21st Century Engineer

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...

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 In this episode, Scott, Dennis, and Miles dissect the toxic cultures, lack of purpose, and outdated systems driving talent out of one of America’s most essential professions.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 A...

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...

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 S...

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 open...

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, a...

What does it take to balance two seemingly opposite careers? In today’s episode of The 21st Century Engineer , we sit down with Alexis Moran —a civil & environmental engineer who also spent five years as an NFL cheerleader for the New Orleans Saints . Alexis shares her remarkable journey —from discovering her passion for dance at age five, to pursuing a career in STEM, and excelling in both fi...

Welcome to The 21st Century Engineering Podcast , where we dive into the future of engineering, technology, and infrastructure. Hosted by Dennis D. Truax, Ph. D., P.E., a distinguished leader in the civil engineering community, this podcast explores the rapidly evolving engineering landscape. Each episode features insightful conversations with experts and industry professionals like Jonathan Hasse...

In this episode of The 21st Century Engineering Podcast , Dr. Dennis D. Truax speaks with Jacob Forester, a former student and long-time friend, about his diverse career journey in civil engineering. Jacob reflects on his transition from consulting to government work and ultimately to starting his own construction firm. He discusses the importance of service in engineering and the impact it has on...