Engineering Influence from ACEC

From Voluntold to Victory: Young Engineer Wins ACEC's Young Professional Award

On this episode live from the ACEC Fall Conference in San Diego, host Shreya Jain interviews Young Professional Award winner Dylan Seesman about his ACEC journey, highlights from panels and keynotes, and practical takeaways around AI, leadership, and career growth. They explore workforce development, mentorship, increasing diversity in engineering, and Dylan's advice for aspiring engineers: be curious, communicate well, and pursue meaningful work that fits you.

Engineering Outlook 2025: Sentiment Surges as Uncertainty Lingers

From the 2025 ACEC Fall Conference in San Diego, Joe Bates of the ACEC Research Institute discusses the latest economic sentiment rebound, rising concerns about inflation and the firm finances that remain strong.He previews the Firm of the Future initiative and a comprehensive workforce study showing a persistent talent shortfall—exacerbated by H-1B and visa limits that prevent many international engineering graduates from staying in the U.S.The episode also covers skills gaps, generational differences, and the role of AI as a productivity tool (not a workforce panacea), plus upcoming research and practical takeaways for firms planning through 2035.

Igniting the Spark: Mentoring the Next Generation of Engineers

On this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast from ACEC, we speak with Arthur Jones (TYLin), past president of ACEC Metro Washington, about his two-decade effort mentoring young people and building Community Youth Advance.
They discuss hands-on STEM exposure, workforce development partnerships, the power of consistent mentorship, and how diverse voices strengthen engineering solutions.
Arthur shares lessons learned, the program's growth, and a call to action for engineers and firms to engage with local youth and help develop future leaders.

The Market Edge Podcast - The Port Report: Energy, Funding and Tariffs Energy, Funding and Tariffs

In this special Market Edge episode of ACEC’s Engineering Influence podcast, host Diana O’Lare is joined by GHD’s Victor Tirado, Americas Market Sector Lead for Maritime & Coastal, and Michael Vanderbeek, North American Maritime & Coastal Planning Lead, for a deep dive into the shifting dynamics of the global ports market.
With decades of international experience, Victor and Michael unpack the trends driving change in port planning and design — from the growing role of ports as energy hubs in the global decarbonization effort to the adoption of alternative fuels. Looking ahead, they address the potential of artificial intelligence and automation, and the increasing importance of surrounding real estate — from cold storage to logistics facilities — in sustaining port competitiveness.
The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of port financing, as public authorities hit debt capacity limits and increasingly rely on federal, state, and private sector partnerships to deliver billion-dollar projects. Victor and Michael share perspectives on the uncertainty created by tariffs and trade diversification, the pause in offshore wind development, and how ports are adapting to unpredictable market and policy shifts.
Looking ahead, they address the potential of artificial intelligence and automation in the maritime space, the realities of labor and regulatory constraints, and the increasing importance of surrounding real estate — from cold storage to logistics facilities — in sustaining port competitiveness. This episode offers practical insights and forward-looking analysis for engineering firms navigating change in one of the world’s most vital and complex markets.

Rosie Revere & the STEM Spark: Andrea Beaty on Inspiring Young Inventors

Music.In this episode Andrea Beaty—STEM graduate and author of Rosie Revere, Engineer—joins the show to discuss how storytelling encourages curiosity, resilience, and a sense of identity in young children that can lead them toward STEM careers. She explains how Rosie’s story of failure and persistence helps kids see themselves as engineers and scientists.Andrea highlights the importance of early exposure, literacy, community programs, and industry partnerships to attract and retain more young people in STEM. Practical ideas include supporting book distribution, hands-on projects, and inclusive local mentoring that lets kids contribute to real community problems.

Rosie Revere and the Power of Failure: Inspiring a New Generation of Engineers

Author Andrea Beaty discusses how her STEM background and storytelling created Rosie Revere, a character who teaches children that failure is part of inventing and learning. The episode explores ways to attract and retain young people in STEM—starting early with books, community programs, and hands-on projects—and the importance of showing kids they belong in science and engineering.Beaty shares examples of how narrative helps children identify as engineers and scientists, mentions literacy and local partnerships as effective strategies for industry involvement, and highlights related resources like project books. She also previews her new picture book "Billie Jean Pete, Athlete," emphasizing curiosity, resilience, and the idea that every experience builds useful skills for the future.

Engineering With Heart: Purpose, People and the Path Forward at Lamp Rynearson

Allison Schneider talks with Dave McIvor, CEO of Lamp Rynearson, about leading engineering firms with purpose, centering people, and designing infrastructure that serves communities for generations.
They discuss building trust, inclusive community engagement, values-driven culture, and sustainable leadership practices that pair technical excellence with empathy and long-term impact.

Ports, Policy & Trade: Inside America's Maritime Industry

NAWE President Carl Bentzel joins the Engineering Influence Podcast to explain the role of marine terminal operators, current trends shaping ports, and the policy challenges affecting trade and infrastructure.
Topics include the impact of trade policy and tariffs, Chinese dominance in ship-to-shore cranes, import volume volatility, technology and space constraints at urban ports, rail connectivity and mergers, and the critical role engineers play in modernizing the waterfront.