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Engineering is more than equations and blueprints—it’s a calling to shape the world around us. We asked our team to reflect on what led them to choose engineering as a career and share projects that have been especially meaningful to their journey. Their stories reveal a shared passion for problem-solving, community impact, and the joy of building something that lasts.
For many of our engineers, the journey began in childhood. Whether it was building cities out of wood blocks, designing Barbie Dreamhouses with working elevators, or drawing miniature homes, the seeds of creativity and curiosity were planted early. Dave Henkel (Central Indiana Regional Leader) spent hours in his parents’ basement constructing elaborate cities, while Jennifer Pittman (Structural Department Manager) was already engineering playtime innovations with her Barbie. Chelsea Modlin (Environmental Specialist II) was captivated by the architectural models she saw students carrying, and her early exposure to Project Lead the Way solidified her interest in engineering. Similarly, Emily Walsh’s (Engineer III) love for blueprints and design led her to explore architecture before discovering her passion for the technical and structural aspects of engineering.
Others found their path through academic strengths and family influence. Kendra Rogers (Project Engineer II) leaned toward science and math, guided by her father’s suggestion to explore engineering. JT Auldridge’s (Roadway Division Manager) love for math and desire to make a difference pointed him toward a career that could benefit the world around him. Doug Shatto (Chief Executive Officer) was inspired by a vintage drafting set and a love for puzzles, which eventually led him to civil engineering. Kelly Schaefer (St. Louis Area Manager) followed in the footsteps of family members in the field, finding fulfillment in a profession that felt natural and rewarding. Adam Steury’s (Senior Engineer/Project Manager) interest in architecture began with a grade school project and evolved into a passion for structural engineering through hands-on internship experience.
The impact of engineering becomes most tangible through the projects that shape communities. For Jennifer Pittman, rehabilitating a bridge her family drives over daily underscores the personal connection to her work. Emily Walsh finds purpose in designing ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps, knowing she’s making her community more accessible. Marie Hegarty’s (Landscape Architect) work on the Kickapoo Rail Trail Extension blended landscape architecture and civil engineering to create a shared-use path that meets both aesthetic and functional needs.
Large-scale infrastructure projects also leave a lasting impression. Dave Henkel recalls the Ohio River Bridge in Louisville as a testament to the power of bi-state collaboration. JT Auldridge contributed to the Chisholm Trail Parkway in Fort Worth, a project that improved commute times and connected communities. Philip Morton (Senior Project Engineer/Project Manager) takes pride in projects close to home, where helping neighbors brings a deeper sense of fulfillment. Doug Shatto reflects on optimizing traffic signals and contributing to wastewater treatment facilities, roadways, trails, and mitigation sites—each improving lives in visible and meaningful ways. Kelly Schaefer’s work focuses on creating safer roads, while Adam Steury continues to apply his expertise in bridge design and inspection.
At the heart of each story lies a personal 'why'—a deeply rooted motivation that guides each engineer’s journey. For some, like Kendra Rogers, it’s about making an impact on communities and improving safety for all. Others, like Jennifer Pittman, find joy in blending childhood curiosity and a knack for tinkering with a desire to serve the public. Emily Walsh is inspired by the opportunity to make the world more inclusive and accessible, one sidewalk ramp at a time.
This sense of purpose isn’t always born from a straight path. Chelsea Modlin champions the idea that engineering welcomes diverse journeys and passions, proving that anyone with a love for STE(A)M can thrive in the field. For Philip Morton, pride comes from contributing to his own community, while Marie Hegarty bridges creativity and functionality to design spaces that are both beautiful and practical.
The design to improve lives is a common thread. JT Auldridge values the chance to benefit others through thoughtful design, and Doug Shatto sees engineering as a lifelong puzzle that brings solutions and satisfaction through visible impact. Kelly Schaefer is motivated by mentorship and community care, and Adam Steury finds fulfillment in combining creativity and precision to build structures that stand the test of time.
These stories remind us that engineering is a deeply personal journey. Whether sparked by childhood curiosity, a desire to serve the community, or a passion for design and innovation, each path is unique—and each project is a chance to make a difference. We celebrate our engineers and their "why" as they continue to build a better world, one project at a time.
