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Structural Engineers Foundation (SEF)
The Structural Engineers Foundation is an independent, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to one goal: the advancement of structural engineering. To attain this goal, and thus prepare for tomorrow's horizons, the SEF has committed itself to sponsoring and funding scholarships, lectures, awards, publications and research - all aimed at improving structural engineers and structural engineering. Click here to become a corporate partner or support our free lectures. Thanks to our 2025 Corporate Partners |
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Donate to SEF
You can help SEF with their mission by donating through SEAOI. Visit the SEF Donation page to make your donation today.
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SEF Research Grant Congratulations to Lilli Webb, the recipient of this year's SEF Research Grant. Lilli Webb is a graduate student at Lawrence Technological University, currently pursuing an integrated five-year baccalaureate-master’s degree in Architectural Engineering with a specialization in Structural Engineering. Her research addresses a critical gap in the current AISC specification, ANSI/AISC 360-22, which requires the analysis of flange bending and weld strength limit states separately.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Keith Kowalkowski and based on the foundation of a previous student, Javier Alvarez Rodilla, Lilli is conducting experimental testing in LTU’s Structural Testing Lab to further evaluate the interaction of flange bending on the reduced weld capacity when steel members are subjected to concentrated loads from plate elements. In general, previous analytical research has shown that flange bending has a significant influence on non-uniform stresses that develop in the welds. Lilli’s goal is to derive a new analysis procedure/equations that better demonstrate this behavior in comparison to Equations J10-1 and J2-4 in ANSI/AISC 360-22 using new experimental testing and previous analytical. The test matrix will study various weld sizes, beam sizes, and weld types (fillet vs. penetration). The work seeks to ensure the safety and integrity of steel wide-flange members in structural design and reduce the use of excess stiffener usage due to the flange bending limit state resulting in an overly conservative result. SEF Research Grant Application Form The Structural Engineers Foundation (SEF) is proud to offer a grant to partially fund research efforts in structural engineering or related fields for the 2025-2026 academic year. The SEF recognizes the importance of research to the future of the structural engineering field and profession and offers this grant to provide assistance in a selected research endeavor. ____________________________________________________________SEF Scholarship Application FormThe Foundation strongly believes that the future of structural engineering depends on today's students. Without them and their vision, there literally is no future for our profession. The Structural Engineers Foundation is privileged to provide merit-based tuition scholarships to encourage undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in structural engineering programs. Six scholarship categories are available:
Apply online at the link in the title above, or download an application here. ____________________________________________________________ |
Congratulations to the 2025 SEF Scholarship Award Winners! |
Alexia Emma Garcia
RME Award | Matthew Ross
Max Zar Award | Tyler Wood
Graduate Award |
Kai Smith
Diversity Award | Shafqat Ullah
Fred Haas Award | Taylor Stenzel
Undergraduate Award |
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2025 - 2026 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
SEF ACTIVITIES
Scholarships:
The Foundation strongly believes that the future of structural engineering depends on today's students. Without them and their vision, there literally is no future for our profession. The Structural Engineers Foundation is privileged to provide merit tuition scholarships to encourage undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in structural engineering programs.
Sponsored Lectures
The Structural Engineers Foundation sponsors lectures in April and November designed to broaden the mind and heighten awareness of excellence in structural engineering. Foundation-sponsored lectures by prominent leaders in the field of structural engineering keep attendees informed with vital cutting-edge information.
Awards
SEF bestows awards and honors to recognize outstanding achievements. The John F. Parmer Award is presented annually by SEF and SEAOI. This award, in recognition of lifelong contributions in the field of structural engineering, is presented to an individual whose distinguished career is acknowledged by his or her peers to be an example of excellence.
Research
SEF understands the importance of research, knowing that it advances our profession by broadening its horizons and expanding our knowledge base. The Foundation offers grants to support graduate and post-graduate research projects.
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Jeremy Kirk, President
Position: Vice President, Structural Project Manager - HKS, Inc. Education: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, M.Eng.; Geneva College, B.S.E. Licensure: S.E., Illinois; P.E., Illinois Societies: SEAOI, ASCE | Jon Lewis, Vice President
Position: Principal and Executive Director Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. Education: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.S. Civil Engineering; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Master of Science, Structural Engineering Licensure: S.E., Illinois Societies: SEAOI, ASCE, AEI, IABSE, SEI | Chelsea Zdawczyk, Treasurer  Position: HOK Education: Cornell University, B.S. Civil Engineering; UCLA, M. Arch.; Princeton University, M.S. Structural Engineering Licensure: P.E., Illinois Societies: SEAOI, ASCE | Eamonn Connolly, Secretary
Position: James McHugh Construction Co. Director of Engineering Education: BS Civil Engineering Structures, Illinois Institute of Technology, MPhil Civil Engineering , University of Aberdeen Licensure: SE, IL; PE , FL, IN, MN, OK, TN, TX, WI Societies: ASCC, ASCE, ACI, PTI, SEAOI |
Rachel Jackson | Michelle Ryland |
Scott Wojteczko
Position: Vice President, IL Structural Group Manager - Benesch Education: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.S. Civil Engineering, M.S. Civil Engineering Licensure: PE, SE Societies: SEAOI, ASCE, IRTBA |
Mehdi Modares
Position: Associate Professor and Director of Structural Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology Education: Case Western Reserve University, Ph.D. Civil Engineering Licensure: PhD Society: ASCE | Nihar Shah
Position: President Rubinos & Mesia Engineers (RME) Education: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.S. Civil Engineering M.S. Civil Engineering Licensure: S.E., P.E., Illinois Societies: SEAOI, ASCE | Matthew Parkolap
Position: Associate, Wallace Design Collective Education: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.S. & M.S. Civil Engineering Licensure: SE (Illinois); PE (California & Michigan) Societies: SEAOI, AISC |
