Engineering is a field that carries significant responsibilities. As professional engineers we have the power to shape the world around us through our designs and innovations. With this power comes the ethical obligation to ensure that our work benefits society and does not harm it, as stated in the NJSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers. To instill this sense of ethical responsibility in future engineers, engineering schools and programs around the world have integrated ethics into their curriculum. In this blog post, we will examine how engineering education incorporates ethical requirements to prepare the engineers of tomorrow.
The Importance of Ethical Engineering
Before diving into how ethics is integrated into engineering education, it’s essential to understand why it matters. Ethical considerations in engineering are not just a theoretical concept; they have real-world consequences. Engineers make decisions that affect public safety, environmental sustainability, and societal well-being. Without a strong ethical foundation, engineering can lead to unintended negative outcomes and even death.
Consider, for instance, the design and construction of bridges, buildings, and transportation systems. Engineers are responsible for ensuring the safety of these structures. A failure to prioritize ethics in engineering can lead to catastrophic consequences, as seen in historical disasters like the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion.
Integrating Ethics into Engineering Curriculum
Many engineering programs now require students to take dedicated courses in engineering ethics. These courses cover topics such as ethical decision-making, professional responsibility, and case studies of ethical dilemmas in engineering practice. These classes provide students with a solid foundation in ethical principles, but the learning does not end there. New Jersey professional engineers are required to earn 24 PDH biennially. Two of these credit hours must be in the area of ethics.
NJSPE currently offers two ethics courses, both available to members and non members.
Professional Engineering Ethics (1 PDH). The course description reads: “Engineers will learn about industry-related professional and statutory codes of ethics to indoctrinate ethics awareness and an understanding of ethical standards common to all jurisdictions, so that the participants understand the boundaries of ethical engineering behavior. Seminar will include an Introduction to common statutory and regulatory ethics rules; review of the National Society of Professional Engineers Code of Ethics with examples of common ethics rules, and illustrative case studies to consider, with emphasis on the similarities and difference between governmental and professional society sanctions. framework to make choices that benefit society and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
Professional Engineering Ethics 101 (2 PDH) The learning objective is to expose the seminar participants to various engineering related professional and statutory codes of ethics to indoctrinate ethics awareness and an understanding of ethical standards common to all jurisdictions, including those of the participants, so that the participants understand the boundaries of ethical engineering behavior. The program is broken into several parts. Introduction to common statutory and regulatory ethics rules; review of the National Society of Professional Engineers Code of Ethics with examples of common ethics rules, illustrative case studies to consider, with emphasis on the similarities and difference between governmental and professional society sanctions; practical reasons for ethical practice, how unethical practice can present professional liability, legal, licensure, moral and public health, safety and welfare issues.
The importance of Ethics in engineering can not be overstated, and dedicated courses are vital for its practical application in daily life, despite the code’s apparent simplicity. These professional development courses play a pivotal role in providing guidance through real-life cases that have been examined by the Board of Ethical Review. They offer valuable insights into the intricacies of the code and demonstrate how it can be applied to facilitate improved decision-making.
In conclusion, the realm of professional engineering is a domain of immense responsibility, where our innovations have the power to shape the world around us. With this privilege comes an ethical obligation, as articulated in the NJSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers, to ensure that our work serves the betterment of society while avoiding harm. The importance of ethical engineering cannot be underestimated, as the decisions we make bear tangible consequences for public safety, environmental well-being, and societal progress. By integrating ethics into engineering education, through dedicated courses and lifelong learning opportunities, we lay the foundation for future engineers to navigate the complex terrain of ethical decision-making. These educational efforts empower engineers to understand the nuances of ethical principles, to appreciate the practical relevance of these principles in daily professional life, and to draw wisdom from real-world ethical cases. As we journey forward, it is through this commitment to ethical engineering that we not only secure the integrity of our profession but also contribute to a world that is safer, more just, and morally steadfast.
Do you have a concept for an ethics course that you believe should be offered by NJSPE.org? Reach out today at info@njspe.org or call 609-393-0099 to share your ideas!
9AM – 12PM
New Low Price for Members Only: $59
NJSPE is a New York State Education Department Approved Sponsor of Continuing Education for Professional Engineers. The live Continuing Education webinar is eligible for 3 PDH credit for NYS.
The engineering profession is an ever-evolving one, and the future holds exciting possibilities. As technology continues to advance, the role of engineers will become increasingly important in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We can expect to see engineers developing new and innovative solutions to problems ranging from climate change and renewable energy sources to health care and transportation. In addition, advances in artificial intelligence and robotics will create unprecedented opportunities for engineers to expand their design capabilities and create more efficient systems. As the world moves towards a more automated and interconnected future, engineers will become even more vital in creating the infrastructure and technology necessary to make it a reality. Ultimately, the future of engineering looks bright and full of potential.
Year after year, engineering is a highly recommended career path for young students. The engineering profession provides security and it’s evolving nature keeps the work interesting. As we progress forward, we start to see trends in the profession and different concentrations of engineering demanding more than others. Let’s take a look at the future of engineering by concentration:
Software developers have the knowledge and skills to create things that run our everyday items like computers, tablets, and cellphones. As technology grows, so does this concentration of engineering. Software engineers are always adapting to new trends in technology and breaking the mold by producing new standards. As if the median income ($103,560) isn’t enticing enough, the projected employment change is +24 percent.
The future is solar. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, solar photovoltaic installing is the fastest-growing occupation. These installers assemble, install, and maintain private and commercial solar panel setups to provide renewable energy. As more and more countries are under pressure to carbon emissions, more governments are finding the answer in solar panels. The projected employment change for this concentration is +105 percent.
Biomedical engineers create new equipment, systems, and software that is used to help advance the medical industry. Modern medicine is constantly striving to improve, so there’s no shortage of jobs for biomedical engineers. Not to mention, generations continue to live longer, more active lives. New advances in biomedical engineering will be needed to keep up with the demand for new devices and operations technology. The projected employment change in this concentration is +7 percent.
Civil engineering is a necessary part of our everyday lives. From the roads we drive on to the tunnels we go through, civil engineering is everywhere. The population only continues to grow, which means our infrastructure environment must adapt to the change. New structures must be built and also old structures are constantly being repaired or replaced. Projects like new housing, transportation, and more keep civil engineers constantly busy and employed. The projected employment change for this industry is +11 percent.
These few examples of future growth in the engineering profession are just the tip of the iceberg. When choosing engineering as a career path, it’s hard to go wrong. The industry is constantly changing and growing. Luckily, engineers that are NJSPE members have the resources at their fingertips to continue education and stay ahead of the curve within the industry.
NJSPE offers a variety of memberships for licensed engineers, enterprises, students, and engineers-in-training. Learn more about NJSPE and find a membership that fits your needs here.
Offering 3 PDH’s credits for PE’s in NJ, NY and other states that accept NJSPE accredited programs.
New Low Price for Members Only: $59
Non-Member Pricing: $149*
The New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers Continuing Education Webinar series brings the top professionals and hot topics in our field right to your desktop.
Pedestrian Access Considerations at Transit Stations (1 PDH)
Speaker: John A. Nawn, P.E., PTOE, F. NSPE
Civil Environmental Engineer, Delon Hampton Associates
Retaining Walls 101 (1 PDH)
Speaker: Laurence W. Keller, PE
Vice President, Whitestone Associates
A River of Practice with Green Infrastructure (1 PDH)
Speaker: Jeromie Lange, P.E., PP, CME, CFM
Director of Development, Active Acquisitions
*New NJSPE Member Offer – If you become a member of NJSPE today, you will receive this Continuing Education Webinar on December 9th for free – a $149 value. Membership is $299 and covers membership in the National Society, integrated state society, and local chapter for one full year. Click here to become a member.
NJSPE is a New York State Education Department Approved Sponsor of Continuing Education for Engineers. Only live Continuing Education sessions are eligible for NYS credit.
Mark your calendars! NJSPE is hosting a Continuing Education Webinar on September 23rd, 9am-12pm! This webinar offers 3 CPC credits for NJ Professional Engineers and PE’s in other states that accept NJSPE accredited programs. Gain valuable insight into the industry from our featured speakers, all the while fulfilling your CE requirements! Register now!
This session discussing PFAS and public water systems will be led by James Peeples, fellow PE and Vice President of T&M Associates.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are widely used in products such as firefighting foams, waterproof clothes, and nonstick cookware. Called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down under typical environmental conditions, PFAS accumulate in soil and water and can persist in the human body once ingested.
This session will include:
This session will be led by Nenad Gucunski, Professor and Chairman of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rutgers University
Effective and economical management of bridges depend on the accurate assessment of their current condition and prediction of their future performance. Among all the bridge components, reinforced concrete decks, in most cases, deteriorate the fastest. The complexity of deterioration processes requires the application of multiple nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and other technologies to accurately describe the condition, and likely causes of deterioration.
In this session, you’ll listen to an overview of the benefits stemming from periodical multi-NDE technology surveys for bridge management, especially from the use of rapid and automated data collection and analysis processes.
This session will be led by Aditi Patel, fellow PE and Vice President of LiRo’s Virtual Design Construction & Operations Department.
Explore the use of Virtual Design and Construction methodologies in all phases of a project life cycle. Emerging technologies such as Reality Capture combined with Building Information Modeling could be successfully implemented in Design, Pre-Construction, Construction and Maintenance of facilities more efficiently, to reduce costs and increase accuracy of the information driving critical project decisions.
This presentation will discuss:
NJSPE members and government employees are offered discounted rates for this opportunity. Learn more about the webinar here and get registered today!
The State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors have outlined requirements for continuing education for license renewal for PE’s. For your convenience, NJSPE offers educational resources that include in-person, electronic, and in-office courses. NJSPE is committed to providing courses in and around the tri-state area that will cater to those with multiple licenses and differing state requirements. View our full course catalog here.
NJSPE is looking for suggestions for educational opportunities to add to our catalog. If you are interested in partnering with NJSPE for an educational session, please contact the NJSPE office and ask for Joanne Lombardi.
NJSPE prides itself on promoting, serving, and representing New Jersey’s engineering professionals for the public’s benefit. Stay connected year-round as a member of NSPE – join today!
NJSPE is proud to offer membership discounts on continuing education, industry publications, and other products. A great example is the EJCDC® Contract Documents. The Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC®) released the new EJCDC® 2022 Construction Manager as Advisor Series. These documents are available to NSPE members for 50% off!
This series is completely new to EJCDC, and is intended for projects in which the Owner’s primary representative during construction will be the Construction Manager as Advisor (CM).
As such, the CM as Advisor Series is an alternative to the use of the EJCDC Construction Series, in which the Engineer that prepared the design subsequently serves as the Owner’s construction contract administrator. The CM as Advisor Series is composed of:
The Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee® (EJCDC®) develops and updates fair and objective standard documents that represent the latest thinking in contractual relations between all parties involved in engineering design and construction projects.
The committee is made up of the National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Council of Engineering Companies, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. It also involves the participation of more than 15 other professional engineering design, construction, owner, legal, and risk management organizations.
With the 2022 release of the Construction Manager as Advisor Series, the EJCDC now offers nine different categories of Contract Documents for the engineering industry. These categories are as follows:
This list, as well as all up to date license agreements and other policies, can also be found here on the NSPE website.
NJSPE requires that its members obtain Professional Development Hours (PDHs) by completing continuing education courses. New Jersey professional engineers need 24 hours of continuing education over a two-year period in order to maintain and renew their license.
The EJCDC is currently offering two continuing education courses for the convenience of industry professionals:
NJSPE prides itself on promoting, serving, and representing New Jersey’s engineering professionals for the public’s benefit. Stay connected year-round as a member of NSPE – join today!
The New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers is currently offering several education opportunities PEs in and around the tristate area, catering to the different state requirements and licenses. Here are just a few of our current opportunities, complying with requirements for continuing education for license renewal for professional engineers, as outlined by The State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. For a full list of ALL current continuing education opportunities, click here.
Professional Ethics 101 (2 PDH)
This course exposes the seminar participants to various engineering related professional and statutory codes of ethics to indoctrinate ethics awareness and an understanding of ethical standards common to all jurisdictions, including those of the participants, so that the participants understand the boundaries of ethical engineering behavior. Over several sections, PE’s will be introduced to the following:
How the Towers Fell, Lessons Learned from the 1993 and 9/11 Attacks (3 PDH)
This course examines the damage to lower Manhattan and the severe economic impact that the tragic event had on the community. It will build upon the information presented on the 1993 Bombing and the 9/11 attacks, and recommended improvements in building codes. Some discussion to expect:
How and why the WTC Complex and PATH Station were first constructed
The existing “New Jersey Tubes” the WTC Complex and PATH Station replaced
The details of the 1993 WTC bombing damage, including investigations and recovery
Drones in Engineering (1PDH)
This course will review the ways drones are being used in the construction industry, mainly in the engineering and surveying fields. This course will show examples of how drones are being utilized in various different situations to assist Engineers. You will learn:
Traffic Control Devices and Traffic Engineering Studies Overview (1PDH)
This course will provide a general overview of the use and application of regulatory and warning signs, pavement marking, and traffic signals. In addition, the course will include:
We want to hear from you!
NJSPE is looking for suggestions for educational opportunities to add to our catalogue. If you are interested in partnering with NJSPE for an educational session, please contact the NJSPE office and ask for Joanne Lombardi.
NJSPE prides itself on promoting, serving, and representing New Jersey’s engineering professionals for the public’s benefit. Stay connected year-round as a member of NSPE – join today!
It is $69 for members and $138 for non-members. You can register now here!
The webinar will cover the following topics:
First UHPC Bridge Deck Overlay on a Major Suspension Bridge in the United States
Speakers: Michael McDonagh, P.E., P.Eng. and Jordy Padilla, P.E.
1 Credit Hour
In 2018, the Delaware River and Bay Authority determined that the deck of the first structure was near the end of its service life. Through a 50-year lifecycle cost analysis, a partial-depth deck replacement overlay utilizing Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) was identified as the preferred alternative to deck replacement and conventional overlays. The pilot project replaced the top 3.75 inches of the deck with UHPC on approximately 25,000 square feet of deck, incorporating overlays on the main suspension bridge, deck truss and steel girder approach structures. The completion of this project set new milestones in the U.S. as the largest use and continuous pour of UHPC overlay
Speaker: Michael McDonagh, P.E., P.Eng
Michael McDonagh is Vice President, Engineering & Projects, of Steelike, Inc. Prior to joining Steelike in early 2021, Michael worked for over 24 years as a bridge design engineer. He is an expert on UHPC, a revolutionary construction material that can dramatically improve the service life of structures and lead to more optimized structures, having started working with it in 2008. He has been assisting the Federal Highway Administration since 2016 to promote UHPC, help write design guidance, and review FHWA-created design guidance. He is also a member of the organizing committee of the International Interactive Symposium on UHPC. Michael’s bridge design experience includes bridges located in Canada, France, the United Arab Emirates, and across the U.S., with a wide variety of bridges including multiple signature footbridges. Michael received his BS and MS in Civil Engineering from Penn State University.
Speaker: Jordy Padilla, P.E.
Jordy Padilla is a structural engineer with WSP, experienced in bridge design, rehabilitation, and construction. Jordy has been involved in several structures utilizing UHPC for bridge preservation as well as the development of new structures. He has assisted the Federal Highway Administration since 2020 to promote UHPC, support with technical guidelines, and most recently, with presenting to several state agencies on UHPC bridge preservation strategies. Jordy has been part of the ASCE Central Jersey branch for the past 5 years serving in a variety of positions, including most recently as the president of the branch. Jordy is also a Board member of the Professional Engineers Society of Mercer County (PESMC) and former Board Chair of the Connecticut Students for a Dream. He is a graduate of the University of New Haven (BS) and Rutgers University (MS).
An Introduction to Physical Asset Management
Speaker: Justin Furch, Technology Practice Leader
1 Credit Hour
Speaker: Justin Furch
Physical asset management, which differs from financial or software asset management, is an important and often complicated topic to most organizations. Focusing on increased efficiency and transparency, a well-defined asset management system will provide an organization with their current condition and valuation to support these needs, as well as provide a foundation for budget planning and goal setting. Asset management is one of the first steps in developing risk assessments and resiliency. It can be incorporated into every part of an organizations’ operations and will provide immediate value when fully adopted. This presentation will cover the basic components of asset management, what it provides, why it is so important, and how to get started.
Justin Furch is the Technology Practice Leader for T&M and has more than 20 years of extensive experience with asset management, data analysis, software engineering, database development and administration, and system engineering. He has built and led teams that have managed multi-million-dollar technology projects for federal, state, and local agencies. He has worked with agencies such as the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the NY&NJ Port Authority, Pennsylvania Turnpike, and others on populating and managing asset management systems. Justin also has extensive experience working with Geographical Information System (GIS) software, transportation data modeling, and design and development of custom software solutions. These include transportation asset management systems, project tracking and management systems, field inspection and inventory, and analysis/reporting systems.
Professional Engineering Ethics 101
Speaker: Lawrence P. Powers, Co-Chair – Construction Law Department
Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst & Doukas, LLP
2 Credit Hours
Speaker: Lawrence P. Powers
The learning objective is to expose the seminar participants to various engineering related professional and statutory codes of ethics to indoctrinate ethics awareness and an understanding of ethical standards common to all jurisdictions, including those of the participants, so that the participants understand the boundaries of ethical engineering behavior. The program is broken into several parts. Introduction to common statutory and regulatory ethics rules; review of the National Society of Professional Engineers Code of Ethics with examples of common ethics rules, illustrative case studies to consider, with emphasis on the similarities and difference between governmental and professional society sanctions; practical reasons for ethical practice, how unethical practice can present professional liability, legal, licensure, moral and public health, safety and welfare issues.
Lawrence P. Powers, is Partner and co-chair of the Construction Litigation Department at Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst & Doukas, LLP. Larry’s practice is focused on handling complex, multi-party construction related professional liability claims. He has tried numerous complex construction cases to a jury verdict. Admitted in 1984, he has over 35 years of experience in litigating, arbitrating and mediating construction disputes, regularly handling difficult loss prevention and risk management assignments for all of the major professional liability insurers. Larry serves as general counsel to AIA-New Jersey, the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers and ASLA-New Jersey. He regularly represents design professionals in disciplinary matters before the New Jersey State Board of Architects and Landscape Architects and the New Jersey State Board of Engineers and Land Surveyors. Mr. Powers has achieved a peer review rating of “AV”, the highest mark given by other members of the legal profession. He is admitted to practice in the state and federal courts of New Jersey. He was named “Lawyer of the Year 2012” in the Construction Litigation category by Best Lawyers® for the Woodbridge, NJ Metropolitan area in 2012 and 2018 as well as Construction Law category in 2017.
REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
Zoom Webinar with moderator. Participants will be sent the webinar link several days before so they can log on and be sure they are compatible.
NSPE members from States other than NJ may take
the member rate. Membership will be verified.
NOTE: Contributions and payments to 501(c)(6) organizations are not deductible as charitable contributions on federal income tax returns although they may be deductible as trade or business expenses. Substitutions are permitted if you are unable to attend. Registrant must email to: cgoldstein@njpsi.com 48 hours prior to the event with the name, address, phone and email of the person taking your place.
NJSPE will accept cancellations with refund up to one week prior to the date of the program.
A cancellation fee of $25 will apply. Refunds cannot be issued after that time but registration substitutions are permitted
If you have any questions please reach out via email to cgoldstein@njpsi.com to by phone at 609-393-0099
You can register for the webinar here: Webinar Registration.
A new continuing education course is available at NJSPE.org
Course Title: How the Towers Fell, Lessons Learned from the 1993 and 9/11 Attacks
Speaker: Joseph M. Englot, PE.
Accreditation: 3 NJ PDH credits
Presentation to the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers
To understand “How the Towers Fell” we first need to examine how and why the WTC Complex and PATH Station were first constructed, the existing “New Jersey Tubes” they replaced, the details of the 1993 WTC bombing damage, the forensic Investigation by ATF & FBI, the recovery and repair effort, and the lessons learned on improving security and emergency response at the WTC complex that was a factor during the 9-11 attack. This will be followed by a description of evacuation of the WTC complex after the first plane hit the towers, and how the Twin Towers and Seven WTC collapsed with a first-hand in-depth description of the site damage.
We will examine the damage to lower Manhattan and the severe economic impact that the tragic event had on the community and will build upon the information presented on the 1993 Bombing and the 9/11 attacks. It will also cover temporary shoring, flood protection, and site cleanup from the 9- 11 attacks followed by the construction of the Temporary PATH Station, reconstruction, repairs to the PATH tunnels and Exchange Place Station in NJ. It will cover recommended improvements in building codes. It will foster discussion about whether a standard high-rise tower could have survived the 1993 Bombing and why the Twin Towers and 7 World Trade Center all remained stable for different time periods only to collapse later in a manner resembling controlled demolition.
You can register for your courses here!
Have an idea for a course?
NJSPE is looking for suggestions for educational opportunities to add to our catalogue. If you are interested in partnering with NJSPE for an educational session, please contact the NJSPE office and ask for Joanne Lombardi: jlombardi@njpsi.com
FRIDAY, May 21, 2021!
9AM – 12 NOON
NJSPE Member Rate – $69
Non-Member Rate – $138
Course Title: How the Towers Fell, Lessons Learned from the 1993 and 9/11 Attacks
Speaker: Joseph M. Englot, PE.
Accreditation: 3 NJ PDH credits
Presentation to the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers
To understand “How the Towers Fell” we first need to examine how and why the WTC Complex and PATH Station were first constructed, the existing “New Jersey Tubes” they replaced, the details of the 1993 WTC bombing damage, the forensic Investigation by ATF & FBI, the recovery and repair effort, and the lessons learned on improving security and emergency response at the WTC complex that was a factor during the 9-11 attack. This will be followed by a description of evacuation of the WTC complex after the first plane hit the towers, and how the Twin Towers and Seven WTC collapsed with a first-hand in-depth description of the site damage.
We will examine the damage to lower Manhattan and the severe economic impact that the tragic event had on the community and will build upon the information presented on the 1993 Bombing and the 9/11 attacks. It will also cover, temporary shoring, flood protection, and site cleanup from the 9- 11 attacks followed by the construction of the Temporary PATH Station, reconstruction, repairs to the PATH tunnels and Exchange Place Station in NJ. It will cover recommended improvements in building codes. It will foster discussion about whether a standard high-rise tower could have survived the 1993 Bombing and why the Twin Towers and 7 World Trade Center all remained stable for different time periods only to collapse later in a manner resembling controlled demolition.
REGISTRATION INCLUDES: Zoom Webinar with moderator. Participants will be sent the webinar link several days before so they can log on and be sure they are compatible.
Questions: jlombardi@njpsi.com; 609-393-0099
