ISE Case Studies
Click the titles below for a full bio and quotes from ISE Alumni.
Sr. Project Manager, Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc
Sean Clark
Previous job: Project Engineer, Bonestroo, Rosene & Anderlik
Current job: Sr. Project Manager, Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.
The Difference: As industry leaders, ISE faculty members bring depth and experience to the classroom. "They teach 'real world' principles that students will actually use in their work."
Sean's Story: He's using what he learned. "What I learned in this master's degree program I use extensively, which is why I liked it so much. I think the program is very valuable to the municipal civil engineering community."
What Sean Said: "The strengths of the curriculum lie in the balance between technical and management aspects."
Director, Design and Construction, Valley Metro Rail, Phoenix, Arizona
Vicki Barron
Previous job: Construction/Utilities Engineer, Minnesota Department of Transportation
Current job: Director, Design and Construction, Valley Metro Rail, Phoenix, Arizona
The Difference: The management techniques and skills acquired in the program are very helpful in my new position.
Vicki's Story: During the program, she served as design/build project manager of the Hiawatha Light Rail Transit Project in Minneapolis. The project ended ahead of schedule and under budget. The project's success and her new degree led to an offer from Arizona to direct a new light rail transit project there.
What Vicki Said: "The ISE offers new strategies and techniques that can immediately be applied to real-world situations. I was able to apply the lessons from Friday to problem-solving the next Monday."
Project Manager, Minnesota Department of Transportation
Ken Johnson
Current job: Project Manager, Minnesota Department of Transportation
The Difference: "To be a more effective engineer, you need to understand the whole picture and the impact of one part of the infrastructure on the other."
Ken's Story: Johnson and two colleagues focused on defining and showing the benefits of roundabout use in intersections. Thanks to their efforts, interest in roundabout is increasing in Minnesota, with new plans to add roundabouts approved or under consideration.
What Ken Said: The benefits of studying and experiencing infrastructure systems are huge. "It has helped me do my job more effectively, and I do see it as helpful in my career."
