Happy National Engineers Week 2023!
Engineers help create the world around us. While often unseen, their work keeps traveling families safe, airport infrastructure functioning, historic sites intact, and so much more. They allow for expansion and development of our communities while keeping our natural spaces pristine for future generations to enjoy. Whether we realize it or not, engineers impact our lives every single day.
At Alpha, our engineers are hard at work every day of the year, designing and constructing facilities and transportation infrastructure all over the world. In celebration of engineer’s week 2023, we’d like to take some time to recognize them for the positive impact they make, solving some our most difficult challenges. We’re introducing a few of them this week to learn what brought them to the industry and what keeps them engaged.
Mark Jerussi, PE, LEED Green Associate
Senior Project Manager
WHY THE TRANSITION TO ALPHA?
After a 40-year land development career with another firm, I came to Alpha for the opportunity to work on some bigger engineering projects. Earlier in my career Alpha’s Civil Engineering Services VP Johann Dobak, PE, LEED AP, and I worked together, so when he pitched the opportunity, I took the chance to work with him again.
PLEASE PROVIDE A FEW DETAILS ABOUT WORKING WITH THE CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL TEAMS.
We have a highly professional and collaborative group of civil and structural engineers at Alpha. Our collective work-products are top-quality, and our contributions are valued. We have many repeat customers because they know our work and we have earned their respect.
WHAT’S THE MOST EXCITING THING YOU ARE WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I am getting to experience the ‘bigger project’ work I was looking for as a Senior Project Manager on the Renovation of Sanitary Force Mains at Washington Reagan National Airport. I am also excited by opportunities to wear my “business development hat”. Having a long career in the area, I have maintained connections that I am reaching out to now and helping to generate new business.
Stephen A Rowan, M.Eng, CCM, CEP, PMP, PMI-RMP
Senior Construction Manager & Cost Estimator
DESCRIBE YOUR ENGINEERING CAREER?
I have had the opportunity to participate in a variety of Transportation Infrastructure projects including VDOT Projects, Local Projects, and Transit Projects. I started my career after graduating from Virginia Tech in 1984, and have worked as a construction inspector, contract administrator, management analyst, construction manager, project manager, program manager, and ultimately an office director.
HOW DOES YOUR EXTENSIVE TRAINING BENEFIT YOUR CUSTOMERS?
In my role as a Senior Construction Manager and Cost Estimator, my training and experience provide me with the tools and knowledge to deliver timely and effective solutions to resolve construction issues, as well as provide guidance on how to avoid/mitigate risk on projects or programs.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
I enjoy the challenge of working with diverse project teams to proactively identify and mitigate risks, resolve technical issues, and take advantage of opportunities that will lead to delivering a better product. It has been a pleasure collaborating with my colleagues and partners to deliver for our clients.
Holly Adams, PE
Senior Civil Engineer
CAN YOU TELL US WHY YOU BECAME AN ENGINEER?
I’ve always loved STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) and I was drawn to the creative side of land development.
PLEASE PROVIDE A FEW DETAILS ABOUT THE FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
It doesn’t matter how big or small the job is or whether it is in the spotlight or completely covered underground – it makes a difference in someone’s life which is incredibly rewarding.
WHAT’S THE MOST EXCITING THING YOU ARE WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I am currently working on the design of an overlook at a waterfall in Tennessee. It isn’t the most difficult project I’ve ever managed, but it is fun! I can’t wait to take my family and see the look on my 7-year old’s face when I tell him it was my project.
DJ Turner-Smith, PE
Structural Engineer
TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE ENGINEERING PROJECTS YOU HAVE SUPPORTED.
I have worked on multiple projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic region including providing civil designs for the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel in Virginia, providing structural designs for VA hospitals in West Virginia, and performing site inspections of various structures in Baltimore, Maryland. I am currently working with the Structural Department on the Mark Center Drive project in Alexandria, VA.
HOW HAS YOUR ENGINEERING CAREER EVOLVED?
I joined Alpha Corporation in March 2018 as a member of the Bridge Inspection Team. In the five years I’ve worked here I’ve developed a wide skillset and have been given opportunities to expand my knowledge base across multiple disciplines of engineering.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT YOUR WORKPLACE?
I have not only enjoyed my work with Alpha, but it also has been a pleasure working with my colleagues here and watching the company continue to grow and expand. I am grateful that Alpha has allowed me the opportunities to develop both personally and professionally and I look forward to the upcoming projects for 2023.
Jessica Blackburn, PE
Program Manager
CAN YOU TELL US WHY YOU BECAME AN ENGINEER?
My dad always wished he had gone into engineering so it was talked about a lot while I was growing up. I went into Civil because it is so broad and covers so many different areas. Early in my career I interned and worked in several different aspects of civil engineering before falling in love with transportation/roadway design.
PLEASE PROVIDE A FEW DETAILS ABOUT THE FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite part is being able to drive around my community and see all of the different projects I have had a hand in throughout my career and point them out to my kids. They are young enough to think I’m cool.
WHAT’S THE MOST EXCITING THING YOU ARE WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m currently working as PM on a design-build fire station. I’m not overly familiar with buildings in general but seeing all of the different aspects that need to be accounted and planned for to adequately support a fire station has been eye opening. Luckily we have an experienced contractor who knows the right questions to ask and pitfalls to avoid. The only sad part is that there are no more poles!
Rachel Inzer, EIT, CMIT
Assistant Construction Manager
HOW DID YOU LAND ON THE CM PATH?
My degree is in Environmental Science and Technology with a focus on Sustainable Design. I started my career as a Construction Materials Technician and then moved to Alpha to start my path in Construction Management. At Alpha I have been given opportunities to work on meaningful projects with skilled peers and inspiring mentors.
HOW ARE YOU ADVANCING YOUR CAREER?
As an early career construction manager, I am an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) and CMAA certified Construction Manager In-Training (CMIT) and working towards obtaining the CMAA Certified Construction Manager certificate this year to support my professional development in the CM industry.
WHAT WORK ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AND WHY?
I supported the Trust for the National Mall and National Park Service’s construction of the U.S. Park Police Horse Stables and Education Center on the National Mall. It was a privilege working on this project because of the positive impacts it will have in creating a new public exhibit for the Mall visitors to learn more on the horse mounted unit, and a modern space for the US Park Police to continue to preserve the National Mall.
Tigest T. Fantahun, EIT, CMIT
Structural Engineer
TELL US HOW YOU HAVE GROWN IN YOUR ENGINEERING CAREER.
A year after leaving Ethiopia, I joined Alpha as a junior civil engineer and got increasingly involved with the bridge team. Through field inspections and structural analysis, I learned about various factors that determine the stability and safety of in-service bridges. Outside of my technical skills, I gained knowledge about how to be organized, detail-oriented, and a team player.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT YOUR WORKPLACE CULTURE?
Throughout my four years here, I have enjoyed Alpha’s welcoming environment to people from all communities and cultures. Alpha’s open and friendly culture has allowed me to develop meaningful relationships with employees on all levels, including senior management. I appreciate being a part of the Bridge team because of the various jobs we perform, the team bond we have, and the encouraging workplace culture.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
I thrive on inspiring people to do their best. Driving by our projects, I am reminded of how our team’s best efforts directly connect with and affect our community.
