21st Century Engineer

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

We explore:

• Her family's engineering legacy and what led her to civil engineering.

• The critical skills universities aren’t teaching (yet).

• Why engineers must continuously evolve alongside emerging tech.

• The historic 60-acre concrete map that shaped America’s flood policy.

• How preserving the past can unlock new pathways for students of the future.

🎧 Listen to this candid, wide-ranging conversation on how engineers like Sarah are shaping the 22nd century.

www.21stcenturyengineer.com

What happens when your dream to save the world meets the reality of design spreadsheets and construction sites?

In this episode, Dr. Dennis Truax talks with civil engineer and nonprofit leader Laura Wilson, who shares how her early passion for environmental work turned into a career that spans consulting, hands-on international development, and leadership in Engineers Without Borders.

Laura opens up about:

• Choosing civil engineering over her parents’ chemical engineering legacy

• What it felt like to lead life-changing water projects in Zambia

• Why remote work didn’t fully replace office collaboration

• The leap of faith she took to leave consulting for the nonprofit world

• And what she wants her impact to be, long after the work is done.

Whether you're a student figuring out your path or a professional considering a pivot, this conversation is packed with clarity, honesty, and purpose.

📌 Mentioned in this episode:

• Engineers Without Borders

• Mississippi State University

• Global water resource challenges

• Transitioning from design work to nonprofit infrastructure support

🎙️ Host: Dr. Dennis D. Truax
📍 Guest: Laura Wilson
🔗 Subscribe and follow for more conversations that shape the future of civil and environmental engineering.

What does it mean to be a civil engineer in the 21st century?

In this episode, we’re bridging generations — sitting down with young professional Matthew Jacobson for a real, thoughtful conversation about leadership, service, and engineering in a world that’s changing fast. Hosted by a past president of ASCE, this episode dives into the human side of infrastructure: why it matters, who it serves, and how today’s engineers can shape the future.

We talk about:

• Why Matthew chose civil engineering and what hooked him early on

• The value of ASCE involvement at the student and professional level

• Developing leadership skills outside of the classroom

• How company culture shapes growth for young engineers

• Rebuilding communities through inclusive design

• Redefining success with work-life balance and purpose

Whether you're an engineering student, a young professional, or a seasoned veteran looking to mentor the next generation, this episode is packed with insight, personal stories, and a refreshing take on what it means to build something that lasts.

What does it take to balance two seemingly opposite careers? In today’s episode of The 21st Century Engineer, we sit down with Alexis Moran—a civil & environmental engineer who also spent five years as an NFL cheerleader for the New Orleans Saints.

Alexis shares her remarkable journey—from discovering her passion for dance at age five, to pursuing a career in STEM, and excelling in both fields simultaneously. She talks about the challenges of work-life balance, her role in sustainability at Ingalls Shipbuilding, and how she transitioned from NFL cheerleading to starting her own choreography business.

🔹 Topics Covered:
✅ How Alexis balanced a full-time engineering career with professional cheerleading
✅ Sustainability & environmental engineering in the shipbuilding industry
✅ The power of mentorship & finding passion in multiple careers
✅ Life after the NFL & launching a dance/choreography business
✅ Advice for young professionals pursuing STEM and creative passions

👂 Tune in for an inspiring conversation that proves you don’t have to choose between passion and profession—you can have both!

💬 Join the conversation! Let us know your thoughts by leaving a review.

🔔 Subscribe to The 21st Century Engineer for more inspiring career stories!

#Engineering #STEM #WomenInSTEM #NFLCheerleader #Sustainability #CareerBalance #Dance #Mentorship #CareerSuccess #Podcast

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms!

Welcome to The 21st Century Engineering Podcast, where we dive into the future of engineering, technology, and infrastructure. Hosted by Dennis D. Truax, Ph.D., P.E., a distinguished leader in the civil engineering community, this podcast explores the rapidly evolving engineering landscape.

Each episode features insightful conversations with experts and industry professionals like Jonathan Hassen, who share their experiences, challenges, and innovative approaches in engineering and consulting.

From tackling workforce development and adopting new technologies like AI and digital twins to exploring the growing impact of data and automation in the water and wastewater industries, we cover a broad range of topics essential for engineers shaping the future.

Whether you're a seasoned professional, a student entering the field, or someone curious about the changes in engineering, The 21st Century Engineering Podcast will equip you with the knowledge and perspective you need to thrive in this fast-changing profession.

In this episode of The 21st Century Engineering Podcast, Dr. Dennis D. Truax speaks with Jacob Forester, a former student and long-time friend, about his diverse career journey in civil engineering. Jacob reflects on his transition from consulting to government work and ultimately to starting his own construction firm. He discusses the importance of service in engineering and the impact it has on his career, stressing how embracing servant leadership, empathy, and building a strong company culture are key to success in the industry.

Jacob shares his experiences in overcoming challenges, balancing work and family, and the pivotal role that good communication and leadership play in shaping a business. This episode offers valuable insights for engineers looking to take on new challenges and make an impact through their work.