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June is National Safety Month, the annual observance to promote workplace safety. At Michael Baker International, safety is at the forefront of everything that we do. From the design table to the project site, success is measured by our people and safety culture. We utilize our S.L.A.M. safety tool and process to strengthen our safety culture, promote safety awareness, recognize hazards and assess and manage risk. This includes:

STOP and consider risk in surroundings and the environment

LOOK for hazards with harm potential

ASSESS the risk

MANAGE the risk

Each year, we recognize Michael Baker project teams that demonstrate a commitment to safety with the S.L.A.M. Safety Award. Each winning team has improved safety processes, contributed to our company’s safety culture and achieved outstanding safety performance over a significant period of time.

As National Safety Month ends, we are excited to announce this year’s S.L.A.M. Safety Award winners: the Interstate 78 Reconstruction CM/CI and ConocoPhillips Spring Breakup Teams.

Learn more about each of the projects below!

S.L.A.M. Construction Services Winner: Interstate 78 Reconstruction CM/CI

Interstate 78 (I-78) spans 144 miles across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, linking Harrisburg to Lower Manhattan. The I-78 Reconstruction project aimed to reduce the high crash and fatality rates in an 8-mile stretch that had 71% more crashes than other Pennsylvania expressways and a fatality rate 40% higher than elsewhere in the state. Traffic studies estimated 45,000 vehicles traveled through the project daily, with tractor-trailers making up 40% of the traffic. The winding, hilly contours made it difficult for truck drivers to see traffic ahead of them, and the lack of shoulders left no room to pull over in an emergency. This reconstruction and safety improvement project was designed to widen the shoulders along the corridor and add dedicated climbing lanes for trucks.

Michael Baker and our subconsultants provided construction inspection and management services from preconstruction through project completion and forensic analysis of the long-life concrete pavement. Two full-time on-site Michael Baker construction managers and up to six construction inspectors were co-located with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) personnel in a mobile field office.

The project took almost five years to complete and encompassed 54 lane miles of long-life concrete pavement, one million cubic yards of excavation, six bridges, 10 stormwater basins, three sound walls, two dynamic message signs, 10 property demolitions, 20 well abandonments, two underground storage tank removals, over eight miles of guide rail, over 10 miles of drainage pipe and concrete barrier, two stream relocations, and two Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil slopes.

The project’s greatest risk was live interstate traffic, which often traveled at speeds exceeding the posted speed limits and contained a significant percentage of tractor trailer traffic. The project team assessed construction activities and how the inspectors and contractors could minimize the risks by ensuring adherence to proper safety practices and protocols, including: holding weekly safety briefings to reinforce relevant safety practices; providing staff with hard hats equipped with retroreflective stickers for higher visibility; and making upgrades to flashing yellow lights on vehicles to alert travelers when the inspection team was entering and exiting traffic lanes and construction work zones.

To complete the project in phases, traffic control had to be adjusted at various stages. As planned, these “traffic switches” would have required 25 working nights of unique temporary traffic patterns with orange barrels being the only means of protection between live lanes of traffic and the field staff. The team decided that a single weekend with 24/7 lane restriction would be more efficient and accomplish the task in a safer manner. The weekend lane restriction allowed the switch to be completed in 2½-days compared to the planned 25 nights, thereby significantly reducing the risk of accidents to our crews and the motoring public, as well as the exposure of daily traffic to temporary barrier blunt end.

An additional challenge was the Governor’s unexpected COVID-19 shutdown of all PennDOT projects across the state in March 2020. This project was critical enough to restart 30 days later under strict safety protocols dictated by the Centers for Disease Control, PA Health Department, Berks County and Michael Baker’s Health & Safety Department.

Of the project, a PennDOT representative noted: “Michael Baker’s team worked to find solutions to safety concerns and field issues every day of this five-year project. The numbers of hours posted by this team without incident is a great testament to the practice of Safety First.”

S.L.A.M. Field Services Winner: ConocoPhillips Spring Breakup Team

Michael Baker has conducted hydrologic studies at the Colville River Delta since 1998 for ConocoPhillips Alaska’s North Slope Alpine Development. The field program begins in mid-April and typically lasts six to eight weeks. The project sites are not easily accessible and program set-up is conducted in sub-zero conditions. The field crews traverse ice, snow and uneven tundra and are exposed to possible wildlife encounters including brown bears and polar bears.

During spring “breakup” – when snow melts from the Brooks Range and facilitates the downstream movement of meltwater and ice as it flows north into the Beaufort Sea – the Michael Baker Hydrology team executes an extensive field program to determine peak discharge, peak water levels, flow distribution and observations at several key locations in the delta.

The annual monitoring program supports ConocoPhillips’ permit stipulations, permitting and NEPA documentation, early detection of potential flooding and ice movement, and informs infrastructure design of roads, culverts, bridges, gravel pads and pipelines. Spring breakup monitoring is integral to understanding regional hydrology and ice effects, establishing appropriate design criteria for proposed facilities and maintaining the continued safety of the environment, oilfield personnel and existing facilities during the flooding event.

The team identified numerous hazards and risks on the project, including weather exposure frostbite and hypothermia; slips, trips and falls; and wildlife interactions, among others. They also helped ensure the safety of one another and the successful completion of the project without any reportable injuries or incidents by implementing safety measures like holding daily safety meetings and operator briefings; wearing arctic survival gear during travel and carrying a survival kit and extra gear/supplies; and using Alpine facility radios when available, cell phones, emergency personal locator beacons (EPLBs) and satellite communications devices.

The ConocoPhillips Spring Breakup hydrology program has evolved since 1998, expanding from a handful of monitoring locations to what now amounts to over 60 monitoring sites. Throughout the past 26 years, Michael Baker has continued to adapt its safety processes and has collaborated with ConocoPhillips’ Safety team to develop extensive and thorough Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) plans on an annual basis.

According to a ConocoPhillips representative, the Michael Baker field personnel are “trail breakers” in the field program, and our safety documents have been hailed as a standard for other field programs.

May is Michael Baker International’s Founding Month. Over the past 84 years, our firm has established a strong tradition of Making a Difference, and we have evolved and grown to ensure we make an even greater impact for future generations. As part of our Founding Month celebrations, we caught up with each of the Presidents of our five distinct Verticals – Infrastructure, Design-Build Services, Federal Programs and Services, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) and Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS) – to discuss Michael Baker’s past, present and future.

Today, we hear from Dennis Berlien, P.E., President – Sustainable and Resilient Solutions. In this role, Dennis is focused on delivering sustainable and resilient mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), structural and fire protection solutions to the complex infrastructure challenges of the firm’s clients. Additionally, Dennis serves as Chief Executive Officer for Akela, which serves as a sister company of Michael Baker.

Michael Baker: What is a significant change that you’ve seen at Michael Baker during your career here?

Dennis Berlien: In May 2023, we introduced the Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS) Vertical, bringing together Michael Baker’s MEP, structural engineering, telecommunications, cybersecurity and fire protection services. By bringing all of these capabilities together, we are taking a national approach and have increased our knowledge-sharing across these areas.

Over the past year, I have seen the benefits of increased collaboration across offices and a commitment to thinking outside the box as we identify the right solutions to solve our clients’ most complex infrastructure challenges. We’ve already made a lot of progress with new internal promotions and I look forward to seeing where our continued evolution takes us.

Michael Baker: What is an important trend happening in our industry where Michael Baker can have a major impact in the future?

Dennis Berlien: With buildings being responsible for roughly 40% of emissions globally, Michael Baker is uniquely qualified to make an impact with our expertise in site selection, building MEP systems, energy modeling and commissioning.

Aging infrastructure in federal and commercial buildings necessitates a paradigm shift and digitizing buildings offers powerful tools to reduce carbon emissions and create a more sustainable future in several ways.

Digitalization of buildings empowers building owners and occupants. It accelerates decarbonization while enhancing comfort, productivity, and resilience. Achieving net zero emissions requires transforming our built environment and digitization is a key enabler. Once you have a digital twin of a building, smart buildings can then intelligently adapt to occupants’ needs with sensors and controls to create efficient and responsive structures.

Our SRS team is already leading the way in making buildings more sustainable and resilient, and we will continue to grow and evolve our technology-forward solutions to support the ever-changing needs of building infrastructure.

Michael Baker: What advice do you have for our fellow Wolf Pack members as we continue to write new chapters in our company’s legacy of excellence?

Dennis Berlien: Be a lifelong learner by staying current with industry trends and taking opportunities to grow. Share your thoughts with leadership and don’t be afraid to take action.

Michael Baker: What are the biggest opportunities for Michael Baker this year?

Dennis Berlien: Our company has built its legacy on a diverse culture of innovation. As technology evolves, we too are evolving our capabilities and expertise in sustainable and resilient engineering, digital twins, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). For example, we’re exploring the benefits of AI for design optimization, automating repetitive tasks, code analysis and marketing analysis.

To continue our momentum as we head toward Michael Baker’s 85^th year, we will continue to act as a true Wolf Pack – that is, we are stronger together – by working across Practices and geographies to assemble the best project teams to meet our clients’ needs.

Michael Baker: ‘What’s Next’ for your vertical?

Dennis Berlien: Within SRS, we will capitalize on increased data computing around AI, which includes design for high-tech buildings infrastructure upgrades and secure facilities.

For our team, we will continue to provide opportunities for professional and leadership development, as we also continue to focus on technical excellence. We’ve already seen impressive growth within our vertical, with many promotions and new hires.

Michael Baker: Tell us about a “Making a Difference Moment” that exemplifies how our Wolf Pack is Making a Difference for our company, our clients and/or our communities.

Dennis Berlien: Within the SRS and Akela teams, there have been a few significant life challenges that our colleagues have had to face. Seeing how the teams have responded and supported each other and our clients during these challenging times has been a great reminder of “Making a Difference” in people’s and family’s lives.

Today, we speak with Eric Ostfeld, P.E., President, Design-Build Services. In this role, Eric oversees all aspects of how the firm pursues, partners and delivers Design-Build projects. He works closely with leaders from Michael Baker’s Operations, Federal and Legal teams, as well as Design-Build colleagues across the country, to ensure effective design management and continuous collaboration with Design-Build partners to build quality and value into every step of the project.

Michael Baker: What is a significant change that you’ve seen at Michael Baker during your career here?

Eric Ostfeld: I joined Michael Baker in August 2022, and in my short time with the company, I have seen firsthand a reinvigorated emphasis on growth. Our entire industry is in a transformative phase, and with much of our nation’s infrastructure reaching the end of its useful life and the rollout of major funding initiatives – like that from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) – our team at Michael Baker is seizing the opportunity to expand our offerings, address a variety of infrastructure needs and ensure we are making our communities safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.

I have also seen our more than 85 offices come together as the bigger Michael Baker. We are not restricted by Practice or geography, but rather committed to assembling the best team of experts for each project. Additionally, we have strengthened our partnerships with other companies within the DC Capital Partners portfolio, as well as Michael Baker sister companies like Tidal Basin, a leading comprehensive emergency and disaster management consulting firm that complements our efforts to support the nation’s recovery efforts and rebuild infrastructure to be safer and more resilient.

Michael Baker: What is an important trend happening in our industry where Michael Baker can have a major impact in the future?

Eric Ostfeld: In recent years, Design-Build (D-B) delivery has increased as a share of total market value, a trend that will continue into the future. D-B spending is projected to grow 22.5% by 2026, and our team at Michael Baker remains committed to pursuing innovative and collaborative alternative delivery projects and identifying solutions that efficiently address the needs of our clients.

Michael Baker ensures that quality and value are built into every step of the project. We are involved from start to finish, adding value and efficiency to the construction process to accelerate project completion and achieve cost efficiencies.

Michael Baker: What advice do you have for our fellow Wolf Pack members as we continue to write new chapters in our company’s legacy of excellence?

Eric Ostfeld: Have a fierce belief in entrepreneurship. If you have a good idea, bring it forward and let’s make it happen!

Think outside the box and look to unexpected places to expand our services. For example, we have been providing traditional bridge inspections for clients since our company was founded 84 years ago but more recently, we have expanded into unmanned aerial systems – UAS – and underwater bridge inspections.

Michael Baker: What are the biggest opportunities for Michael Baker this year?

Eric Ostfeld: Organizationally, we will continue our trend of the bigger Michael Baker – increasing workshare and collaboration across our company.

Michael Baker: ‘What’s Next’ for your vertical?

Eric Ostfeld: In D-B, it is an exciting time! Our team has grown exponentially, and we now have the opportunity to pursue the lead designer role on an increasing number of mega-projects brought about by the availability of IIJA funding.

Michael Baker: Tell us about a “Making a Difference Moment” that exemplifies how our Wolf Pack is Making a Difference for our company, our clients and/or our communities.

Eric Ostfeld: A core value that defines Michael Baker International is that “We Make a Difference” for our clients, for our colleagues and for our communities. From our company’s leadership encouraging us to pay it forward, always do the right thing and treat people the way you want to be treated to our more than 4,000 employees from coast-to-coast giving back to each other and our communities, our “Making a Difference Moments” come to light each and every day. Even simple gestures on a regular basis that make a person’s day or a client’s project better lead to impactful change.

Today, we speak with Kent Zinn, P.E., S.E., President, Infrastructure. In this role, Kent leads our Infrastructure Vertical’s growth efforts, which includes investing more resources in pursuing and winning large infrastructure projects, expanding into new markets and geographies, and partnering with clients.

Michael Baker: What is a significant change that you’ve seen at Michael Baker during your career here?

Kent Zinn: I started my career at Michael Baker in the fall of 1994, shortly after receiving my Master of Science degree in Structural Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. Over the next 30 years, I have witnessed our firm’s exponential growth from 20 or so offices to more than 85 locations across the country. With the expansion of our footprint and headcount, we have also been able to broaden our capabilities and services to bring greater value to our clients.

We have reached new heights thanks to lots of hard work from the talented people who make up our Wolf Pack, as well as our company making smart investments and having a growth mindset.

Michael Baker: What is an important trend happening in our industry where Michael Baker can have a major impact in the future?

Kent Zinn: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a much buzzed-about topic across many different industries – and engineering is no different. AI has the ability to change how engineers plan, construct and manage projects, while increasing efficiency and sustainability.

Michael Baker is partnering with Microsoft Copilot to offer AI capabilities to all our employees. Furthermore, our Data Analytics and Automation team is working to optimize, improve and expand our existing services through innovation, automation and analytics. As AI in engineering grows more sophisticated, we will continue to refine how its application best benefits our clients and projects, while finding the right balance between automation and the human factor to increase efficiency.

Michael Baker: What advice do you have for our fellow Wolf Pack members as we continue to write new chapters in our company’s legacy of excellence?

Kent Zinn: Put forth your best effort, learn from your mistakes, strive to continuously improve and take pride in your work. Always care for your clients and have a forward-looking growth mindset.

Michael Baker: What are the biggest opportunities for Michael Baker this year?

Kent Zinn: Michael Baker’s Wolf Pack is the strongest it has ever been – and our offerings more diverse. With our current momentum, we have the opportunity to bring home substantial new project wins – particularly with the increasing number of mega-projects being greenlit nationwide.

At the same time, we are always looking to welcome new talent and ensure that our staff is developing personally and professionally. Delivering outstanding service to our clients goes hand-in-hand with providing our people with fulfilling careers. Our Wolf Pack Philosophy – that we are stronger together – is top-of-mind. We can build upon our company culture’s solid foundation and further drive our culture of excellence.

Michael Baker: ‘What’s Next’ for your vertical?

Kent Zinn: Looking ahead, we have a strategic vision for Michael Baker’s growth across our five Verticals and numerous Practices. By having a national approach to our business development, we are ensuring that we are working across geographies and Practices to bring the best resources to our most strategic pursuits. To fuel this growth, we will look to add more key talent across our organization.

Michael Baker: Tell us about a “Making a Difference Moment” that exemplifies how our Wolf Pack is Making a Difference for our company, our clients and/or our communities.

Kent Zinn: At Michael Baker, we live by the credo of “We Make a Difference.” This extends beyond our own back yards to halfway across the world. Each year, we partner with Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) to sponsor the construction of suspension bridges in isolated parts of the world, creating better access to economic, educational and health care opportunities. Earlier this year, we sent a team of nine colleagues to successfully construct a 157-foot-long suspended footbridge to enable safe crossing over the Mukebera River in Rwanda, Africa.

The Kabira 3 trail bridge will provide safe, year-round access for the surrounding communities, providing opportunities to empower the local communities out of poverty. The completed bridge exemplifies how We Make a Difference for communities in need.

First up, we have Dan Kieny, President, Consulting and Technology Solutions for Michael Baker International. In this role, Dan focuses on technology differentiation and innovation to support growth initiatives, identifies and incubates technologies and maximizes opportunities with consulting and technology-based solutions.

Michael Baker: What is a significant change that you’ve seen at Michael Baker during your career here?

Dan Kieny: At Michael Baker, we are a Wolf Pack of one. While our 4,000 employees may sit across diverse Practices in more than 85 offices, we all work toward the same goal – solving complex infrastructure challenges for our clients.

Since joining Michael Baker in 2020, I have seen increased collaboration between Regions and Practices. Our offices and teams are thinking about enterprise outcomes that outweigh local needs. This means we are bringing together the best team to address the needs of our clients, no matter where our experts are located geographically or the Practice they report to.

Additionally, our Practices span all key areas of infrastructure. Our team has added value to our clients by introducing the bigger Michael Baker to them and highlighting the services we have in-house that can help them achieve their objectives. This allows for greater cohesion and streamlining of activities as we work toward solutions that Make a Difference.

Michael Baker: What is an important trend happening in our industry where Michael Baker can have a major impact in the future?

Dan Kieny: Increasingly, engineering companies are investing in technology and even buying technology companies to evolve their business models, generate new revenue streams and gain an advantage in the market.

Michael Baker has built its legacy on a diverse culture of innovation, and as technology evolves, so do we. As we look at trends, data collection and management approaches will define the future of the engineering business. Data will inform everything we do for our clients – which includes engineering, modeling, investment prioritization, operational support, maintenance, re-design, Digital Twins and more.

We will continue to utilize multi-use data – like geographic information systems (GIS) addressing, which Michael Baker has a rich history in – that can move between Public Safety markets and Infrastructure clients with projects within our Transportation and Planning Practices.

Michael Baker: What advice do you have for our fellow Wolf Pack members as we continue to write new chapters in our company’s legacy of excellence?

Dan Kieny: Collaboration has enabled our success for 84 years and will continue to push us into the future. Our employees should build knowledge communities by interacting with their coworkers on best and innovative practices and identifying new ways of working that leverage the best available technologies, while also setting a standard for others to follow.

In other words – build something great and share it with others.

Michael Baker: What are the biggest opportunities for Michael Baker this year?

Dan Kieny: We have a great opportunity to hire additional staff that will complement our already stellar talent pool. These new members of our Wolf Pack will work with our Practices to support us to Evolve, Grow and Improve as we deliver exceptional solutions to our clients.

Michael Baker: ‘What’s Next’ for your vertical?

Dan Kieny: In relation to DATAMARK, Michael Baker’s public safety GIS team, we know that seconds matter in emergency situations. While we have made great strides in GIS mapping, for most facilities, indoor mapping data is either unavailable or completely outdated.

So, ‘what’s next’ is that we are working with clients to prioritize the creation and accessibility of indoor maps, ultimately ensuring safer facilities. DATAMARK’s indoor mapping solution provides users with a secure platform to create, manage and view highly accurate indoor data with tools to facilitate effective exit planning, easy access to emergency assets and improved incident response.

Michael Baker: Tell us about a “Making a Difference Moment” that exemplifies how our Wolf Pack is Making a Difference for our company, our clients and/or our communities.

Dan Kieny: Allegany County, Maryland, selected DATAMARK to provide indoor mapping services and solutions designed to increase situational awareness and public safety indoors. This work has put indoor maps for more than 25 critical infrastructure facilities into the hands of 9-1-1 call takers and first responders. It is an example of how we continue to revolutionize public safety and affirm our commitment to ensuring safety in the communities we serve.

Tomorrow is National Aviation Day, a celebration of the history and development of aviation. Michael Baker International’s Aviation practice provides planning, design and construction services to airports worldwide, serving as an on-call extension of staff to many of our aviation clients. Below, hear from our talented colleagues who are innovation for our clients, ranging from the smallest general aviation facilities to the busiest international airports in the world.

RaeAnne Hebnes, P.E.

Project Manager – Highway

Anchorage, Alaska

Michael Baker: Who/What inspired you to pursue your career?

RaeAnne Hebnes: I was inspired to pursue my career by my love of historic architecture and bridges. I had decided to pursue a degree in architecture, but upon visiting Montana State, I quickly realized architecture wasn’t for me due to a lack of math requirements. With this I changed my plan and went into civil engineering. The aviation aspect became an aspiration after a runway project fell into my lap here at Michael Baker.

Michael Baker: What advice do you have for early career professionals in the aviation industry?

RaeAnne Hebnes: Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges.

Shawn Sentelle

Designer – Aviation

Tampa, Florida

Michael Baker: Tell us about the Michael Baker project you’re most proud of.

Shawn Sentelle: This would be Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport (PUJ) In Paulding, Georgia. Michael Baker was tasked with doing the planning, design/engineering and construction. This airport was the first brand-new airport constructed in Georgia in many years. I helped in all aspects of planning, design, engineering and construction with a big team of all disciplines working together. Once construction was completed, several of us attended the grand opening. It fills you with pride being there and knowing you played a sizable role with the team.

Michael Baker: What changes are you most excited about in the future of aviation?

Shawn Sentelle: I have been keeping up with industry changes and the biggest one that I can’t wait for is Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D. BIM is currently mainly used in architectural applications in the aviation industry. However, BIM and 3D are slowly spreading to all disciplines in the future so that BIM will be the standard. BIM is basically smart 3D modeling, and it can greatly increase productivity but also allow us to find and resolve common conflicts missed by traditional methods. In some projects, it has eliminated construction drawings.

Meg Watkins, P.E.

Program Manager

Norcross, Georgia

Michael Baker: Who/What inspired you to pursue your career?

Meg Watkins: I was a natural in math and science growing up and enjoyed solving problems. My father was a mechanical engineer and inventor who inspired me to pursue my career in mechanical engineering, although I had voiced an interest in civil engineering. I worked as a manufacturing plant engineer for over 20 years, and although I enjoyed that type of work, I heard my husband discuss his career in aviation and it also sounded fun and challenging in a new and different kind of way.

Michael Baker: Tell us about the Michael Baker project you’re most proud of.

Meg Watkins: I am proud of being the Project Manager of Hartsfield Jackson Repairs Project 21-23. I have been learning a lot about pavement walks and determining which distresses should be prioritized for repair. The team created AutoCAD drawings of the distresses and phasing plans for the trench drain repairs, and it is currently reviewing shop drawings. The project is just entering construction, but it has been a great learning experience. Working on a project of this magnitude at the world’s busiest airport is super exciting.

Mike Stengel, P.E.

Office Executive

Bentonville, Arkansas

Michael Baker: Tell us about the Michael Baker project you’re most proud of.

Mike Stengel: I worked with the Jonesboro Municipal Airport in Arkansas to plan and execute a project to develop a new area on the airport for corporate hangars. While not a large project, it was very beneficial to the airport, and the funding strategy for using a combination of numerous grants from the state department of aviation was a very aggressive approach. Working with the airport management, we were able to successfully obtain four separate grants to construct the initial infrastructure and the first hangar building, then additional grants for more hangars, which has led to a significant increase in hangar lease income for the airport, enabling more aggressive capital projects moving forward.

Michael Baker: What advice do you have for early career professionals in the aviation industry?

Mike Stengel: Spend as much time as possible in the field, on-site during construction. Airport construction – especially at commercial service airports – is complex, and it is valuable to truly understand the implications of the project design and phasing during implementation.

Greg VanderMolen, P.E.

Department Manager – Aviation

Cary, North Carolina

Michael Baker: Who/What inspired you to pursue your career?

Greg VanderMolen: I fell into aviation as an intern not even knowing what a civil engineer would do at an airport. I haven’t looked back since.

Michael Baker: What changes are you most excited about in the future of aviation?

Greg VanderMolen: I think the electrification of aircraft and alternative fuels are going to have an impact on facility requirements for airports large and small.

Today is Women in Engineering Day, a global celebration of the work and achievements of women engineers and an opportunity to highlight careers in engineering. At Michael Baker International, our female engineers Make a Difference each day for our company, our clients and our communities.

In honor of Women in Engineering Day, we sat down with our colleagues to hear their perspectives and the unique experiences that have helped shape their careers in engineering.

Angela Nocera, P.E.

National Market Lead – Army

Mobile, Alabama

Michael Baker: What excites you most about the future of your field?

Angela Nocera: As civil engineers, we are tasked with building and reconstructing the infrastructure that forms the backbone of civilization. Our projects affect the daily lives of every citizen in every way imaginable. Clean water, efficient transit, safe parks, reliable utilities, defense – the list is endless! As our politicians continually dialogue about inequities in communities and our changing environments, I am most excited to know that we have an increased responsibility and ability to create positive changes through the work that we do on a daily basis.

Marionne Lapitan, E.I.T., ENV SP

Civil Associate

Santa Ana, California

Michael Baker: Who/What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

Marionne Lapitan: Both of my parents were university professors (of math and computer science) in the Philippines, so I spent hours of my childhood in their office/classrooms after school! Their co-workers and students even taught me math tricks that I ended up using in my geometry and algebra courses at school years later. Being on a college campus for hours as a kid allowed me to learn about the endless possibilities of a “dream career” and the importance of STEM in transforming lives. So, growing up, I wanted to be everything. When I realized that wasn’t possible and had to choose one, I found civil engineering to be the next best thing!

In high school, I was a part of the National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) program hosted by the CSULB College of Engineering K-12 Outreach and Recruitment, where we visited transportation agencies in Southern California. It opened my eyes to the work local civil engineers do every day, from design to construction. The speakers from the program also shared their passions in helping others and how their work plays a massive role in it. Ever since then, I’ve never looked back! Civil engineering was the perfect combination of my passion for making a difference and being my version of “everything.”

Susan Lancaster, P.E.

Project Manager – Roadway

Cary, North Carolina

Michael Baker: What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

Susan Lancaster: Never stop learning and growing your skills; there is always something new to learn. I think I love roadway design the best because you have to learn about all disciplines to be good. Always ask your questions — you’ll be surprised, thankful and maybe even help someone else out along the way.

Nicole Bennati, P.E., S.E., LEED Green Associate, CQM-C

Director – Architectural Engineering

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Michael Baker: What professional achievement are you most proud of?

Nicole Bennati: While I have had the opportunity to work on many exciting and challenging projects throughout my career at Michael Baker as a structural engineer, my proudest achievement is my recent promotion to Director of Architectural Engineering. In this position, I am not only influencing the path of the structural department, but I have the ability to influence all of building engineering on the East Coast. I hope to play an important role in assisting building engineering in continuing to grow within Michael Baker but also into new markets. I also will have the ability to focus on improving our processes to better define how we approach quality control and internal technical reviews, and that will assist the whole group in providing the highest quality designs to our clients.

Patty Dunaway, P.E.

Office Executive

Louisville, Kentucky

Michael Baker: What excites you most about the future of your field?

Patty Dunaway: It’s always evolving with new technologies and opportunities, and engineers will always be in the forefront as the industry advances and grows.

Shayna Bramley, P.E.

Senior Project Manager – Electrical

Newark, New Jersey

Michael Baker: What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

Shayna Bramley: Find a mentor, male or female, who sees your potential and is willing to help you grow your career. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself and ask for assignments that challenge you and provide new skill sets. Never stop learning. Never stay in a job where you do not feel valued or that does not allow you to balance work, family and your health.

Amanda Furr, P.E.

Office Executive

Little Rock, Arkansas

Michael Baker: What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

Amanda Furr: I always loved math and science in school. Several engineering students came to my Pre-Cal class in high school and talked about careers in engineering, so I got really excited about the opportunities. I thought I would be designing cars, but building roads is better.

Alexa Diven

Civil Associate – Civil

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Michael Baker: What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

Alexa Diven: The advice I would give not only women, but young ladies as well, is to stay determined and have grit. Grit has made me push past so many obstacles and thoughts of not being good enough or not being able to be a woman engineer. But the goal is to be the best version of myself, and I will listen to myself and push myself for something I love doing even if people think you’re not meant for the position or industry. You are the only person who can determine your future, so you must have grit, confidence and determination to hit your goals!

Debra Marsolini

Mapping Associate

San Diego, California

Michael Baker: What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

Debra Marsolini: Be bold and confident and don’t be intimidated by choosing a career in a traditionally male field.

Sravani Mallavarapu

Technical Specialist – Coastal Engineering

Alexandria, Virginia

Michael Baker: What excites you most about the future of your field?

Sravani Mallavarapu: I am excited to lead a project and a team in the future, as I am training to be a project manager.

Catherine Groover, P.E.

Civil Engineer – Aviation

Nashville, Tennessee

Michael Baker: What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

Catherine Groover: My family history. For generations, the grandfathers on both sides were engineers. I come from a long line of engineers and am proud to be my family’s first woman engineer.

Jenna Clark, P.E.

Project Manager – Drainage

Santa Ana, California

Michael Baker: What excites you most about the future of your field?

Jenna Clark: I’m excited to see how 1D and 2D modeling is further incorporated into projects. It’s amazing to see what that technology can do, from replicating rain events, to dam breach analysis, to sea level rise predictions — and that’s only scraping the surface of what this kind of modeling can be used for.

At Michael Baker International, We Make a Difference. Our credo extends beyond the work we do on a day-to-day basis and into the communities we serve. One way we do this is by engaging in programming that allows students to explore STEM careers, concepts, and give them real world learning and problem-solving skills.

As I look back on my time as a student, I was always interested in the built environment and had a love for math, so the engineering profession was an easy choice for me. I was fascinated with how things were built and loved watching construction sites but did not have this kind of opportunity in my school growing up, and so I wholeheartedly support hands-on STEM experiences.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering occupations are projected to add 136,500 jobs over the next decade, including 53,700 civil engineering jobs – the most of any engineering occupation. The future of our industry – and our nation’s infrastructure – depends on these students and as current practitioners, we must do all we can to nurture their natural curiosity and encourage the pursuit of STEM careers for those interested in them.

During the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Spring Meeting, I saw this philosophy and dedication to the next generation in action. Michael Baker has been a sponsor of AASHTO’s educational outreach programs, TRAC (Transportation and Civil Engineering) & RIDES (Roadways In Developing Elementary Students), for nearly a decade and at this year’s event, our firm sponsored the AASHTO Bridge Challenge event.

Prior to the Annual meeting, students from across the country participated in the TRAC Module Bridge Builder in their own schools and students designed and built a scaled model bridge according to grade level specifications in AASHTO guidelines. Eighty-six portfolios describing the process, challenges, data, graphs and scaled technical drawings of their bridges were submitted to engineers for review. Eighteen team finalists, six from each grade level, were invited to the AASHTO Bridge Challenge hosted at the AASHTO Spring Meeting to compete for top prizes. Michael Baker’s contribution allowed 33 event participants to travel to Seattle, Washington, to participate in the AASHTO Bridge Challenge.

I was honored to participate in this event as a judge. These competitions encourage not only learning about bridge design and construction, but also include other important life skills such as schedule and time management, group collaboration and written and oral presentation skills that will serve the participants well. The participating students had the opportunity to do a deeper dive into topics that are not ordinarily explored in a typical class setting. These experiences give students the ability to create, design, test and improve on their ideas and concepts. I am proud of our association and sponsorship of events like TRAC and RIDES. It does take a commitment of time from the students, but without the support of those currently in the industry, these types of programs would not be possible.

As an individual, and as part of our company, I look forward to encouraging our next generation of innovators – some of which might just Make a Difference at Michael Baker someday.

In May 1940, Michael Baker, Jr., opened his engineering and consulting firm in a small hotel room in Rochester, Pennsylvania. While our Wolf Pack has grown to include more than 3,500 employees across nearly 100 offices from coast-to-coast since then, our guiding light remains unchanged: We Make a Difference.

As Michael Baker International’s Founding Month comes to an end, we not only reflect on our company’s more than 80-year legacy of Making a Difference, but also recognize the significant contributions made by our Wolf Pack over the past year. Learn more about how our colleagues have recently supported our neighbors, local communities and the next generation of industry professionals below.

Bridges to Prosperity

Since 2016, Michael Baker has partnered with the nonprofit Bridges to Prosperity to construct footbridges in remote, underdeveloped areas of the world to improve access to vital resources. In March 2023, a team of Michael Baker colleagues successfully completed a two-week bridge build in Rwanda, Africa. While in Rwanda, the team constructed the Kigusa Trailbridge to connect nearly 3,500 local community members with vital resources.

Great Lakes Region

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Colleagues Hosted Graduate Student Tour of ALCOSAN Plant

Students and professors from Carnegie Mellon University’s Civil Engineering graduate program joined Michael Baker’s CM/CI team for a visit to an ALCOSAN Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Chicago, Illinois, Office Hosted ASCE Student Chapter

Our Chicago office hosted students from the American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter at the University of Michigan as part of the chapter’s annual Chicago trip.

Mid-Atlantic Region

Alexandria and Manassas, Virginia, Colleagues Participated in Plane Pull to Benefit Charity

Ten members of our Alexandria and Manassas offices participated in the Dulles Day Festival and Plane Pull to benefit Special Olympics of Virginia.

Columbia, South Carolina, Office Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity

In partnership with United Way of the Midlands, our Columbia office built floor frames for two new homes.

Northeast Region

Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) Experts Led Technology Demo for Student Drone Club

Colleagues from our CTS vertical visited Northeast High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to provide hands-on demonstrations of the latest UAS and wearable LiDAR technologies and engage students from the school’s Drone Club.

Newark, New Jersey, Colleagues Climbed for a Cause

Members of our Newark office participated in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Big Climb NJ Fundraiser.

Southern Region

Florida Colleagues Participated in Student Earth Day Celebration

Members of our Wolf Pack helped lead an Earth Day celebration for students at Marine Corps Support Facility (MCSF) Blount Island.

Ridgeland, Mississippi, Colleagues Participated in Student Outreach Events

Colleagues from our Ridgeland office participated in a career exploration event at Velma Jackson High School and the Mississippi State University Career Fair.

Western Region

Denver, Colorado, Office Volunteers Led Camp Everitt

Our Denver office partnered with Everitt Middle School for its second annual Camp Everitt STEM program that teaches students about sustainability in our built environment.

San Diego and Carlsbad, California, Offices Supported Feeding San Diego

Volunteers from our San Diego and Carlsbad offices packaged food for Feeding San Diego, the leading hunger-relief and food rescue organization in San Diego County

April is National Architecture Month and World Landscape Architecture Month, a time to celebrate the spaces that shape our world and the creative minds who bring them to life. At Michael Baker International, our Architecture portfolio spans more than 80 years and our team provides creative technical ability, visionary design and collaborative integration to solve our clients’ challenges.

Today on the blog, get to know some of the talented architects who Make a Difference for our company, our clients and our communities.

Robert Andrews

Design Associate – Architecture

Phoenix, Arizona

Michael Baker: What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?

Robert Andrews: I have a strong desire to create the physical spaces we inhabit and combine it with the technology that will move us forward.

Michael Baker: How does your work in architecture Make a Difference for our clients and the communities we serve?

Robert Andrews: We are creating new and exciting ways to render, model and showcase our work to clients, including VR services that are sure to impact the design community in the upcoming years. We also have a very collaborative nature in which everyone is in it to win it, which as a younger professional in the field, is encouraging.

Rebecca Schwartz, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CQM-C

Department Manager – Architecture

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Michael Baker: What makes your work challenging and exciting?

Rebecca Schwartz: The variety of projects and their locations throughout the world. We almost never do the same project twice, so every day is a new challenge.

Michael Baker: How does your work in architecture Make a Difference for our clients and the communities we serve?

Rebecca Schwartz: Our biggest client in our office is the Federal government. The opportunity to support the Armed Services and those that protect our country is extremely awarding. We are able to provide great design throughout the world while also meeting the demands of our clients.

Steven Reardon, R.A., AIA

Architect

Boston, Massachusetts

Michael Baker: What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?

Steven Reardon: I wanted a career that requires thinking in multiple dimensions (physical, social, financial, etc.) and scales (scaled drawings, social impact, etc.). Architecture can be anything from detailing a window to considering the social impact of a building on a neighborhood.

Michael Baker: How do you anticipate the architecture industry evolving in the next 5-10 years?

Steven Reardon: Increased use of generative design with the integration of artificial intelligence. Designing for deconstruction, reconstruction and recycling buildings will hopefully become part of the design discussion.

Ariana Pimentel

Design Associate

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Michael Baker: What makes your work challenging and exciting?

Ariana Pimentel: Every day there is something new to learn, whether it is related to the building code, new technology or a creative design idea from a coworker. I remain energized by having so many avenues through which I can grow as a professional.

Michael Baker: What advice do you have for new professionals in the industry?

Ariana Pimentel: Step out of your comfort zone and stay up to date with technological and software innovations in the field. Never be complacent and understand that sometimes you will need to take risks in order to grow.

John Fennell, P.L.A., LEED Green Associate, ENV SP

Department Manager – Planning and Urban Design

Alexandria, Virginia

Michael Baker: What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?

John Fennell: I was inspired to pursue my career in landscape architecture because of a dual interest in architecture—how things come together to create something special—and a love for nature and gardening. I was fortunate that my father knew of the profession and encouraged me explore it. I was drawn to all aspects of landscape architecture, including spatial thinking and problem solving, the challenge of working with systems that are alive and inert, and the collaboration with clients and stakeholders. Ultimately, I love to see a concept go from rough sketch, to full construction drawings, to built work.

Michael Baker: What makes your work challenging and exciting?

John Fennell: Our landscape architecture work at Michael Baker is both challenging and exciting because we work in many different locations and contexts worldwide, which requires that we take the time to research and understand a variety of climatic conditions. In addition, we work with federal, state and local municipal clients who all have unique needs, requirements and standards. Working with a wide variety of clients has honed our ability to quickly and efficiently determine priority needs and incorporate them into our designs so that our clients’ vision can become reality.