more % carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced 15% to 20% % rapid on-site assembly is easy with modular units % re d u c e d we i g h t m e a n s smaller foundations % wood’s vibration properties improve earthquake and wind safety % heavy beams may improve structural integrity and fuel contribution during fires and softwood CLT panels hold up to International Building Code (IBC) standards
fast as they’re harvested, which means 1% to 2% of our forests each year. But most people hear “logging” and picture the clear-cut landscapes of yore. Rudnicki replies, “That’s not forestry; forestry came after. That wasn’t forest management, that was denuding the landscape.” Landscapes today in Michigan have thicker forest stands with more dead and downed trees, which pose wildfire hazards. Selectively harvesting prime logs and clearing some of the spindly competition is a more sustainable way to fell trees and this mix of wood is what interests Rudnicki, Xie, and Musah. The pulp wood slated for pallets and paper could also be used for the modular CLT construction blocks first developed in Austria in the early 2000s.
site than traditional building as CLT panels are hoisted into position and bolted together with metal brackets to build up the structure floor by floor.” Less waste also means the original trees are used more wisely, and as demand decreases for Michigan’s paper pulp and other low-grade wood, hardwood CLT offers an additional market when harvesting for timber and veneer wood. This diversity of markets is critical as only a small percentage of trees in any given stand is the highest veneer grade: Most are pulp grade and without markets for these lower value trees it can be difficult for logging to be profitable and cut wood might go to waste. Munkaila Musah is a postdoc at Auburn University who studied wood biomaterials and cross-laminated timber (CLT) at Michigan Tech while earning his PhD. PHOTO: SARAH ATKINSON, MICHIGAN TECH
“CLT, currently famous in Europe and North America, is made by gluing together and pressing kiln-dried dimensional lumber in perpendicular layers. The layering is repeated to the desired thickness, typically three, five, or seven layers to produce an engineered product that is
strong, stable, and overcomes the inconsistencies inherent in unmodified wood,” Musah explains, adding that the panels can be assembled into custom-made modules, fabricated with precise dimensions and openings for doors, windows, and vents. “This quickens construction with a cleaner
Mark Rudnicki
Xinfeng Xie
PHOTO: SARAH ATKINSON, MICHIGAN TECH
PHOTO: SARAH ATKINSON, MICHIGAN TECH
WHAT IF THE GUY DOWNSTAIRS IS A SMOKER?
With today’s building codes, that’s probably a bigger health concern than a fire hazard. But whether people worry about candles, Christmas trees, old wiring, or curious pyromaniac children, fires do happen and a material’s job is to slow its spread. Fortunately, wood burns predictably. That means it’s easier to engineer how thick to make a wall, floor, or ceiling so that it will not fail for three hours or more. This predictability makes wood safer for residents and for the firefighters who need to know how much time they have. “Wood has the components and structures that we want and are currently making using non-renewable resources,” says Xie, who studies many wood products—including hardwood decking for Army trailers in the tropics, carbon-polymer composites for car bodies, and fuels and chemicals made from waste lignocellulosic biomass. Wood overall makes a good building material but Xie says there are distinct benefits to hardwood CLT compared to softwood CLT. “On the chemical side, processing hardwoods generates much less VOCs (volatile organic compounds) than processing softwoods. It is more environmentally friendly as VOCs
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pollute the air,” Xie says. “Mechanically, hardwoods are often stronger than softwoods. Our studies showed that 3-inch-thick, 3-layer maple CLT was five times stronger than 4.5-inchthick, 3-layer softwood. That means you would have more living space in a house using hardwood CLT instead of softwood CLT.”
BUT WOOD IS OLD-SCHOOL. WHAT’S SO INNOVATIVE NOW?
Because the Chicago Fire of 1871 still wants its wood buildings back, right? Good thing it’s 2021 and, in addition to improvements in studying and designing for fire resistance, wood has come a long way as a construction material. Many of us stay visually stuck on the traditional stick construction undergirding McMansion mushrooming, but mass timber takes many forms. As Musah points out, products in the mass timber family includes cross-laminated timber (CLT), nail-laminated timber (NLT), dowel-laminated timber (DLT), glue-laminated timber (glulam, or GLT when used as panels), and structural composites such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and laminated strand lumber (LSL). Advances in better adhesives make CLT possible and the Lego-like panels and blocks could change construction entirely. Right now, the world’s tallest wood building is in Norway, reaching 18 stories tall. But Milwaukee is about to lead the world with its 25-story mass timber tower currently under construction and Chicago is entertaining an 80-story tower. Grand Rapids is planning two mass timber buildings on the Michigan State University campus and Michigan Tech is looking at hardwood designs for its new health sciences facility. As global markets call for more carbon-neutral and carbon-negative construction, research continues to return to wood as the easiest and best option for storing carbon in a build-
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Hardwood cross-laminated timber (CLT) is made of many layers of pressed wood from species like maple, beech, or poplar PHOTO: SARAH ATKINSON, MICHIGAN TECH
ings’ bones. That skeleton is also crucial for withstanding earthquakes; wood has exceptional vibration muffling properties, which is also great for acoustics. Plus, psychology and health science studies show that natural, beautiful spaces enhance mental health, productivity, and well-being in schools, offices, and medical facilities. Hardwoods CLT is specifically innovative because of the variety of chemical and mechanical properties that can enhance other mass timber qualities and provide even more customizable construction. Returning to the concept of forestto-frame, hardwood CLT also offers Michigan and other states a way to strengthen regional economies and provide more consistent and affordable supply.
SO, WHAT WILL IT COST?
Nobody has a good estimate on the price of a panel of hardwood CLT yet. That’s because rigorous testing is still needed to ensure hardwood CLT meets building codes. Right now, there is no manufacturing of hardwood CLT and it’s not included in ANSI/APA PRG 320, the standard for performancerated CLT. Before that testing can be
done, researchers need the right tools and the right collaborations. “We need to test full-size hardwood CLT panels of more hardwood species, and we hope these tests will help get hardwoods into the standard,” Xie says. He and Rudnicki lead efforts to make those full-size panels a reality: a $120,000 specialized CLT press. But it’s the kind of equipment that’s exceptionally hard to write into a normal research grant, so they’re collaborating with regional industry partners to purchase the equipment, move from bench-scale to industry specs, and start chemical and mechanical testing for Michiganmade products. For Michigan to grow into a leader in sustainable construction, hardwood CLT offers potential—and the sky(scraper) is the limit. Because CLT testing in the US is 20 years behind Europe and a decade behind Canada, the true cost of hardwood CLT could be missing the opportunity. Allison Mills is the associate director of Research News at Michigan Technological University.
ESD CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN AWARDS 2021
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espite an unusual year of stops and starts, the business of building construction and design continued during 2020-21 in great form. The recipients of the 2021 Engineering Society of Detroit Construction & Design Awards—diverse in their project focus—weathered the challenges with creativity, modern technology and stellar engineering teamwork.
Evaluated by a panel of industry judges, the awards are among the premier recognitions presented to members of the construction industry and their projects. The awards are unique in that they honor the three primary members of the building team—owners, designers and constructors— and recognize outstanding achievement and innovative use of technology. The awards were conceived 47 years ago to elevate the standard of practice in the construction industry.
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Ford Motor Company Driving Dynamics Lab OWNER: Ford
Land DESIGNER: Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. CONTRACTOR: Walbridge
Ford Motor Company’s Driving Dynamics Lab (DDL) is a multi-functional building housing an array of vehicle test labs and collaborative spaces designed to improve communication and efficiency between product development teams. Traditionally, vehicle performance, durability, and acoustics, are scattered across a vast campus. Now, DDL houses trackside operations and engineering functions within one building, creating unity and cohesion between product engineers and test technicians. This cohesion and collaboration improves the test process flow and reduces product development timelines. The 218,000 square foot facility is located at Ford’s Dearborn Research and Engineering Center and Proving Ground and is a LEED Gold-designed building serving multiple departments and programs. DDL was constructed in two phases: DDL East and DDL West. The East side of the building is three stories, with the first floor including a vehicle garage, acoustics test lab, and
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shop space to support trackside operations. The second floor includes labs, fabrication shops, storage lockers, food service facilities and equipment rooms. The third floor includes engineering offices and test track observation areas. The West side is a single-story building featuring a tire laboratory with space-saving storage racks, shipping and receiving, durability laboratory and storage, Driver Autonomous Technology (DAT) laboratory, vehicle circulation areas, outdoor patio area, facility entry, and core support areas.
BUDGET EFFICIENCY
Ford, Kahn, and Walbridge utilized VA/VE methods to maintain the budget while optimizing the building program to fit the limited site footprint. 3D Revit modeling identified possible infrastructure issues early in the complex project, accommodating future construction to the West and South. The design team found ways to do more with less, such as installing floor-mounted vehicle lifts
2021 CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN AWARD WINNER and fiber-reinforced concrete slabs instead of costly alternatives to stay within budget. Special features such as a mobile tire/wheel storage racks satisfied the high demand for tire and wheel storage in a reduced footprint. Ventilation and cooling equipment were roof-mounted, taking advantage of the building’s expansive roof area and reducing the need for enclosed equipment rooms. With the site’s location trackside at the Dearborn Proving Ground, the project demanded the utmost care in planning, scheduling, phasing, and construction sequencing to have minimal impact on Ford operations. Construction was staged and phased to mitigate impact to trackside operations while maintaining primary access for Ford shareholders to conduct normal business.
SAFETY
Safety was a huge focus with a primary challenge being the continuous use of trackside facilities by Ford employees and test vehicles throughout the phased project. Buffer zones were implemented for the safety of all personnel onsite as different phases of the project were completed. In addition, pedestrian routes were adjusted, and temporary overhead platforms were erected to ensure safety between construction and the public.
TEAMWORK
The DDL was a true partnership. As the project started, BIM 3D Modeling was utilized and completed ahead of time, allowing areas to be locked for fabrication. Each BIM contractor exceeded expectations with modeling and followthrough throughout the project. While constructing DDL in two phases, East and West, the siding contractor completed the façade with seamless construction transition from partition walls to screen walls,
maintaining continuous appearance while complementing the adjacent buildings. On part of the exterior, the team employed a robot team member. “SAM,” the semi-automatic mason, laid sections of the brick for the façade of the east side of the building. SAM was able to increase masonry productivity and reduced the negative impact to the health and safety of the workers. Inside, a two-tier stairwell design in DDL West was a challenge as the exterior and interior glass material had to be released for fabrication before final field measurements could be taken. Utilizing the 3D modeling gave the team an increased level of accuracy and detail, which was the direct result of collaboration and teamwork from the steel contractor, glass contractor, Kahn, and Walbridge.
SUSTAINABILITY
The DDL was designed and constructed to achieve LEED Gold, with final certification pending. Achieving Gold level certification proved challenging in a facility where high amounts of energy is consumed by the owner’s test systems. Ford showed its commitment to sustainability by purchasing high-efficiency electric motors in not only building systems but also process testing equipment. They also purchased green power and established additional employee shuttle routes.
IMPACT
Headquartered in Dearborn, Ford has long supported the city and surrounding communities. By choosing to remain in Dearborn, Ford has made a huge impact on the city, investing not only in their corporate campuses, but also creating opportunities for additional housing, restaurant, and retail space in the city. Pledging to commit funding and resources over a ten-year period, Ford has ensured the viability of the city for the long term.
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Ford Motor Company Vehicle Performance & Electrification Center OWNER: Ford
Motor Company Associates, LLC/Jacobs CONTRACTOR: Stenco Construction DESIGNER: Ghafari
Ford Motor Company’s Vehicle Performance and Electrification Center (VPEC) is a revolutionary research and testing facility situated on a 14-acre campus in Allen Park, where the automaker tests passenger and motorsports vehicles to achieve even greater fuel efficiency and performance. This 210,000 square foot facility includes three attached buildings featuring the most technologically advanced wind tunnel of its kind: capable of speeds of up to 200 mph. It also includes a state of-the-art rolling road system, a traversing measurement system, a cutting-edge frontal area measurement system, and a variety of battery cyclers and environmental chambers, as well as multiple offices and work areas.
TEAMWORK
A critical part of this collaboration was developing the plans for the wind tunnel portion of VPEC. This structure required incredibly tight tolerances – no simple feat for a building constructed out of concrete with a 28-foot-tall
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octagon box-out for the future fan and two double-curved contraction walls at 43 and 47 feet tall. The project team utilized a design-build approach to control the budget and also utilized BIM modeling to eliminate issues in the model environment ahead of construction. Early on in the project, the scope expanded from an original 25,000 square foot wind tunnel facility to include a 185,000 square foot battery lab, other support facilities, new functionalities, and potential future facilities. This scope expansion impacted the original schedule. However, the Stenco design-build team worked closely with Ford Motor Company and the design partners to develop a new set of updated project plans. Lean construction practices were implemented for the project, including onsite preassembly, strategic laydown areas, detailed logistics plans, and just-in-time delivery. These tactics allowed the project to run as efficiently as possible, conserving both time and money.
2021 CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN AWARD WINNER SAFETY
The project even received an NMAPC Zero Injury Safety Award in 2018, thanks in part to Stenco’s use of Safety Trained Supervisor Construction certified employees, a fully engaged and multi-discipline safety committee, a high level of collaboration across teams, and interactive planning processes. The intensity of the safety program increased when the jobsite re-opened after a brief shutdown for the COVID-19 pandemic. Stenco quickly revised their safety plan and procedures to incorporate daily health screenings, mandatory temperature checks, social distancing, and increase sanitation of common areas.
TECHNOLOGY
A number of innovative construction techniques were used across the wind tunnel, battery lab, and other structures, including: 3D Scanning and Modeling technology to provide highly detailed, 3D as-builts of the project to provide better quality project layouts, more accurate jobsite surveys, and higher tolerance compliance. Depending on the application, these models are accurate up to within a 16th of an inch and provided more accurate data for field measurement and verification. The project utilized GPS controlled equipment, including an excavator and bulldozer, to ensure all excavation and earth-moving tasks were executed with an accuracy of within a hundredth of an inch. This technology helps reduce time and material by only moving the required amount of material, minimizing material overruns, fuel usage, and trucking costs for import and disposal charges. With the GPS-controlled equipment, teams were able to input the project blueprint into the onboard machine telematics, including design surfaces, grades, and precise location of infrastructure and building coordinates.
To improve the energy efficiency of the wind tunnel, Jacobs located the tunnel heat exchanger diagonally across Corner 3. This innovative solution increases the surface area of the heat exchanger compared to more traditional heat exchangers designed in the cross legs of the tunnel. Jacobs’ engineers used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to design the turning vane shapes both upstream and downstream of the heat exchanger to optimize the flow performance, estimating that installing the heat exchanger in Corner 3 saves Ford 155 KW of fan power at tunnel top speed and 44 tons of cooling capacity.
SUSTAINABILITY
Every aspect of the building was designed with sustainable principles in mind. While not LEED certified, sustainable objectives were set for the design of the facility. Considerations for energy, air, water, soil / habitat, material use and employee wellness are all given attention during the design process. The use of windows and glass in office and lab areas for natural daylighting, outdoor patio space for employee breaks, and car charging spaces are just a few of the sustainable environment details included in this facility.
IMPACT
Continuing their work developing technologies to reduce vehicle energy consumption, the ability to test vehicles in the upgraded labs will provide a more accurate picture of what to expect when vehicles hit the road for testing and production. This facility will have a lasting impact on the surrounding community not only through the creation of more jobs, but also because it was designed to allow for future flexibility. Currently there is a planned 85,000 square foot addition to the building which will open the opportunity for future growth.
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Beaumont Farmington Hills – Master Plan Implementation OWNER: Beaumont DESIGNER: HKS
Health
CONTRACTOR: Barton
Malow/AIMS
With sights set on creating a quality and high-functioning healthcare campus for the surrounding community, the team broke ground on the Master Plan in October 2015. The significant impact and that these new additions and renovations had were never more apparent than in its final year of construction in 2020. The upgraded and expanded Emergency Department, brand new intensive care unit, private patient rooms, and additional space were imperative as the world faced (and continues to face) a global pandemic. The nearly 200,000 square foot Master Plan project included: the East Tower emergency department expansion and renovation with 58 treatment and evaluation bays; a 17-bay observation unit; larger surgical services department with nine new operating rooms; a 20-bed critical care unit with private rooms; and an expanded family lounge. The new South Tower includes 40 private patient rooms, dedicated units for orthopedic, oncology and respi-
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ratory care patients, and a new main entrance/ reception area for the entire hospital. Additionally, the team completed a 20,000 square foot Central Energy Plant addition that is 30 percent more energy efficient than the previous plant as well as a 473-car parking structure, new helipad, and over ten acres of site work.
TEAMWORK
The Master Plan project was completed on time and the team used a variety of methods to maintain the schedule. The many components of the project were meticulously scheduled and mapped. Design and construction phases began with full-phase pull planning sessions that continued during construction and focused on the look-ahead schedule. These collaborative sessions with the trade contractors included them in the development of work sequenc-
2021 CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN AWARD WINNER ing and created buy-in and accountability for all involved. The logistics plan considered every element of hospital operation to ensure minimal impact on day-to-day hospital activities. Almost every portion of the existing 10-acre site was upgraded and to mitigate the impacts, a 3D campus model was developed for each phase of construction. All stakeholders could view the campus, effects of construction, and traffic flow on any given time frame of the schedule all in 3D.
PATIENT CARE
Primary design and construction considerations for the expansion were to improve staff efficiency, promote patient privacy, decrease stress, and improve overall care and patient healing. A notable enhancement included the significant changes to the Emergency Department. Not only did the change in size increase the capacity for patient care, but the expansion also allowed for the inclusion of more patient privacy and separation. While beds were previously divided by curtains, the upgrade to sliding glass and drywall partitions has become especially beneficial during the past year. Additionally, these upgraded patient exam rooms in the Emergency Department were created with flexibility in mind to accommodate a fluctuating intake of patients. These pod spaces now have the capability to expand and contract dependent on patient needs.
SUSTAINABILITY
The new Central Energy Plant addition includes new emergency generators, 40 KV DTE incoming service lines to improve power reliability, medium voltage switchgear, a new electrical substation, and new chillers. Work also included relocation of the existing O2 farm while the hospital remained active and roughly 2,000 LF of new duct bank.
COMMUNITY
To adapt to the constantly changing healthcare landscape, Oakwood Healthcare and Botsford Hospital merged under Beaumont Health to form Beaumont Farmington Hills (formerly Botsford General Hospital). The goals of the merger and changes were to maintain quality and safety while increasing efficiencies, improving utilization and reducing avoidable costs. As the number of patients who turn to Beaumont, Farmington Hills continues to grow, the expansion and renovations have created a safer, more healing environment designed to meet the needs of the surrounding communities. The Emergency Center at Beaumont Hospital, Farmington Hills is staffed and equipped to handle severe illnesses and injuries, as well as the bumps and scrapes that also need medical attention. Today, the hospital is a Level II trauma status. It is a major osteopathic teaching facility with residency and fellowship programs and is the base teaching hospital for Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. The major upgrades improve patient care, reduce costs, increase efficiencies, and streamline operations. A safer, more secure environment has been created and great care is taken to prevent the spread of infection which has been especially important over the past year. T H E E N G I N E E R I N G S O C I E T Y O F D E T R O I T esd.org | 35
2021 CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN AWARD HONORABLE MENTION
Henry Ford Health System Cancer Institute Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion OWNER: Henry
Ford Health System
DESIGNER: SmithGroup CONTRACTOR: Turner
Construction Company
The Henry Ford Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion opened its doors for patients on January 20, 2021. The new facility, named after Detroit businessman and philanthropist Mort Harris’ late wife who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016, offers treatment options for 14 different types of cancer through ambulatory cancer treatment, precision medicine, clinical trials, and supportive services. The building’s design was guided with input from cancer patients, survivors, and families, and includes floorto-ceiling windows that bathe the interior in natural light; a multi-level attached parking deck; a third-floor terrace; quiet meditation areas; and gathering places for support groups, yoga classes, music and art therapy.
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BIM made it possible to have a well-coordinated design for a large pedestrian bridge extending overtop the busy, four lanes of West Grand Boulevard. Because design could be so precise, it was possible to prefabricate the bridge offsite and deliver it in sections for safe on-site assembly. In addition, the power distribution system was designed to provide high reliability, efficiency, and to allow for future growth. The electrical infrastructure supports a variety of medical equipment which aids in cancer diagnostics and treatment, including CT scanners, MRIs, and linear accelerators. Switchboards, conduit pathways, and the indoor unit substation have been designed to allow for future vertical expansion of the west half of the building.
2021 CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN AWARD HONORABLE MENTION
Zeiss Michigan Quality Excellence Center OWNER: Zeiss
DESIGNER: SmithGroup CONTRACTOR: The
Christman Company
Zeiss, a 172-year-old German-based company that make high end optics, measuring devices, and medical scanning equipment, approached SmithGroup to develop an energyconscious regional headquarters and sales center that enhances both their capabilities and clients’ experience. Since the machines Zeiss produces measure to such small tolerances, SmithGroup went to great lengths to mitigate potential temperature swings that influence how the machines measure. This approach is controlled not only by the dedicated mechanical systems, but through internal programmatic strategies that help block unwanted solar gain. Throughout the project, the design team created a custom dynamo script to aid with the Zeiss metrology equip-
ment MEP coordination. The custom script automatically placed, named, and assigned electrical information to the MEP connectors based on owner inputs. This automated workflow and increased efficiency during design. Reducing consumption of fossil fuels was an important aspect of the project. A broad approximately 496 kW photovoltaic array is located on the roof, which will offset approximately 67% of the electricity consumption. Sensitive land use was also key. A series of four above-ground detention ponds manage stormwater from rain events. The design is a result of coordination between the civil engineer and landscape architect to create a display to visually demonstrate the management of rain events. T H E E N G I N E E R I N G S O C I E T Y O F D E T R O I T esd.org | 37
Michigan Central Station TURNING THE PAST INTO THE FUTURE
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ith plans on track for an end of 2022 opening, Detroit’s historic Michigan Central Stat i o n — Fo rd Mo t o r Company’s vision for a 30-acre walkable innovation hub in Corktown—is getting a new lease on life. The renovation of the 1913 rail station is part of Ford’s plan to reshape the future of global mobility. The once railway hub, which in its heyday served 4,000 travelers a day, will be a centerpiece for developing tomorrow’s electric vehicles—a new innovation hub bringing together employees, partners, entrepreneurs and businesses to create a new way of moving. When completed, Michigan Central Station will include: % Renovated, revitalized buildings honoring the history of the original rail station. % A first-of-its-kind mobility testing platform where Ford, its partners and competitors will create the products and solutions that will be the future of how we move such as autonomous vehicles, smart infrastructure, and micro-mobility. % Many outdoor plazas, open spaces. % 1.2 million square feet of commercial public space. The project is part of the Michigan Mobility Corridor on Michigan Avenue, which will link Corktown and Downtown Detroit to Ann Arbor.
Right: An historical interior photo of Michigan Central Station Photo credit: Detroit Historical Society
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A rendering of the Main Hall of Michigan Central Station, as planned by Ford
RECREATING HISTORY
Ford is using 3D scanning technology to re - create some of the more intricate, precious pieces of 106-year-old Michigan Central Station, as transformation of the iconic building enters a phase of heavy masonry and interior restoration work. Laser scanners, some of which are hand-held, are being used to create 3D models of various elements of the station, allowing workers to repair or replicate large, ornate cast iron windows, decorative trim and elaborate ceiling tiles. “Many pieces of these intricate features no longer exist and we don’t have drawings of them because they’re so old,” said Rich Bardelli, Ford’s construction manager for the Michigan Central development project in a Ford press release. “To ensure historical accuracy we need the right level of detail. This technology allows us to scan what’s left to get a full digital picture of what it used to look like. Then we can 3D print them in the material that would get put up; like a plastic or synthetic material or even print them as molds or casts for plaster or iron.” Engineers from Chicago-based Computer Aided Technology (CATI)
scanned items at Michigan Central Station and at Ford’s Advanced Manufacturing Center in Redford, delivering more than 20 completed digital files of missing or damaged pieces. The parts will be fabricated and reconstructed by Christman Brinker, the construction manager on the project. The 3D scanner uses 15 laser crosses that capture the shape of a physical object, and measures fine details, down to the thickness of a human hair, and records free-form shapes to generate digital mesh files. It makes the restoration project more precise and enables developers to take measurements that otherwise may have been impossible to obtain. In addition, in February 2021, Ford announced it was bringing on EverGreene Architectural Arts, one of the largest specialty contractors in the U.S., with a lengthy résumé of restoring historic buildings, to revive the grandest areas of the train depot, including the main waiting area, arcade, ticket lobby and restaurant. The New York City-based comp a ny w i l l re p l i c a t e a n d re st o re approximately 56,000 square feet of decorative plasterwork. A distinguishing feature of the station’s Beaux Arts
architecture is the plaster, which covers most of the building’s first floor and was made to look like stone, a cost-saving measure at the time of construction. EverGreene will preserve and clean what original plaster material can be saved and re-create new portions where needed. The 18-month project will use three plaster techniques—traditional three-coat plaster, ornamental plaster and veneer plaster—and will require replicating more than 3,000 cast plaster pieces, including the coffers, medallions and rosettes that adorn the waiting room’s walls and ceilings. The work will be choreographed in a way that creates a seamless transition of old and new in the areas most visible to visitors. The plasterwork is taking place at the same time as extensive repairs to the Guastavino vaulted ceiling in the waiting room. The impressive ceiling features 22,000 square feet of clay tiles covering three selfsupporting arches. The next phase of interior restoration will involve bringing new piping, floors, plumbing and electricals to the building and finishing structural repairs. Construction is on track to be complete by the end of 2022.
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HISTORY COMES ALIVE
From its earliest beginnings, the location was rich with history. Consider this: % The station opened in 1913. The first train left the station for Saginaw and Bay City on Dec. 26, 1913; that same day, the first train arrived from Chicago. At its peak, trains bustled in and out of the station and served approximately 4,000 customers per day. According to the Detroit Historical Society records, on Jan. 5, 1988, Train No. 353, bound for Chicago, was the last train out of the depot. % The original Michigan Central Station consisted of a three-story train depot and an eighteen-story office tower. It is made up of more than eight million bricks, one hundred and twenty-five thousand cubic feet of stone and seven thousand tons of structural steel—plus another four thousand tons in the sheds. The foundation has twenty thousand cubic yards of concrete. When the building opened, it was the tallest railroad station in the world, and the fourth tallest building in Detroit. The railroad invested a total of $16 million (nearly $332 million today) on the new station, office building, yards and the underwater rail tunnel, which was inaugurated on Oct. 16, 1910. The price tag for the station alone was about $2.5 million ($55 million today). % Ford Motor Company purchased the building from the Moroun family for $90 million in June 2018 with plans to spend hundreds of millions more to turn it into a technology hub for electric and autonomous vehicles. % To retain the historical integrity of the station, the limestone blocks being used to replace the deteriorating stone on the façade will be sourced from the same Indiana quarry that provided
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Workers found a message in a Stroh’s beer bottle, perhaps left by the original builders.
the limestone during the original construction. Some of those early blocks of limestone still lie in a field a few feet from where they were first mined more than 100 years ago. The Dark Hollow Quarry where the unique patterned limestone is found was officially closed in 1988. The remaining blocks of stone are now within a forest of 30-year-old trees. Local trades will construct a new haul road to access the stones and remove trees to get access to the historic material. % Workers will remove 1,200 feet of cornice, a decorative molding around the top edge of the building, to examine the steel behind it and make repairs. Terracotta cornices will be replaced and 106,000 square feet of roof structure repairs will be completed in this second phase of construction. % Additionally, 1,184 tower windows will be restored to preserve the station’s historic appearance. % A new 11,500-pound replica of an original capital stone has been created and installed in the Waiting Room façade of Detroit’s historic Michigan Central Station after more than 400 hours of work by a
mid-Michigan stoneworker. John Goodrow Sr., of Capital Stoneworks Inc., located in Bridgeport, Michigan. Goodrow spent 428 hours carving the capital stone from a 21,000-pound limestone block. % According to a Ford announcement, Crews working at Michigan Central Station recently stumbled upon a pre-Prohibition-era Stroh’s beer bottle with a mysterious message neatly rolled and stuffed inside. The message, which has faded, is believed to have been written by two men who worked on the station’s original construction in 1913.
NOT JUST PRESERVING HISTORY
History is not the only thing being preserved at Michigan Central Station. The project is focusing on sustainability, including goals to protect natural ecology and habitats in the area and create new public green spaces and productive landscapes. When Michigan Central reopens after the three-year renovation and construction, it will be a dynamic center of mobility innovation in Detroit’s oldest neighborhood. A space beautifully combining the history and the future of the city.
NATION’S FIRST FEMALE MASTER PLUMBER MAKES HER MARK BY SUSAN THWING
As a young girl growing up in Chicago, Adrienne Bennett loved science. When the Apollo space mission took place, she was inside watching the excitement rather than playing outside. She remembers her childhood being surrounded by science magazines, eager to read, learn and explore. She loved going to hobby stores and buying aircraft models to put together “My parents were readers, so I emulated them. I was brought up to be responsible. To work hard,” she said. “My mother and sisters were and are strong women who take care of themselves.” So it was no surprise that at the age of 30, while surrounded by men, Bennett became the first black female master plumber in the United States. Bennett has been a Detroiter since she was nine years old. After graduating from high school at 17, she attended engineering school. She applied for an entry-level training program with an engineering firm in Detroit intending to attend Lawrence Technology University to study mechanical engineering. But a racially motivated incident with someone at the firm prompted her to leave the program. She never attended college. Then at a 1976 presidential rally, she was approached by a recruiter who wanted to bring more women into the skilled trades in Michigan. The rest is history. Along the way she learned how to adjust and succeed. “The thing women need to know in this industry is you’re going to get dirty. And you need to be strong, mentally and physically.” At 119 pounds, trying to lift and carry supplies across job sites, “at one point my mom bought me a corset to help strengthen and protect my back. The job sites became a gymnasium.” Four decades ago, when Bennett earned her plumber’s license, she became the first woman in Michigan to successfully complete a plumbing apprenticeship program in the state. A few years later, when she became a licensed master plumber and plumbing contractor, she was the first female in North America to do so. Now the owner of Benkari, with her son A.K. Bennett launched the commercial plumbing and water conservation company in 2008. The years in between were not easy as she forged her way through a male-dominated industry. While making strides in her career, she said for the first 25 years she was told “we don’t want you here” more often than not. But she did not give up. “I’ve been a journeyman plumber, a master plumber, project manager, plumbing inspector and code enforce-
Adrienne Bennett, the nation’s first female master plumber
ment officer for the city of Detroit for a decade. There was no place left to go but become an independent contractor,” she said. In addition to being North America’s first female licensed master plumber and plumbing contractor, she’s also America’s first African American female plumbing inspector and certified medical gas inspector and installer. “I’m a member of UA, The United Association which includes Canada. I was informed there is another woman that has obtained her master’s license. I welcome her and wish her well,” she said. Bennet’s company, Benkari has been involved in several high-profile projects, including Little Caesars Arena. Now, she’s part of the Michigan Central Station project, making history alongside the revitalized train station by playing a major role in resurrecting it. In the early days of the Michigan Central project, Benkari was responsible for helping winterize, dewater and dry out the iconic station, which has sat empty for more than 30 years. Benkari installed a temporary system to get water out of the building and protect it from any further deterioration. Now Benkari is working on the plumbing systems and fixtures that will become permanent features of the reborn building. “I’ve always been awestruck by the train station,” Bennett said. “It is great to be back in Detroit and working on something that has that much history. It’s an honor to be involved in its restoration and play a part in bringing it back to life.” And people can be awestruck by Bennett as well. She said that while it has taken a lot of fortitude and resilience to forge her career, “It took the test of everything I had. It showed me what I was made of.” T H E E N G I N E E R I N G S O C I E T Y O F D E T R O I T esd.org | 41
Expanding with the Times
COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES EVOLVE TO MEET ENGINEERING NEEDS
BY SUSAN THWING
O
nce upon a time an engineering degree brought to mind automobiles, manufacturing processes, or a mechanical system. But today, the reach of engineering extends to six major branches of engineering: mechanical, chemical, civil, electrical, management, and geotechnical, and literally hundreds of different subcategories of engineering under each branch. From aerospace to environmental to cybersecurity and marine, there is an engineering aspect to all areas of our lives. The concept of engineering goes back thousands of years dating back to Imhotep, the first engineer known by name and achievement, as the builder of the Step Pyramid at Saqqarah, Egypt, estimated at about 2550 BCE. Engineering degrees also have a long history with three main schools as the first to offer engineering education in 1817—the U.S. Military Academy (New York) 1819, Norwich University (Vermont) 1825 and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (New York). Rensselaer awarded the first degree in Civil Engineering in 1835, although at the time it was only a one-year technical finishing program. From those first awarded degrees, the evolution of the industry is forever changing. So it is no surprise that Michigan universities and colleges are continually adding to their engineering degree offerings via new programs, departments and collaborations. Here’s a wrap up of just some of the new programs across the state:
BIO IS BIG!
The employment of bioengineers and biomedical engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor. Increasing numbers of technologies and applications to medical equipment and devices, along with the medical needs of a growing and aging population, will require the services of these workers.
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Higher education is taking this to heart. Oakland University recently elevated its bioengineering program to a department, with the first class of students graduating in 2020. The move was intended to strengthen the university’s academic profile and help students succeed in a rapidly evolving job market. The department is the first in the university’s history to be under the shared governance of core academic units, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering and Computer Science. Department leaders are preparing to seek accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, for the program, with the first site visit this fall.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DATA
An unprecedented surge in the speed and power of computers allows the analysis of complex data sets to develop new vaccines, to analyze financial risk, to create efficient supply chains, or teach cars to drive themselves. With data science graduates in high demand—according to a report by the Business Higher Education Forum, 69 percent of employers expect candidates with data science skills to get preference for jobs in their organizations—a new degree at Lawrence Technological University (LTU) will train students to analyze data to do all of those things—and more. The new LTU Bachelor of Science in Data Science degree combines mathematics, physics, statistics, computer science, and data analysis. Managed by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science in the LTU College of Arts and Sciences, it is highly interdisciplinary in nature—and may include coursework and research with faculty in other areas on campus, such as the LTU College of Engineering, the LTU College of Business and Information Technology, and the Marburger STEM Center. The degree focuses on theory and practice in big data, data mining, machine learning, bioinformatics, mathematical modeling, and artificial intelligence, with students learning to study complex data sets and understand the patterns that each set can reveal.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
This fall, LTU also launched an interdisciplinary Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence due to the explosive growth in the use of artificial intelligence technologies in a wide variety of industries, such as automotive, healthcare, retail, finance, science and manufacturing. AI and big data are now being successfully used in the battle against the pandemic by providing solutions to tracking, predicting, contact tracing, early diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. The new program will be a joint effort between the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in LTU’s College of Engineering, and the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science in the LTU’s College of Arts and Sciences. The program leverages new and reengineered laboratories in LTU’s Taubman Engineering, Life Sciences, and Architecture complex. The Industry 4.0 Connected Enterprise Facility includes the use of the Robotics Engineering Automation Lab and the Electrical and Computer Engineering for Embedded Systems and Artificial Intelligence Lab, both in the Taubman complex.
WELDING IT TOGETHER
Wayne State University recently launched a bachelor of science program in Welding and Metallurgical Engineering Technology. Over half of all man-made products in the U.S.
require the work of welders but, according to the American Welding Society, there will be a shortage of up to 450,000 welding professionals by 2022. As infrastructure ages, new materials emerge and an emphasis on quality in advanced manufacturing increases, developing an influx of skilled workers in this field will be crucial. The B.S. in welding and metallurgical engineering technology program is an upper two-year curriculum for students who have completed their first two years in a welding or comparable program elsewhere. Students take courses on such topics as thermodynamics, design, automation and robotics, and structural analysis. These courses are taught by faculty in the Division of Engineering Technology as well as adjunct lecturers from industry partners including General Motors and Tenneco.
ENGINEERING CHEMICALS, AND GOING NATURAL
Kettering University has launched two new academic departments, the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Natural Sciences. The Department of Chemical Engineering will be part of the College of Engineering. The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering program has been one of the fastestgrowing degree programs at the University since its initial offering in 2008. This new department is led by co-interim department heads Mary Gilliam, an associate professor of chemical engineering at Kettering who co-developed the new curriculum as one of the first faculty members in the chemical engineering program, and Jonathan Wenzel, an associate professor of chemical engineering who established a research and consulting program in supercritical fluid technology at Kettering. The Department of Natural Sciences will encompass the former departments of chemistry and biochemistry, as T H E E N G I N E E R I N G S O C I E T Y O F D E T R O I T esd.org | 43
well as physics. It also will house all of the programs previously housed in those former departments. Daniel Ludwigsen will serve as interim department heads.
GOING GLOBAL VIA PARTNERSHIPS
Eastern Michigan University (EMU) and Beibu Gulf University (BGU) in China finalized a cooperative 15-year partnership that begins with up to 300 students being enrolled in the new program annually for the first four years. Overall enrollment will eventually include up to 1,200 students. Upon successful completion, a student will receive degrees from both BGU and EMU. The Beibu Gulf campus is located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. Majors that will be offered at Beibu Gulf by the EMU College of Engineering and Technology include: % Mechanical Engineering Technology % Computer Engineering Technology % Product Design Engineering Technology % Construction Management. Students at Beibu Gulf pursuing these majors at EMU will be simultaneously pursuing majors at BGU in: % Mechanical Engineering % Vehicle Engineering % Mechanical Design and Manufacturing and Automation % Construction Project Costs % Internet of Things Engineering EMU professors will have the opportunity to teach classes on a limited basis at the institution in each of a stu-
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dent’s four years of study, but will primarily concentrate their teaching in a student’s fourth year as students at the cooperative institution become more advanced. Students in the program also can pursue their fourth year of studies at the EMU campus in Ypsilanti.
ENHANCING ACCESS
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a key partner in a pilot program to expand Advanced Placement computer science opportunities for high school students in Michigan, one of five states selected for the launch. The $15 million investment by Code.org to launch a program in selected states expands AP computer science offerings to more students, with an emphasis on equitable access. This program builds on work already done through a partnership among GVSU, Code.org, the state’s MiSTEM network—designed to strengthen STEM education—and the College Board. GVSU leads coordination of K-12 computer science education in the state, while Code.org is a nonprofit computer science organization that provides curriculum and training resources. A critical component of the mission is ensuring equity in access to computer science education, so the curriculum will intentionally take into account the unique cultural perspectives, interests and experiences of Black, Latino, Native American and other underrepresented students. The program organizers hope to impact the larger systems by having a more diverse population attending post-secondary institutions and ultimately entering the technical workforce.
Failing Grades
CARDS IN PLACE FOR BUILDING BACK A BETTER MICHIGAN
BY SUSAN THWING
N
o one likes bad grades. But when Michigan received a D+ rating in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Infrastructure Report Card, no one disagreed with the assessment. Michigan has long battled failing roads, bridges, and energy systems—and finding the funding solutions to pay for repairing them. Even in 2018—the year the ASCE report was released—Governor Gretchen Whitmer ran on the campaign slogan of “Fix the Roads.” Since 1998, ASCE has issued the Infrastructure Report Card, and beginning in 2001, the Report Card has been released every four years. Pothole-ridden roads, bridges propped with temporary supports, sinkholes destroying homes, and closed beaches were all indications Michigan had a problem. This April, even President Biden seemed to concur with the grading when announcing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bill is a plan that is expected to be approved this fall that includes a $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan with an anticipated more than $7.3 billion going to Michigan.
SO, WHAT’S WRONG?
To define infrastructure, ASCE includes “fundamental facilities and systems necessary for Michigan’s economy to function. Roads, bridges, schools, water and sewer systems, dams, railways, and energy systems
are categories of infrastructure that directly affect our ability to live, work, and play.” As the report states “Quality infrastructure allows Michigan to be a front-runner in research and development, manufacturing, farming, and tourism. The transportation system gets people to work every day or up north for weekends. Water systems deliver clean drinking water to our homes, communities, and businesses. School buildings provide a safe place for children to learn. Stormwater and wastewater treatment systems protect neighborhoods from floods and our lakes, rivers, and beaches from contamination.” In other words, right now, the lifeblood of the state is not functioning successfully. And failing infrastructure is a big order to fix. The 2018 ASCE Michigan Report Card is being used as a tool used to help residents, businesses, and policymakers understand the state of Michigan’s infrastructure, and outlines the specific problems. Biden’s plan earmarks dollars to make solutions and improvements within reach. According to the initially proposed bill, Michigan is expected to get $7.3 billion for highways and $563 million for bridge replacements over a five-year period. Specifically the plan notes these issues in Michigan: % Roads and bridges: In Michigan there are 1,219 bridges and over 7,300 miles of highway in poor
Michigan is expected to get $7.3 billion for highways and $563 million for bridge replacements over a five-year period.
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condition. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 4.6 percent in Michigan and on average, each driver pays $644 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair. Public transportation: Michiganders who take public transportation spend an extra 67.7 percent of their time commuting and non-White households are 5.6 times more likely to commute via public transportation. 17 percent of trains and other transit vehicles in the state are past useful life. Resilient infrastructure: From 2010 to 2020, Michigan has exper i e n c e d 1 9 ex t r e m e we a t h e r events, costing the state up to $5 billion in damages. Drinking water: Over the next 20 years, Michigan’s drinking water infrastructure will require $13 billion in additional funding. Home energy: In Michigan, an average low-income family spends
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8-10% of their income on home energy, forcing choices between paying energy bills and buying food, medicine or other essentials. % Clean energy jobs: As of 2019, there were 125,365 Michiganders working in clean energy, and the American Jobs Plan invests in creating jobs advancing clean energy production by extending and expanding tax credits for clean energy generation, carbon capture and sequestration and clean energy manufacturing. The plan also outlines deficiencies in housing, broadband, caregiving services/childcare, and veterans health. To help alleviate the issues, and begin a path to rebuilding, the legislation will add $550 billion in new funding for the nation’s roads, bridges and other physical infrastructure and related programs. Based on state-bystate allocations, a break down by the Detroit News, indicates Michigan stands to receive: % $7.3 billion in federal highway aid % $563 million for bridge replacement and repairs
In the 2010s, Michigan experienced 19 extreme weather events, many causing flooding.
% $1 billion in federal investments in buses, rail lines and other means of public transportation % $100 million to help extend broadband Internet coverage % Between $200 million and $300 million a year to pay for environmental projects in and around the Great Lakes % A portion of $7.5 billion for building charging stations across the U.S. “But it is important to note that this is not all new money,” explains ESD President Kirk Steudle, Econolite’s Senior Vice President and former
Director of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), referring to the over $5 billion Michigan currently receives in federal funding. The new bill allocates just $1.7 billion in new money over the next five years. Beyond that, new or continued funding is not guaranteed. “It does include the reauthorization of the current highway and transit funding that is set to expire this year,” Steudle said. “So, the state must do something, or the entire program stops.” The federal bill isn’t the only measure working to reverse the aging
MICHIGAN OVERALL GRADE
2009: D 2018: D+
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infrastructure in Michigan. In January 2020, the State Transportation Commission (STC) authorized the Michigan Department of Transportation to issue $3.5 billion in bonds over four years to finance infrastructure improvements. In addition, the Rebuilding Michigan Program (20202024)—a program to rebuild the state highways and bridges that are critical to the state’s economy and carry the most traffic—launched nearly two dozen state highway projects in the spring throughout the state as part of the 2021 Michigan Department of Transportation construction season. So far, the Rebuilding Michigan Program dashboard reports 47 projects, with 17 roads projects completed and eight bridge repairs in progress. It’s progress, said Steudle, but the key to any successful foundational improvement is to look ahead, far ahead, strategically, taking what has already been accomplished and planned and moving it forward alongside new ideas. “The 21st Century Infrastructure Committee under Governor Rick Snyder’s administration made many of the same recommendations. While a few have been enacted, many remain largely ignored,” he explains. “The current generation is benefiting from transportation investments made by prior generations, But right now they are not looking ahead to the future. These programs need to immediately take shape to maintain the economic backbone of our great county. Economic prosperity for Michigan— and our country—requires efficient methods of moving people, goods and information. We must invest the time and resources in an infrastructure that makes that happen.” Looking ahead, with the expected passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the culmination of other Michigan rebuilding programs, when the next ASCE Report Card is issued in 2022, chances are Michigan will receive a much better grade.
DTE INVESTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE Energy infrastructure advancements are underway via DTE Energy. Over the next three years, DTE Energy recently announced it will invest $110 million to install 92 miles of new pipe and upgrade 9,000 meters in the Grand Rapids area. The effort, part of the company’s Gas Renewal Program, will further strengthen the reliability of natural gas delivery and significantly reduce methane emissions. The company’s Three Mile Road Station, officially opened on Aug. 25, will serve as a hub for the Gas Renewal Program operations across western and northern Michigan. The new 19,000-square-foot DTE Gas campus will employ 34 field crew members, 21 office staff and more than 100 contract workers who will perform year-round service in support of the Gas Renewal Program. “The opening of this facility is part of our multi-year, statewide Gas Renewal Program in which we’re investing $3.5 billion to replace cast-iron and steel pipe with safer, more reliable and environmentally friendly materials,” said Matt Paul, president and chief operating officer at DTE Gas. “The Three Mile Station will help us work more efficiently and collaboratively throughout greater Michigan as we move forward in completing this important work.” The replacement pipe installed through the Gas Renewal Program is made from durable, flexible plastic that helps reduce methane emissions. The Gas Renewal Program is a key component in DTE’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its electric and gas operations by 2050. When completed, the Gas Renewal Program will reduce methane emissions by an amount equivalent to taking 100,000 cars off the road. “The new pipe will also support our ability to transport new sources of energy as technology advances,” explained Paul. “Our infrastructure already transports renewable natural gas created by capturing methane from landfills, dairy farms and wastewater treatment plant byproducts. In fact, renewable natural gas is currently offered as part of our voluntary Natural Gas Balance program designed to help our customers reduce their carbon footprint.” The project represents DTE’s proactive approach to serving customers in the growing area. The nearby Wealthy Station will continue to serve as a primary service center for gas operations and together with the Three Mile Road facility will support DTE’s mission to provide safe, reliable, affordable gas to area customers. T H E E N G I N E E R I N G S O C I E T Y O F D E T R O I T esd.org | 47
NETWORKING IN THE PANDEMIC
Making the Most of College Opportunities BY DANA MARIE LeFEVRE
S
ince I was a child, I imagined my first day of college to go exactly how I saw it in the movies. I would leave my new roommate for my first 8 a.m. class, rush to grab some breakfast before walking into my huge chemistry lecture with hundreds of new faces that I would slowly get to know over the semester. I knew that I would be anxious and excited for this new chapter in my life. However, as a 2020 graduate of high school, this was not my experience for my first day of college at Michigan State University. My first day began by walking out of my bedroom in my hometown and heading to my kitchen to get breakfast. I stayed in my pajamas because my chemistry class lecture would not have faces, just blank Zoom screens. I did not recognize the names on the screens, and that did not change throughout the semester. The perspective I gained from online learning will forever affect how I started my adult life whether it was my networking abilities, relationships with professors, or academic growth. I do not look at this as a setback, just another chapter in my life that helped me build new skills. I am forever grateful for this opportunity of learning at home my first semester of college because it prepared me to move on to campus in the second semester, and eventually prepare me for my inperson classes, as I am doing now, the summer before my sophomore year of college. One of the most important professional experiences a college student can have is an internship or co-op. These networking skills, recommendation letters, and hours of learning are the golden tickets to the success of our careers. Even though our career fairs at Michigan State University were virtual, as were almost all of our events this past year, as I pulled my chair closer to my desk in my dorm room to participate in one, I still had sweaty palms as I itched the collar of my blouse away from my neck. Nerves as an eighteen-year-old, would not disappear even though my interviews and networking may not have been in person.
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After I landed my first summer internship, I began to have confidence in the skills I was developing even though I did not have the benefits of in person training and classes. The clubs I joined, such as Women in Engineering, and workshops I attended set valuable expectations that would help me. The networking skills I developed this year catered towards my virtual experiences; however, it taught me just the same amount of skills I can now use in person to elevate my success. The expected ‘setbacks’ as a student learning from home turned into countless skills I can use to my advantage. Communication via Zoom and Google Meetings is now a tool that I can confidently use. Reading body language and expressing opinions as well as listening, are crucial, as many professionals are also adapting to these changing times. These skills are now beneficial as we transition to inperson meetings, even if we still choose to use our online connections to bring parts of the world closer to us. The benefits of our pandemic plans can push our society to make improvements without new ideas. For example, benefits of online learning include flexible class schedules, the ability to take more classes, more open classes, and the opportunity to focus on specific material while learning. As a student, I have applied my own set of new tactics to how I can improve my skills. My personal relations to these drawbacks and benefits will vary to other students, but drawing attention to my own struggles has allowed me to set goals for myself that I hope to cope with better as I return to campus in the fall. I am strangely emotional about my return to East Lansing. I have already grown to love the Red Cedar River, the beautiful campus, the energy of our downtown, and the bustle of our stadium, even though I have only gone to a single spring football scrimmage. This is such a monumental time in a young adult’s life. No matter what each generation goes through, I believe our educational system has the right balance of flexibility and structure to maneuver the impossible predictions of life. For eighteen years of my life, I had such a structured view of how my first day of college would be. Now I can always have the comparison of my first days of college between my freshman and sophomore years of college. One started with doubt and fear of the difficulties that lay before me without knowing my professors or how to even handle college curriculum. Now, I still have fears of the unknown, but I could not be happier to wander around campus bumping into new faces with the fear of a pandemic fading behind me. Dana Marie LeFevre is from Livonia, Michigan and is attending Michigan State University’s College of Engineering, with a May 2024 planned graduation date. She also serves as a student member on the TechCentury Editorial Board.
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Call 800-682-6881 for a quote. Be sure to mention that you are with ESD. SAVINGS AVAILABLE TO ESD MEMBERS AND MEMBERS OF THESE AFFILIATE SOCIETIES: Air & Waste Mgmt. Assn.–East MI Ch. (EMAWMA) Am. Chemical Soc.–Detroit Section (ACS) Am. Concrete Inst.–Greater MI Ch. (ACI-GMC) Am. Council of Engineering Companies–MI (ACEC) Am. Foundry Soc.–Detroit Windsor Ch. (AFS-DW) Am. Inst. of Architects-Detroit Ch. (AIA) Am. Inst. of Architects-MI (AIA) Am. Inst. of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Am. Inst. of Constructors–MI Ch. (AIC) Am. Nuclear Soc. (ANS) Am. Polish Engineering Assn. (APEA) Am. Soc. for Quality–Greater Detroit Section 1000 (ASQ-DETROIT) Am. Soc. for Quality–Saginaw Valley (ASQ-SAGINAW) Am. Soc. of Agricultural & Biological Engineers–MI Section (ASABE) Am. Soc. of Body Engineers Int’l (ASBE) Am. Soc. of Civil Engineers–MI Section (ASCE) Am. Soc. of Engineers of Indian Origin–MI Ch. (ASEI) Am. Soc. of Heating, Refrig. & Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Am. Soc. of Mechanical Engineers–MI (ASME) Am. Soc. of Plumbing Engineers–Eastern MI Ch. (ASPE-EMC) Am. Soc. of Safety Engineers–Greater Detroit Ch. (ASSE-DETROIT) Am. Soc. of Sanitary Eng. for Plumbing & Sanitary Research (ASSE) Am. Water Works Assn. (MI-AWWA) Am. Welding Soc. (AWS-DW) Arab Am. Assn. of Engineers & Architects, MI (AAAEA) Armenian Engineers & Scientists of America–MI Section (AESA-MI) ASM Int’l–Detroit Ch. The Materials Soc. (ASM-INT-DETROIT) Assn. for Facilities Engineering (AFE) Assn. for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) Assn. of Business Process Mgmt. Professionals–SE MI Ch. (ABPMP) Assn. of Soil & Foundation Engineers (ASFE) Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Assn. (AASA) Biomedical Engineering Assn. (BMES) Building Commissioning Assn.–Central Ch. (BCA)
Construction Specifications Inst. (CSI) Council of Supply Chain Mgmt. Professionals (CSCMP) CREW Detroit–Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Detroit Chinese Engineers Assn. (DCEA) Detroit Soc. for Coatings Technology (DSCT) ElectroChemical Soc. (ECS) Engineers Without Borders (EWBUSA) Great Lakes Renewable Energy Assn. (GLREA) Heavy Duty Manufacturers Assn. (HDMA) Illuminating Engineering Soc. of North America (IESNA) Inst. of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Inst. of Environmental Science & Technology (IEST) Inst. of Industrial Engineers Greater Detroit Ch. (IIE) Inst. of Mathematical Sciences (IMS) Instrumentation Systems & Automation Soc. (ISA) Int’l Council on Systems Engineering–MI Ch. (INCOSE) Japan Business Soc. of Detroit (JBS) Mechanical Contractors Assn. (MCA-Detroit) Mechanical Inspectors Assn. of MI (MIAM) Metropolitan Mechanical Inspectors Assn. (MMIA) MI Ch. of Am. Soc. of Landscape Architects (MASLA) MI Assn. of Environmental Professionals (MAEP) MI Assn. of Hazardous Materials Managers (MI-AHMP) MI Chemistry Council (MCC) MI Interfaith Power & Light (MIPL) MI Intellectual Property Law Assn. (MIPLA) MI Rural Water Assn. (MRWA) MI Soc. for Clinical Engineering (MSCE) MI Soc. of Professional Engineers (MSPE) MI Soc. of Professional Surveyors (MSPS) MI Water Environment Assn. (MWEA) MI!/usr/group (MUGORG) National Assn. of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) National Assn. of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
* Policies are underwritten by the Citizens Insurance Company of America and/or Citizens Insurance Company of the Midwest, companies of The Hanover Insurance Group. Participation in the group auto and home insurance program is based upon group membership and company underwriting guidelines.
Nat. Soc. of Black Engineers–Detroit Alumni Extension (NSBE-DAE) Net Impact Southeastern MI (NISEM) North Am. Soc. of Chinese Automotive Engineers (NACSAE) Project Mgmt. Inst.–Great Lakes Ch. (PMI) SAE Detroit Section (SAE-Detroit Section) SAE Mid MI (SAE-Mid MI) SAE Int’l (SAE-Intl) Safety Council for SE MI (SCSM) Saginaw Valley Engineering Council (SVEC) Soc. for Industrial & Applied Mathematics–Gr. Lakes Sec. (SIAM) Soc. for Marketing Professional Services–MI (SMPS) Soc. of Am. Military Engineers (SAME) Soc. of Am. Value Engineers–Greater MI Ch. (SAVE-GMC) Soc. of Applied Engineering Sciences (SAES) Soc. of Fire Protection Engineers–MI Ch. (SFPE) Soc. of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Soc. of Manufacturers’ Representatives (SMR) Soc. of Manufacturing Engineers–Detroit Ch. No. One (SME) Soc. of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Soc. of Plastics Engineers–Automotive Division (SPEA) Soc. of Plastics Engineers–Detroit (SPE-DETROIT) Soc. of Tribologists & Lubrication Engineers (STLE) Soc. of Women Engineers (SWE) SE MI Facility & Power Plant Engineers Soc. (SEMPPES) SE MI Soc. for Healthcare Engineering (SMSHE) SE MI Sustainable Business Forum (SMSBF) Southeastern MI Computer Organization, Inc. (SEMCO) Structural Engineers Assn. of MI–Am. Inst. of Steel Const. (SEAMi) Student Environmental Assn.–University of MI, Dearborn (SEA-UMD) TiE–The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) U.S. Green Building Council–Detroit Regional Ch. (USGBC-DRC) United States Army (USARMY) United States Navy (USNAVY)
Hartland Insurance Group, Inc. 691 N. Squirrel Rd., Suite 190 Auburn Hills, MI 48326 hartlandinsurancegroup.com 248-377-9600
