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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 2025 Corporate Partners |
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Donate to SEF
You can help SEF with their mission by donating through SEAOI. Visit the SEF Donation page to make your donation today.
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Board of Directors
Nihar Shah, President
Stephanie Hautzinger, Vice President
Jeremy Kirk, Treasurer
Eamonn Connelly, Secretary
John Viise
Scott Wojteczko
Jim Pawlikowski
Chelsea Zdawczyk
Mehdi Modares
Jon Lewis
____________________________________________________________ SEF Research Grant Congratulations to Ramin Rabiee, the recipient of this year's SEF Research Grant. Dr. Ramin Rabiee is an assistant professor of civil engineering at Ohio Northern University, specializing in structural engineering education and research. He holds a Ph.D. in civil (structural) engineering and has extensive expertise in structural analysis, numerical modeling, and experimental testing. His research focuses on earthquake engineering, structural dynamics, and the development of resilient infrastructure. Dr. Rabiee actively explores shake-table testing, real-time hybrid simulation, and innovative pedagogical methods to enhance engineering education. He has presented his work at national and international conferences and published in leading peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Rabiee’s current research investigates real-time seismic response control of structural systems using adaptive technologies. His project aims to experimentally validate the Transmissibility-Based Semi-Active (TSA) controller through shake-table testing, optimizing damping to enhance structural resilience against diverse earthquake ground motions. Utilizing Ohio Northern University's state-of-the-art Quanser Shake Table, this study evaluates the performance of seismic protection systems under real-world conditions. The research integrates system identification, numerical modeling, and hands-on experimental testing to develop scalable solutions for earthquake resilience. Additionally, it provides undergraduate students with high-impact learning experiences in real-time data acquisition, MATLAB/Simulink, and structural testing. By advancing both seismic resilience research and engineering education, Dr. Rabiee’s work contributes to the future of adaptive seismic protection systems while enriching the undergraduate curriculum. ____________________________________________________________SEF Scholarship Application FormThe 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:
Apply online at the link in the title above, or download an application here. ____________________________________________________________ |
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 |
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2025 - 2026 SCHOLARSHIP 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.
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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. Licensure: S.E., Illinois; Architect, Illinois; LEED AP Societies: SEAOI, SEAOI WiSE, AIA, AISC | 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 | 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 |
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 | Jim Pawlikowski
Position: Principal, Datum Engineers Education: University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign; B.A, and M. Architecture with Structural; Engineering Concentration Licensure: SE, Illinois; LEED, AP Societies: SEAOI, CCHRB, ACI, ASCE, AISC |
Scott Wojteczko
Position: Vice President, IL Structural Group Manager - Benesch Education: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.S. Civil Engineering, M.S. Civil Engineering Licensure: PE, SE Societies: SEAOI, ASCE, 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 | 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 | Jon Lewis
Position: Principal and Executive Director 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 |
