Denise R. Simmons Selected as ASEE Fellow for Exemplary Contributions to Civil Engineering Workforce Development

Denise R. Simmons, Ph.D., PE, PMP, LEED-AP, was selected as a Fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). Dr. Simmons, the associate dean for workforce development in UF’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, is one of nine selected in this cohort.  

The ASEE Fellow nomination is an honor bestowed on individuals to spotlight their significant contributions to engineering education. The nominee must be recommended by another Fellow or active ASEE member. ASEE acknowledged Dr. Simmons for her “leadership in anchoring engineering education research in the context of civil engineering workforce development, expanding our understanding of competence development especially through out-of-class activities, and furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion in engineering education and practice.” 

Dr. Simmons is an accomplished civil engineer who has been widely recognized for her research in workforce development. Prior to her promotion to associate dean in August 2022, Dr. Simmons joined the Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment’s (ESSIE) Department of Civil & Coastal Engineering in 2018 as an associate professor.  

Dr. Simmons has co-authored 114 refereed publications including four books, 42 journal articles and 68 conference proceedings. She has received over 50 invitations to speak at international and national venues. She has made significant contributions to engineering education and practice, such as understanding how competencies are gained and supporting the health and well-being of students and professionals. She has published in the Journal of Civil Engineering Education, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, Journal of Management in Engineering, Journal of Engineering Education, among others.  

Dr. Simmons will be honored at the 2023 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition. The presentation of this year’s ASEE national awards will occur at the Annual Awards Luncheon at the end of June. 

 

Reba Liddy 

ESSIE Marketing and Communications Specialist