ASCE STL - TEST Section Luncheon

Description:

The civil engineering profession is experiencing a severe workforce shortage. Passage of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was a watershed moment for investment in our nation’s infrastructure, and increasing investment in our energy future as well with the Inflation Reduction Act. The United States has an enormous opportunity to reshape its economy for the future, bringing the demand for skilled professionals to unprecedented levels. Concurrently, the workforce is shrinking in civil engineering particularly, decreasing by 6% in the past two years and looking at substantial losses in the profession in the next decades. Steps are being taken to increase the civil engineering talent pool, and all are called to action to help build a stronger and more diverse workforce for the future. 

Presenter:

Dr. Joel G. Burken, Ph.D., P.E., F. AEESP, BCEE

Dr. Burken received his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 1996, where he conducted some of the initial research on phytoremediation. He has been at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) since 1997. He served as the department chair of Civil, Architectural, & Environmental Engineering from 2015 to 2024. He currently serves as Mathes Endowed Professor, and Curators’ Distinguished Professor of the Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Department. Dr. Burken’s research and teaching have focused upon low-impact and natural treatment systems since 1991. His research in phytoremediation of organic contaminants and pioneering work in sustainable infrastructure and remediation have led to over 100 publications, a patented environmental assessment method for quantifying potential exposures, and international recognition with multiple scholarly works being recognized for innovation and impacts.