President's Report

Learning the Craft

As a high-schooler, I read a book called 'Men at Work: The Craft of Baseball', by George F. Will. It profiled three Major League baseball players--one of which was San Diego Padres legend, and Hall of Fame member, Tony Gwynn. The focus was primarily on how Gwynn prepared for games, and less about the games themselves. It was about his thought processes, his work ethic, his practice regimen, and his attention to detail. How he took pride in being a baseball player, a Padre, a leader in the clubhouse, and how he carried himself accordingly. It was about his drive to continually learn and improve.

In addition to the content, I find the title itself interesting: 'The Craft of Baseball.' To me the word 'Craft' evokes the image of a woodworker on a lathe, or a Renaissance stonecutter building a cathedral. Baseball is a sport, a game, or for some, a job. Baseball isn't a Craft, is it? For Tony Gwynn it certainly was.

What about our profession? Is there such a thing as 'The Craft of Engineering'?

It depends on your approach.

I've been fortunate to have so many role models in my career. My Dad is a Civil Engineer, and I've worked under ten members of SEAOC's version of the Hall of Fame: The College of Fellows. Here are some experiences from my time with two Hall of Famers:

Being a Professional

One of the senior engineers at my previous firm was exceptional at training younger engineers. He was generous in passing along rules of thumb and nuggets of wisdom. One that stuck with me was a tip about what is takes to excel as an Engineer: 'Availability, Amiability, Ability. In that order.'

Availability:  Reply to emails and return phone calls. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Maybe. But in my experience, Clients won’t wait too long to look for new engineering firms to work with when they 'just can’t get ahold of anyone there.'

Amiability:  For better or worse, you must work with other people. The architects, contractors, MEP engineers, welders, and rodbusters are working toward the same goal as you are: a successful project. And all are under pressure of some kind, just like you are. Being 'a pleasure to work with' can be a real factor in your firm landing the next job with that Client, as well as your upward mobility within your own firm. Aside from the fact it's just the decent thing to do.

Ability:  Being smart and knowing advanced non-linear analysis techniques are certainly pluses, but they don't automatically guarantee your place in the College of Fellows. Having a firm grasp of technical skills is like hitting a Major League fastball: a rare and highly specialized skill that very few people can master. In Major League baseball, though, it's a basic requirement. Some will be able to hit with more power than others, but to make it in the Pros, you have to hit the fastball consistently. Tony Gwynn could hit the fastball, but he is in the Hall of Fame because he developed himself into a complete player, continually learning and improving through years of diligently mastering his Craft.

The Little Things

In my first year out of school, my project manager and I were set to attend a meeting with the Architect and design team for one of my projects, and some schedule-critical structural issues were on the agenda. I was already nervous about it when my project manager called to tell me that something came up and he wouldn't be able to attend. In a panic, I approached one of our Principals and asked if she could fill in. Luckily, she was able to make time (see 'Availability' above.) Asking for her help was pure cowardice on my part, but I'm glad I did--I was treated to a Master Class in how a Professional conducts oneself in a meeting!

Walking through the door she immediately set the tone: instantly everyone was smiling; a minute later, she had everyone laughing (Amiability.) She instantly grasped the essence of structural problems, offered solutions, and made decisions (Ability.) She communicated clearly and concisely and stayed on point. She kept the meeting on track without officially 'running' the meeting--no tangents, digressions, or wasted time. She chimed in occasionally, but only if it added substance to the discussion. We wrapped things up, she stood to leave, had some more warm words for the team, and we walked out the door with more smiles all around.

Really? A meeting?

Yes, and that's the point. 'Little Things' like this can seem trivial, obvious, or unimportant. They are unglamorous. They are often skills anyone can master, but relatively few choose to. Or maybe it’s just that few really understand their value. Making a spectacular diving catch might get you a highlight on ESPN; properly positioning yourself before the pitch is thrown, so that the ball is hit right to you, will not.

There are countless tips, tricks, and good habits you can learn from experienced engineers. The key is to actively look for them, even search them out. Make a habit of looking for the takeaways from your interactions and experiences—good, bad, big, small, or seemingly mundane.

Welcome to The Show

To our student members, some of you may be nearing graduation. The thought of life 'in the real world' may bring excitement, some trepidation, or a little of both. You may feel unprepared, and that you still have a lot to learn. If so, you would be correct.

The good news: all of us began in the same position you'll be in soon. We all started our careers with zero hits in zero at-bats. We all started to learn the Craft of Engineering our first day on the job.

Graduating with a Civil or Structural degree is not easy. It requires hard work and dedication to make it through the countless homework sets, exams, and finals. You've shown you have the tools and talent to make it, and your future employer will see your potential as well. Wear the uniform of a Structural Engineer with pride and always conduct yourself like a Professional.

Sound exciting? Daunting? It is! Welcome to The Show! Now grab a bat, step up to the plate, and let's play ball!

__________________________________________________________________

Reminder: Student Night is coming up! It will be held March 1, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at Stone Brewery Point Loma.

Students, take advantage of this opportunity to chat with experienced engineers. Members, come prepared to offer tips, advice, and experiences to our future generation of Engineers.

See you there!

Bo Jaquess, S.E.
[email protected]
SEAOSD President
2021-2022

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Calendar of Events

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2022 SEAOSD Scholarship Announcement

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

2022 SEAOSD Scholarship Announcement

The Structural Engineers Association of San Diego (SEAOSD) is pleased to announce the 2022 SEAOSD Scholarship.  Undergraduate and graduate students from SDSU and UCSD who are studying and planning on pursuing a career in structural engineering are eligible.

Scholarships will be awarded as follows:

• One (1) scholarship of $1500 will be awarded to one undergraduate student at SDSU
• One (1) scholarship of $1500 will be awarded to one undergraduate student at UCSD
• One (1) scholarship of $1500 will be awarded to one university graduate student at-large from either SDSU or UCSD

The criteria for selection will include academic achievement, involvement in the structural engineering community, leadership, a desire to pursue a career in the field of structural engineering and financial need.  Students must also be official student members of SEAOSD which is completely free!  If you are not a member, please fill out the membership application at: seaosd.org. 

Students who wish to apply shall provide the following information via an online application before end of day Friday, February 11, 2022 and also meet the minimum requirements noted below:

1. Resume – including honors, activities, organizations, SEAOSD activities and work experience, (1 Page Maximum).
2. Transcript (an unofficial transcript is acceptable).
3. 500 Word Essay - describing your reason for pursuing structural engineering, your professional aspirations for after graduation and brief description of financial need.
4. Letter of Recommendation – from an instructor or work supervisor. The letter should center on the student’s character, leadership qualities, career interest in structural engineering and potential for growth. It is highly encouraged to get a letter of recommendation from an instructor other than the faculty advisor to your student organization.

Minimum Requirements:

• 0 Undergraduate GPA
• 2 Graduate GPA if applying for the Graduate Student Scholarship and have completed Graduate coursework
• Be involved in at least one extracurricular activity. These can include service groups, professional/engineering organizations or clubs, social societies, volunteer programs, or other noteworthy extracurricular involvement. Activities related to the SEAOSD Student Group will be more heavily weighted.

The scholarship awards will be presented at our annual “SEAOSD Student Night with Industry” meeting being held on March 1, 2022, at Stone Brewery Point Loma. The scholarship winners must be present at Student Night in order to collect their award!

We at SEAOSD are proud to continue our tradition of supporting local Structural Engineering programs and look forward to receiving your applications! 

Please apply online by clicking here                               

For all questions please contact Angelene or Paul at: [email protected]                                                           

Sincerely,

Angelene Taduran, PE (Student Liaison Committee),

Paul Tominna, PE (Student Liaison Committee),

and the SEAOSD Board of Directors

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Job Forum

CLASSIFIED JOB LISTING

SUBMIT AN AD

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Sensequake Sponsor

Leader in sensing-based structural analysis and health monitoring                                                                    

Sensequake sensing technologies and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing traditional structural engineering practices. Their patented sensing-based seismic evaluation methodology is done on buildings and bridges without the need for structural drawings or finite-element models. The approach is based on real measured ambient vibrations, is non-intrusive and takes only a few hours.

The Sensequake array of technologies, from different wireless sensors to patented data-analysis software, allow for a wide range of unique services:

• Obtaining the real dynamic properties or the baseline of a structure (frequencies, mode shapes, damping ratios)
• Comparing a structure’s baseline with Sensequake’s database of healthy baseline parameters
• Detecting internal structural damages due to natural hazards or aging and evaluate structural integrity
• Periodic monitoring of bridges and buildings to detect and locate damage using Sensequake’s unique data analysis methodologies
• Patented sensing-based seismic evaluation of buildings (compatible with FEMA-P58)
• Vibration monitoring services with the Sensequake IoT sensors, real-time web-based dashboard and automated reports and alarms
• Permanent structural health monitoring combining artificial intelligence and data analysis for the most comprehensive monitoring platform available

All of these data-driven services have been used to monitor and analyze critical buildings, bridges and infrastructure across the United-States, Canada and Mexico. The process is a turnkey solution for complete management throughout a structure’s life reducing cost and increasing reliability.

Contact-us today for more information or to book a free demo of our sensing technologies.

www.sensequake.com

[email protected]

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Small Project Referral List

Did you know you can sign up to be a part of our Small Project listing?
List of Engineers for Small Projects 2021-2022

Engineers desiring to be added to this list click here to Sign up and pay $50 for the year!

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2022 Pacific Southwest Symposium - Sign up to become a Volunteer Judge!

The Society of Civil and Structural Engineers (SCSE) at UC San Diego will be hosting the 2022 ASCE Pacific Southwest Symposium (PSWS) this year! This will be an in-person Symposium and the first one that UCSD has hosted in 15 years! PSWS will be held from March 31-April 2, 2022 on the UC San Diego campus and at off-site locations in San Diego. It is estimated that there will be 1,200 attendees at PSWS 2022. An event this size requires a lot of help from volunteers. SCSE is actively looking for volunteer judges for the project and technical team competitions. 

Please refer to the link below for the information packet for prospective volunteer judges, as well as a document outlining the roles and responsibilities of judges for each Technical Competition:

2022 PSWS Volunteer Judges Packet

If interested in volunteering, please sign up through the Google Form below:

2022 PSWS - Volunteer Judge Interest Form 

For more information about the 2022 Pacific Southwest Symposium, visit:

https://scse.ucsd.edu/psws

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Simpson Happy Hour

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2022 San Diego Engineers Week Festival Awards & Reception

In just 10 days, the SDCEC event of the year, the 2022 San Diego Engineers Week Festival Awards & Reception on Feb 20th will be here and the early bird ticket prices expire on Feb 16! Get your tickets now to enjoy speakers, society display tables, awards ceremony, and appetizers. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. SEAOSD will be hosting a display table and teaming up with EERI for some interactive activities! Don’t miss out! Students are only $5!

Buy tickets here: https://www.sandiegoengineers.org/festival

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Other Upcoming Events

SEAOSC’s annual full day technical summit will be held this year on March 18 at the UCLA Luskin Center and will be focused on sustainability in the building design industry. The event will feature presentations on embodied carbon, life cycle assessment, public policy, material specific reduction strategies and specific project case studies. The speakers are leaders in the drive towards a more net-zero built environment and will provide key insight into sustainable practices and decisions that can be made throughout the design concept to construction cycle.

Click here to view the flier

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