New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE)

The New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE) represents the interests of professional engineers, totaling more than 25,000 licensees in New York State, practicing in all disciplines.

NYSSPE Annual Fall Conference 2021

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The New York State Society of Professional Engineers held their annual Fall conference in Saratoga Springs, NY October 29, 2021.  The conference was hosted at the Holiday Inn in downtown Saratoga Springs.  Over 60 attendees were able to attend in person and participate in PDH seminars, a luncheon and meet with sponsors and exhibitors in the industry.

Thank you to everyone who made the effort to join in person!  NYSSPE appreciates the support of all the speakers, engineers and their guests that attended our conferences and continue to support the society and its mission.  See you in June 2022.

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Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.

 

Continuing Education – License Renewal Update

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The department has extended the ability to obtain all of continuing education through online courses or educational activities to January 1, 2022.

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Are CE requirements being waived?
Answer: Not at this time. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is working closely with other New York State agencies and the Governor’s Office to tackle issues relating to COVID-19. Please continue to monitor the Department’s website for updated guidance.

Can a licensee complete 100% of the required continuing education through self-study activities offered by approved providers for their profession?
Answer: Some regulations restrict licensees to a certain percentage of self-study for continuing education requirements. In response to the evolving situation with the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), and for those licensees whose registrations are due to renew March 1, 2020 – January 1, 2022, the Department will grant an adjustment to all licensees to complete up to 100% of the continuing education as self-study, provided that it is taken from a Department-approved provider and is in an acceptable subject area for the specific profession.

Additionally, the Department will grant an adjustment to all licensees, regardless of registration renewal date, to utilize self-study for any coursework taken during the period from March 1, 2020 – January 1, 2022, provided that it is taken from a Department-approved provider and is in an acceptable subject area for the specific profession. Coursework taken outside that timeframe must meet the continuing education requirements in each individual profession’s laws and regulations.

SED is working closely with other New York State agencies and the Governor’s Office to tackle issues relating to COVID-19. Please continue to monitor the Department’s website for updated guidance.

Read More: http://www.op.nysed.gov/COVID-19.html

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Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.

NYSSPE remembers former NYSSPE President Howard Blitman, PE, F.NSPE

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                                                     Courtesy of RPI

It is with great sadness that we write of the passing of former NYSSPE President Howard N. Blitman, PE, F.NSPE  on January 3, 2021. He was 94.

Howard N. Blitman, PE, F.NSPE received a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a master of arts degree in political science and government from the Graduate Faculty of the New School of Social Research in New York City in 1976. Building upon the establishment of Blitman Construction Corporation by his father, Charles H Blitman of the class of 1914, Trustee Blitman was the owner and president of Blitman Building Corporation.

Howard Blitman, PE, F.NSPE was a long time member of NYSSPE for over 50 years and a beloved leader in at both the local and state level.  He served as president of the New York Chapter/NYSSPE from 1974-75.  He was elected president of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers for 1978-79, and was later elected as the 2002-03 president of the National Society of Professional Engineers. He was also elected by his peers to Fellow Grade of the National Society of Professional Engineers in 2001. Howard Blitman, PE, F.NSPE was active on many committees for the National Society of Professional Engineers, particularly education and scholarship committees (Foundation for Engineering Education) and the construction committee.

Howard Blitman PE, F.NSPE served for forty years as a dedicated member and leader of The Practicing Institute of Engineering, Inc. In 1980, Blitman and five other professional engineers co-founded PIE for purpose of providing training opportunities to the engineering community in preparation of the requirements for Continuing Education Competency, which was then pending in the NYS Assembly. Howard’s commitment to his profession included his continued involvement in leadership positions including serving as PIE president and serving numerous terms on the Board of Trustees until his retirement in 2020.​

An officer in the Chemical Corps, United States Army, during World War II, Blitman also studied at the Virginia Military Institute. During the Korean War, he was recalled to active duty and took charge of the construction of a chemical plant. He received Special Commendation from the Chief of the Chemical Corps.  Howard Blitman, PE, F.NSPE resumed his career as the engineer in charge of field installations erection and detail design of buildings for a steel fabricating firm. He then joined Blitman Construction Corporation and its associated engineering firm, working in structural design, and as field superintendent, estimator, expeditor, project manager, and then corporate officer, a position to which the board of directors elected him in 1962.   In 1970, he was elected president of Blitman Construction Corporation.   Professional Builder has ranked the company as one of 400 top home builders. [Read more…]

Former NYC DOT Traffic Commissioner, Sam Schwartz P.E. to Present on the Topic of COVID-19 and Transportation

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By Rudi Sherbansky, PE, F.NSPE

Former NYC DOT Traffic Commissioner, Sam Schwartz P.E. will provide a virtual presentation on the topic of present and future Covid-19 impact on transportation, equity implications, virus transmission and best practices for the transportation industry going forward (1 PDH).  The presentation will be held on Wednesday December 8th and about 5:30 PM.  To obtain more information and/or to RSVP to the event, follow the following link:https://nysspe-nyc.org/events/december-virtual-event/

COVID-19 is affecting several Industries throughout the State.  On December 8th, Sam Schwartz PE, will give a presentation on how COVID-19 is affecting the Transportation Industry. The presentation is called  “Covid-19 and Transportation” and will discuss the following: a look at impacts, equity implications, virus transmission and transit, best practices, and looking forward.  Join us for the virtual presentation and get 1 PDH (Flyer is coming soon). Link to access to the virtual presentation will be emailed to attendees following registration.  During its peak, the impact of Covid 19 was drastic and dramatic on transportation in New York City.  Overall subway use dropped by about 92%, bus ridership dropped 87%, Commuter rail fell 93% – 97%, Staten Island Ferry down 90%, walking down 84%, Air travel fell 98%, traffic volumes dropped 50% – 80% and Citi Bike ridership down 62%.  Ridership is gradually recovering, though unevenly.

Mr. Schwartz is currently CEO and Founder of Sam Schwartz Transportation Consultants, a firm that specializes in transportation planning and engineering. In addition to his 1982 to 1986 post as Traffic Commissioner at the New York City Department of Transportation, he has served as an adjunct professor of engineering at Cooper Union, Long Island University, and Brooklyn College.  Mr. Schwartz is also the Inaugural Ted Kheel Fellow at Hunter College’s Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute. Among the many roles he has held throughout his career, he is the acclaimed author of Street Smart: The Rise of Cities and The Fall of Cars, and No One at the Wheel: Driverless Cars and the Road of the Future (2018). He also pens the “Gridlock Sam” and “Transit Sam” columns in the New York Daily News and Downtown Express.

Mr. Schwartz serves on the board of the Regional Plan Association, the Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Transportation Engineers. His accomplishments over the course of his career have been recognized with a wide array of awards, including, most recently, Transportation Alternatives’ David Gurin Award, Riders Alliance Honoree, the NYC Zoning Advisory Council Honor Award, and the AAA Traffic Safety Award.

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Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.

 

 

 

 

 

Happy PE Day!

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Happy PE Day!!

Today marks the fifth annual Professional Engineers Day, in which participants raise awareness about what it means to be a PE, recognize licensed PEs, and show appreciation for the work PEs do every day.

In 1903, Clarence Johnston became the State Engineer of Wyoming, and found the office in poor condition. To access state water back then, the law required individuals to file an application with a map outlining the streams, canals, and reservoirs to be used for irrigation. Johnston soon realized that untrained and unqualified individuals, were creating these maps and signing them as engineers or surveyors. The practice led to confusing and inaccurate records.In 1907, Johnston proposed a bill to the Wyoming legislature that would require registration for engineers and land surveyors. On August 8, 1907, the first professional engineering license was issued to Charles Bellamy in Wyoming.

Other states began to follow suit. Between 1921 and 1947, all states passed registration laws for engineers, and by 1970, all 50 states and the five legal jurisdictions of the United States had laws regulating the practice of engineering. According to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, there are now more than 820,000 P.E. licenses in the U.S.

Be a part of the virtual event! Use #LicensedPEDay on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to
• Upload a photo or video of yourself, tell us why you decided to become a PE;
• Post photos or videos of your team of PEs;
• Share your reasons for hiring PEs;
• Give special recognition to your PEs in the workplace or on the job;
• Educate your colleagues about the importance of the PE license.

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Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.

NYSSPE Webinar Series with Trus Joist- April 15th

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When: April 15, 2020
Where: Webinar
All details and information will be emailed to registered attendees before the webinar
Seminar Registration Fee: All registration MUST be paid by Credit Card at time of registration
1 hour seminars- $45
2 hour seminars – $80
During the registration process you can pick the webinars you want to attend.

8:00AM – 9:00AM
Basic Facts of Residential Engineered Lumber – 1 PDH
This course gives a basic overview of structural engineered wood products and their applications in residential buildings.  It points out some unique advantages of engineered lumber products and gives guidelines for proper installation. Participants come away with a strong fundamental understanding of when and how to use engineered lumber

10:00AM – 11:00AM
Evaluating Floor Performance – 1 PDH
Design with software to meet customer expectations of floor performance. Participants compare the conventional code (Static) approach to floor design with a dynamic approach based on customer preferences. Traditional methods gage the performance of the floor based on uniform, non-moving loads whereas customers gage floor performance by how it feels when they walk, run or jump

12:00PM – 2:00PM
Balcony and Deck Design – 2 PDHs
The course explores framing considerations for decks and balconies. Participants will come away with an understanding of requirements for wood, connectors, & fasteners to be properly sized and properly treated to withstand loads & environmental hazards for the design life

3:00PM – 5:00PM
Building and Designing in Coastal Areas – 2 PDHs
This course reviews IRC and FEMA recommendations and requirements for specifying treated wood products in structures built in coastal areas. We’ll look at treatment requirements and compare product options based on these criteria and other design considerations

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

Request for NYSSPE’s Members Comments To Proposed Revisions to NYC Fire Code

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Attention:  NYSSPE Members:

The NYC Fire Department is requesting written comments to the proposed changes or revisions to the Fire Code outlined below.  Please provide your comments (if any) in the blog comments/reply space below by December 19, 2019.  In the alternative, you may email your comments to [email protected] by December 19, 2019.

The NYC Fire Commissioner, Daniel Nigro has recently invited NYSSPE to be represented on the Advisory Committee to the Fire Department’s 2018 Fire Code Revision Project.  Our NYSSPE’s member Bob Naro PE volunteered to participate in the FDNY Advisory Committee and report on the progress to NYSSPE’s members.  The Advisory Committee will be concluded and the deadline for submitting written comments to the proposed revisions of the Fire Code is December 19, 2019.

Please find the links below to the proposed underlined changes in the NYC Fire Code:

FC Chapter 32 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE (AC 11-14-19)

FC Chapter 35 WELDING AND OTHER HOT WORK (AC 11-14-19)

FC Chapter 40 Distilleries for  Advisory Committee Review (12-3-2019 )

FC Chapter 50 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (AC 11-14-19)

FC Chapter 51 AEROSOLS (AC 11-14-19)

FC Chapter 53 COMPRESSED GASES (AC 11-14-19)

FC Chapter 57 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS (AC 11-14-19)

FC Chapter 58 FLAMMABLE GASES (AC 11-14-19)

FC Chapter 61 LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES (AC 11-14-19)

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Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.

NYSSPE 2019 Annual Conference Recap

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The New York State Society of Professional Engineers held their annual conference in Saratoga Springs, NY June 6th and 7th.   The conference was well attended by over 130 engineers and included a variety of learning sessions cover trending topics such as Ethics, Safety During Construction, Trends in Licensure and Structural Stabilization of Partially Collapsed Buildings.    NYSSPE had the pleasure of welcoming Mark J. Golden, FASAE, CAE, NSPE’s Executive Director who attended the conference and Board Meetings.

NSPE Executive Director Mark J. Golden, FASAF, CAE addressing NYSSPE Memebers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Friday evening NYSSPE hosted the Annual Awards and Installation Dinner, The awards dinner highlighted NYSSPE award winners that have impacted the industry through a multitude of disciplines recognizing the following:

Meritorious Service Award: Irvine G. Reinig II, P.E.
Meritorious Service Award: Laura M. Pellizzi, P.E., F.NSPE
Young Engineer of the Year: Kaitlin E. Sajduk, P.E.
Contribution in Education: Aaron D. Straus
Recognition of Dedication: Mark Kriss, Esq. for his 30 years of dedication to NYSSPE as Legal Counsel.

The project of the year was awarded to PE’s in Construction (PEC) Project of the Year: 5-Mile Belt Parkway Bridge Replacement & Reconstruction Project with attendance from the many firms and project owners that worked directly on the project.

The NYSSPE appreciates the support of all the speakers, engineers and their guests that attended the annual conference and continue to support the society and its mission. This year was truly a success.
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Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.

Laura Pellizzi, PE and Rudi Sherbansky, PE named in NSPE Fellows Class of 2019

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Eleven outstanding professional engineers have been named to the 2019 class of Fellow members by the National Society of Professional Engineers, two of which are NYSSPE Members.  Laura Pellizzi, PE and Rudi Sherbanksy, PE have both been named this prestigious membership honor.   The Fellow membership grade honors those active NSPE members who have demonstrated exemplary and devoted service to their profession, the Society, and their community. Requirements for the designation include holding at least one elected office at any level and active involvement at the national level. This prestigious designation has been awarded to just over one percent of all NSPE members since the award was established in 2000.

“The professional engineers selected as Fellows in 2019 represent the very best in the engineering profession,” said chairwomen of the executive committee of the Council of Fellows Amy Barrett, PE, F.NSPE. “Their selfless involvement in state and local activities inspires pride in our profession and displays a level of dedication in which the public can be proud to put its trust in professional engineers. On behalf of the executive committee, I am honored to welcome them as Fellows.”

NSPE state and territorial societies can nominate one person for each 500 voting members on their rolls per year. Nominations are also open to NSPE interest groups, chartered affinity groups, and the Board of Directors.

 

Laura M. Pellizzi, PE, F.NSPE
Immediate Past President

 

 

 

Rudi Sherbansky, PE, F.NSPE
New York City Region

 

 

NYSSPE is incredibly proud to have Laura Pellizzi, PE and Rudi Sherbansky, PE as loyal and dedicated members.

Congratulations from all of your friends at NYSSPE!

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Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.

NYSSPE Announces 2019 Award Recipients for Annual Conference

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Please join the New York State Society of Professional Engineers, Inc. in congratulating our 2019 Award Winners!

Meritorious Service Award: Irvine G. Reinig II, P.E.

Young Engineer of the Year:  Kaitlin E. Sajduk, P.E.

Contribution in Education: Aaron D. Straus

 

Meritorious Service Award: Irvine G. Reinig II, P.E.

 

Irvine G. Reinig II, PE has been a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of New York since 1974. He received both his Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science in Civil Engineering from the University at Buffalo, State University of New York. While an undergrad, he received a WNY Construction Industry Employers Association Scholarship and was inducted into Chi Epsilon, a national civil engineering honor society. He also received a National Science Foundation Traineeship to pursue his graduate studies and as a graduate student he was elected to Sigma Xi, a scientific research honor society.

Throughout his 48 year career as a civil engineer he has made a number of important contributions to the commercial and environmental development of the Buffalo area. He began his career working for the NYSDOT and ran his own geotechnical instrumentation business for nine years. He has worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers , served as chief geotechnical engineer for Thomsen Associates/ Empire Soil Investigations, and was principal at GZA GeoEnvironmental Technologies Inc. After retiring he began teaching and currently works part time as an assistant professor at Erie Community College.

Throughout his career, Reinig published several technical papers, provided presentations to professional groups and clients, and has been involved with over 500 engineering projects in New York state ranging from investigation, analysis, design, and construction.

Reinig has been very active in professional organizations at both the national and regional levels throughout his career. He is a past president of the American Society of Civil Engineers Buffalo Section, and has chaired many of its committees. He is a past president of the Technical Societies Council of the Niagara Frontier. He is a member of the Erie/Niagara chapter of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers and a past member of other professional societies.

Irvine has been involved in as well as led numerous volunteering initiatives aimed at promoting engineering to children and young adults. He conceived, developed, and ran “Engineering Expressions,” an educational outreach program for ASCE for 20 years. The program’s initiative is to introduce children, 10 to 12 years old to engineering principles through a series of “hands on” workshops. He also developed the “Engineering Opportunities” program and started an NSPE student chapter at ECC for engineering students.

Reinig has been awarded many prestigious honors throughout his career including the 2000 Engineer of the Year Award from the University at Buffalo, the Engineering Educator of the Year Award from the Erie Niagara Chapter of NYSSPE (an honor he has received twice), and many others.

Young Engineer of the Year: Kaitlin E. Sajduk, P.E.

Katlin Sajduk is a practicing structural engineer and associate at CityScape Engineering PLLC. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2008 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering from Manhattan College. As an undergrad she was inducted into Tau Beta Pi Honor Society for Engineering, Chi Epsilon Honor Society for Civil Engineering, and Epsilon Sigma Pi, the college’s highest scholastic honor.

As one of the owners at CityScape Engineering, Katlin is involved in all aspects of operations, including hiring, staff management, staff training, marketing, billing, and client relations. As a structural engineer, she periodically visits construction sites to check on the progress of construction and resolve field conditions. With her experience in a great number of projects along with her knowledge in structural design, she can offer valuable criticisms and insights when working with field staff.

Sajduk currently holds her professional engineer’s license in the states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. She is also currently the chair of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers – P.E.s in Construction Group and was awarded the “Intern of the Year” by NYSSPE-PEC in 2010.

 

Contribution in Education: Aaron D. Straus

Aaron Straus is a National Science Foundation Researcher and Instructional Coach for Science and technology at Salamanca City School District. He earned his Bachelor of Science from SUNY College at Buffalo and STEM Teaching certificate at the American College of Education. Over the course of his career, Aaron taught numerous elementary and secondary courses in engineering, trades and instructional technology.

While serving at Salamanca, Aaron led a taskforce to design a STEM-wing modeled after a manufacturing firm. He introduced a college credit academy program in 3D modeling, industrial robotics, and biomedical technology. Aaron recently secured a $100K STEM grant to upstart the Slamanca Engineering Maker Initiative (SEMI), a design and prototyping pipeline program that directly advances the STEM fields as identified in NYS Department of Labor’s CALL TO ACTION, and finished a highly successful summer “STEAM” school.

Mr. Straus is a fellow at the University of Rochester and research office affiliate at the Pennsylvania State University. His innovative and creative methods of program development are engineered to improve the socioeconomic status of underprivileged youth through pipeline workforce initiatives.

Aaron is also takes part in a number or recurring professional development programs and activities, such as the New York state STEM Education Summer Institute, the ITEEA Conference, and the Dream it Do it Manufacturing Institute which provides teachers with hands on experiences with local manufacturing facilities and engineering firms.

Throughout his career as an educator Aaron has been awarded several prestigious honors such as the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association Teacher Excellence Award, the Margaret Ashida STEM Leadership Award, the Designed Leaders Award, and the Albright Knox Museum Teaching Award.

The awards will be presented at the NYSSPE Annual Conference on June 7th at the Holiday Inn: 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
For more information, Click Here.

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Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.