John Sebree

As someone who has witnessed the flooding at this intersection firsthand, I can’t express how pleased I am to see this flood mitigation study moving forward with the City of Mount Vernon. The frequent backups during storms and high tides aren’t just inconvenient—they’re a persistent reminder of how much our community relies on sustainable solutions. At True Flood Risk, I’m continually inspired by how our unique geolocation intelligence enriches flood maps and models, delivering a more granular and actionable view of flood risk for everyone. My journey with data visualization began nearly 15 years ago during my first foray into GIS tools as part of a major national communications research initiative. That experience sparked my passion for turning complex, abstract concepts into clear, impactful insights, and in this application, helping everyone from residents to decision-makers better understand the challenges, the financial implications and solutions associated with flooding. It’s exciting to see initiatives like this gaining traction. It’s equally inspiring to see insurers, engineering firms, and emergency responders leveraging critical property-level, data-driven insights to address flood risk and create lasting, meaningful impact.

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I’m happy because I got a 85% on my first assignment in Building Materials Science. Not bad for a single momma doing 10+ hours on a #constructionsite.👷🏽‍♀️I’m also having a great week knowing it’s my last week in college and I’ve got the first year out of the way. I’m so nosey on #site! Sometimes I walk around and make the guys teach me, LOL. 😂 I be like: what are you doing, what is this, what’s that on your computer screen, what are you looking at? 😩😂 Like today, I learned all about the Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 980 GOLDD (Geometrically Optimized Large Area Drift Detector) XRF Analyser from the Quality Manager, had a conversation with the #structuralengineer about steel deflection and learned all about plate rollers that bend steel. Now back to this little device (Niton XRF Analyser). It captures the characteristic of the specific elements within the material. Therefore, when used with #steel , it determines the elemental composition of the metal and quantify the concentration of various elements such as iron, carbon, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, etc., what they call non-destructive testing. I told the guys it’s ENGINEERING 101 today ‼️ Another busy week for me but that’s okay. #civilengineering #engineering #engineeringcareers #builtenvironment #infrastructure #constructionindustry #womeninconstruction #constructioncareers #renewableenergy #constructionsite #stem

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I don’t typically share my reading habits (news flash: I rarely read books for pleasure unless on vacation), but I finished reading this book a few weeks ago (without leaving town), and I highly recommend it! It was eye-opening, but also reassuring that there are others in the civil engineering profession that question the foundations of why we are quick to make decisions in the name of “science” and “safety” that just don’t feel right, and it turns out are not actually based on data (speed limits 🤦🏼‍♂️) or intended to actually improve safety (traffic signals are mostly designed to allow pedestians to cross and vehicles to turn across those “protected” crosswalks at the same time 🤔). And, luckily, one of these people wrote this book! I highly recommend this for any engineer that has had that inkling of doubt over following “standards” that seem to ignore common sense. Oh…and there’s a pleasantly excessive number of references to The Simpsons and early-90’s pop culture too! Check it out at your local library (“Who’s up for a trip to the library tomorrow? Notice I no longer say ‘libary’ or ‘tomorry’”), or skip that entirely and just go straight to owning your own copy (“Marge, you don’t buy books at a car wash.”): https://lnkd.in/eZ4enfJi

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A portion of a $34 million federal grant will fund the replacement of the East Elm St. bridge over the Red Cedar River in south Lansing, starting in 2026. This project, part of MDOT’s Local Agency Bridge Bundle program, aims to restore the bridge's load-carrying capacity for larger freight vehicles, benefiting local businesses like the Grand River Assembly Plant. #Infrastructure #Michigan #EconomicDevelopment #BridgeReplacement #CommunityImpact #MDOT #FederalFunding

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah and Mobile Districts, have awarded an architectural engineering service contract Dec. 30, 2024, for approximately $800k to support the ongoing Risk, Resiliency, and Water Line Condition Assessment Study for the City of Atlanta. The selected architectural engineering service, HDR Engineering, Inc., will partner with the Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Atlanta to evaluate risks and enhance the resiliency of the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management's drinking water system. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gvZ2Q2FF

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Random question I am hoping my network can help me out... How many #StructuralEngineering firms are there in the US? Do you know? My guess is somewhere between 1500-2000. But I am honestly just guessing. In my count, all the big companies' separate office locations don't count - they all would just be 1 company (e.g. Jacobs, Kimley-Horn, AECOM, etc). What do you think? #structuralengineers NCSEA SEI - Structural Engineering Institute

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It might be Election Day, but it'a also school inset, I'm trading in ballot boxes for the zoo! 🦁🐒🐘 I can only come compare this election to a trip to see the monkeys! I'll be available until 12 PM today, so if you're in #ProjectControls and thinking about a career move, let's talk 📞07957914271 #energy #defence #infrastructure   #NoPolitics #ZooDay #CareerMove #Networking #MonkeyingAround

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It’s mind blowing to me how many teams do not leverage their models in the field. I can think of countless times it would have been helpful to just be able to view my projects in 3D on the jobsite rather than in 2D. I don’t believe I ever actually viewed a 3D model of a project while on the site, but many of the projects had them. The new model viewer (beta) in the Autodesk Construction Cloud mobile app is faster, smoother and honestly just fun to use! What are your thoughts so far? #constructionmanagement #construction #constructionlife #architect #designbuild #autodeskconstructioncloud #engineer #autodesklife #fyp #autodeskemployee

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One of the coolest things about working at SMEUSA is all the cool places I get to visit. While many people may never think about or have any desire to walk inside a storm pipe, I was excited to do an structural assessment of one a couple weeks ago. This pipe was over 100 years old and still in immaculate condition. I was able to then conduct analysis to determine if the pipe was safe to carry a new roadway above it. These are the projects I could never have imagined when I was a kid but I get so much enjoyment from. #civilengineering #structuralengineering #engineering

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After having to replace the garbage disposal and stop the leaking faucet in one day, my two oldest have begun the "Daddy, you are an engineer so you can fix the sinks, thats why i want to be an engineer!" Well kids, no...lol. I became an engineer so I could make a tiny dent on the world and hopefully make it a better place.Which got me thinking, don't plumbers do the same thing. Actually, no, plumbers have a much greater impact than I do. If you didn't grow up like I did, which was "fix it or go without" then you've probably had to call a plumber. What about an electrician? Perhaps an HVAC professional? Without these trades professionals, we wouldn't have any of the built world that we live in. Sure, I can throw some black lines on a construction drawing, but what about the journeymen that are building this for us? Did you know that the average entry salary for a Civil Engineer is $62k? Did you also know that a journeyman plumber who just finished their four year apprenticeship will make approximately $64k per year? Let's stop stigmatizing the trades; the solid waste professionals, the cleaning professionals who make our lives possible. Your salary does not define you, but your impact on the world does. Join me in supporting our nations vocational schools, community colleges, organizations such as mikeroweWORKS foundation, and This Old House's Generation NEXT With professionals like Ross Trethewey, PE, M.Eng and other industry advocates, we can empower the next generation of trades professionals!

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Stability vs. Chasing the Next Dollar In today’s fast-paced job market, it’s tempting to chase the next opportunity for a slightly higher paycheck. But over the years, I’ve learned something valuable: when you find a company that values your growth, aligns with your values, and offers stability, staying with them can often be the smarter choice. Sure, jumping ship for that $1 increase might look appealing in the short term, but it comes with risks—starting over, rebuilding trust, and adapting to a new environment. When you’re with a company that invests in you, supports your career, and provides long-term opportunities, those intangible benefits far outweigh the immediate dollar gain. Loyalty, when paired with a company that reciprocates, can lead to deeper growth, stronger relationships, and greater overall fulfillment. What’s your perspective? Have you ever chosen stability over a quick gain, and how did it shape your career? #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalAdvice #LoyaltyMatters #LongTermVision

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And now I have Joni Mitchell stuck in my head! Love the reference, but even more so, I love the look of these new pavers and the stormwater benefits they provide this site. Check out the case study for more specifics. #permeablepavers #stormwaternerd #stormwaterengineering

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The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) is proposing to reissue the Erosion and Sediment Control General Permit for Earth Disturbance Associated with Oil and Gas Exploration, Production, Processing, or Treatment Operations or Transmission Facilities (ESCGP-4). This reissuance comes under the authority of the Clean Streams Law and is intended to replace the current ESCGP-3, which is set to expire at midnight on January 6, 2025. At Fisher Associates, our Energy and Environmental teams are diligently monitoring these regulatory changes. With decades of experience in environmental compliance, we are here to assist you in navigating these updates seamlessly. Our team of regulatory specialists, biologists, and environmental scientists is committed to ensuring timely and successful project approvals. For any questions or further assistance, please reach out to Brook Bertig-Coll, Director of Environmental or Lisa Oliver, PE, Director or Energy. Stay informed with Fisher Associates and ensure your projects remain compliant with the latest environmental regulations. https://lnkd.in/ejDKuT_b #EnvironmentalCompliance #RegulatoryUpdates #OilAndGas #Permitting #FisherAssociatesEnergy #FisherAssociatesEnvironmental 

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In this photo, a cheetah and dogs are lined up for a race to determine who's the fastest. But to everyone's surprise, the cheetah doesn't move. When asked what happened, the race coordinator explained that sometimes trying to prove oneself is unnecessary and even insulting. The cheetah, being the fastest and strongest, doesn't need to stoop to the level of others to prove its worth. It saves its energy for what truly matters - hunting. The moral of the story is that one shouldn't waste their strength on proving themselves to others, but rather use it for what's truly important. LESSONS LEARNED FROM CHEETAH AND THE DOGS 1. Don't stoop to others' levels: The cheetah didn't feel the need to prove itself by racing the dogs. Similarly, we shouldn't feel obligated to prove ourselves by comparing ourselves to others or engaging in unnecessary competitions. 2. Conserve your energy: The cheetah saves its energy for what truly matters - hunting. We too should focus our energy on what's truly important to us, rather than wasting it on trying to prove ourselves to others. 3. Know your worth: The cheetah is confident in its own strength and speed, and doesn't need to prove it to others. We too should be confident in our own abilities and worth, and not feel the need to constantly prove ourselves to others.

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My pet peeves : In my professional settings, it is common to hear phrases like "he was or is my inspector" or "she/he was or is my office engineer or whatever other positions." However, the use of the word "my" can imply ownership or a hierarchical relationship that may not accurately reflect the collaborative nature of our work environment. No individual owns another, and we all work together on projects for our clients. It is more appropriate and respectful to say, "he/she was or is the inspector on one of my projects" or "she/he worked or working as the office engineer with me on that project." This phrasing acknowledges the role and contributions of each individual without suggesting possession or control. Let's strive to use language that reflects our professional respect for one another and our collective efforts towards project success. So, stop saying the phrase "MY".

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This week is the tenth annual Construction Safety Week. In my opinion, the most important safety policy a company can adopt is Stop Work Authority. SWA gives me (and all of my coworkers) the authority to stop work when we feel that a task cannot be done safely, without any concerns for repercussions. SWA encourages a safety-focused culture. As a bonus tip - know your PPE and replace at the recommended intervals! What do you do to stay safe? #constructionsafetyweek #safetyweek #safety #bridgeconstruction #bridgeengineering #structuralengineering #civilengineering #whypennoni #pennonisafe

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Lochmueller’s newest hire is Douglas Pierce II, PE, as Project Engineer I in the Highway Design department! He brings hydrology and hydraulics experience in storm sewer and detention systems modeling and design, as well as significant experience with ArcGIS Pro. In his new role, Douglas will be responsible for project design (more so with hydrology and hydraulics), supporting project management with proposals, budgets, etc., and mentoring EITs where needed. Welcome to #LifeAtLochmueller, Douglas! Get to know Douglas more 👇 What led you to your career path? “I suppose this is harder to answer since I’m more focused on hydrology and hydraulics, whether that is for roadways, dams, etc., but generally I’ve liked the technical side of the work I do. Being able to do GIS work, create the models, play with them, and figure out a design or plan to essentially get water to go downhill (it’s definitely more complicated than that) has been fun.” #WhyWednesday What is your all-time favorite TV show or movie? “I’m not much of a TV show or movie watcher, so I can’t really give a favorite for that. I do more reading than anything, so as far as that goes, my favorite would be a light novel series called ‘Spice and Wolf.’” This or that: Intersection, roundabout, or a different kind of innovative intersection? “Definitely like roundabouts more, and I can only count one time I’ve driven on a DDI—which was an interesting and slightly confusing experience—but I’d also say DDIs.” #newhire #welcome #welcometotheteam #newemployee #civilengineering #highwaydesign #highway #roadwaydesign #roadway #hydrology #hydraulics #stormsewer #detentionsystems #modeling #GIS

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