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.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
She Loves it, He Fears it: The Story of Two Math Students
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.
Meet an MSPE Member: Marie Ostrowski
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.
Event Recap: MSPE Private Tour of USS Constitution
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…)
Massachusetts Kicks Off Middle School Math Enrichment Program; Volunteers & Sponsors Needed
As the 2014-15 school year begins, middle school students in Massachusetts will once again have the opportunity to participate in MATHCOUNTS, the premier nationwide math enrichment, coaching and competition program for Middle School students across the nation. In Massachusetts, the program is made possible through the support of and leadership of Massachusetts Society of Professional Engineers (mspe.com/math-counts/).
This year is especially important, as all eyes will turn to Massachusetts as the National MATHCOUNTS Competition will be held in Boston in May, and our students will seek to regain the National Championship titles they earned in 2012 and 2013. (See below for more program details.)
Volunteers Needed:
John Hayden, MA State Coordinator anticipates that over 100 volunteers will be needed to support the program by helping at local competitions. Nationally, approximately 17,000 volunteers help make grass-roots program a success for students in their communities.
Chapter Coordinators are responsible for running the six Massachusetts chapter- level competitions held in February. Anyone wishing to volunteer to help at any of the Chapter competitions is encouraged to directly contact a Chapter Coordinator.
MSPE Board Welcomes Jules Nohra
Jules Nohra is an Energy Efficiency Manager at SourceOne, Inc. in Boston, MA. He recently joined the MSPE Board of Directors and is a member of the MSPE Programs Committee.
He has answered the questions below so we may know him better. THANK YOU, Jules, for your support and dedication to MSPE.
Q: Why did you join MSPE?
A: I joined MSPE in order to gain valuable knowledge from other experienced engineers and to expand my network of professionals in the engineering industry.
Q: What are your goals as an engineer?
A: My goals as an engineer are to be continually challenged and to continually improve my knowledge base.
Event Recap: NSPE 2014 Annual Conference
MSPE’s own Christopher Barros, PE and Kenneth R. Skinger, PE, Esq. participated in the 2014 NSPE National Conference in historic Washington DC from July 1-4. The event featured a robust agenda that included academic, leadership, and professional development tracks as well as several dynamic networking events and activities.
Senior executives with the U.S. Armed Forces kicked off the event with inspiring opening and keynote messages. Featured activities included an Order of the Engineer Ceremony, Annual NSPE Awards presentations, private tours of the U.S. Capitol and the city’s historic monuments, as well as a Nationals baseball game.Chris and Ken each earned their required annual 16 PDHs by participating in the wide variety of academic and leadership tracks offered.
Sponsors Needed to Support MATHCOUNTS Program in MA
The spotlight is turning to Massachusetts as the National MATHCOUNTS Competition will be held in Boston in May 2015. Corporate and individual sponsors are urged to join MSPE in supporting our state’s 2014-2015 program. Since MATHCOUNTS is funded at the state level solely by local contributions, this vital program relies heavily on tax-deductible donations of money, gift cards, and supplies.) Donations of any size are appreciated.
Your donation will help to defray the costs of: Food for 800+ students at the six (6) state-wide chapter (region) competitions; Transportation of students to chapter meetings and competitions; Trophies for the chapter and state winners; Supplies, Postage costs, MA Team T-shirts, and more. In recognition of your support, your firm will be promoted in media updates throughout the year, at competitions, and on the MSPE website. Checks may be written to the MATHCOUNTS Foundation, and sent to John Hayden, PE, MA State Coordinator, who will ensure that the Foundation credits the funds to MA.
MSPE Board Welcomes Anthony Morreale, PE
Anthony M. Morreale, PE, a Senior Engineer at LIG Consultants, Inc. in Hopedale, MA recently joined the MSPE Board of Directors and serves on the MSPE Events Committee. He has answered a brief Q & A so we may know him better. Welcome aboard Anthony, and THANK YOU for your dedication to MSPE.
Why did you join MSPE?
When I earned my P.E. license, it just made sense to join the National and Massachusetts societies. I felt that membership would give me opportunities to stay up to date on the issues that affect me as a professional engineer and to network with other engineers across the country and most importantly right here in Massachusetts.
MSPE Event: Aug. 7 Private Tour of USS Constitution
On Thursday, August 7, 2014, MSPE invites members, guests and colleagues to enjoy a specially-arranged private tour of the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat – also known as ‘Old Ironsides’.
This will be one of the final opportunities to tour the Constitution at her berth in Charlestown Navy Yard until 2018, as the ship will enter dry dock in 2015 for scheduled restoration.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a private after-hours tour and explore places on the magnificent and historic ship that are typically off-limits to the public. You’ll go beyond touring the top three decks (spar, gun, and berth), to go below-deck and step on the keel; see where gunpowder was stored, and more! Each area will be manned by one of Constitution’s active duty U.S. Navy Sailors, who will answer questions and help illustrate Constitution’s storied past.
ALL GUESTS must be at least 18 years old.
SCHEDULE:
6:00 PM – Assemble at USS Constitution
6:10 PM – Tour starts
7:00 PM – Tour ends
7:15 PM – OPTIONAL dinner at the Navy Yard Bistro and Wine Bar [SOLD OUT]
(NOTE: The dinner tickets are sold out, but tour participants are welcome to join the group at the Navy Yard Bistro for pre-dinner socializing and cocktails.)
TICKET PRICING: (Must be 18+ years old)
Tour ONLY – Member or Spouse: $20.00
Tour ONLY – Non-member: $30.00 (See also: SPECIAL OFFER below)
Tour & DINNER – Member or Spouse: $35.00 [SOLD OUT]
Tour & DINNER – Non-member: $50.00 [SOLD OUT]
CLICK HERE to register and purchase tickets through Eventbrite
IMPORTANT NOTES: Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for a mandatory airport-style security screening, which is required for all visitors (civilian & military, even in uniform). All participants must be at least 18 years old, and present a valid Federal or State-issued photo ID or passport to board the ship.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR NON-MEMBERS:
The ticket price for the tour (or tour and dinner) will be completely refunded for non-members who decide to join MSPE! Here’s how to take advantage of this special offer: After the tour, simply join NSPE/MSPE before August 30, 2014 and MSPE will mail you a rebate check when your membership is recorded. (Note: When you become a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), you also become a member of our state society, MSPE.)