Ireland Degges

Vienna

Junior Editor, Writer at Executive Mosaic

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asce.org

Articles

Want better infrastructure? Add a personal touch to your advocacy

4 days ago | asce.org | Ireland Degges

In March, ASCE released its 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. With an overall C grade – the highest since the report card’s inception in 1998 – the nation still has plenty of room for improvement. How can America raise the grade? Politics is one part of the discussion, and civil engineers are in a strong position to advocate for infrastructure improvements. But bringing the cause to policymakers takes more than just data and statistics.
This Teacher Appreciation Day, remember those continuing ed instructors

1 week ago | asce.org | Ireland Degges

“Civil engineering is about people,” said Nils Gransberg, Ph.D., DBIA, A.M.ASCE, when asked what is most fulfilling about being a teacher. At its very core, civil engineering is focused on providing people with “the things that we need to be able to live,” such as water, shelter, and sanitation. While plenty of a civil engineer’s time is spent on technical aspects, a large portion of it is spent talking with other people, Gransberg said. Teaching is a reflection of these interactions.
Career advancement doesn’t have to be linear

1 month ago | asce.org | Ireland Degges

It isn’t easy to escape the pressure to “climb the ladder.”This piece of advice is often given to individuals starting their career. Get a job, excel in the position, get promoted, rinse and repeat until you’ve reached a high-level role. But that pathway doesn’t fit everyone’s journey. Although sticking with one company can be great for some, others may need to take a different approach to reach their career goals.
Facing an environmental challenge? Nature-based solutions may be an option

1 month ago | asce.org | Ireland Degges

Humans want to live peacefully in desirable locations, many of which are popular for their beautiful landscapes and other environmental features. But nature has a mind of its own. Heavily technical construction projects require complex analysis and intensive planning before they begin.
Legislative Fly-In take investment message to the Hill Whats your infrastructure story

1 month ago | asce.org | Ben Walpole |Ireland Degges

Rep. Sam Graves from Missouri spoke at the ASCE Solutions Summit March 25 in Washington, D.C. From the stage, the Congressman essentially gave ASCE members the playbook for bringing their infrastructure message to Capitol Hill. “If you have a personal story, make sure you share it, because that has as much impact as anything,” Graves said. “When you talk to those members of Congress, just tell your stories.”Storytelling is what advocacy is all about. Facts and figures are critical parts of the case.
Protect structures from flood risks with new ASCE standard

1 month ago | asce.org | Ireland Degges

Resilient design is the first line of defense against natural disasters. Civil engineers want to cover all the bases, and a new standard aims to prepare structures for one of nature’s most destructive events: flooding. Flood Resistant Design and Construction, ASCE/SEI 24-24, establishes minimum requirements for building structures in high-risk flood areas.
FEMA-BRIC Standards Now Available on ASCE AMPLIFY

2 months ago | asce.org | Ireland Degges

ASCE AMPLIFY is taking resilient infrastructure to the next level. The recent addition of the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities to ASCE AMPLIFY brings 12 standards and three manuals of practice to the digital platform. These publications offer a comprehensive look at building codes and standards designed to mitigate the effects of climate change and future disasters on at-risk areas. ASCE AMPLIFY is a one-stop shop for civil engineering standards.
Should portfolios be standard for civil engineers?

2 months ago | asce.org | Ireland Degges

Civil engineering, although technical, is a creative career in many ways. The construction of staple infrastructure like bridges and buildings includes heavy design elements that make these structures not only secure, but also appealing to the eyes of those who use them.
What should you consider in your self-care journey?

2 months ago | asce.org | Ireland Degges

The demands of a civil engineering career can take a toll on professionals. Self-care is one of the best tactics you can use to counter stress, but what does it entail? Self-care strategies are different for everyone. At a base level, though, self-care begins with routine and an emphasis on regular habits. These practices can be anything that contributes to mental well-being, from engaging in physical activity to taking a weekend to relax at home.
New Face hopes to bridge the gaps between people and places

Feb 11, 2025 | asce.org | Ireland Degges

Tony Gollopeni grew up in Prizren, Kosovo, a "city of bridges" that stand among the community. Bridges in Prizren serve as points of connection and meeting places for people across the town, split by a river. And, through cycles of conflict, bridges have become a symbol of the city’s remarkable resilience. One of Prizren’s most iconic bridges, the Stone Bridge, was built in the 16th century. Its longstanding presence is rooted in the strength of the community.