Date: March 29, 2024
The Delaware Association of Professional Engineers will hold a training session on Thursday, April 18, at the University of Delaware – Clayton Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (doors open at 9:15 a.m.). Registration is limited! Access the registration link here.
The session will take a deep-dive into DAPE's Continuing Professional Competency Requirements, including tips and tools for recordkeeping, how to be prepared for a DAPE random audit, and what happens at a disciplinary hearing related to CPC deficiencies. A recording will be available to members after the event to view online for 2 PDH credits (engineering ethics).
Date: March 29, 2024
$2 million will fund continued planning for a 12-acre cap over I-95 in Wilmington that would reconnect the two sides of the city divided when the road was built in the 1960s, Delaware Public Media reports.
A feasibility study was completed by Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO). WILMAPCO principal planner Dave Gula says they worked closely with the community for a year, where they spoke to residents, gauged interest, and gathered ideas on what they would like to see.
"This may not be the most important thing you could possibly spend money on, there are other infrastructure upgrades that have to happen in the world and we get that," said Gula. "But if you live adjacent to I-95 and the canyon that it is and the amount of noise that you get from it and the pollution that comes off of it… this is a really wonderful opportunity for those folks. And that’s what we heard." He says the $2 million in funding is a great sign the project could become reality.
It's now in the hands of DelDOT, whose engineers will use the grant to develop a plan for the actual physical structure over I-95. The other two grants will fund feasibility studies in Georgetown and Wilmington’s Southbridge neighborhood - both focused on reducing hazards and increasing resident safety. Georgetown is getting $100,000. The town is divided by a rail line, with multiple intersections pedestrians must cross.
"There's not really any barrier or designated areas for residents to cross in those areas. And what happens is you just have people who are on foot crossing wherever they'd like. And obviously that could create very dangerous situations," said DelDOT’s C.R. McLeod. Read more.
Date: March 29, 2024
If you're considering the benefits of installing rooftop solar panels, there are plenty for those living in Delaware. According to a recent study by Consumer Affairs, Delaware is the third-best state to live in if you want to go solar, behind only the sunny states of Nevada and Hawaii. Along with relatively low installation costs, the First State boasts solar-friendly state policies and plenty of financial initiatives to make rooftop panels more accessible for homeowners, Delaware Today reports.
One such policy is net metering, which is available to Delaware homeowners who generate electricity using solar power and allows opportunities for monthly payments or credits on electric bills for sending more energy to the grid than your home uses each month.
"I have to give a lot of credit to legislators in Delaware, because I think they've made a lot of positive changes," says Drew Slater, executive director at Energize Delaware.
A recent piece of legislation Slater is referring to is Senate Joint Resolution 3, which lays the groundwork for a cost-benefit study and analysis of net metering to help Delaware homeowners and businesses better understand the benefits of going solar.
Read more.Date: February 23, 2024
The Delaware Engineering Society (NSPE-DE) is excited to announce the 2024 Excellence Awards winners. This year's winners are D. Preston Lee, Jr., P.E. (Ret) - Engineer of the Year, Shanté Hastings, P.E. - Government Engineer of the Year, and Breanna Kovach, P.E. - Young Engineer of the Year.
Engineer of the Year
D. Preston Lee, P.E. (Ret) is a native Delawarean and has practiced in the state his entire career. He presently lives in the historic town of Lewes with Linda, his wife of 55 years. He earned a civil engineering degree in 1969 from the University of Delaware.
After graduating, Lee worked for the Delaware Water and Air Resources Commission and later at the consulting engineering firm VanDemark & Lynch, Inc., where he reviewed permit applications and worked on utility design. He then joined Edward H. Richarson Associates, focusing on designing water and wastewater facilities in multiple states. In 1975, he cofounded Tatman & Lee Associates, which became a successful civil engineering firm known for innovative wastewater treatment systems. The firm was later acquired by Woodward-Clyde Consultants and later by URS Corporation, where Lee served as vice president. He semi-retired in 2001 to focus on project management and engineering through his own business, notably managing the Southern Sewer Service Area Project for New Castle County. Read more.
Government Engineer of the Year
Shanté Hastings, P.E., is the Deputy Secretary and Chief Engineer for the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDot). She has worked at the Delaware DOT since graduating from the University of Delaware in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. Hastings is responsible for implementation of the department's over $600 million annual Capital Transportation Program. She is also involved with personnel management, legislation, and national transportation policy in her role as deputy secretary. Hastings currently serves as the chair of AASHTO Innovation Management, chair of AASHTO Committee on Design and vice chair of the AASHTO Committee on Transportation System Operations. Read more.
Young Engineer of the Year
Breanna Kovach, P.E., is a group engineer with the Project Development North section at the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT). She graduated with honors from Temple University with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 2011 and began her career at DelDOT working as a project engineer, designing road projects. In 2016, Kovach became a PE in Delaware and promoted to a project manager. She later obtained her MBA from Wilmington University with a concentration in organizational leadership and was promoted to a group engineer in 2018. Kovach is currently responsible for a program management of capital projects in New Castle County. Read more.
On Friday, March 15, middle school students from across our state will come together for the Delaware MATHCOUNTS Competition at the University of Delaware's Pencader Conference Center. These students are some of the most capable and hardworking young mathematicians in our state, and the top scoring students earn the prestigious honor of representing Delaware at the national level.
NSPE-DE seeks your support in helping students to reach their full potential in becoming future engineers, scientists, doctors, and teachers through the MATHCOUNTS program. So…how can you help? There are two (2) ways:
Volunteer Your Time
This competition takes a number of volunteers to help make this event successful. To date, we had some volunteers who have signed up to make a difference, but we can always use more. There is a place for everyone to be a part. Roles include registration check-in, moderator, scorers, etc.
Support Through a Sponsorship
There are various sponsorship levels that include recognition on the NSPE-DE webpage (logo and link), a logo on event signage, and thank you ad and recognition in the NSPE-DE monthly newsletter. All donations will be used for this year's or future MATHCOUNTS competitions. Access the sponsorship brochure.
Please contact NSPE-DE President K. James Taylor, P.E., directly at jtaylor@verdantas.com or at 302-489-2261 to volunteer and/or become a sponsor.
Date: February 23, 2024
Registration Open: Engineering Ethics Training
The Delaware Association of Professional Engineers will hold a training session on Thursday, April 18, at the University of Delaware – Clayton Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (doors open at 9:15 a.m.). Registration is limited! Access the registration link here.
The session will take a deep-dive into DAPE's Continuing Professional Competency Requirements, including tips and tools for recordkeeping, how to be prepared for a DAPE random audit, and what happens at a disciplinary hearing related to CPC deficiencies. A recording will be available to members after the event to view online for 2 PDH credits (engineering ethics).
Plan Now for 2024 PE Renewals
DAPE expects to open the renewal window for all licensed professional engineers in early May 2024, with a deadline of June 30, 2024. This is a perfect time to review your Professional Development Hours (PDH) log to see how many PDHs you have from July 1, 2022 to the present. Access CPC guidelines on the DAPE website.
While the ethics training will be all about DAPE's continuing education requirements, you can always direct questions about this (or any other licensing-related topic) to office@dape.org.
Date: February 23, 2024
Companies are using artificial intelligence tools to produce various documents, from term papers to home mortgages, but the technology has raised concerns about plagiarism, misinformation, racism, and other societal harm, The Center Square reports.
Delaware lawmakers are pushing new regulations to prevent the emerging machine-learning technology from being abused. One proposal would create the Delaware Artificial Intelligence Commission, a formal body tasked with making recommendations to the General Assembly and Department of Technology and Information on AI utilization and safety.
One of the bill's primary sponsors, state Rep. Krista Griffith (D-Wilmington) said the proposal is "aimed at harnessing the potential of AI while ensuring its safe and responsible utilization" in the state. "While this new technology has transformative potential for both the public and private sectors, it’s critical that we recognize the risks and provide the necessary oversight," she said in a statement.
A key responsibility of the commission would be to conduct a comprehensive inventory of AI use by Delaware's executive, legislative, and judicial agencies and identify high-risk areas in each. Backers of the bill say that by identifying high-risk areas, the commission would ensure AI technologies are deployed in a manner that keeps Delawareans safe and does not violate any individual’s rights. Read more.
Date: February 23, 2024
Wilmington Airport received $5.6 million in federal infrastructure funding to update and expand its terminal, according to an announcement from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Delaware News Journal reports.
The money comes as part of a nearly $1 billion investment in airports across the country, spanning 114 airports in 44 states and three territories. As part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden administration had pledged to hand out $5 billion over five years as part of its Airport Terminals Program, designed to "address the aging infrastructure of the nation’s airports."
The money was hailed by US Senator Tom Carper as a "win-win for Delawareans and our economy." Read more.
Date: February 23, 2024
As climate change fuels more days of extreme heat every year, American cities are becoming increasingly familiar with the urban heat island effect. Heat islands are areas that experience increased air temperatures in urban zones due to reduced shade and a lack of heat-reflective surfaces. High concentrations of buildings, pavement and other infrastructure made of heat-absorbent material like asphalt, brick and steel can make urban spaces up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than greener spaces and suburbs.
Now, a team of researchers from the University of Delaware's Gerard J. Mangone Climate Change Science and Policy Hub, UD's Center for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis (CEMA) and Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is mapping heat in Wilmington, Delaware.
Extreme heat is the number one cause of weather-related death in the United States, making urban heat islands a significant public health concern. This threat is especially salient for individuals most prone to heat-related illnesses, such as young children, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Heat islands also have a cumulative effect on workers with outdoor-based jobs and residents without easy access to air conditioning or cooling.
Areas with high heat-absorbance such as urban environments consume more energy, thereby creating more emissions. Enhanced daytime heat and reduced nightly cooldowns mean greater electricity dependency for air-conditioning, and peak demands put a heavy strain on energy systems that can lead to mitigation efforts such as controlled blackouts, or even result in citywide power outages.
The exacerbation of urban heat island impacts due to climate change has prompted a wave of urban sustainability planning and cooling strategies.
Read the full article in the UDaily.
Date: January 19, 2024
NSPE-DE will hold the Delaware Engineers Week Celebration on Thursday, February 22 (5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) at the Riverfront Events (760 South Justison Street, Wilmington, DE, 19801). Event tickets and advertisement purchases can be made at nspede.eventbrite.com.
Event Schedule
Social Hour – 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Dinner – 6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Award Ceremony – 7:15 p.m.
If you have questions about the event, tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please contact NSPE-DE President K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E., at president@nspe-de.org or 302-489-2261.
Date: January 19, 2024
The Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year are the most prestigious awards presented by NSPE-DE. These honors recognize individuals who provide sustained and unusual welfare, the advancement of the engineering profession, and/or service to humankind. New this year, we will be introducing a Government Engineer of the Year award. Individuals that are eligible for nomination must be currently engaged in the practice of engineering as an employee of the state, local or quasi-government agency in either a managerial or technical position.
If you know or work with someone who you think is deserving of either the Engineer of the Year, Government Engineer of the Year, or Young Engineer of the Year awards, don’t hesitate to nominate them. The nomination deadline has been extended to January 26. Access nomination information here.
Date: January 19, 2024
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), in conjunction with the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), recently began soliciting for new water quality improvement projects. The projects must be listed on the 2024 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) project priority lists to be considered for funding, according to a news release.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), passed by Congress and signed by President Biden in 2022, boosted funding for clean water and drinking water projects across the country, with those funds provided through the existing State Revolving Fund (SRF) process.
DNREC held a State Revolving Loan Fund virtual community workshop on January 17 to offer a detailed overview of the CWSRF and DWSRF programs. Notices of Intent for SRF wastewater, drinking water, stormwater, and related infrastructure projects must be received by DNREC Environmental Finance by close of business at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 16. Read more.
Date: January 19, 2024
A judge has rejected several claims lodged by Delaware's attorney general in a lawsuit alleging that the fossil fuel industry has downplayed the risks of climate change, the Insurance Journal reports. The ruling significantly narrows the scope of the suit seeking to hold the industry liable for the effects of air pollution in the state.
Democratic Attorney General Kathleen Jennings filed the lawsuit in 2020, joining forces with a California law firm that has sued the oil industry on behalf of other state and local governments.
While refusing to dismiss come claims, Superior Court Judge Mary Johnston ruled, for example, that the federal Clean Air Act preempts the state's claims seeking damages for injuries resulting from out-of-state or global greenhouse emissions and interstate pollution.
However, Johnston noted that the Clean Air Act doesn't preempt alleged claims and damages resulting from air pollution originating from sources within Delaware. "Air pollution prevention and control at the source is the primary responsibility of state and local governments," she wrote. Read more.
Date: January 19, 2024
From keeping us warm and dry during a downpour to showcasing our Blue Hen spirit at Homecoming, clothing is essential for our comfort, protection, and self-expression. But what if our clothing could do even more — what if, for example, our clothes could collect real-time data and provide feedback that could aid our recovery after an accident or surgery, or monitor our form or body posture during exercise and sports to prevent injury?
At the University of Delaware, a team of researchers from the College of Engineering has developed nanomaterial sensors that can measure precise changes in human movement while being both comfortable and cost effective. Now, thanks to funding from the National Science Foundation’s Partnerships for Innovation program, the team will continue studying these innovative materials while collaborating with industry partners to explore new commercial opportunities in health-related applications.
This project is led by Erik Thostenson, professor of mechanical engineering, in collaboration with co-investigators Sagar Doshi, associate scientist in UD's Center for Composite Materials, and Jill Higginson, professor of mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering, the College of Engineering associate dean for Graduate and Post Graduate Education, and director of UD's Institute for Engineering Driven Health.
Read more.
Date: December 20, 2023
The Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year are the most prestigious awards presented by NSPE-DE. These honors recognize individuals who provide sustained and unusual welfare, the advancement of the engineering profession, and/or service to humankind. New this year, we will be introducing a Government Engineer of the Year award. Individuals that are eligible for nomination must be currently engaged in the practice of engineering as an employee of the state, local or quasi-government agency in either a managerial or technical position.
If you know or work with someone who you think is deserving of either the Engineer of the Year, Government Engineer of the Year, or Young Engineer of the Year awards, don't hesitate to nominate them. The nomination deadline has been extended to January 15, 2024. Access nomination information here.
Date: December 20, 2023
NSPE-DE has opened the 2023–2024 scholarship program for Delaware high school seniors who plan to enroll in a college engineering program next fall. The Delaware Engineering Society - Joe J. Welker Memorial Scholarship provides $1,500-$4,000 for the freshman year.
Access scholarship criteria and applications forms here. Applications are due on December 31, 2023.
Date: December 20, 2023
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) was honored today with a 2023 National Roadway Safety Award for significantly reducing fatal and serious injury crashes at 20 intersections by converting them to all-way stops.
Between 2015 and 2019, nearly 40% of Delaware's traffic fatalities and serious injuries occurred at intersections. Of those, about half occurred at unsignalized intersections.
Between 2017 and 2020, DelDOT converted 20 low-volume intersections statewide, mostly in rural and suburban areas, from two-way to all-way stops. In the two years after the change (2021 and 2022), the number of crashes at those intersections fell by 71% overall. Fatal crashes dropped by 75%, while crashes with injuries plummeted by 90%.
Peter Haag, DelDOT's Chief of Traffic Engineering, said the results have provided DelDOT with a creative approach to address safety concerns. Now, DelDOT engineers can consider the usage of all-way stops similar to traditional preliminary steps, such as installing larger stop signs.
"We're looking at things in a different way," Haag said. "Safety is at the forefront. We can go directly to an application that we're seeing success with." Read more.
Date: December 20, 2023
After more than a year of controversy, consternation, citizen complaints, and contemplation, Delaware's environmental secretary has moved ahead with a mandate for car dealerships to sell more and more zero-emission vehicles starting in three years, whyy.org reports.
The 2021 proposal by the Carney administration initially sought to require that starting with 2026 model years, 35% off all new cars, SUVs, and light trucks delivered to dealerships would be either fully electric or plug-in hybrid electric. That percentage would have increased gradually to 100% in 2035.
The final decision was not quite as stringent. Shawn Garvin, secretary of the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, has decreed that the mandate will begin with a 43% requirement for the 2027 model year. That percentage will ramp up to 82% for the 2032 model year. After that, the mandate will expire, but Garvin said it could be renewed in some form. The mandate does not affect the right or ability of dealerships to sell used gas-powered vehicles — only new ones. Dealers also will be allowed to sell new heavy trucks powered by gasoline.
Garvin hailed the mandate as one that will reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming and cut other air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, which creates smog and causes respiratory ailments like asthma.
The regulation "aims to protect public health, reduce emissions, and align with Delaware's climate goals – all while providing consumers with cleaner and more sustainable transportation options," Garvin said. "This decision will result in cleaner air in Delaware and strengthen protections for communities overburdened by exposure to tailpipe pollution." Read more.
Date: December 20, 2023
Many DAPE members are involved with local STEM activities, mentoring the next generation of engineers in Delaware. While involvement with STEM programs is
personally rewarding, licensees can claim up to 4 PDHs per year for your engineering outreach activities.
Outreach activities are defined in the CPC guidelines as "active participation in educational outreach activities pertaining to professional licensure or the surveying/engineering professions which involve K-12 or higher education students." Access more information on the DAPE website.
WANTED: Volunteers for the Delaware MATHCOUNTS ProgramMiddle school students from across our state come together for the Delaware MATHCOUNTS Competition, the only in-person math competition of its kind. These students are some of the most capable and hardworking young mathematicians in our state. This program doesn’t work without the engagement of professional engineers who can mentor and inspire them. NSPE-DE is seeking volunteers for the 2023-2024 MATHCOUNTS season. There are various opportunities to get involved and make a difference. For more information, contact James Taylor (
president@nspe-de.org).
Date: November 16, 2023
The Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year are the most prestigious awards presented by NSPE-DE. These honors recognize individuals who provide sustained and unusual welfare, the advancement of the engineering profession, and/or service to humankind. New this year, we will be introducing a Government Engineer of the Year award. Individuals that are eligible for nomination must be currently engaged in the practice of engineering as an employee of the state, local or quasi-government agency in either a managerial or technical position.
If you know or work with someone who you think is deserving of either the Engineer of the Year, Government Engineer of the Year, or Young Engineer of the Year awards, don't hesitate to nominate them. The nomination deadline is December 1, 2023. Access nomination information here.
Date: November 16, 2023
President Joe Biden, arguably the nation's biggest Amtrak fan, visited a train maintenance shop in his home state of Delaware on Monday to showcase more than $16 billion in federal investments for rail travel along the busy Northeast Corridor, saying of long-delayed improvements, "we're finally getting it done."
The president highlighted spending to modernize 25 passenger train projects between Boston and Washington at an event in Bear, about 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Biden's home in Wilmington, the AP reports.
"Why, in the United States of America, do we not have the best rail system in the world?" Biden asked. Noting that better train service in some of America's busiest locales would help ease car traffic and potentially reduce fossil fuel use, he added, "There's so much more we can do to better the environment and quality of life."
Amtrak runs about 800,000 trips daily on its Northeast Corridor, the White House says, which makes it the nation's busiest rail corridor. The funding for the rail improvements comes from the roughly $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law that Biden signed nearly two years ago, one of several legislative achievements he's trumpeting in a presidential race that could feature a rematch against former President Donald Trump. From the law, Amtrak will get about $66 billion in new investments, according to the White House. Read more.
Date: November 16, 2023
The Delaware Department of Transportation has begun the process of updating the Long Range Transportation Plan with an estimated 2024 completion date. Over the coming months, the department is looking forward to gathering comments and suggestions to help provide a first class transportation system that helps to connect all Delawareans.
The purpose of a Long Range Transportation Plan is to identify broad goals, policies and priorities that will serve as a framework for shaping DelDOT's transportation investments and decision-making over the next 20 years. To learn more about this planning effort, check out the project website. Access the survey here.
Date: November 16, 2023
Wilmington is getting over $3 million from the US Environmental Protection Agency to rehabilitate and repair part of its aging wastewater infrastructure, the Delaware Public Media reports.
The city will specifically target a mile and a half long stretch of combined sewer main constructed in the early 1900s using concrete or brick piping. The goal is to extend the life of the pipeline, improve flow control, and decrease localized flooding. The repairs could extend the life of the pipeline by 50 years.
"This interceptor project will improve the combined stormwater and sewer infrastructure that was originally built in the early 1900s. The focus of the Biden Administration is on important infrastructure needs in disadvantaged areas around the nation, and this award is a perfect example of meeting local needs," said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki in a statement. "Our Public Works Department will now be able to reduce localized flooding while extending the life of the Prices Run infrastructure system by another half-century.”
The project area will extend from West 28th Street between North Jefferson Street and Jessup Street all the way to the Brandywine River.
The Wilmington wastewater project is one of 715 water infrastructure projects nationwide receiving an EPA community grant - part of the agency's $1.47 billion of spending this year on these projects across the country.
Date: November 16, 2023
The University of Delaware will play a leading role in workforce development efforts associated with the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2), which has been selected by the US Department of Energy to receive up to $750 million in funding through the historic Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, UDaily reports.
MACH2 was chosen as one of seven hydrogen hubs, totaling up to $7 billion in grants, announced by the Energy Department on October 13. In stiff national competition, MACH2 ranked among the most pro-labor and greenest hubs in the nation, according to the Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance, which brokered the proposal, involving industries, academic institutions, local governments and community partners from across Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and South Jersey.
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, and the Energy Department is working to accelerate its use as a clean energy source and as a means to decarbonize heavy industry, transportation, and energy storage to meet President Biden’s goal of a 100% clean electrical grid by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with the regional hydrogen hubs leading the way.
MACH2 will encompass a network of hydrogen producers, consumers, local connective infrastructure for hydrogen deployment, and the education and training needed to develop the region’s clean energy workforce. UD will lead the higher education component of MACH2's workforce development with Cheyney University, Rowan University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
"Collaboration is the key to success in strengthening our region's economy and advancing sustainable energy sources for the future. The University of Delaware is proud to lead MACH2's higher education workforce development initiatives in partnership with Cheyney, Rowan and Penn," said UD President Dennis Assanis. "Working together, we will provide new educational and research opportunities for our students and grow our region's skilled workforce for the high-paying clean-hydrogen jobs of today and the future." Read more.
Date: November 16, 2023
NSPE-DE has opened the 2023–2024 scholarship program for Delaware high school seniors who plan to enroll in a college engineering program next fall. The Delaware Engineering Society - Joe J. Welker Memorial Scholarship provides $1,500-$4,000 for the freshman year.
Access scholarship criteria and applications forms here. Applications are due on December 31, 2023.
Date: November 16, 2023
Middle school students from across our state come together for the Delaware MATHCOUNTS Competition, the only in-person math competition of its kind. These students are some of the most capable and hardworking young mathematicians in our state. This program doesn’t work without the engagement of professional engineers who can mentor and inspire them. NSPE-DE is seeking volunteers fror the 2023-2024 MATHCOUNTS season. There are various opportunities to get involved and make a difference. For more information, contact James Taylor (
president@nspe-de.org).
Date: October 19, 2023
In response to the ever-evolving cyber landscape, Governor John Carney and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long are proclaiming October as Delaware's Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
A declaration of this month allows resources to be made available to provide free events including informational tables, presentations, workshops, and other activities throughout the state to help Delawareans of all ages to learn how to improve their security posture. These programs cover topics on Protection (social media security and privacy information), Device Security (hands-on instruction on setting up device security on Android and Apple devices), and Detection (identifying, reporting, and learning about current scams).
Cybersecurity Awareness Month will culminate with the 14th Annual Secure Delaware Workshop on Tuesday, October 24, at the University of Delaware's Clayton Hall (registration is closed).
"We must learn to protect ourselves in the digital age and it takes all of us to help keep our data secure. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free activities and resources made available during Cybersecurity Awareness Month," said Governor John Carney. "I want to thank the Delaware Department of Technology and Information for their efforts in educating the public of the risks and keeping Delaware safe from cyberattacks." Read more.
Date: October 19, 2023
A coalition of states including Delaware has won $750 million in the federal H2Hubs grant program to support research, production and distribution of clean hydrogen gas, potentially supporting tens of thousands of jobs, Delaware Business Times reports.
The selection marks a significant boost to the mid-Atlantic region's work on clean hydrogen, including a number of Delaware companies and sites.
Researchers have increasingly come to believe that hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, could be a carbon-free fuel source of the future, powering commercial vehicles, ships and planes without harming the environment. For that to happen, however, the production of hydrogen through the splitting of water molecules in a process known as electrolysis would need to become more efficient, and a nationwide distribution network would need to be established.
The US Department of Energy has set a "hydrogen shot" goal of lowering clean hydrogen cost by 80% to $1 per 1 kilogram in one decade. To advance toward that goal, the Biden administration dedicated up to $7 billion toward the H2Hubs program for the development of regional clean hydrogen hubs, where industry and research universities would expand work on clean hydrogen fuel. Read more.
Date: October 19, 2023
The cost of offshore wind power on the US Atlantic coast is rising sharply now because of inflation and supply-chain bottlenecks but that's likely to be temporary and so is not expected to play a big role in Delaware's current deliberations over whether to buy electricity from future offshore wind farms, the Delaware Public Media reports.
As Delaware officials consider how or whether the state should procure offshore wind power, and lawmakers begin to focus on whether to require a state commitment, discussions are dominated by requests by developers in other states for a renegotiation of their contracts. They argue that they won't be able to make money by delivering power at the agreed price because their costs for inputs such as steel and wages have risen steeply over the past year.
Several developers in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Jersey are seeking price increases of 26-48% from their existing contracts, according to a presentation to the Governor's Energy Advisory Council by Willett Kempton, an offshore wind expert at the University of Delaware, and Kris Ohleth, director of UD's Special Initiative on Offshore Wind.
Most states haven't decided whether to agree to such big increases but even if they do, the effect on ratepayers' bills would be only a fraction of those numbers, reflecting the proportion of a state's overall power production is contributed by offshore wind, said Kempton, a longtime advocate for the industry. Read more.
Date: October 19, 2023
The Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year are the most prestigious awards presented by NSPE-DE. These honors recognize individuals who provide sustained and unusual welfare, the advancement of the engineering profession, and/or service to humankind. New this year, we will be introducing a Government Engineer of the Year award. Individuals that are eligible for nomination must be currently engaged in the practice of engineering as an employee of the state, local or quasi-government agency in either a managerial or technical position.
If you know or work with someone who you think is deserving of either the Engineer of the Year, Government Engineer of the Year, or Young Engineer of the Year awards, don't hesitate to nominate them. The nomination deadline is December 1, 2023. Access nomination information here.
Date: October 19, 2023
NSPE-DE has opened the 2023–2024 scholarship program for Delaware high school seniors who plan to enroll in a college engineering program next fall. The Delaware Engineering Society - Joe J. Welker Memorial Scholarship provides $1,500-$4,000 for the freshman year.
Access scholarship criteria and applications forms here. Applications are due on December 31, 2023.
Date: October 19, 2023
Middle school students from across our state come together for the Delaware MATHCOUNTS Competition, the only in-person math competition of its kind. These students are some of the most capable and hardworking young mathematicians in our state. This program doesn't work without the engagement of professional engineers who can mentor and inspire them. NSPE-DE is seeking volunteers for the 2023-2024 MATHCOUNTS season. There are various opportunities to get involved and make a difference. For more information, contact James Taylor (
president@nspe-de.org).
Date: September 25, 2023
NSPE-DE will be hosting the Engineers Week banquet tentatively on February 22, 2024, at a location to be determined. The Engineers Week banquet is where we announce our scholarship recipients and recognize newly inducted professional engineers (presented by the Delaware Association of Professional Engineers). We also celebrate the Engineering Excellence Awards (presented by ACEC-DE) and honor the Engineer of the Year, Young Engineer of the Year, Government Engineer of the Year award recipients. Stay tuned for registration details and more information.
Date: September 25, 2023
The Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year are the most prestigious awards presented by NSPE-DE. These honors recognize individuals who provide sustained and unusual welfare, the advancement of the engineering profession, and/or service to humankind. New this year, we will be introducing a Government Engineer of the Year award. Individuals that are eligible for nomination must be currently engaged in the practice of engineering as an employee of the state, local or quasi-government agency in either a managerial or technical position.
If you know or work with someone who you think is deserving of either the Engineer of the Year, Government Engineer of the Year, or Young Engineer of the Year awards, don't hesitate to nominate them. The nomination deadline is December 1, 2023. Access nomination information here.
Date: September 25, 2023
NSPE-DE is pleased to announce the 2023–2024 scholarship program for Delaware high school seniors who plan to enroll in a college engineering program next fall. The Joe J. Welker Memorial Scholarship provides $1,500-$4,000 for the freshman year.
Access scholarship criteria and applications forms here. Applications are due on December 31, 2023.
Date: September 25, 2023
Middle school students from across our state come together for the Delaware MATHCOUNTS Competition, the only in-person math competition of its kind. These students are some of the most capable and hardworking young mathematicians in our state. This program doesn’t work without the engagement of professional engineers who can mentor and inspire them. NSPE-DE is seeking volunteers for the 2023-2024 MATHCOUNTS season. There are various opportunities to get involved and make a difference. For more information, contact James Taylor (president@nspe-de.org).
Date: September 25, 2023
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is providing a shortcut for hundreds of vulnerable communities to get easier access to funds for climate resiliency projects, whyy.org reports. FEMA announced the initial designation of 483 census tracts as Community Disaster Resilience Zones. The list includes several areas in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.
"The priority is to assist communities that are at the highest risk to climate impacts and have the most need for assistance," Victoria Salinas, FEMA associate administrator for resilience, said during a call with reporters.
In southeastern Pennsylvania, parts of Philadelphia, the city of Chester in Delaware County, and Lower Oxford Township in Chester County made the cut. An area along the riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware and parts of Wildwood and Atlantic City, New Jersey were also included on the list.
The zone designations come from the Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act of 2022, which cleared the way for targeted assistance to places harshly impacted by the effects of climate change. Read more.
Date: September 25, 2023
Delaware's Congressional Delegation announced $1.3 million for nine Delaware projects that will lower energy costs for small businesses in Delaware as part of the Rural Energy for America Program and the Inflation Reduction Act, Delaware Business Now reports.
"USDA Rural Development is proud to support rural small businesses and ag producers in Delaware through our Rural Energy for America Program, said David Baker, USDA Rural Development State Director. "Through this critical investment, nine Delaware businesses are receiving funding that will help them to operate more sustainably, lower the cost of doing business, and contribute to resilient, clean, and thriving rural communities."
The announcement from the US Department of Agriculture includes millions in loans and grants to agriculture producers and rural small businesses to make investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will lower costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resilience of their operations. Read more.
Date: August 17, 2023
The Delaware Association of Professional Engineers is accepting Certificate of Authorization renewals. Renewals are due annually by September 30. Supporting documentation should be emailed to office@dape.org.
Date: August 17, 2023
The $93 million New Bridge Ship Collision Protection System has recently begun construction on the Delaware Memorial Bridge, WHYY (PBS) reports.
The Delaware River Bay Authority's public information officer, James Salmon, says that the aging infrastructure supports nearly 36 billion cars annually, whether that's for everyday commutes to work, trips to see family, or product delivery.
"The bridge is a vital transportation link on the I-95 North-South corridor. Millions of people rely on the structure of this transportation on a daily basis," he said. "It's our responsibility to make sure that the bridge is open and available for our customers to use on a daily basis."
Since the inauguration of the bridge's New Jersey-bound span in 1950 and the Delaware-bound span in 1968, both sections of the structure have been subject to substantial annual maintenance and essential infrastructure upgrades. These ongoing efforts, as stated by Salmon, have ensured its capability to support today's traffic demands.
"Today's tankers and ships that use the Delaware River are significantly bigger, faster than they were in the fifties and sixties," he said. "The bridge fendering system that is currently in place was satisfactory in the fifties and sixties. Today it is out-served or outlived its useful life and we need to upgrade the situation for today's traffic." Read more.
Date: August 17, 2023
The offshore wind industry has plenty of interest in building a wind farm off Delaware but only if the state commits to buying a certain quantity of power from a turbine farm, according to an offshore wind specialist at the University of Delaware, according to Delaware Public Media.
Kris Ohleth, executive director of the school's Special Initiative for Offshore Wind, said she has had discussions with Orsted – which is planning two wind farms off New Jersey – and US Wind – which has plans for a project off Maryland and southern Delaware – indicating that they are both watching Delaware closely to see if it will for the first time procure offshore wind power from the rapidly growing industry.
Both companies have unused wind-power capacity in their ocean-lease areas, and could build more turbines if they could be assured of more customers in Delaware, Ohleth said. The developers could also add to their leases by acquiring new offshore wind areas that are expected to be auctioned by the federal government next year, she said.
"They are very interested," she said. "The additional capacity for the Orsted and US Wind sites, plus the central Atlantic leasing that is scheduled to happen in 2024, there's interest in having another off-taker, for sure. Developers are always interested in another customer."
The comments come as Delaware officials continue to evaluate whether to recommend an official procurement for offshore wind, and after lawmakers resoundingly approved a bill that set a deadline of December 31 for the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to recommend a procurement process for offshore wind power, after an analysis that has been underway for at least 14 months.
Read more.
Date: July 19, 2023
The Delaware Legislature has passed legislation (H.B. 129) that removes barriers to seeking engineering licensure and modifies language in the state code to provide clarity on disciplinary actions that can be taken by the Delaware Association of Professional Engineers. The changes will become effective when signed into law by Governor John Carney.
The legislation adds definitions for negligence, misconduct, and incompetence. These new definitions will provide greater clarity and guidance for DAPE in determining whether a licensee is subject to discipline. Further, Section 2823 has been amended to add "negligence" and "pattern of negligence" as grounds for discipline. These changes will ensure that discipline is imposed for conduct that poses a risk to the public.
Section 2817(a)(7) has been amended by striking the requirement that an applicant who fails the Principles and Practice of Engineering examination four times must go through additional steps before taking the examination another time. Eliminating this requirement will remove unnecessary barriers to licensure. Read more in the latest DAPE newsletter.
Date: July 19, 2023
Senate Bill 103 would position the state for 2040, when researchers predict electric vehicle sales will outnumber those of traditional, combustion engine vehicles, WMDT news reports.
The bill (S.B. 103) would provide county and municipal government enforcement of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure requirements, and apply to the construction of a multi-family residential dwelling for which an application for final site plan approval is submitted on or after January 1, 2025.
The bill also added considerations for single-family residential dwellings without an attached or detached garage, requiring electric vehicle-capable parking space to be provided in the driveway, assigned parking space for the dwelling, or at an unassigned non-street residential parking space constructed as part of the project. Read more.
Date: July 19, 2023
This time a year ago, state lawmakers backing a bill to give legal force to Delaware's plan to respond to climate change were regrouping after the bill stalled late in that session. This year, those lawmakers are taking a victory lap after the Delaware Climate Change Solutions Act passed.
Delaware Public Media contributor Jon Hurdle reports on why the Delaware Climate Change Solutions Act was successful this time around and what's in the final version of the bill.
Read more.
Date: June 22, 2023
The most recent DAPE ethics training session is now available to Delaware licensed PEs. Access the recording here.
DAPE will issue a certificate for two (2) PDHs to a member that completes and returns this PDH assessment form after viewing the recording. Completed forms should be emailed to office@dape.org.
Date: June 22, 2023
The Delaware Senate passed seven bills on June 15, but two of them – one about offshore wind energy and one about tenant protections – received some resistance, the Town Square Live reports.
Senate Bill 170, sponsored by Senator Stephanie Hansen (D-Middletown), requires the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to work with the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection to look into the viability of generating offshore wind energy.
The department would subsequently be responsible for reporting back to Governor John Carney and the General Assembly on a process for obtaining offshore wind power. A written report, including the department's recommended process, and any legislative or regulatory steps needed to implement the recommendation, to the governor, the chief clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate by December 1, 2023.
The process must include:
- The long-term cost impact, if any, on taxpayers in Delaware.
- Potential economic costs and benefits for the state and for Delawareans.
- The consistency of such a procurement with the Delaware Climate Action Plan, the Delaware Energy Plan, and the ability of the state to meet its Renewable Energy Portfolio standards.
- The avoided costs of greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants on the state from power generation sources.
- Potential health benefits for the state and for Delawareans.
- The availability and scale of suitable offshore wind locations.
- The state of the offshore wind industry and associated supply chains.
- The impacts on the electricity transmission system and capacity and energy markets. Read more.
Date: June 22, 2023
Delaware's low elevation mixed with crowded beaches and limited exit routes make the state particularly vulnerable to massive flooding, but officials hope an influx of federal infrastructure money will trigger future evacuation plans automatically via artificial intelligence, the AP reports.
The Biden administration was set to announce a total of $53 million in grants to Delaware and seven other states aimed at high-tech solutions to traffic congestion problems. Although the money comes from the infrastructure law the president signed in 2021, many of the programs — including the $5 million for flood response efforts in Biden's home state — have evolved since then.
"What's new is the predictive analysis; the machine learning," US Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt, Delaware's former transportation secretary, said in an interview with The Associated Press. "Because now we have access to all this data, it's hard for us as humans to figure out what is data and what is actionable information."
Delaware's transportation department, which controls more than 90% of roads in a state with the lowest average elevation in the country, is tasked with implementing evacuation plans during high water — a bureaucratic nightmare considering how quickly conditions can change.
That's where AI comes in. Rather than sending a crew to the scene to block an impassable road, the system uses sensors to detect weather threats — and even can predict them. Then, it sends the information directly to drivers through cellphone alerts while broadcasting them simultaneously on electronic highway signs.
Read more.
Date: May 19, 2023
A collection of legislation was recently introduced that government representatives say would help to drive the state towards a more sustainable future, wrde.com reports.
House Bill 99, known as the Delaware Climate Change Solutions Act of 2023, was released from the House Natural Resources and Energy Committee. The bill aligns with the state's climate action plan and establishes a target of greenhouse gas emissions reductions over the long term to mitigate the adverse affects of climate change.
Aspects of the bill include developing resilience strategies, requiring state agencies to consider climate change in decision-making, requiring an implementation report every two years on the state's progress, and creating climate change officers in certain cabinet-level departments who will assist the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control with the climate plan's ongoing implementation.
The bill touches on the fact that Delaware has the lowest mean elevation of any state in the nation and is therefore particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts like sea level rise, flooding, erosion and beach loss, saltwater intrusion into drinking water, and more. It goes on to address the ways that climate change can affect the health and well-being of the people who live in Delaware by disrupting the state's agriculture industry, water and natural resources, built infrastructure, and public health. Read more.
Date: May 19, 2023
The Delaware Department of Transportation recently broke ground on the more than $280 million I-95/Route 896 interchange improvement project, Transportation Today reports.
The construction project will reconfigure the existing 60-year-old interchange ramps, widen and rehabilitate existing bridges, widen I-95 northbound and southbound, and construct new bridges, retaining walls, sign structures, and lighting. A path spanning the interchange will be built to provide a connection for bicycle and foot traffic from Newark to Glasgow.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided 50% of the funding. Route 896 connects Newark to the University of Delaware. Read more.
Date: May 19, 2023
The US Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District released an update on the construction schedule for ongoing dune and beach nourishment work along the Delaware coast. Corps' contractor, Weeks Marine Inc., is bringing a third hopper dredge to the site, which will significantly impact the schedule with construction beginning earlier than anticipated in several communities, Delaware Business Now reports.
In April, Weeks Marine began conducting dredging and beachfill operations in Rehoboth Beach as part of a contract to conduct periodic nourishment on three dune and beach fill projects along the Delaware coast. The contract is a joint effort between the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Read more.
NSPE's Job Board is your one-stop resource for professional engineering employment. Whether you are on the hunt for your next career move or looking for today's top engineering leaders and talent, you will find it here.
NSPE provides the tools PEs need to keep current in the profession and advance their careers.
Featured Job
Process Engineer
Newark, DE
Date: April 20, 2023
Congratulations to the Delaware mathletes who will represent the state during the upcoming 2023 Raytheon Technologies MATHCOUNTS Competition finals that will take place May 14–15 in Orlando, Florida. Access more national competition information here.
The Delaware team includes the following student members and coach:
- Michael DiGenova (8th grade) P.S. DuPont Middle School-Wilmington, DE
- Ryan He (8th grade) H.B. du Pont Middle School-Wilmington, DE
- Vaibhav Subramanian (8th grade) H.B. du Pont Middle School-Newark, DE
- Joseph Zhang (6th grade) The Independence School- Hockessin, DE
- Scott Cook (Coach) H.B. du Pont Middle School
NSPE-DE supports the next generation of PEs through engagement in the MATHCOUNTS program. Each March, middle school students from across our state come together for the Delaware MATHCOUNTS Competition, the only in-person math competition of its kind. These students are some of the most capable and hardworking young mathematicians in our state, and the top scoring students earn the prestigious honor of representing Delaware at the national level.
Date: April 20, 2023
The Delaware Association of Professional Engineers recently hosted an in-person ethics seminar on Tuesday, April 18, in Newark. The agency will email all members when the recording is available to view for 2 PDH ethics credits. No registration will be necessary, but members will need to send back a 1-page assessment form (which will be included in the email) in order to receive credit.
Date: April 20, 2023
Maryland is advancing discussions on potential plans to expand MARC commuter rail service into Delaware and Virginia – a move officials hope will expand access for transit riders across state lines, The Center Square reports.
The Maryland Department of Transportation has signed framework agreements with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and Delaware Transit Corp. for potential MARC Train Service expansions, Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced. The possible future expansions could extend MARC service to Newark, Delaware, and to Alexandria, Virginia.
The agreements reached by the state transit agencies outlines "next steps" for advancing discussions about a possible expansion and explore pilot service opportunities, according to Moore's office.
To advance MARC service to Delaware, both Maryland and Delaware's transit authorities plan to meet with stakeholders to determine operational and infrastructure needs. Officials hope to close an existing commuter rail gap in Cecil County and advance connections between MARC and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority system, according to the governor's office. Read more.
Date: April 20, 2023
A new report titled Delaware Women in the Construction Trades: A Path to Economic Security, was released by the Office of Women's Advancement & Advocacy, a Division of the Delaware Department of Human Resources, in partnership with the Delaware Departments of Labor and Education. The report examines the current state of women working in the construction trades and offers concrete solutions for how to increase the number of women participating in fields that have traditionally been male-dominated industries.
The significance of the report is made clear in the face of a looming labor shortage in Delaware's construction industry with 55% of construction contractors reporting difficulty finding skilled workers in the second quarter of 2022. According to the report, women in Delaware's construction industry currently make up 9.3% of the total industry, including administrative and sales roles. However, women represent just 3% of construction and extraction occupations such as plumbers, carpenters, and electricians.
The report also pays close attention to the role apprenticeship programs can have in addressing the small number of women working in the construction trades. Several recommendations from the report focus on ways to expand apprenticeship opportunities for women who may be considering a trade, as well as ways to increase support for women already working in the industry. Read more.
NSPE's Job Board is your one-stop resource for professional engineering employment. Whether you are on the hunt for your next career move or looking for today's top engineering leaders and talent, you will find it here.
NSPE provides the tools PEs need to keep current in the profession and advance their careers.
Featured Job
Design Engineer
Newark, DE
Each March, middle school students from across our state come together for the Delaware MATHCOUNTS Competition, the only in-person math competition of its kind. These students are some of the most capable and hardworking young mathematicians in our state, and the top scoring students earn the prestigious honor of representing Delaware at the national level.
I am writing to ask for you and your company's support of this incredible group of students by donating to the Delaware MATHCOUNTS Competition. This year's state competition will take place on Thursday, March 30. This is the first in-person competition to be held since 2019. We are seeking partners who share and understand our commitment to the community. Your donation will allow us to expand the opportunities we are able to offer to students, both during the event itself and throughout the program year.
Students from 12 middle schools throughout Delaware will be participating this year. These children are our future engineers, scientists, doctors, and teachers—MATHCOUNTS helps them reach their full potential. I cannot emphasize enough how much your support matters!
So…how can you help? There are two (2) ways:
- Volunteer your time. This competition takes a number of volunteers to help make this event successful. To date, we had some volunteers who have signed up to make a difference, but we can always use more. There is a place for everyone to be a part. Roles include registration check-in, moderator, scorers, etc.
- Make a donation to NSPE-DE to support the event. We offer a wide variety of unique sponsorship opportunities that allow your organization to be seen in a tangible way and give back to the community (Award Sponsor, School Sponsor, Volunteer Breakfast Sponsor are just a few!). All donations will be used for this year's or future MATHCOUNTS competitions. All sponsorships include recognition on the NSPE-DE website (logo and link), a thank you ad and recognition in NSPE-DE e-newsletter, and logo on event signage.
I would be thrilled to discuss recognition and other opportunities to get involved with our event on March 30. Please contact me (K. James Taylor, P.E.) directly at jtaylor@verdantas.com or at 302-489-2261.
Date: March 17, 2023
The Delaware Association of Professional Engineers will host an in-person ethics seminar on Tuesday, April 18, in Newark. For the latest DAPE licensure news, access the agency newsletter here.
Date: March 17, 2023
US Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Delaware) recently announced $51,681,000 for critical water infrastructure projects in Delaware as a part of the US Army Corps of Engineers' work plan for Fiscal Year 2023. Authorization for this funding came from several different Water Resources Development Acts, according to a news release.
The funding will benefit the following projects:
- $1,100,000 for dredging activities in Cedar Creek, Delaware.
- $281,000 for common operations and maintenance work in the Indian River Inlet, including a major maintenance report to assist with the more than $43 million previously secured from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding.
- $71,000 to assist the Army Corps of Engineers in the inspection of locally-owned levees.
- $31,117,000 million for operations and maintenance work on the Intracoastal Waterway from the Delaware River to the Chesapeake Bay, including rehabilitation work on the Summit Bridge.
- $7,500,000 to continue needed dredging and common operations and maintenance work in the Intracoastal Waterway from Rehoboth Bay to Delaware Bay. This is in addition to the more than $4 million secured in Fiscal Year 22 appropriations and from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
- $225,000 for Delaware Navigation Channels to perform surveys to determine project needs and when shoaling may impact safe navigation.
- $10,537,000 for annual dredging and operations and maintenance work in the Wilmington Harbor.
- $850,000 for operations, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the Indian River Sand Bypass Plant.
Date: March 17, 2023
Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski joined Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy Carlos Monje to sign the Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) pledge on March 3.
The Equity in Infrastructure Project was created to improve public contracting practices by creating more opportunities for historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) to build generational wealth and reduce the racial wealth gap by creating more prime, joint venture and equity contracting opportunities for these firms, according to a news release.
Pledge signers will work to increase the number, size, and percentage of HUBs growing to prime contractors, participating in joint ventures or as equity participants by December 2025. A total of 13 states have now signed the EIP pledge. HUBs includes firms designated as disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE), minority and women-owned business enterprises, and small business enterprises.
"I am proud Delaware is one of 13 states to have signed this pledge. This furthers DelDOT's commitment to equity in transportation by expanding opportunities for HUBs across our state," said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. "Over the course of this year we are implementing new training opportunities, streamlining our process, and creating specific contracts tailored towards advancing HUBs."
More information about Delaware’s DBE program can be found here.
Date: March 17, 2023
One nagging concern US consumers have about electric vehicles (EVs) is the ability of these battery-operated cars and trucks to get you where you want to go without running out of power. Nobody wants to be stuck at a charging station for long in the middle of a trip, or worse, be stranded without a charging station nearby.
An extensive study led by University of Delaware researchers with collaborators at Dalhousie University and Georgia Tech may help dispel some of this "range anxiety" associated with EVs, UDaily reports. The research, published in the February 21 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Energies, analyzes data recorded from 333 gasoline-fueled cars over a one-to-three-year period and then models the ability of EVs with differing battery sizes, recharging power and charging locations to handle those same driving trips.
"What we did was figure out how much people drive a year, distinguishing every single trip and stop, and then overlaid that with all the possible EVs you could buy," said the article's lead author, Willett Kempton, professor of marine science and policy and of electrical and computer engineering at UD. "If you know how far you need to drive, our data on range and charging speed will tell you what EVs will work for you." Read more.
NSPE's Job Board is your one-stop resource for professional engineering employment. Whether you are on the hunt for your next career move or looking for today's top engineering leaders and talent, you will find it here.
NSPE provides the tools PEs need to keep current in the profession and advance their careers.
Featured Job
State of Delaware Department of Transportation
Dover, DE
Date: February 15, 2023
The City of Wilmington was awarded a $200,000 grant from the US Department of Transportation to help improve roadway safety for all users.
Funding came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program, which US Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester helped author and pass into law. The SS4A program provides dedicated funding to support regional, local, and Tribal plans, projects, and strategies to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.
"2022 was the most dangerous year on our roads in Delaware since 1988. While roadway safety is a national challenge, addressing this crisis requires engagement from all levels of government," Senator Carper stated in a news release. "As Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I successfully increased funding for safety programs in the highway title of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These funds are going to help the City of Wilmington work to make roads safer for everyone, especially pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable users." Read more.
Date: February 15, 2023
Electric vehicle drivers will have more opportunities to charge up along Delaware roads with the installation of 14 new DC Fast Charging stations funded by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
Grants were awarded to several businesses and one Delaware municipality for the 14 sites. The chargers will be accessible to the public 24 hours a day and users will pay a fee for powering their vehicles.
"These charging stations represent the first wave of major investments in Delaware to build out a network of reliable and convenient fast electric vehicle charging stations for our residents and visitors” DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin stated in a news release. "It doesn't stop here. DNREC and DelDOT are working together on an electric vehicle infrastructure plan that will guide future investments and programs to ensure a smooth transition to a cleaner, more equitable transportation system."
Transportation is the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware. Building out the state's charging network will accommodate the growing number of electric vehicles on the roads and is among the strategies identified in Delaware's Climate Action Plan to reduce emissions. Read more.
Date: February 15, 2023
Looking to facilitate the development of offshore wind energy resources to meet US climate and renewable energy objectives, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is seeking public comment on a host of proposed regulatory changes, the Cape Gazette reports.
According to a January 30 notice published in the Federal Register, the first rules and regulations regarding offshore wind were created in 2009. Since then, BOEM has conducted 11 auctions, and issued and managed 27 active commercial leases. At least two of those leases – Ørsted’s Skipjack and US Wind's MarWin – are found in ocean waters that will be visible from Delaware’s beaches.
The notice says the proposed reforms were identified by BOEM and recommended by industry. The changes aim to reduce administrative burdens for both developers and the BOEM staff, reduce developer costs and uncertainty, and introduce greater regulatory flexibility in a rapidly changing industry, says the notice.
"This proposed rule is a major modernization of the regulations, reflects lessons learned from the past 13 years, and is projected to save the renewable energy industry $1 billion over 20 years," reads the notice. "These updates are necessary to ensure a durable and appropriate process is in place to advance renewable energy."
Read more.
Date: January 20, 2023
University of Delaware civil engineers are leading a multi-institutional effort to identify the best models to calculate flood risk at coastal military installations where climate change threatens to increase the risk of flood damage from sea level rise and storm surge, UDaily reports.
The four-year project, which launched in mid-2022 and will run through spring 2025, is funded by a $2.2 million grant from the US Department of Defense (DoD). "Many military installations are located along the coast, and they can't be easily relocated. They need to be protected," said Jack Puleo, chair of UD's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and project lead. "To do that, we need to understand what the flooding risk is."
The DoD-funded research will explore numerical models that calculate total water levels in the face of sea level rise, tides, wind-induced surge, waves, and other environmental variables to determine which approaches not only perform the best but are also the most cost-effective. The team of researchers will apply their work to three military sites: the Virginia-based Naval Station Norfolk on the Atlantic Coast, Tyndall Air Force Base on the Gulf Coast of Florida, and the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site on the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
The goal is to be able to accurately predict what kind of flooding or damage a certain site might experience during a hurricane impact, for example, when there's been another foot of sea level rise. Read more.
Date: January 20, 2023
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), in conjunction with the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), is soliciting water quality improvement projects to develop the 2023 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving (DWSRF) project priority lists. Projects must be listed on the CWSRF and DWSRF project priority lists to be considered for funding. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding for clean water and drinking water projects will be provided through the existing State Revolving Fund (SRF) process.
Notices of Intent for SRF wastewater, drinking water, stormwater, and related infrastructure projects must be received by DNREC Environmental Finance by close of business at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15.
The SRF programs administered by DNREC Environmental Finance can provide a wide range of financial assistance, including: A one-stop loan application process for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure project assistance, including new funding available under the BIL; supplemental funding available to address emerging contaminants and lead service line replacement; and additional subsidies to disadvantaged communities for water infrastructure projects. Read more.
NSPE's Job Board is your one-stop resource for professional engineering employment. Whether you are on the hunt for your next career move or looking for today's top engineering leaders and talent, you will find it here.
NSPE provides the tools PEs need to keep current in the profession and advance their careers.
Featured Job
Traffic Design Engineer
Newark, DE
Date: December 21, 2022
The Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year are the most prestigious awards presented by NSPE-DE. These awards recognize those who provide sustained and unusual welfare, the advancement of the engineering profession, and/or service to humankind.
Holly Rybinski, P.E., PTOE, was the 2022 Engineer of the Year recipient and Nick Dean, P.E., MCE, was the 2022 Young Engineer of the Year recipient.
If you know or work with someone who you think is deserving of either award be sure to nominate them. Nominations are due by Friday, January 6. Access award criteria and applications here.
Date: December 21, 2022
Delaware's Division of Natural Resources and Environmental Control held its final public workshop to review the state's plans to adopt California's zero emissions vehicle regulations, Delaware Public Media reports.
Governor John Carney announced plans in March to join more than a dozen other states in adopting California's regulations for car manufacturers, which establish increasingly stringent standards for tailpipe emissions for new gas-powered cars and require that a growing percentage of new passenger vehicles sold in-state be electric.
The rule change proposed by DNREC would add references to California's law to Delaware's state code, mirroring California's plan to require that all new passenger vehicles sold in-state be electric by 2035.
DNREC Division of Air Quality Administrator Valerie Gray told the town hall that Delaware is not currently on track to meet its goal of a 26% or more reduction in overall emissions by 2025. "From Delaware's greenhouse gas inventory, we see that state efforts have resulted in an overall emissions reduction of 18%, and our climate action plan further shows that Delaware has not met our emissions reduction target," she said. Read more.
Date: December 21, 2022
The Biden Administration recently updated
state and territory fact sheets that highlight the nationwide impact of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the largest long-term investment infrastructure and competitiveness in nearly a century. To date, over $762 million in funding has been announced and is headed to Delaware with 20 specific projects identified for funding. Access information about Delaware projects
here.
Date: November 17, 2022
Bloom Energy Corporation has inaugurated its high volume commercial electrolyzer line at the company's Newark facility, increasing the company's generating capacity of electrolyzers to two gigawatts. The award-winning technology is the most energy-efficient design to produce clean hydrogen to date. In the past 10 years, the facility has produced over 1 gigawatt of sustainable fuel cell-based Energy Servers.
The technology's significant capabilities for hydrogen production are being demonstrated in partnerships with Xcel Energy and Idaho National Labs to harness nuclear and steam power, and will be demonstrated with LSB Industries, Inc. to decarbonize industrial and agricultural sectors. Use of the technology is part of an effort to move the US toward clean energy.
The Bloom Electrolyzer represents a step toward hydrogen becoming economically accessible by producing hydrogen up to 45% more efficiently than PEM and alkaline electrolyzers when combined with external heat. Find out more.
Date: November 17, 2022
Delaware was recently ranked 8th among US states with the most access to electric vehicle charging stations, according to whatsupnewp.com, with more than 3,000 registered EVs in the state. That number is likely to increase soon thanks to incentives from the state, the website reports.
Before September 2020, 43 charging stations had been opened; after that date, 73 more opened in Delaware. That represents a 169.8% increase from 2020-22. The Clean Vehicle Rebate Program provides incentives for Delawareans and Delaware businesses to buy or lease new alternative fuel vehicles. The program encourages the deployment of electric, natural gas, and propane-powered vehicles as part of Delaware’s commitment to innovation in the transportation sector, reducing greenhouse gases, and improving Delaware's air quality. Read more.
NSPE's Job Board is your one-stop resource for professional engineering employment. Whether you are on the hunt for your next career move or looking for today's top engineering leaders and talent, you will find it here.
NSPE provides the tools PEs need to keep current in the profession and advance their careers.
Featured Job
Tenured Professor and Director, Construction Engineering and Management
Newark, DE
Date: October 20, 2022
Delaware recently announced that it has received a $6 million federal grant from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program to help urban and rural communities move forward on projects that modernize roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports, and intermodal transportation. The funds will also help to make transportation systems safer, more accessible, more affordable, and more sustainable.
"We are looking at our road systems through a new lens and not just how we are moving automotive traffic, but all modes of transportation," Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski stated in a news release. "Everyone deserves an equitable right to mobility and these projects will help residents of these communities travel safer and easier whether its walking, biking, using public transportation, or an automobile."
The Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) is also receiving $630,000 in federal funding for its Connecting Route 9 Corridor Communities project, which will improve transportation in the Delaware State Route 9 corridor. Many residents in this area are members of minority groups and live below the poverty line with limited or no access to a car. With community outreach and technical analyses, DTC will plan improvements to enhance bus service, microtransit, and the pedestrian environment to provide access to jobs, schools, healthcare, and other services.
The grant will fund preconstruction activities for the 12 projects identified in the 2017 WILMAPCO Route 9 Corridor Land Use and Transportation Plan and includes surveying, establishing the existing right-of-way, and location of existing utilities along the Route 9 corridor between Wilmington and New Castle to develop more detailed concept plans that address both community impact and constructability. Construction is currently estimated to begin in 2025 on the first set of projects. Read more.
Date: October 20, 2022
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control encourages Delaware nonprofit organizations, conservation districts, community organizations, and homeowners' associations to submit project proposals to be considered for matching grant funds from DNREC's Community Water Quality Improvement Grants program.
Community Water Quality Improvement Grants assist in implementing projects or programs that improve water quality on developed lands with specific watershed improvement plans and strategies. Programs and projects selected for these grants must demonstrate innovative and sustainable methods, techniques, and/or practices for water quality improvements, with cost effective and measurable results. Funding for projects is expected to range from $25,000 to $75,000. Project guidelines and the grant application can be accessed here.
Grant proposals should be submitted by email to NPS.grants@delaware.gov with "Community Water Quality Improvement Grants" in the subject line. The proposals must be less than 10MB. All proposals must be received by Thursday, October 27 (4:30 p.m. EDT).
NSPE's Job Board is your one-stop resource for professional engineering employment. Whether you are on the hunt for your next career move or looking for today's top engineering leaders and talent, you will find it here.
NSPE provides the tools PEs need to keep current in the profession and advance their careers.
Featured Job
Project Engineer, Traffic /ITS
Wilmington, DE
Find more job openings or reach the right employees on the NSPE Job Board.
Date: September 23, 2022
Delaware is getting almost $76 million dollars in federal funding for water infrastructure projects from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The state was awarded seven grants in total by the Environmental Protection Agency for infrastructure projects in local communities to protect public health and restore water quality.
"We're going to see projects that are in the many types of categories, but mainly we're addressing we're moving lead service lines, mitigating PFAS contamination, increasing storage and water pressure, and then of course doing some maintenance on replacing old distribution systems," Sandi Spiegel, program administrator of Delaware's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, stated in a news release.
She says her department will see the bulk of the funding. "Going across seven grants and two departments, the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund - the one that I administer - is under the Department of Health and Social Services, we're getting four of those grants, and they total about $60 million. Our program typically is awarded about $11 million in federal grants each year to provide low interest loans to water utilities for infrastructure improvements. This year we're receiving five times that amount, and for the next four years after this year," said Spiegel. Read more.
Date: September 23, 2022
The Delaware Climate Leadership Academy is seeking candidates for its next session. The academy, which debuted in April, is expanding eligibility to include enrollment of non-government professionals, according to a news release.
The academy, which is administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control in partnership with the Association of Climate Change Officers, provides training that teaches participants to integrate concepts of climate change mitigation and adaptation into their professional decision-making. The curriculum is targeted toward experienced professionals with sustainability, environmental, engineering, planning, infrastructure, energy, health, agriculture, emergency management, facility, and risk management backgrounds.
The virtual training includes instruction on:
- Understanding climate science and assessing vulnerability;
- The basics of greenhouse gas accounting, reporting, and disclosure;
- Engaging organizational and community stakeholders to lead change; and
- The economics of climate change and managing climate risk in your organization.
"Every state agency, local government, and business in our state is affected by climate change. Delaware's Climate Leadership Academy has already helped a number of state and local governments prepare for climate change and begin to develop solutions," said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. "Opening up the academy to other professionals will further expand our abilities to identify and address the challenges of climate change across the state."
The deadline to register is Monday, October 24. Access more information about the academy and register here.
Date: September 23, 2022
How to cope with natural disasters is complicated. The issues are multi-faceted: people who live along the coast have homes, jobs, families, while businesses have infrastructure and employees, all of which contribute to the region's economic prosperity. When disasters occur, not everyone is affected equally. And, as climate change worsens, the effects of hazards like hurricanes are increasingly felt farther inland.
Now, the Disaster Research Center at the University of Delaware has been awarded $16.5 million from the National Science Foundation to lead a multi-institutional effort exploring the tension and tradeoffs between a community's goals of managing hurricane risk while also achieving equity and economic prosperity, the UDaily reports.
The UD-led hub — Coastal Hazards, Equity, Economic prosperity and Resilience (CHEER) — is one of five NSF-funded projects announced recently as part of the agency's Coastlines and People program, which is infusing $51 million in research funding to protect the natural, social and economic resources of US coasts, and to help create more resilient coastal communities.
The work will require intense input from public policy, sociology, meteorology, engineering, and other disciplines. The five-year project team will be led by Rachel Davidson, a core DRC faculty member and UD professor of civil and environmental engineering.
Read more.
Date: August 17, 2022
Delaware plans to locate 11 multi-car, fast-charging electric vehicle charging stations along major travel routes followed by an expansion of EV charging stations into communities over the next five years, according to a news release.
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) submitted a plan to the federal government proposing to utilize almost $18 million in federal funds to:
- In a first phase, locate five new charging stations around the state, meeting a requirement with Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding that EV charging stations be available at least every 50 miles along major travel routes identified by the federal government: I-95, SR 1, US 13, and US 113. Subject to additional data and public input, the general targeted areas are the I-95 Biden Welcome Center near Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach, Laurel, and Selbyville.
- In a second phase, locate six additional charging stations in additional areas along the identified corridors, meeting a state goal of every-25-mile availability. Subject to additional data and public input, the general targeted areas are Middletown, Smyrna, Harrington, Milford, Bridgeville, and Georgetown.
- In a third phase, locate charging stations in high-density residential areas, focusing on areas with multi-family housing and/or street parking in areas that may not otherwise have convenient charging options.
Further development of the plan will include engagement from industry, environmental, and community stakeholders. The submitted NEVI plan and other information about creating support for electric vehicles in Delaware can be accessed here.
Date: August 17, 2022
A national solar developer has set its eyes on Delaware following the loosening of community solar regulations, seeking to invest more than $100 million in a dozen projects statewide, according to a Delaware Business Times report.
TurningPoint Energy, an 8-year-old Denver-based firm that develops and sells a considerable number of solar farms around the country, announced that it was turning its attention to the First State for its next batch of projects. Specifically, it's looking in Delaware due to the passage of Senate Bill 2 in 2021, which increased the allowable size of community solar projects and removed program restrictions.
Unlike commercial-grade projects that could produce upwards of 100 megawatts of power, community solar projects are intentionally smaller in scale – the maximum allowable output is now 4 megawatts – and aimed to sell power directly back to consumers rather than to large corporate buyers. Read more.
Date: August 17, 2022
The scheduled shutdown of Delaware's only remaining coal-fired power plant, and one of the state's top polluters, has been delayed at least four years while upgrades to the electrical grid are made, according to a Delaware News Journal report. The ultimate cost of the extension will be passed on to electric customers and could impact Delaware's clean energy goals.
The Indian River Power Plant has had at least one unit in operation since 1957. Only one of the original four units has been in operation since 2014.
The future of the power plant, and of Delaware's energy profile, lies in the hands of a few corporations. NRG, the company that owns the power plant; PJM, the regional grid manager; Delmarva Power Co., which delivers the power to customers; and CONSOL Energy, the corporation overseeing the coal mines that supply the power plant.
Read more.
Date: July 20, 2022
Green hydrogen startup firm Versogen is moving its labs from their current location at DuPont's Experimental Station near Wilmington to a larger space at FMC Stine Research Center in Newark.
The $4.8 million expansion will add dozens of skilled jobs to the area, according to the Delaware Business Times.
Delaware's Council on Development Finance unanimously approved a $450,380 lab space grant and a $151,343 job performance grant to create 49 new engineering, manufacturing, and executive jobs at the new location.
Date: July 20, 2022
A report has been released on climate change issues facing Wilmington. Mayor Mike Purzycki, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources, and Wilmington City Public Works Commissioner Kelly Williams announced the release of the report and a new website, according to a Delaware Business Now article.
A significant portion of Wilmington is within the 100-year floodplain. These areas include the Port of Wilmington, the Southbridge neighborhood, 7th Street Peninsula, and portions of Riverside and Price's Run. Flooding has been reported in these areas. The study shows the floodplain is expanding as sea levels rise and concludes that the entire city will eventually feel the effects of rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns related to climate change.
Date: July 20, 2022
Recently released data from the Department of Defense show high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) found in drinking water near military bases, including in Delaware, waterworld.com reports. The EPA says no level of the toxic, cancer-causing chemicals are considered safe for human consumption.
The chemicals were found in groundwater near 400 military installations in 18 other states, as well.
In June, the EPA issued four drinking water health advisories relating to PFAs. To help combat PFAS pollution, it has also invited states to apply for part of $1 billion in funding to address contaminants in drinking water, specifically in small or disadvantaged communities. An additional $4 billion will ultimately be available for this purpose as part of infrastructure law grant funding.
NSPE's Job Board is your one-stop resource for professional engineering employment. Whether you are on the hunt for your next career move or looking for today's top engineering leaders and talent, you will find it here.
NSPE provides the tools PEs need to keep current in the profession and advance their careers.
Featured Job
Distribution Engineer
Newark, DE
Find more job openings or reach the right employees on the NSPE Job Board.
Date: June 16, 2022
By K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E.
On June 15, we held our 2022 Delaware Engineering Celebration. Usually held during Engineers Week, this event celebrates everything engineering. Thank you to all who were in attendance and supported the event! It was great to be back in person for the first time in over two years. Hopefully you had the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones.
I want to once again congratulate our scholarship winners, the newly licensed PEs with DAPE, the Engineering Excellence Awards winners with ACEC Delaware, our Young Engineer of the Year–Nicholas Dean, P.E., and our Engineer of the Year–Holly Rybinski, P.E.
Please save the date for next year's Engineers Week banquet to be held on February 23, 2023. Here are some other key dates to add to your calendar:
- Young Engineer of the Year and Engineer of the Year award nominations are due by November 1, 2022.
- Scholarship applications for high school seniors are due by December 1, 2022.
- The MATHCOUNTS state competition will be held in March 2023. Please consider volunteering for this great event for Delaware middle school students.
And one last thing, NSPECON 2022 is being held in Philadelphia this year from August 1-3. Hope to see you all there!
Date: June 16, 2022
US Senator Tom Carper, chair of the Senate Environment of Public Works Committee, and US Senator Chris Coons and US Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-DE) recently highlighted the Delaware projects funded in the Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan for the Army Civil Works Program in the 2022 fiscal year, according to a Coastal Point article.
The Army Corps of Engineers maintain Delaware's critical infrastructure, shore up coasts and fortify waterways. The funds are in addition to the nearly $70 million already secured for Delaware under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law earlier this year.
"So much of Delaware's vital infrastructure is protected or maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers," said Carper. "The Corps is a critical partner to our state by supporting the many projects that drive our economy. These activities include maintaining access to our port and navigable waterways which support our flow of commerce, protecting our communities from the growing threats of climate change with critical flood risk reduction measures, and maintaining our five-star beaches to support our expanding tourism industry."
Delaware projects funded under the 2022 Appropriations and Work Plan include:
- $4 million for the beach nourishment project at Fenwick Island to protect the community and support the local tourism economy.
- $1.2 million for the Indian River Inlet Sand Bypass Plant operations, which nourishes the beach on the north side of the inlet that protects a stretch of Delaware Route 1 highway.
- $7.65 million for the beach nourishment project that protects the city of Rehoboth Beach and the town of Dewey Beach while also maintaining the beach for tourism.
Date: June 16, 2022
State lawmakers are considering a proposal to give labor organizations a more direct hand in setting working conditions and hiring on public works projects, according to a Delaware Public Media report.
State Representative Larry Lambert (D-Claymont) says with more than a billion dollars in federal infrastructure investments coming to Delaware, his bill would help create apprenticeship and career opportunities for Black Delawareans and women, who are substantially underrepresented in the building trades
The bill would require agreements between the state or private contractors and labor unions on large public works projects. The agreements would set working conditions and reserve apprenticeships and jobs for women and other underrepresented groups.
Contractors could reserve 10% of jobs for their crew with the other 90% filled through union referrals. Labor attorney Ray Heinemann says that would also help ensure out-of-state contractors hire locally.
"If they're coming from Pennsylvania, they're not bringing their entire workforce in," he said. "They are going through the local union halls here in Delaware and we're getting referrals. Through our apprentice programs, we're developing a local construction workforce in Delaware communities." Read more.
NSPE's Job Board is your one-stop resource for professional engineering employment. Whether you are on the hunt for your next career move or looking for today's top engineering leaders and talent, you will find it here.
NSPE provides the tools PEs need to keep current in the profession and advance their careers.
Featured Job
Operations Engineer
New Castle, DE
Find more job openings or reach the right employees on the NSPE Job Board.
Date: May 18, 2022
By K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E.
We're excited to get together in June for our annual gathering. This year's Delaware Engineering Celebration event will be held at the Executive Banquet and Conference Center in Newark, Delaware, on June 15. This will be a great night celebrating everything engineering. It will be our first time in person in over two years. We're excited to have everyone join us as we recognize scholarship recipients, new PEs, Engineering Excellence Award winners, the Engineer of the Year, and the Young Engineer of the Year.
Tickets can be purchased here. There is also an opportunity to purchase a reserved table for your company and have an ad/sponsorship in the brochure. If you'd like to help out on the night of the event or in planning leading up to the event, please contact president@nspe-de.org.
Date: May 18, 2022
Having recently completed beach nourishment projects in five Delaware Bay beach communities, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will begin the next phase of restoring parts of Delaware's coastline—including the beaches that experienced widespread erosion and damage from a May nor'easter.
"Our Shoreline team will be hard at it for the foreseeable future on beach restoration priorities that this storm handed us," said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin in a news release. "While restoring the beaches will not be instant nor easy, we are confident of surmounting the challenge ahead. We're working on making the state's beaches accessible and in shape for the summer. Of course, we also welcome the communities' help in restoring the beaches just as they–and we–value our federal partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers when expected beach nourishment projects begin in a number of these communities as early as next fall."
The DNREC recently completed beach nourishment project in the Pickering Beach, Kitts Hummock, Bowers, South Bowers, and Slaughter Beach communities. This project used approximately 52,650 cubic yards of sand–enough to fill almost 11 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The next restoration phase spans the majority of the state's coastline and will require the DNREC to partner with the Army Corps of Engineers and affected communities to restore the coastline.
Date: May 18, 2022
Delaware drivers switching to electric vehicles will continue to enjoy extra savings after the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced it is extending the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program through the end of the year, according to a news release.
Clean transportation is a strategy identified in Delaware's Climate Action Plan to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
The program has been in place since July 2015. In the first round of funding, which lasted until Oct. 31, 2016, the program paid out 292 rebates. By comparison, the program has paid out 267 rebates in the first four months of this year.
In total, almost 2,500 rebates have been issued since the program began. The current program was set to expire June 30. Rebates for the purchase or lease of electric vehicles include:
- $2,500 for battery electric vehicles, including vehicles with range extenders, with a total vehicle price of $60,000 or less; and
- $1,000 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a total vehicle price of $60,000 or less.
Date: May 18, 2022
Seven new utility-scale solar projects will begin providing clean energy to Delaware Electric Cooperative members over the next three years. The member-owned utility, based in Greenwood, announced it will purchase power produced from the solar sites to be built in Kent and Sussex Counties, according to a Delaware Business Now report.
Utility-scale solar projects produce power at competitive prices. The costs of solar panels have dropped over the years.
The projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2024 and are part of the co-op's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Solar generating facilities near Hartly in Kent County and Greenwood in Sussex County will be operational this year.
Date: April 19, 2022
By K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E.
We're excited to announce that our postponed event from Engineers Week will take place on Wednesday, June 15. Please save the date for this celebration that will be held at the Executive Banquet & Conference Center in Newark, Delaware. Additional information is posted here.
The event will provide networking opportunities, recognition of scholarship recipients and newly licensed engineers, and the announcement of the ACEC-DE Engineering Excellence Awards.
The highlight of the night will be honoring our Young Engineer of the Year and Engineer of the Year. As mentioned last month, our recipients this year are Nick Dean, P.E., MCE and Holly Rybinski, P.E., PTOE. Don't miss out on a fun filled night!
Nick Dean, P.E., MCE—Young Engineer of the Year
Holly Rybinski, P.E., PTOE—Engineer of the Year
Date: April 19, 2022
The Delaware Association of Professional Engineers will open up its professional engineering licensure renewal window by sending reminders on May 2 with a renewal deadline of June 30.
All PE licenses are on the same renewal schedule – June 30 in even-numbered years. Individuals that passed the PE exam between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022, are exempt from CPC requirements for the first renewal.
Date: April 19, 2022
A new report prepared by University of Delaware researchers for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control says that offshore wind power is a viable option for helping the state to meet its renewable energy goals.
Among the report's findings:
- Projected offshore wind power prices fall within the range of wholesale power being purchased for Delaware now.
- Offshore wind power costs less than half of Delaware's current electricity supply when the social costs of health and climate impacts are included.
- Health damage from polluting power plants is very real, as are health savings from adding new renewable energy
Delaware has set a target of achieving 40% renewable energy by 2035. In addition, shifting to renewable energy is among the strategies identified in Delaware's Climate Action Plan.
Date: April 19, 2022
Fujifilm will build a second manufacturing facility at its New Castle site for $28 million. The 11,000 square foot facility will double the company's production capacity of pigment dispersions in the US, the Delaware Business Times reports. It is expected to be operational by the summer of 2023.
"In addition to expanding operations, we look forward to growing our team here with 30 new positions to support our RxD manufacturing with roles in production, engineering, and administrative support," said Melissa Toledo, general manager of the New Castle plant, in a statement.
NSPE's Job Board is your one-stop resource for professional engineering employment. Whether you are on the hunt for your next career move or looking for today's top engineering leaders and talent, you will find it here.
NSPE provides the tools PEs need to keep current in the profession and advance their careers.
Featured Job
Quality Engineer
Find more job openings or reach the right employees on the NSPE Job Board.
Date: March 16, 2022
By K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E.
NSPE-DE would like to announce the 2022 Delaware Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year. Holly Rybinski, P.E., PTOE, of Rybinski Engineering, has been selected as the 2022 Engineer of the Year. Nicholas Dean, P.E., MCE, of the Delaware Department of Transportation’s Bridge Section, has been selected as the 2022 Young Engineer of the Year. Congratulations!
Holly and Nicholas will join last year's award winners for recognition during the 2022 Engineers Celebration. ACEC-DE will present the Engineers Excellence Awards and DAPE will acknowledge those who have recently passed their PE Exam.
Typically held during Engineers Week, this year's Engineers Celebration has been postponed to the Spring. Planning for this event is currently in the works. If you and anyone you know would like to help plan this event, please reach out to me. We are looking forward to having an in-person event and gathering engineers across the industry together.
Date: March 16, 2022
The Delaware Association of Professional Engineers will sponsor a free webinar to provide engineering ethics training for DAPE members on March 31. Individuals should register by March 29. Registration will be limited.
The webinar will provide a review of the Codes of Ethics of the National Society of Professional Engineers and DAPE, focusing particularly on the duties of the engineer to employers; the engineering community; and the public. The webinar will also address how criteria such as scientific advancement, economic empowerment, international development, environmental protection, and public health should guide ethical decision-making and priorities for technological investment.
Sujata K. Bhatia, Ph.D., MD, P.E., will serve as the presenter for this webinar. Bhatia is a physician, bioengineer, and licensed chemical engineer. Her experience spans industry and academia, including work engagements at the DuPont company, Drexel University, Harvard University, Rowan University, and the University of Delaware.
DAPE will record the training and make it available online to members that are not able to participate live.
Date: March 16, 2022
Encouraging Development, Growth, and Expansion is a matching grant program from the state's Division of Small Business that is open to businesses in multiple industries, including renewable energy. Applications for grants are being accepted throughout March. Companies less than five years old with less than 10 employees are eligible.
Elyte Energy, which uses patent-protected hydrogen technology to build a highly efficient power supply for generators and portable devices, was awarded a $100,000 STEM EDGE grant in the last round of funding. The company is using its grant to acquire laboratory space and equipment to develop a commercial prototype of its hydrogen-based system to power generators for the outdoor industry.
Businesses should visit the Division of Small Business website for eligibility requirements, to download the grant application, and to connect with a regional business manager for application assistance.
Date: March 16, 2022
In the fight against climate change, one of the biggest challenges is addressing the potential economic and social impacts of shutting down greenhouse-gas producing operations. That's why it's so important to find a variety of alternative technologies that can help move communities toward more sustainable futures.
Thanks to $1 million in Department of Energy funding—supplemented by another $250,000 in funding from the University of Delaware—Department of Mechanical Engineering Professor Kun (Kelvin) Fu and Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Professor Feng Jiao will spend the next three years working with students to find efficient and effective ways to use graphene particles from domestic coal wastes in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing, accord to a UDaily report.
The idea is to convert coal to a carbon material, which can then be added to filaments or resins used in the materials needed to feed these high-tech 3D printers.
Date: March 16, 2022
Artesian Water Company Inc. has signed a $5 million deal to acquire the water system of the Kent County town of Clayton, according to the Delaware Business Times. The city has a 15-year relationship with Artesian, which assisted local officials with their water supply and fire protection.
Artesian, which doubled its sewer footprint through a $6.4 million acquisition deal in August, has been working to spread its service network throughout the state and acquire various cities’ water and sewer systems. The company was one of two bidders in the Clayton acquisition, under which Artesian will serve 1,500 customers.
Date: February 16, 2022
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Controls hosted a virtual public meeting on February 15 to solicit requests for proposals on projects that will improve air quality in the state.
A 2017 agreement between the federal government and the Volkswagen Corporation created an Environmental Mitigation Trust to fund projects that mitigate air quality impacts from high-emitting diesel vehicles and engines. Delaware's share of the Environmental Mitigation Trust is approximately $9.6 million.
DNREC developed a mitigation plan to accept and distribute these funds to eligible projects. Bids are due by close of business on Monday, March 21. Access bid information here.
Date: February 16, 2022
To ease chronic traffic congestion, Lewes is considering rolling out a transit service this summer. Called the Lewes Line, the city service would lease five buses from Delaware Transit Corporation to run on a loop with nine stops. DTC is offering to lease each retired DART First State bus for $1, according to an article in The Washington Post.
The line would connect areas like the downtown area, beaches, and the Cape May-Lewes ferry terminal. The projected cost of running the line is $150,000 annually; fares are projected to collect $20,000 per year.
Date: February 16, 2022
As researchers race to find the latest and greatest technologies the world needs to be more resilient and sustainable, one team of educators at the University of Delaware is aiming to create a blueprint for a more renewable manufacturing future with a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation, the UDaily reports.
"It's important to educate the new generation of engineers to try to change the mentality of how we're utilizing the limited resources we have," said Marianthi Ierapetritou, UD's Bob and Jane Gore Centennial Chair of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
She will lead the project as she works with Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Professors Dionisios Vlachos and Raul Lobo, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Associate Professor Hui Fang and Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration Assistant Professor Kalim Shah to launch the future manufacturing project in 2022.
The goal is to thoroughly examine existing literature around renewable products and processes in manufacturing, which will help researchers synthesize existing data and identify gaps in knowledge. From there, researchers can develop a framework for examining the potential economic, environmental and market impacts of alternative products and processes, while also evaluating the realistic probability of introducing new "green" solutions into existing supply chains and consumer markets.
Date: January 19, 2022
By K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E.
Each year, the Delaware Engineering Society (NSPE-DE) is proud to host the Engineers Week banquet where we announce our scholarship recipients and recognize newly inducted professional engineers (presented by the Delaware Association of Professional Engineers). We also celebrate the Engineering Excellence Awards (presented by ACEC-DE) and honor the Young Engineer of the Year and Engineer of the Year award recipients.
In consultation with ACEC and DAPE, we have decided to postpone this year's event until the spring season. This was a tough decision, but we agreed that an in-person event would not be feasible at this time due to the increase in COVID cases. Stay tuned for details on the event.
Scholarship Opportunities
If you have or know of a high school senior, we want to make sure that they're aware of the DES scholarships. Applications and information can be found online. The application deadline has been extended until February 15.
If you or your firm is interested in donating to the scholarship program, please feel free to reach out. Additional information for donations and a link to donate is on the society website.
Engineer of the Year & Young Engineer of the Year Awards
We have also extended the deadline for submitting nominations for Engineer of the Year and the Young Engineer of Year until February 4. The Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year are the most prestigious awards presented by NSPE-DE.
These awards recognize professionals who provide sustained and unusual welfare, and are dedicated to the advancement of the engineering profession and/or service to humankind. If you know or work with someone who is deserving to be honored as the Engineer of the Year or Young Engineer of the Year, be sure to nominate them. Nomination forms can be accessed here. Completed forms or any questions related to the application process can be submitted to president@nspe-de.org.
If you could also forward this email to your respective organizations, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your continuous support of this event. We look forward to celebrating with everyone in person during the spring!
Date: January 19, 2022
The Delaware Association of Professional Engineers, the state's licensing board, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022. The board is asking Delaware PEs to share stories about their experience taking the PE exam.
Submissions should be sent to executive director of DAPE, Jennifer Wootten, at jen@dape.org. A compilation of the memories is planned to be part of the anniversary celebration.
Learn more.
Date: January 19, 2022
This month, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control's Shoreline and Waterway Management Section is doing nourishment work at Pickering Beach, Kitts Hummock, Bowers, South Bowers, and Slaughter Beach. Surveys, monitoring, and community feedback indicated these communities sustained the most damage from storms this fall, the Cape Gazette reported.
Sand will be placed along shorelines in the communities. The material is reportedly in short supply due to construction demands for sand. The work is slated to be completed by mid-April, and additional replenishment efforts will be done throughout the year.
Date: January 19, 2022
The National Science Foundation's new Innovation Corps Northeast Hub, made up of research universities including Delaware State University, will begin its first researcher training program in February. The Hub is accepting applications until January 31.
With a $15 million budget over five years, the I-Corps Northeast Hub provides entrepreneurial training, mentoring, and resources to help researchers form startup companies that translate laboratory discoveries into breakthrough products and services.
Teams can include faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students and/or undergraduates who are developing a scientific or technical discovery at any institution in the Northeast. Promising ventures may continue to NSF's national I-Corps program and win a $50,000 small business grant.
Date: December 13, 2021
MRA Group has purchased and plans to revamp the Chestnut Run Lab Campus, a 163-acre life sciences and manufacturing campus in Wilmington that was formerly owned by DuPont, REBusiness Online reports. A spokesperson from MRA said the campus is expected to become Delaware’s leading biotechnology and science hub. Development of the rebranded Chestnut Run Innovation & Science Park will cost approximately $500 million.
Delaware has the fourth-highest concentration of science, engineering, and health employees with PhDs in the nation, according to MRA, making it an ideal location for the hub.
Date: December 13, 2021
Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has created a new pilot program to install solar panels on homes of low- and moderate-income households. “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through transitioning to cleaner energy sources is a key component of Delaware’s Climate Action Plan,” DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin said. “Unfortunately, for some families, installing solar panels is outside their budget. This pilot program will help us identify the best ways to help low- and moderate-income families make the switch.”
The program is funded by the Weatherization Assistance Program and the Green Energy Program, which provides grants and incentives to promote the use of renewable energy in the state. The two-year pilot program plans to service 50 homes each year.
Date: November 17, 2021
Waters Corporation, a scientific measurement company, has entered a five-year partnership with the University of Delaware’s College of Engineering and will sponsor a new laboratory on the science and technology campus, UDaily reports.
The purpose of the collaboration is to advance biopharmaceutical processes and manufacturing. The innovation and research lab will be called Immerse Delaware and will be established in early 2022. The facility will incorporate a research test bed and technologies that will support bioprocess engineers’ research into process and informatics within their field.
“This collaboration will not only drive solutions to major industry challenges, it will allow us to bring additional real-world issues into the classroom and advance business development in the region,” said Levi Thompson, dean of the engineering college.
Date: November 17, 2021
Governor John Carney recently unveiled a new climate action plan for Delaware. The plan’s main goals are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to better prepare for the impacts of climate change by prioritizing clean energy and improved energy efficiency, providing support to state agencies in resilience efforts and increasing research and monitoring.
Key action areas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include:
- clean and renewable energy;
- energy efficiency;
- transportation;
- reducing high global warming potential greenhouse gases; and
- natural and working lands.
Key action areas to maximize resilience include:
- updating or creating state regulations;
- supporting communities and stakeholders;
- creating management plans;
- updating facility design and operation;
- promoting research and monitoring;
- engaging in outreach and education; and
- providing agency support.
Date: October 19, 2021
A bill (HB 142) that takes multiple steps to expand licensure opportunities, was signed into law by Governor John Carney on September 17. The bill makes license mobility easier for individuals with a NCEES record or who are seeking to get licensed in Delaware and qualify as an NCEES Model Law Engineer. Also, the bill allows for digital seals, in addition to an embossed or rubber stamp seal. NSPE-DE members contacted their legislators in support of this bill, leading to its passage.
Date: October 19, 2021
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has begun construction on several projects at Fort Delaware State Park that will improve visitor experience. All areas of the fort normally open to the public will remain open.
The $3.7 million project includes stabilizing and resurfacing the tram path, reconstructing trails, rebuilding the platform for observing herons and other birds, constructing a new maintenance building, and building a new screened pavilion. The projects are slated for completion early next year.
Date: October 19, 2021
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded nearly $11.5 million in grants to clean up and restore polluted waters, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and increase access to nature throughout the Delaware River watershed. Grantee organizations have committed more than $13.5 million in matching funds, for a total of about $25 million.
The grants were awarded in September through two programs administered by NFWF: the Delaware River Restoration Fund, funded by the William Penn Foundation, and the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund, funded by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The projects will improve more than 12,000 acres through enhanced management, treat polluted runoff using agricultural conservation practices on about 937 acres, restore 585 acres of wetlands, plant nearly 2,000 trees, and establish over 1,500 acres of new public access lands.
Date: September 14, 2021
The Forum to Advance Minorities in Engineering plans to build a $6.5 million learning lab in downtown Wilmington to support experiential learning for young minority students. The project is funded in part by a $2.8 million grant from the state’s 2022 Bond Bill’s community redevelopment fund.
FAME is a nonprofit that encourages minority students to seek training, education, and work in STEM fields. Its construction plans include a 17,000 square-foot lab for hands-on learning and a career center for adult learners. About 60% of the facility’s costs are covered by grants; the organization is working to raise the remaining needed funds through a public campaign. Organizers hope to break ground on the facility in late fall, Delaware Live reports.
Date: September 14, 2021
Earlier this summer, NRG Energy announced that it would close its 410-megawatt Indian River Generating Station in May 2022, but that closing may be delayed,
according to the Delaware Business Times. To maintain grid reliability, however, regional power grid operator PJM announced that it would need to update its services, which is expected to take until 2026 or 2027. PJM and NRG and the local transmission utility have until September 28 to come up with a mitigation plan for the area that will ensure continued reliability for users. Indian River is the last coal-fired plant in Delaware.
Date: August 11, 2021
White Clay Creek State Park, northern Delaware’s largest, has received a new master plan. It includes a new trail path, construction of additional facilities, reconfiguration of traffic flow and parking, and consideration of natural and cultural stewardship. University of Delaware engineering student interns will be involved in the project to give them real-world experience.
Under the plan, a professional engineering firm would be hired to reevaluate the mountain bike skills trail and recommend ways to enhance the course, which features ramps and obstacles for bikers to navigate, whyy.org reports. The park comprises more than 3,600 acres of land and has complex boundaries and entry points, all of which was taken into account.
Date: August 11, 2021
A living shoreline was extended through a project developed by the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary to help the city of Lewes with shoreline stabilization. It was completed in partnership with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Delaware Living Shorelines Committee. The project is considered a launching point for more green infrastructure efforts in the state.
Living shorelines absorb storm energy and protect property while reducing the potential for shoreline erosion issues. They also filter pollutants to improve water quality. A new 180-ft section was built using natural materials and recycled oyster shell bags configured in long, wavy pyramid formations along the intertidal zone to reduce wave energy and allow wetland habitat restoration. The design includes breaks in the structure to allow tidal exchange, fish and fauna passage, and runoff outflow.
A 2020
study published in the Journal of Marine Science systematically captured how living shoreline research has expanded over the years. The researchers found 46 papers on the topic, the earliest from 1981. The first paper to use the term “living shoreline” was published in 2008. According to the researchers, “our data suggest that living shorelines research is on the rise, but there is a need for more long-term data, socio-economic research, further consensus on the terminology used to describe different types of projects, and research on the types of living shorelines that are most effective in different environmental contexts.”
Date: July 21, 2021
Ørsted has submitted a bid to build Skipjack Wind 2, a vast wind farm 19 miles off the coast of Fenwick Island that could power more than 250,000 Delmarva homes, more than half of all residences in Delaware, Delaware Business Now reports. The project could deliver 560 megawatts.
Ørsted reports the project will secure the region’s central position in the new American offshore wind industry—not only as a hub for new manufacturing and port facilities, but also as a training center for the new green workforce. Skipjack Wind 2 would add hundreds of jobs and impact infrastructure in the region. Ørsted is already developing Skipjack Wind 1, which the company will own and operate. It will power 40,000 homes on the Delmarva Peninsula.
Date: July 21, 2021
NRG Energy announced it will close its coal powered plant at Indian River in order to achieve a 50% decrease in carbon emissions by 2025. The company is closing three other out-of-state coal plants, as well. The move will eliminate more than 1,600 MW in generating capacity and 55% of NRG’s coal-fired fleet.
Date: July 21, 2021
Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering
University of Delaware
Date: June 7, 2021
State senators introduced a bill (S.B. 127) last month that would create a fund for providing loans, grants, or other economic assistance for construction of sites where new projects would create jobs in the state. The Site Readiness Fund would be funded by taxpayer-backed appropriations from the state’s operating budget. Benchmarks like capital investment or job growth would be monitored by the Delaware Division of Small Business, the Delaware Business Times reports.
The passed the Senate on May 20.
Date: June 7, 2021
A $100 million Riverfront East project was announced in May as an extension of the current Riverfront area, reports the News Journal. Riverfront East will be an 86-acre mixed-use development with homes, office space, and retail. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is working on a plan with the Riverfront Development Corporation to remediate the ground at the former manufacturing district. Some of the land is brownfield property that has been unused for years.
To prevent confusion, the current Riverfront area will be rebranded as Riverfront West. When Riverfront East is built, both sides combined will be referred to as the Riverfront.
Date: June 7, 2021
A bipartisan coalition formed the “Life Science Caucus” in the Delaware General Assembly last month, to engage with and support Delaware’s bioscience sector. The caucus will meet regularly to facilitate discourse about innovative bioscience research and business development across the state in order to inform policies and programs to help grow the sector in Delaware.
Date: May 18, 2021
Sussex County has approved a rule change that will allow for anaerobic processing of tons of the Delmarva Peninsula’s chicken manure and organic matter. Bioenergy Devco wants to build one of Delaware’s first anaerobic digesters near the town of Blades. The machine would turn organic chicken materials into a soil additive and renewable natural gas.
If final approval is given by the state, the digester tanks will ferment poultry waste to create a compostable soil conditioner, and natural gas, which rises to the top of the tank for removal. Chesapeake Utilities has expressed interest in adding the gas to its pipeline. The digester tank should be operational early next year if the company gets approval, reports the Delaware Business Times.
Date: May 18, 2021
The levels of “forever chemicals” found in some public drinking supply wells in Delaware are higher than reported in previous years, reports
Delaware Online. The contaminants have been found in all four New Castle city public wells and six Artesian Water Company wells. An EPA spokesman was quoted as saying the wells contained PFAS that exceed the EPA’s lifetime health advisory levels. Unlike when higher than recommended levels were found in area water in 2014, no public notice has been issued.
By K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E.
Date: April 20, 2021
In February, we announced that we would be started a new Lunch and Leadership series later this year. We are now accepting presentation submissions for consideration to be a part of this program. Topic areas to be discussed included engineering crisis management, professionalism, risk management, and liability, engineering ethics, licensure and threats to licensure, leading project teams, communications, strategic planning, contracts and public policy. Starting out, events will be conducted virtually and will eventually move to an in person format. If interested in doing a presentation, please submit the following information to president@nspe-de.org:
- Contact information
- Abstract
- Proposed Title of Session
- Session Description
- Learning Outcomes
- Any additional information
NSPE-DE will be working on the schedule and sessions to be provided over the next couple of months. This is just one step we’re taking at NSPE-DE to help provide additional value to our membership. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions and we’re looking forward to some great sessions in the near future!
Date: April 20, 2021
Wilmington-based Vesogen, formerly known as W7energy, has been selected for the fourth cohort of Shell’s Gamechanger Accelerator Powered by NREL. The highly competitive incubator program partners with startups to support their efforts in developing tech for the transition away from fossil fuels. Participating companies get access to resources, experts, and world-class facilities available through DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Gamechanger.
Versogen is developing electrolyzer technology that uses water and renewable energy to produce green hydrogen at scale in a reliable and affordable way. Versogen’s systems are built around its patented anion exchange membranes and earth-abundant materials.
Date: April 20, 2021
In 2021, the following DAPE Council seats will be up for election: “Other” Engineering, Government and Chemical Engineering. Individuals interested in getting involved in DAPE’s Council for the first time can start by volunteering on a committee. More information on committees can be found at www.dape.org.
Date: April 20, 2021
In its “American Jobs Plan,” the Biden White House released state fact sheets identifying areas of need, and cited infrastructure as an area lacking in investment in Delaware. The state received a “D” grade on its Infrastructure Report Card.
The report identified 12 segments of infrastructure that the White House says will be boosted by the Jobs Plan. For example, it points out that there are 19 bridges and more than 250 miles of highway in Delaware in poor condition and says the plan will dedicate $600 billion to our nation’s transportation infrastructure. Other areas of need emphasized in the state include public transportation, infrastructure resilience, drinking water, housing, broadband, manufacturing, and energy.
By K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E.
Date: March 18, 2021
We’re just about a quarter of the year through 2021 and have officially been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for one year. It’s crazy to think how much has taken place over the last year and how many engineering improvements have been made. In February we held our annual Engineers Week Celebration, although virtual, it was great to be able to recognize the engineering profession in the State of Delaware. If you were unable to attend, you can watch the recording here. We also were able to award scholarships to two individuals who will be pursuing the engineering profession in college starting in the fall. This year our award winners were Divita Taduvayi from MOT Charter High School and Dermot Williamson from Polytech High School. Both had some very impressive applications and we look forward to following their engineering profession in the future. I want to thank those who have contributed to those scholarship so far:
- Landmark Science & Engineering
- Baker, Ingram & Associates
- Rybinski Engineering
- Jason Winterling
- Halmar International
If you would like to make a donation and make an impact on future engineers, you can make a donation to the scholarship fund.
Donate Now
Date: March 17, 2021
At that event, I also announced our brand new Lunch and Leadership series beginning later this year. Topic areas to be discussed included engineering crisis management, professionalism, risk management, and liability, engineering ethics, licensure and threats to licensure, leading project teams, communications, strategic planning, contracts and public policy. We are now accepting presentation submissions for consideration to be a part of this program. Starting out, events will be conducted virtually and will eventually move to an in person format. If interested in doing a presentation, please submit the following information to president@nspe-de.org:
- Contact information
- Abstract
- Proposed Title of Session
- Session Description
- Learning Outcomes
- Any additional information
NSPE-DE will be working on the schedule and sessions to be provided over the next couple of months. This is just one step we’re taking at NSPE-DE to help provide additional value to our membership. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions and we’re looking forward to some great sessions in the near future!
Date: March 18, 2021
Amazon plans to add two new delivery stations geared to its electric delivery vehicles in Delaware, according to delawarebusinessnow.com. The stations will be located south of New Castle and west of Wilmington, the company says, and will create hundreds of new full and part-time jobs. The stations are expected to open later this year. The new facilities are in addition to two previously announced fulfillment centers.
Date: March 18, 2021
The
Delaware River Basin Commission has approved a final rule prohibiting high volume hydraulic fracturing in the Basin. The ban is meant to “control future pollution, protect the public health and preserve the waters of the Basin,” according to the commission. The agency also seeks to reevaluate its rules concerning the importation of wastewater from outside the basin and exportation of basin waters.
By K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E.
Date: February 11, 2021
Greetings!
Each year, the Delaware Engineering Society is proud to host the Engineers Week banquet where we award scholarship recipients, recognize newly inducted Professional Engineers (presented by DAPE), celebrate the Engineering Excellence Awards (presented by ACEC-DE), and honor the Young Engineer of the Year and Engineer of the Year recipients. This year, we will be moving to a virtual format for an Engineers Week Celebration. The event will be held on Thursday, February 25. Please see the attached flyer for details. This will be a free event this year, so feel free to invite your entire company.
Following tradition, the program will highlight award winning engineering design projects, recognize newly inducted Professional Engineers and scholarship recipients, as well as honor the 2020 Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year recipients. This year’s Young Engineer of the Year is Jennalee Fede, P.E. ,and the Engineer of the Year is Scott Rathfon, P.E. Please see our press release for more information on both of the award winners.
The event will begin at 12:30 p.m. and we anticipate being completed by 2:00 p.m. Please visit our registration page to sign up.
In addition, as this is a free event, we are asking for donations to offset the scholarships awarded to high school seniors each year. If you or your firm is interested in donating, please contact me. Information for donations will also be posted on the Delaware Engineering Society website. A special thanks will be included to those donating.
If you could also forward this email to your respective organizations, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your continuous support of this event. We look forward to celebrating everything engineering on February 25!
Date: February 11, 2021
Highway and bridge construction company Eastern Highway Specialists, New Jersey headquartered Advantage Building Supply, and AWSM Solutions Delaware are expanding into the state. The companies will add more than 150 manufacturing and chemical jobs.
Becky Harrington, business development director of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, says this trend will probably continue. The three companies’ combined investment is about $13 million, and the state has approved grants for all three totaling more than $709,000. Harrington says the funding is part of the state’s effort to secure new business.
Date: February 11, 2021
Delaware has launched a pilot grant program designed to spur private sector-led projects that will help the state attract and retain science and tech companies by expanding its inventory of ready-to-go lab space. Companies will need to partner with developers on a specific project to apply.
The state’s Council on Development Finance allocated up to $3 million from the Delaware Strategic Fund in December, and Governor John Carney committed to including additional funding from the FY22 budget.
“We want to improve the available inventory in the state and continue to support companies we’ve already invested in or are interested in coming to Delaware with the types of high-paying jobs we see with these sorts of operations, said Delaware Prosperity Partnership Director of Innovation Ariel Gruswitz.
In the long run, Gruswitz said, the need for the program should decrease as infrastructure increases and industry needs are better understood by the local commercial real estate market.
Date: January 27, 2021
2020 has come and gone and here we sit in 2021. We hope that everyone had a great end to 2020 and is looking forward to a great new year. This month we are excited to announce the 2021 Delaware Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year. The awards are nominated by those in the engineering industry in the State of Delaware and are selected by the past presidents of the Delaware Engineering Society (now NSPE-DE). This year’s award winners are Scott Rahfon, P.E. (Engineer of the Year) and Jennalee Fede, P.E. (Young Engineer of the Year).
Scott Rathfon, P.E. is a Professional Engineer licensed in multiple states throughout the mid-Atlantic region. He has over 40 years of comprehensive engineering experience in various areas of the civil engineering field as well as project and program management. Scott has been employed by Century Engineering in the Delaware office for over 33 years and has been involved in numerous projects throughout the State. Scott has guided the Delaware operations for over 20 years and has been involved with various design and construction projects throughout the State of Delaware, as well as surrounding states. He has been involved in some of the largest infrastructure projects in the State including the SR1, US 13 Relief Route project and the recently completed US 301 project. One of the highlights of his engineering career was having the opportunity to work on the management team for the design and construction of the cable-stayed bridge over the C&D Canal. Many of the projects he has been involved with over the years have been recognized in the state for their excellence by his peers.
Jennalee Fede, P.E. has over nine years of experience assisting clients with a variety of environmental projects. Her experience with projects and knowledge of environmental regulations in Delaware, along with her passion for contributing to the health and environment of her own community, drive her to implement practical, economical, and ethical solutions on every project. She has performed Phase 1 and 2 Environmental Site Assessments, remedial (Brownfield) investigations, soil disposal characterization, and clean fill testing. She has navigated clients through regulatory compliance and permitting processes relating to NPDES, aboveground and underground storage tanks, and air emissions. She has performed human health and ecological risk assessments, statistical comparisons, stormwater infiltration tests, groundwater level readings, hydrologic slug testing, air emissions calculations, and sampling of various media. She has plenty of experience communicating with local, DNREC, and federal agencies, and developed conceptual site models and work plans, including, but not limited to contaminated materials management plans, health and safety plans, long-term stewardship plans, and remedial investigation work plans.
For more information on both the award winners, please visit our website: www.nspe-de.org. Normally, these award winners are recognized at the yearly Engineer’s Week banquet held at the end of February. With the current COVID restrictions in place, we will be switch to a digital format to recognize these individuals (as well as scholarship winners, newly licensed Professional Engineers and the ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards) at a virtual event during Engineer’s Week. We will look to schedule an in person event later in 2021. Stand tuned for more information on that event.
Sincerely,
K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E.
NSPE-DE President
Date: January 27, 2021
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is accepting grant proposals for projects that will improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay by reducing nutrient and sediment loads. For fiscal year 2021, $350,000 is available. The DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship will consider applications of up to $200k. It is seeking project proposals from state agencies, county and municipal governments, conservation districts, and other organizations. The Implementation Funding Grant is an annually determined set-aside within the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant.
Date: January 27, 2021
Delaware’s Supreme Court recently upheld a judge’s dismissal of a lawsuit alleging that the DuPont Co. largely downplayed the cost of environmental liabilities that would be faced by Chemours, a spinoff company. Chemours sued DuPont last year, saying that the company was dishonest about the cost of environmental liabilities Chemours would have to contend with when reimbursing DuPont for pollution related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. The so-called “forever chemicals” are found in materials like Teflon. Chemours, DuPont, and other chemical companies have been the subject of new lawsuits over water contamination related to PFAS chemicals,
Manufacturing.net reports.
Date: December 14, 2020
The Department of Transportation recently held a townhall meeting to address community concerns about the I-95 overhaul project in Wilmington. A representative of DelDOT discussed the work that will be done, including resurfacing the viaduct that runs through the center of the city, according to Delaware Public Media. Drivers were told they will notice the effects of the construction in mid-February.
Wilmington will still be accessible via 495, in addition to one lane of I-95 going in each direction that will be open at all times, a DelDOT representative said. The highway is 60 years old, and the $200 million project to repair it will involve removing the top two inches of the roadway and laying down new concrete. The project is expected to last three years.
Date: December 14, 2020
The
Delaware Data Innovation Lab, recently funded by a CARES Act grant (awarded to the company CompassRed), will develop novel data and analytics approaches to fighting COVID-19 related problems. This could include enhanced automation, pandemic analytics, and data visualization strategies for businesses impacted by the virus, helping to guide their decision making. Using best practices, diverse industry experience, access to technical and scientific talent, and core technologies, the lab will solve community-based issues while attracting national talent to the region, as well as provide work for the technical and innovative talent of Delaware. Follow updates about the lab’s work on its
Twitter feed.
By K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E.
Date: November 18, 2020
November has become one of the busier months of the year. It started off with Election Day. Then we celebrated Veterans Day on November 11. To all veterans of all branches: Thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and the example you set for us all. We appreciate the sacrifice you have made to protect our country. And we know that we’re all trying to get as much work done before the new year comes in a little over a month.
In addition, those other items, November is also considered to be a month of giving thanks. In the US we celebrate thanksgiving, where typically many get together with their family for a day of food, family, and football. The day usually ends with shopping and that carries into Black Friday as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season starts. This year might look a lot different, but we still have plenty of things to be thankful for.
Take a moment and think about all the things you have to be thankful for this year. Although we’re still battling the COVID pandemic, I’m thankful for so much this year. I’m thankful for the advances in technology which has helped all those working from home. I’m thankful that I’ve been able to be home to watch my son grow up. At the beginning of COVID and starting to work from home, he was just 2 months old. Now 10 months, I’ve been able to watch him grow these last 8 months more than I would have normally. I’m thankful to be a Professional Engineer. I’m thankful for a State who values engineers. And I’m thankful for NSPE who has helped me grow my leadership skills over this past year through the annual PE Conference, as well as the Emerging Leaders Program.
As we get closer to the end of the year, don’t let 2020 get you down. And don’t skip over the next month to try and predict what 2021 is going to hold. Be thankful in this moment.
Date: November 18, 2020
The 2020–2021 scholarship program for Delaware high school seniors who plan to enroll in a college engineering program next fall is now accepting applications. The scholarships are offered in conjunction with two other organizations: The Society of Women Engineers-DelMar Section, and the University of Delaware.
The scholarships and requirements are listed in the application. If additional scholarships become available, you will be considered based on your application, SAT scores, transcript, and essay. The application must be completed and returned to the DES Scholarship Committee by December 31, 2020. Separate applications are not required for each of the above awards. However, your application must include the names of awards for which you are applying. NSPE-DE/DES cannot be responsible if sponsor(s) terminate funding of the scholarship at any time.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Brett Marshall at 302-351-5246.
Date: November 18, 2020
The Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year are the most prestigious awards presented by the Delaware Engineering Society/NSPE-DE. Presentation of these awards take place at the Delaware Engineer’s Week Celebration held in February. These awards recognize those who provide sustained and unusual welfare, the advancement of the engineering profession, and/or service to humankind. If you know or work with someone who you think is deserving of either the Engineer of the Year or Young Engineer of the Year, be sure to nominate them. Nomination Forms can be downloaded from the NSPE-DE website and are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 18, 2020. Completed forms or any questions related to the application process can be submitted to president@nspe-de.org.
Date: November 18, 2020
The recently approved Henlopen Transportation Improvement District for Sussex County will address traffic congestion in the quickly growing area of southern Delaware. It will be the first TID in the county and the fourth in the state.
DelDOT defines a TID as a geographic area where land use and transportation needs are planned in detail in advance to better serve people while fostering economic vitality. Planners consider how traffic will impact the area surrounding a project in the future, rather than only focusing on infrastructure needs.
“Many states are eyeing or have adopted alternative funding mechanisms, including TIDs, to supplement traditional transportation revenue streams,” according to the University of Delaware. “As a transportation-based impact fee, TIDs provide a way to equitably distribute the cost of development-related growth and infrastructure improvements to the private sector that benefits from the facilities, rather than costs being absorbed by the general public.”
Date: November 18, 2020
The city of Dover has signed two agreements with Freepoint Solar to bring locally generated solar power to the area for 25 years through the construction of a pair of jumbo arrays. The two projects include a 114-megawatt Cedar Creek Solar Project in Townsend and the 50-megawatt Raceway Solar Project in Harrington. Currently, Delaware’s largest array is the 12-megawatt Milford Solar Farm. Delaware is under a mandate that requires 25% of its electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025, according to Delaware Business Now. Even with the completion of the $160 million venture, however, only a small portion of the state’s energy will come from solar power. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, 3.6% of the state’s electricity currently comes from solar.
By K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E.
Date: October 28, 2020
It’s incredible to think that we’re nearing the end of 2020. It has been a very interesting and strange year as all of us dealt with COVID-19. At this time every year we start planning the upcoming Engineer’s Week Banquet which takes place in February. Although the details are still in the works, we’re excited to announce the opening of the application period for the annual scholarships as well as for the Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year Awards.
2020-2021 Scholarship Program
The 2020–2021 scholarship program for Delaware high school seniors who plan to enroll in a college engineering program next fall is now accepting applications. The scholarships are offered in conjunction with two other organizations: The Society of Women Engineers-DelMar Section, and the University of Delaware.
The scholarships and requirements are listed in the application. If additional scholarships become available, you will be considered based on your application, SAT scores, transcript, and essay. The application must be completed and returned to the DES Scholarship Committee by December 31, 2020. Separate applications are not required for each of the above awards. However, your application must include the names of awards for which you are applying. NSPE-DE/DES cannot be responsible if sponsor(s) terminate funding of the scholarship at any time.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Brett Marshall at 302-351-5246 or bmarshall@pennoni.com.
Engineer of the Year/Young Engineer of the Year Awards
The Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year are the most prestigious awards presented by the Delaware Engineering Society/NSPE-DE. Presentation of these awards take place at the Delaware Engineer’s Week Celebration held in February.
These awards recognize those who provide sustained and unusual welfare, the advancement of the engineering profession, and/or service to humankind. If you know or work with someone who you think is deserving of either the Engineer of the Year or Young Engineer of the Year, be sure to nominate them.
Nomination Forms can be downloaded from the NSPE-DE website and are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 18, 2020. Completed forms or any questions related to the application process can be submitted to president@nspe-de.org.
Date: October 28, 2020
Delaware is one step closer to finishing a plan to guide the low-lying state through the impacts of climate change. Officials are almost finished gathering public input.
The state Climate Action Plan will provide a roadmap to meet the challenges of climate change, says Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Sec. Shawn Garvin in a Delaware Public Media report. “This plan is to really look at the various facets of climate change—the mitigation side, which is how do you reduce the greenhouse gases that are contributing to the situation we’re in? And how do we address adaptation, resiliency, recognizing we have these low-lying towns, and we have coastal areas, and we have impacts on agriculture?”
Delaware is already experiencing the effects of climate change, including higher temperatures and more than a foot of sea level rise since 1900. According to DNREC, sea level rise threatens $1.5 billion in tax-assessed property value statewide.
Read more.
Date: October 28, 2020
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and US Coast Guard spearheaded a cleanup operation for the oil spill that has deposited blobs of oil called tar balls and oiled debris over a stretch of Delaware coastline extending from the upper Delaware Bay to the tip of the Atlantic Ocean. The cleanup operation intensified last week with additional resources deployed by state and federal agencies and non-profit organizations, according to Delaware.gov news release.
More than 125 environmental professionals from DNREC, the Delaware Department of Transportation, the Coast Guard and its environmental contractor, and the Delaware Bay and River Cooperative removed oil found littering beaches and rafting around debris offshore. The Delaware Bay and River Cooperative, a non-profit funded by industry in the event of an oil spill, dispatched an oil skimming vessel to remove oily debris seen afloat in the Bay. Tri-State Bird Rescue of Newark continued to play a key role in the cleanup coalition, investigating reports of wildlife impacted by oil and treating captured sea gulls and other wildlife that has been oiled in the water.
Read more.
Date: October 28, 2020
The Delaware Department of Transportation is reminding interested businesses that applications for the next round of Transportation Infrastructure Investment Fund (TIIF) grants will be accepted until Monday, November 16, 2020. A total of $12,501,000 is available for the second round of TIIF applications.
TIIF was established in 2019 to provide economic assistance for renovation, construction, or any other type of improvements to roads and related transportation infrastructure in order to attract new businesses to this state, or expand existing businesses in the state, when such an economic development opportunity would create a significant number of direct, permanent, quality full-time jobs.
The council’s first recommendations were made in June 2020, and seven projects totaling more than $7 million in grants were approved by Secretary Jennifer Cohan and Secretary of State Jeff Bullock.
More information on TIIF can be found at https://de.gov/TIIF.
Date: October 28, 2020
NSPE’s Job Board is your one-stop resource for professional engineering employment. Whether you are on the hunt for your next career move or looking for today’s top engineering leaders and talent, you will find it here.
NSPE provides the tools PEs need to keep current in the profession and advance their careers.
Featured Job
Water Resources Engineer
Wilmington, DE
Find more job openings or reach the right employees on the NSPE Job Board.
By K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E.
This past month signified the beginning of my second year serving as president of NSPE-DE and as Delaware’s representative for the House of Delegates. In the past year, I have spent most of my time learning about NSPE. This has led me to understand why it is so important to be a part of NSPE.
Here are some highlights of what has happened in the past year and what we have planned:
- Our 2020 Engineers Week Banquet was a huge hit once again. The 2021 Engineers Week banquet details will be announced in the coming months. Nominations for Engineer of the Year, Young Engineer of the Year, and scholarship applications will be available in the fall.
- We currently have 61 members in NSPE-DE. In the last 6 months, we have added 5 new members including 1 student membership. There are over 7,000 professional engineers in the State of Delaware. There is a lot of room for growth.
- We are working on developing a new presence with the University of Delaware and the renewal of the Student Chapter in the College of Engineering.
- We will continue of our support of MATHCOUNTS. Although the 2020 competition was cancelled and the 2021 competition will be switching to an online format, we will continue to provide support for this program.
As I begin my second year, I look forward to pushing NSPE-DE to the next level. There is always room to help and get involved. We are currently looking to fill on the executive committee, including vice-president and secretary. We are also looking for committee members to fill the roles of Engineers Week Coordinator and MATHCOUNTS Coordinator. If you are interested, feel free to reach out for more information on how you can make an impact on the engineers and the future engineers in the State of Delaware. Get involved and be a part of the leadership for NSPE-DE!
Ted C. Williams, PE, FACEC has been selected as the 2020 Engineer of the Year. Mr. Williams serves as President of Landmark Science & Engineering, a multidisciplinary site/civil and environmental sciences consulting firm. He has 43 years of comprehensive experience with land development, transportation and traffic studies for large mixed-use construction projects. Ted is heavily involved in technical and professional organizations representing the Delaware engineering community. Some of the organizations where Mr. Williams currently serves is ACEC Delaware where he is the New Castle County Partnering Chair, Delaware Council on Transportation where he is Chair, and Committee of 100 where he is President. Mr. Williams has been a tireless advocate for engineering and business within the State of Delaware and nationally through these organizations. He is well known throughout Delaware’s State and Local Legislatures, Councils, and agencies for his support of improving Delaware’s Infrastructure. He has also been involved in the broader community of Delaware through activities such as coaching and advocating for STEM-based education for all of Delaware’s middle and high school students. He has been a dedicated advocate for efficiency in public school construction projects and has been instrumental in developing a model for future school development based on a full-school campus design.
Mr. Brendza graduated from the University of Delaware with a BS in Civil Engineering in 2008. Shortly after graduation he began working in the field of water and wastewater engineering for Hydraterra Professionals in Chester County PA. At Hydraterra Professionals he spent the majority of his time performing construction inspection and design services for wastewater and drinking water facilities. In 2013, Mr. Brendza began his career at Johnson Mirmiran and Thompson in their water and wastewater group. During his time at JMT he has worked for various government agencies and utilities throughout Delaware such as City of Newark, New Castle County, and Kent County. Chris has also led various design projects for regional authorities and government agencies in Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, and volunteering in his community.
Help prepare the next generation of engineers, doctors, scientists and teachers by volunteering with MATHCOUNTS! There are many ways to volunteer. We are currently looking for a new MATHCOUNTS Delaware State Coordinator. After many years of great service, our previous State Coordinator has stepped aside. MATHCOUNTS is a national program that provides students in grades 6-8 the opportunity to compete in live, in-person contests against and alongside their peers. In March each year, the Top Students participate in the State Competition. The Top 4 individual competitors from each State Competition receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the National Competition in May. The State Coordinator is responsible for encouraging the local schools to participate and organize the competition for the State of Delaware. If you're interested in finding out more about this volunteer role please click here to watch a video we have created for new/prospective coordinators. If you are interested in getting involved please email jtaylor@duffnet.com for more information.
Date: February 28, 2019
Since 1979, DES member Carmine Balascio, Ph.D., P.E., has been building a distinguished career as an engineering educator, teaching the profession’s future engineers and conducting research in hydrology. Now, Balascio is putting his educator’s skills to work as the president of the state licensing board.
Balascio began his term as president of the Delaware Association of Professional Engineers in the fall of 2018. Prior to this position, he served as the DAPE council member representing the field of education. In the council’s more than 45-year history, Balascio appears to be the first educator to serve as president.
An associate professor of water resource engineering at the University of Delaware, Balascio teaches courses like introduction to surveying, site engineering, and higher-level courses on urban hydrology and stormwater management. His research interest include outcomes assessments of college engineering programs and teaching with technology and active-learning methods, in addition to urban hydrology and stormwater management.
Because of his own experiences as a student and an educator, Balascio says his goal as licensing board president is to work to promote professional licensure, specifically in academia.
“As a faculty member at the University of Delaware, I am keenly aware of the struggle to get engineering faculty interested in becoming licensed,” he wrote in his first president’s message. “I believe it is important to promote licensure of engineering faculty because they serve as role models for their students.”
Balascio knows the impact educators can have on young engineers. He says his undergraduate advisor at University of Delaware and his graduate advisor at Iowa State University—both PEs—encouraged him to pursue the license.
He wants other PEs to do the same. “If you are enthusiastic about the engineering work you do and would like the chance to convey that enthusiasm to UD students, we’d really like to talk to you about making it happen,” Balascio wrote in his latest message to Delaware PEs. “We are especially interested in new licensees who are also relatively recent graduates who feel they can make a connection with a college student audience.”
Date: April 28, 2018
@NSPEPrez Apr 28
In addition to NAE and AAES mtgs this week - also met with DES member to find a way to integrated partnership.
Lewes, Delaware
Marcus Hook Rear Range Light
Lightship Overfalls
Delaware Mechanical Eng102 Projects
Overfalls Sign
Rybes Holt House
University of Delaware Mentors' Circle