Dr. William Hayden Jr. joins us to explain why 60% of engineering projects don’t meet goals—and why it has nothing to do with technical ability. Drawing on global consulting work and a sharp eye for systems thinking, he shares stories from inside the AEC industry, his personal encounters with Dr. Deming, and why young professionals often walk out the door without saying a word.

This episode dives deep into the cultural, educational, and structural cracks in the profession—and offers a path forward rooted in leadership, psychological safety, and truth-telling.

—

Follow the show for conversations that challenge the status quo in engineering and civil infrastructure.

#Leadership #Engineering #AEC #Deming #CivilEngineering #21stCenturyEngineer

Dennis D. sits down with Tiffani Neilson (CMO, IoT Marketing) to explore how the engineering and infrastructure industries are adapting to digital transformation. From broadband access to AI-driven content and the future of trade shows, this episode breaks down the opportunities and challenges facing civil engineers, procurement leaders, and infrastructure professionals.

Why are so many civil engineers leaving the industry? In this episode, Scott, Dennis, and Miles dissect the toxic cultures, lack of purpose, and outdated systems driving talent out of one of America’s most essential professions. If you care about infrastructure, this one’s a must-listen.

Is artificial intelligence really a threat to engineering—or is it just another tool in the box?

In this episode of The 21st Century Engineer, host Dennis sits down with Nick Heim, Senior Innovation Engineer at StructureCare and host of the AEC Engineering & Technology Podcast, to talk about the evolving role of engineers in an AI-powered world.

They explore the real fears and opportunities AI presents, including:
– Whether AI can replace engineering judgment
– Why engineers are not just button-pushers
– How tech can be used (and misused) as a marketing gimmick
– The danger of “falling asleep at the wheel” with over-automation
– How the profession must adapt to avoid commoditization

🔍 Perfect for:
– Civil, structural, and infrastructure engineers
– Engineering students & new grads
– Innovators and tech leaders in AEC industries

🎙 Guest: Nick Himes
🏢 Senior Innovation Engineer at StructureCare
🎧 Host of AEC Engineering & Technology Podcast

📩 Stay in the conversation. Subscribe to The 21st Century Engineer newsletter on LinkedIn.

This episode of The 21st Century Engineer Podcast, Dennis sits down with Tara Hoke — ethics counsel for ASCE and a 20-year veteran in civil infrastructure — to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping the ethical responsibilities of modern engineers.

From the collapse of IBM’s Watson to the pressures of AI-powered decision-making in high-stakes environments, this conversation cuts straight to the core of what today’s engineers need to know.

You’ll hear about:
– Why AI can’t be trusted blindly
– How engineers are being asked to validate data they didn’t generate
– What the Watson oncology failure taught us
– How young engineers can position themselves as future-ready change agents

🎯 Whether you’re designing infrastructure, managing risk, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is your starting point for understanding AI’s ethical edge in engineering.

🔗 Mentioned in the show:
– ASCE Code of Ethics
– Civil Engineering Magazine

📢 Like what you hear? Share this episode, leave a review, and follow the podcast for more conversations at the intersection of innovation, ethics, and civil design.

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.