In Episode 6 of the Why STEM Podcast, Dr. Rameesh Madourie sits down with Jess Hastings, Senior Vice President at Benesch, to explore the intersection of civil engineering, mentorship, and shaping the next generation of STEM leaders.

Jess shares his journey from being a curious kid building with LEGOs in Nebraska to leading major infrastructure projects that shape communities. More importantly, he talks about his passion for investing in students, bridging the gap between industry and education, and why engineers need to do a better job of showing just how cool and impactful this field can be.

💡 Key Topics in this Episode:

How early experiences and role models shaped Jess’s path into civil engineering

The evolving field of civil engineering and the role of new technology

Mentorship’s critical role in inspiring students to pursue STEM careers

Advice for students, young engineers, and professionals considering leadership

How companies and schools can partner to make STEM more accessible

✨ “Not every kid wants to do engineering—and that’s fine. But when even one student asks another question or sparks an interest, that’s amazing. It’s a feeling you can’t describe.” – Jess Hastings

Whether you’re a student, educator, or STEM professional, this episode will leave you inspired about the power of engineering to build both structures and futures.

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