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Structural Engineers Foundation (SEF)
The Structural Engineers Foundation is an independent, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to one goal: the advancement of structural engineering. To attain this goal, and thus prepare for tomorrow's horizons, the SEF has committed itself to sponsoring and funding scholarships, lectures, awards, publications and research - all aimed at improving structural engineers and structural engineering.
Click here to become a corporate partner or support our free lectures.
Thanks to our 2024 Corporate Partners
Donate to SEF
You can help SEF with their mission by donating through SEAOI. Visit the SEF Donation page to make your donation today.
SEF Board of Directors
Nihar Shah, President
Stephanie Hautzinger, Vice President
Jeremy Kirk, Treasurer
Eamonn Connelly, Secretary
Scott Wojteczko
Jonathan Lewis
Chelsea Zdawczyk
Mehdi Modares
John Viise
Stephanie Crain
SEF Research Grant
Congratulations to Saeed Bozorgmehr Nia, the recipient of this year's SEF Research Grant. Saeed Bozorgmehr Nia is a graduate research assistant pursuing a PhD in civil (structural) engineering at Iowa State University. He also holds an Engineer in Training (EIT) license from the Iowa Board of Engineering. His blend of academic research and practical experience has enriched his expertise in selecting materials for ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) mix design for infrastructure. Throughout his academic journey, he has focused on employing UHPC for bridge deck substrates concreting, and bridge repair solutions, and using it as overlays. He is also proficient in advanced in-field implementation of monitoring technologies like LVDT and strain gauges. He has an in-depth understanding of essential codes and standards, including ACI, ASCE 7, ASTM, and AASHTO. He also has numerous presentations in related conferences, and has publications listed in his Google Scholar profile.
The primary goal of his research is to innovate in the design of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) for application in bridge deck substrates and overlays. This involves the in-field implementation of advanced monitoring technologies to evaluate the performance of bridge deck systems under load. His study utilizes a variety of instrumentation, such as linear variable differential transducers (LVDTs) and string potentiometers, to measure vertical displacements of deck panels and bridge girders, alongside strain gauges for comprehensive structural analysis. A key focus is on the deployment of non-proprietary UHPC as an impermeable material for both new bridge deck construction and the rehabilitation of existing structures. This includes meticulous attention to batching, mixing, placement, and curing processes for UHPC, as well as detailing surface preparation requirements for the concrete casting process. Furthermore, his project aims to establish robust short and long-term monitoring programs to evaluate the UHPC's performance and the structural behavior of the bridge superstructure over time. These monitoring strategies are designed to assess the quality of substrate concrete and the efficacy of overlays, using specialized test methods and instrumentation.
SEF Scholarship Awards
The Foundation strongly believes that the future of structural engineering depends on today's students. Without them and their vision, there literally is no future for our profession. The Structural Engineers Foundation is privileged to provide merit-based tuition scholarships to encourage undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in structural engineering programs.
Six scholarship categories are available:
- Undergraduate engineering scholarship, for students who will have a junior or senior standing as of Fall 2024
- Graduate engineering scholarship, intended for students who will be enrolling in graduate school as of Fall 2024
- Max Zar Scholarship, awarded to an outstanding student pursuing his or her engineering studies in the State of Illinois
- Rubinos-Mesia Scholarship, named for Teresa Mesia Rubinos and Jacinto Rubinos, is awarded to an outstanding engineering student of Hispanic descent
- The Fred Haas Scholarship, named for Fred Haas, is awarded to an outstanding graduate student who demonstrates interest in structural steel design and construction (launched 2020)
- SEF Diversity Scholarship (Junior standing or above as of Fall 2024. Open to students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the profession, including students who identify as female, African American/Black, Indigenous, or Hispanic/Latinx.)
Apply online at the link in the title above, or download an application below.
Congratulations to the 2024 Scholarship Award Winners!
Abul Hasnat - SEF Graduate Award
Alberto Diaz - Loza RME Award
Joseph Mirza - Fred Haas Scholarship
Kyra Hicks - Diversity Award
Logan Rose - Undergrad Award
2025 - 2026 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Stay tuned for the upcoming application!
SEF ACTIVITIES
Scholarships:
The Foundation strongly believes that the future of structural engineering depends on today's students. Without them and their vision, there literally is no future for our profession. The Structural Engineers Foundation is privileged to provide merit tuition scholarships to encourage undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in structural engineering programs.
Sponsored Lectures
The Structural Engineers Foundation sponsors lectures in April and November designed to broaden the mind and heighten awareness of excellence in structural engineering. Foundation-sponsored lectures by prominent leaders in the field of structural engineering keep attendees informed with vital cutting-edge information.
Awards
SEF bestows awards and honors to recognize outstanding achievements. The John F. Parmer Award is presented annually by SEF and SEAOI. This award, in recognition of lifelong contributions in the field of structural engineering, is presented to an individual whose distinguished career is acknowledged by his or her peers to be an example of excellence.
Research
SEF understands the importance of research, knowing that it advances our profession by broadening its horizons and expanding our knowledge base. The Foundation offers grants to support graduate and post-graduate research projects.
Nihar Shah, President
Position: President - Rubinos & Mesia Engineers (RME)
Education: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.S. Civil Engineering, M.S. Civil Engineering
Licensure: S.E., P.E., Illinois
Societies: SEAOI, ASCE
Stephanie Hautzinger, Vice President
Position: Associate Vice President, CannonDesign
Education: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.S. Architectural Studies, M. Arch. (Structures Option)
Licensure: S.E., Illinois; Architect, Illinois; LEED AP
Societies: SEAOI, SEAOI WiSE, AIA, AISC
John Viise
Position: Managing Principal, DeSimone Consulting Engineers
Education: University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, M.S. Civil Engineering; Virginia Tech, B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Licensure: S.E., Illinois; P.E., Illinois, SCEng, MIStructE, LEED AP
Societies: SEAOI, ASCE, ACI, IStructE
Jeremy Kirk, Treasurer
Position: Project Engineer, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLC.
Education: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, M.Eng.; Geneva College, B.S.E.
Licensure: S.E., Illinois; P.E., Illinois
Societies: SEAOI, ASCE
Scott Wojteczko
Position: Vice President - Structural Group Manager, Alfred Benesch and Company
Education: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.S. Civil Engineering; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, M.S. Civil Engineering
Licensure: S.E., Illinois; P.E., Illinois
Societies: SEAOI, ASCE, SEI, IRTBA
Chelsea Zdawczyk
Position: HOK
Education: Cornell University, B.S. Civil Engineering; UCLA, M. Arch.; Princeton University, M.S. Structural Engineering
Licensure: P.E., Illinois
Societies: SEAOI, ASCE
Jonathan Lewis
Position: Principal and Unit Manager, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
Education: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.S. Civil Engineering; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Master of Science, Structural Engineering
Licensure: S.E., Illinois
Societies: SEAOI, ASCE, AEI, IABSE, SEI
Eamonn Connolly, Secretary
Position: James McHugh Construction Co., Director of Engineering
Education: BS Civil Engineering Structures, Illinois Institute of Technology, MPhil Civil Engineering , University of Aberdeen
Licensure: SE, IL; PE , FL, IN, MN, OK, TN, TX, WI
Societies: ASCC, ASCE, ACI, PTI, SEAOI
Mehdi Modares
Position: Associate Professor and Director of Structural Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology
Education: Case Western Reserve University, Ph.D. Civil Engineering
Licensure: PhD
Society: ASCE
