Infrastructure Insights: Engineering Explained

What Shapes a Culture? On this episode of Infrastructure Insights: Engineering Explained, we sat down with B&N's Human Resources Director, Michelle Jenks, and Human Resources Generalist and Recruiter, Kathrin Stiles, to discuss the role of Human Resources in the engineering industry, how culture impacts the workplace, recruiting and more. If you would like to learn more about B&N and our open positions, you can view them on our website at https://www.burgessniple.com/careers/

EP 11: The Role Human Resources has in the Engineering Industry

On this episode of Infrastructure Insights: Engineering Explained, we talked with Architecture Lead, Chad Kohler to learn about B&N’s holistic approach to architectural design, and his insights on how sustainability and new technology are impacting the industry.

Burgess & Niple - EP12: A Holistic Approach to Architectural Design

With a mission statement of Creating a Better tomorrow, B&N is not only dedicated to improving our communities with infrastructure solutions, but also through philanthropic work. On this episode, we spoke with B&N President and CEO Mark Bernhardt about our Philanthropy Council and the organizations that we supported in 2022.

EP13: Creating a Better Tomorrow through Philanthropy

Digital twin technology has emerged as one of the latest tools to change the landscape of the civil engineering field. On this episode, we talk with B&N's Director of Facility Inspection, Ed Cinadr, and Director of Columbus Water Division, Robbie Cameruca, about how digital twins are impacting the way civil engineers inspect our critical infrastructure and what the potential is for this technology in the future. Want to learn more about digital twins? Read this article authored by Robbie and Ed https://www.burgessniple.com/insights/2022/9/21/digital-twin-what-is-it-and-how-is-it-transforming-civil-engineering/. 
For more information about PipeAId(TM), B&N's artificial intelligence sewer inspection program, click the following link https://soundcloud.com/burgessniple/infrastructure-insights-engineering-explained-artificial-intelligence-real-solutions?in=burgessniple/sets/infrastructure-insights&si=d3da2ce7b9e2448f8c6cfcc7f7f739f2&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing.

EP14: Transforming Civil Engineering with Digital Twins

March is Women in Engineering Month. On this episode we celebrate this month with a panel of female engineers at B&N as they share their accomplishments, an overview of their careers and experiences as women in engineering and what representation did for them and what they hope it continues to do, in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

EP 15: Women's History Month: Women In Engineering

B&N has participated in the Cristo Rey work study program since 2019. Cristo Rey schools follow a work-study model of education for students that allows students to gain professional work experience while completing rigorous college preparatory courses. This year, B&N welcomed three students for this year’s program: Ab Diallo and Ujwal Khanal in the Columbus office and Joseph Chazhikattu in our Tampa office. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast to get notified when the episodes are shared. Check out our LinkedIn and Instagram pages to keep up to date with what’s happening at B&N.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/burgess-&-niple/mycompany/verification/ 
https://www.instagram.com/burgessniple/

Ep 16: Mentoring the Engineers of the Future

Many existing watermains were installed over 120 years ago. As pipes age, they deteriorate, and the likelihood of breaking increases. These breaks can have significant impacts. Identifying potential breaks before they happen can save communities significant amounts of money while limiting the impact to its citizens. Joining us on this episode are B&N’s Utility Planning and Asset Management leader, Kevin Campanella, and Dr. Annie Vanrenterghem Raven. Learn more about InfraPlan at https://www.infraplan-llc.com/. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast to get notified when the latest episodes are shared and check out our LinkedIn and Instagram pages to keep up to date with what's happening at B&N.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/burgess-&-niple/
https://www.instagram.com/burgessniple/

EP 17: Watermain Replacement: Predicting and Maintaining our Water Infrastructure

BNtelligence: PipeAIdTM is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) software platform developed by B&N to support utilities with processing sewer pipe condition assessment CCTV videos. By utilizing ArcGIS, utility owners can see the condition of each pipe segment through the digital twin on the GIS platform, and where each observation is geospatially located with the supporting inspection images and video attached. We’re joined by B&N’s Josh Ford and Kris Popovich to discuss the real-world uses of PipeAId, the GIS integration and other AI updates. You can listen to our Digital Twin episode here https://on.soundcloud.com/q9L9V and listen to our first PipeAId podcast here https://on.soundcloud.com/L88LT. Visit the BNtelligence: PipeAId website for more information on our AI capabilities https://www.burgessniple.com/bntelligence/pipeaid/.

EP 18: Accelerating Sewer Inspection with Artificial Intelligence and GIS

A strong relationship is based on trust and collaboration. On this episode of Infrastructure Insights: Engineering Explained, we discuss building and maintaining client, colleague and teaming partner relationships with B&N's Indianapolis Office Director, Josh Cook, a roadway engineer with a unique perspective on building, maintaining and nurturing relationships. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast to get notified when the latest episodes are shared, and check out our LinkedIn and Instagram pages to keep up to date with what’s happening at B&N.

Ep 19: How to Build and Maintain Working Relationships

To deliver innovative solutions that meet clients' goals, consulting engineers must look at projects from every angle. One of the most important perspectives is the client's point of view, which makes engineering consultants with experience on the client side extremely beneficial to the project management and project delivery process. Joining us on this episode is B&N’s Texas Bridge Leader Michelle Romage-Chambers to talk about the different roles, challenges, and making the transition to the consultant side. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast to get notified when the latest episodes are shared, and check out our LinkedIn and Instagram pages to keep up to date with what’s happening at B&N.

EP 20: Consulting from a Client’s Perspective

This episode will highlight B&N’s philanthropic efforts over 2023 after making significant strides in 2022. This includes the council’s goals, monetary donations, volunteering efforts, pro-bono engineering work, and what our goals are going into the new year. Philanthropy Council Chair and Vice-Chair, Billy Wendland and Jessica Suvanto, are joining us on this episode to talk about B&N’s efforts to give back to the community in 2023 as well as our goals for 2024. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast to get notified when the episodes are shared. Check out our LinkedIn and Instagram pages to keep up to date with what’s happening at B&N.
www.linkedin.com/company/burgess-…ny/verification/
www.instagram.com/burgessniple/

EP 21: Creating a Better Tomorrow: B&N's Philanthropic Journey in 2023

Ever wonder what keeps our sanitary sewer infrastructure running behind the scenes? We’re joined by B&N’s Caleb Smith and Aran Whisler to talk about the important role of flow monitoring in sanitary sewer systems. Flow monitoring programs can help system owners with capacity planning, leak detection, infiltration and inflow (I/I) detection, asset management and regulatory compliance.

EP 22: Optimizing Utility Performance through Flow Monitoring

On this episode, we’re joined by B&N water infrastructure experts Jason Warren, John Swartzbaugh and Grady Dennis to discuss the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead Service Line replacement regulations. Our experts will also break down information from the EPA about the lines, what is required by the October 2024 deadline, how to get started on developing a plan and more. You can contact B&N with your questions about Lead Service Line replacements at water@burgessniple.com and learn more about the EPA requirements on their website at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/lead-service-lines. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast to be notified when new episodes drop and check out our LinkedIn and Instagram pages to keep up to date with what's happening at B&N.

EP23: Lead Service Line Replacements

On this episode of Infrastructure Insights, B&N’s Justin Hunt unravels the complexities of electrification and decarbonization. We discuss the transformative journey from fossil fuels to electric systems, the pivotal role of renewable energy, and the impact of policies like the Federal Building Performance Standard and New York’s Local Law 97. Join us as we navigate through the challenges and innovations in hybrid HVAC systems, aiming for a greener future without compromising efficiency. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about making our buildings smarter, more sustainable, and ready for the future. For a deeper dive into electrification and decarbonization with additional perspectives on sustainability goals, check out this article from Justin: “Navigating the Era of Electrification: Scaling Up Performance, Not Expenses | Burgess & Niple” https://www.burgessniple.com/insights/2024/9/9/navigating-the-era-of-electrification-scaling-up-performance-not-expenses/

EP 24: Electrification and Decarbonization in the Engineering Industry

How can communities turn overwhelming amounts of data into clear, actionable insights? In this episode, B&N data scientist Bryan O'Reilly, joins us to explore how data services, GIS and predictive analytics are revolutionizing infrastructure planning. From breaking down data silos to building real-time dashboards and using machine learning to predict infrastructure needs, our guests discuss the biggest challenges communities face—and the solutions that are helping them make smarter, data-driven decisions.

EP 25: Unlocking the Power of Data Services

From aging pipes to growing populations, how can communities ensure that every drop of water is delivered efficiently and safely? And what role does technology play in solving this invisible but essential challenge? On this episode, we dive into the world of water distribution modeling and its role in ensuring efficient and reliable water delivery. We’re joined by Christie Ruffner to discuss how this process helps utilities manage demands, optimize network performance and prepare for future growth.

EP 26: Managing Demand & Growth: The Role of Water Distribution Modeling

Cyber, natural disasters and other security threats are a growing concern for public water systems. With the second round of Risk & Resilience Assessments (RRAs) due by end of 2026 it’s important for public water systems to plan to protect the communities and the systems. In this episode, we’ll discuss the most pressing cybersecurity threats, how they have evolved since the first round of RRAs in 2020/2021 and best practices for protecting water systems from cyberattacks. Contact Kevin at kevin.campanella@burgessniple.com to get started on the next round of RRAs, attend an incident action checklist workshop and learn more about the next round of assessments.

EP 27: Securing Water Systems with Risk & Resilience Assessments

Imagine you're driving home after a long day at work. As you approach an intersection, you notice a bright yellow signal border that immediately catches your attention, prompting you to slow down. Without even realizing it, you've just interacted with a “Proven Safety Countermeasure”—one of 28 strategies that the Federal Highway Administration has identified to reduce crashes and save lives. But why aren’t these simple solutions implemented everywhere? 
On this episode of Infrastructure Insights, we’ll dive into that answer with B&N’s Kendra Schenk and Megan Valentine to discuss what communities and engineers are doing to proactively improve safety for everyone.  
As mentioned in the episode, you can read Kendra and Megan’s synthesis report here https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/28855/implementation-of-federal-highway-administration-proven-safety-countermeasures

EP 28: Designing Safer Roads: Implementing FHWA’s Proven Safety Countermeasures

On this episode of Infrastructure Insights: Engineering Explained, we explore the value of building commissioning and retro-commissioning to improve facility performance, energy efficiency and mechanical system reliability. B&N mechanical engineer and commissioning leader Jack Sharp-Stevenson shares real-world insights from both fieldwork and design roles, offering strategies for new construction projects, facility retrofits and municipal building upgrades. Learn how a well-executed commissioning process helps owners reduce long-term maintenance costs, meet sustainability goals and ensure buildings operate as intended from day one. 

Ep 29: Beyond the Checklist: What Building Commissioning Really Delivers

When we talk about growing communities, we often think about roads, bridges and major infrastructure projects. But there’s a powerful, sometimes overlooked driver of economic growth: active transportation—things like trails, bikeways, sidewalks and complete streets. Investing in these systems not only moves people more safely and sustainably—it helps attract businesses, revitalize downtowns and build stronger, healthier communities. B&N’s Amy Rosepiler and Deserae Dinger join us on this episode as we dig into why Active Transportation (AT) is becoming a key pillar of economic growth and why communities that act now stand to benefit the most. To learn more about B&N’s Walk in My World event mentioned in this episode, click this link https://youtu.be/8RQBBhNGdZs?si=SsLrfuxiz2KNpD7o.

EP 30: Why Active Transportation Matters: Connecting Communities

Infrastructure Insights features casual conversations (and some geeking out) about the infrastructure supporting the world around us. Our innovative problem solvers are engineers, geologists and environmental scientists who are passionate about creating a better tomorrow. On Infrastructure Insights, we will share stories, best practices, and trends that span the world and range from complex technical topics to the latest developments in technology applications. Get ready to geek out with us.