Author Archives: mspe

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) regulates the practice of “plan stamping”. NCARB has provided several documents, available both to Engineers and Architects, regarding standards supporting their position on good architectural practice and responsible regulations. Below, I briefly touch upon NCARB’s position on plan stamping, and provide limited comment to their position and, hopefully, some helpful suggestions and guidance to Massachusetts Architects and Engineers.

NCARB’s position is based upon Rules 5.2 and 6 of their Rules of Conduct and Model Law. In pertinent part the rules provide that: “An Architect may sign and seal technical submissions only if it is (it can be any of these four): (i) prepared by an architect; (ii) prepared by persons under the architect’s responsible control; (iii) prepared by another registered architect if the architect has reviewed the work and has either coordinated the preparation of the work or has integrated the work into his own technical submission; or (iv) prepared by another architect registered in another U.S. jurisdiction and holding a certification by the NCARB if (a) the architect has reviewed the work and integrated the work into his own technical submissions, and (b) the other architect’s submissions are prototypical building documents. (more…)

An MSPE member since 1987, Larry Decker’s distinguished career includes: Service as an officer in the U.S. Navy; 40 years of working as a project, staff, application, and environmental engineer for industry and engineering firms; and 18.5 years as an Engineering Professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology. In addition, for 23 years, Mr. Decker and his wife Ruth have volunteered to serve as the Metrowest Chapter Coordinators for MATHCOUNTS in Massachusetts.

Mr. Decker has answered the questions below so we may know him better. Thank you, Larry, for your support and dedication to our country, the engineering profession, MSPE and MATHCOUNTS!

Q: Why did you join MSPE?
A: I joined MSPE to network with other professional engineers, to support the profession, for professional development and to make new friends.

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MSPE invites members and guests to take advantage of three opportunities in celebration of Engineers Week New England:
Thursday, Feb 26: 4-7 p.m:
Career Fair (Free) for students and job-seekers of all ages & experience
Thursday, Feb 26, 7-8 p.m.:
Birth of the Steel Skyscraper presentation at Northeastern University, Sponsored by SEAMASS
Friday, Feb 27: 12-2 p.m.: E-Week Awards Ceremony and Luncheon.

Engineers Week was founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). MSPE Board Member Tom Vaughan, PE serves on the 2015 Board of Directors for E-week Massachusetts. He reminds all MSPE members of this unique opportunity and celebration for the engineering community as he explains, “E-Week events offer something for everyone, ranging from students to job seekers to practicing professionals.”

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

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Despite the snow, 904 middle school students from 121 Massachusetts schools competed in six chapter-level MATHCOUNTS competitions. The winners from each chapter (teams & individuals) will now advance to the State Championship on Saturday, March 7 at Wentworth Institute of Technology.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Simply volunteer to help proctor or score the tests on March 7. The commitment is just 4 hours; no experience is necessary; must simply be over 18, able to follow simple directions, and not be related to a competing student. For details, contact John Hayden, PE.

The anticipation is intense as 904 student-Mathletes from 121 middle schools throughout Massachusetts prepare to compete next week in six chapter-level MATHCOUNTS math competitions. The winners from each chapter/region will advance to compete in the State Championship on March 7, and the last Mathletes standing will achieve the honor of representing Massachusetts at the National MATHCOUNTS Competition on May 8, to be held “at home” in Boston – for the first time in the program’s 32-year history.

MATHCOUNTS is a national math enrichment, coaching and competition program for middle school students in grades 6-8. In Massachusetts, the program is made possible through the local support and leadership of the Massachusetts Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE.com).

ADULT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
More than 100 volunteers are needed to help score and proctor the tests at six chapter level MATHCOUNTS competitions throughout Massachusetts on January 31 and February 2, 4 and 7, as well as the State Championship on March 7. Generally, a volunteer commitment is just 4 hours on the day of the competition. No experience is necessary; volunteers must simply be over 18, willing and able to follow simple directions, and not be related to a competing student. For more info or to volunteer, contact the coordinator of the competition(s) you wish to support. SEE BELOW for competition dates, times and locations.

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MSPE President Chris Barros, P.E., shares his experience with establishing an NCEES record, and the value it has added for him throughout his career. Chris explains, “I have been registered as a professional engineer since April 2003, with MA as my first state. When I joined SourceOne in 2008, I completed the NCEES process. With the benefit of NCEES, I have been able to expand my licensing from MA through CT, RI, NH, PA, DE, IL, NJ, MD, and NC. NCEES provides the ability to streamline communications of past education, work history, and contact references.

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This brief but powerful story will change the way you think about math. Math students fall into two categories: Those who love it and those who fear it. This story of two students’ journeys reveals how MATHCOUNTS fills a critical void – for our students, and our society.

HER LOVE OF MATH
It started with a love of math…an affinity for solving problems…an intrinsic desire to meet challenges.

It was a deep-rooted and hard-wired love, a love that would color every experience she had with the world. It was a love with limitless potential. It could manifest itself in thousands of ways. It could be channeled into a discovery that could potentially change the world by helping mankind to be more efficient or more sustainable.

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Marie Ostrowski is an Electrical Design Engineer at Bard, Rao + Athanas Consulting Engineers, LLC. She recently became an MSPE member, and has also volunteered to serve as the Northeast Chapter Coordinator for MSPE’S key outreach program, MATHCOUNTS.

Marie has answered a few brief questions so we may know her better. Welcome to MSPE, Marie, and thank you for your support of the vital MATHCOUNTS program for Massachusetts students.

Q: Why did you join MSPE?
A: I joined MSPE primarily as a means to keep current on developments and advances within the local and regional engineering industries. I am still exploring all the valuable resources that MSPE offers its members and hope to take full advantage of professional development and volunteer opportunities.

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More than 55 MSPE members and their guests gathered in Charlestown on the evening of Thursday, August 7, 2014 to enjoy MSPE’s specially-arranged private tour of the USS Constitution.

U.S. Navy personnel provided participants with an outstanding experience as they illustrated the magnificent ship’s storied past and presented areas of the ship that are typically off-limits to the public. With deep respect for the grand vessel, each guide imparted humor and grace into their presentations.

Guests ranged from members of the New Hampshire Society (NHSPE), to young engineers considering MSPE membership, to seasoned engineers of various disciplines, including special guest Dan Whitliff, PE, the immediate Past President of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), who was visiting Boston from his home state of Texas.

After the tour, many attendees also gathered at the nearby Navy Yard Bistro and enjoyed conversation, cocktails and a casual dinner.

Anthony Cipolla, an MSPE Board member and member of the MSPE Events Committee, explained, “The event was a great opportunity for engineers in all stages of their careers to gather and share a unique experience with their peers and families.  Everyone had a great time.” (more…)