What do Legos and treehouses have to do with growing up to work for ADOT?

Well, for Micah Hannam, the assistant district engineer for the Central District in Phoenix, those helped him start on the path toward becoming an engineer. From an early age he knew that he liked math and numbers, and loved to build treehouses and play with Legos. That's why he knew he would grow up to build things.

Does that sound like you?

Then maybe you have a bright future as an engineer too! There are so many different engineers working for ADOT, from civil engineers that prepare technical drawings on how to build roads and bridges, to utility engineers who make sure water, gas and electricity are not disrupted during construction. You can read all about the different types of engineers we have in this previous blog post.

What has Hannam been able to do so far?

He was part of the team that designed and built a new bridge on State Route 347 in the City of Maricopa, where the road needed to go over some railroad tracks that trains were using up to 60 times a day!

He also helped with a project to repave State Route 88 between Apache Junction and Canyon Lake. You can see in the video above how that road looks now.

Imagine what you could make!

Hannam said the best way to get started is to just keep doing what interests you now, whether that is building treehouses, programming computers or playing with robotics.

"As long as you are enjoying what you are doing, there's something for you in engineering," he said. 

If you are really interested in being an "engineer-as-a-career," watch for more ADOT Kids videos, blogs and activities. Also, make sure to check out the Engineer as a Career section of the ADOT Kids website or find #ADOTKids on social media!

Did you know that March is Women’s History Month? Because women have made so many major contributions to the transportation field, we asked several women at ADOT to share the reasons why they entered into a transportation career.

"I have been passionate about engineering ever since I can remember. Transportation engineering includes planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of facilities that improve people’s lives every day. Being a part of this industry gives opportunities to be involved in the cutting-edge technologies that keep evolving. I am proud to be a part of the industry, especially ADOT. And I am proud to be working with those who share the same passion."

Tazeen A. Dewan, project manager, Multimodal Planning Division

"I initially 'fell into' the transportation sector as an environmental consultant, consulting for ADOT and railroads. The nature of the work and the opportunity to serve the public as part of something so integral to their daily lives are what have motivated me to work at ADOT."

Julia Manfredi, manager, Environmental Programs

"When I applied to ADOT 19 years ago, I did not think of it as trying to get a job in transportation. I saw it as another opportunity to be of service, only this time it would be for the citizens of Arizona. My passion is helping others and I knew that I could impact ADOT in a positive way and it would also give me the opportunity for career growth. ADOT has a great reputation as being family friendly, which also factored into my seeking a career with the agency."

Sonya Herrera, director, Administrative Services Division

"I credit my career in transportation to my college internship with the regional planning organization, where I conducted transportation modeling and forecasts. I couldn’t believe there was a career path where I could play SimCity all day! I’ve since enjoyed planning and designing roadway improvements throughout Arizona."

Susan E. Anderson, systems technology group manager, Transportation Systems Management and Operations Division

"Having spent years practicing law in the private sector, I had a desire to take the next step to become a judge. I was fortunate enough to be hired with the Executive Hearing Office in 2017, which has opened me up to the world of transportation. I enjoy dealing with the many interesting laws and regulations and working with a wide array of divisions and agencies."

Allyssa B. Reid, associate presiding judge, Executive Hearing Office

In case you haven’t noticed, engineers are kind of a big deal at ADOT. That’s why we’re taking time during National Engineers Week to thank and recognize all of the important contributions they make to transportation in Arizona.

As we told you about earlier this week, engineering at ADOT takes different forms: civil engineering, traffic engineering, utility engineering, geotechnical engineering and bridge engineering just to name a few. 

That seemingly flat highway you’re traveling on requires the expertise of various engineers to ensure the materials are good quality and that the ground the road is built on can support the vehicles that travel on it through elevation changes and different types of landscapes. So thank you!

Traffic signals require knowledge of electrical systems and computer communications. Innovative solutions like roundabouts and diverging-diamond interchanges are designed by traffic engineers to keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible. That's always appreciated!

Even behind-the-scenes engineering that utility engineers perform is needed to keep electricity, gas and other utilities flowing to your house while nearby highways are being constructed or upgraded. We truly appreciate it!

When problems arise, like a landslide that sidelined a portion of US 89 south of Page in 2013, engineers, like geotechnical engineers, are crucial to solving the problem and getting traffic flowing again. You guys rock!

The contributions of our transportation engineers help keep commerce flowing and make everyday items like getting to the grocery store or dropping the kids off at grandma’s more convenient. Thanks a million!

That’s just some of the many reasons why we want to say thank you to those who use their skills to help our society and help ADOT fulfill its mission to connect Arizona and help ensure everyone gets “Safely Home.” 

Happy National Engineers Week!

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be an ADOT engineer? 

Meet Babak Dehghani. He’s a construction engineer in ADOT’s Engineer-In-Training (EIT) program. He decided to become an engineer because “you could literally change the world.”

That’s barely a brag! Our engineers certainly make Arizona move by ensuring that every road, bridge, airport, water supply and mass transit system is well-planned and completed.

Babak entered the EIT program in January 2020 and in just over a year has worked for a lot of different groups ranging from roadside development to the bridge group.

“Currently I am in construction operations,” Babak said. “The ADOT EIT program is an amazing introduction to the professional world. By working under registered professionals you get the training and experience you need to become a professional engineer. ”

How did he get here? Well, first, Babak went to school. To be accepted in the EIT program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering. A few lessons Babak picked up from his time attending the Fulton School at Arizona State University have stuck with him. 

“The important things you learn from school are in the methods of learning and working well with others,” Babak continued,  “The most important lesson is how to deal with the real world.”

Engineers play an important role for all ADOT projects. Babak says. “It is the transportation engineer's responsibility to plan, design, build, maintain and operate these systems of transport, in such a way as to provide for the safe, efficient and convenient movement for the public.”

He says he’s most happy with his work to build a brand new type of freeway interchange at I-10 and Houghton. 

“I was very proud to work under registered professionals and paraprofessional staff members to see the first diverging diamond interchange built in Tucson.”

Do you have an interest in becoming an engineer? Well, Babak has some tips for you.

“Take the FE exam before graduation.”

That’s the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, and passing it is one of the first steps you’ll take to become a professional engineer. Babak also said it’s important to pick exactly what type of engineer you want to be. Plus, when you are in school, you can find engineering groups to be a part of on campus. Groups like the American Society of Civil Engineers, American Concrete Institute, and Construction Management Association of America will help when you go searching for your dream job.

“It needs to be on your resume,” Babak said.

Just what does Babak want to do when he graduates from the EIT program in 2022?

“I would love to be part of the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvements project.” He may well get that chance, as the project is slated to start soon and last until 2024.

For now, though, he’s thrilled to be part of the EIT program.

“I’m lucky to work alongside extremely capable and experienced engineers who are always willing to help, guide, and prepare you for the professional world of engineering.”

And he’s keeping a positive outlook as to what’s on the horizon for transportation in Arizona.

“Future technologies can improve the safety, efficiency, reliability, and resilience of our transportation network."

 If you are interested in being an "engineer-as-a-career," stayed tuned for more ADOT Kids videos, blogs and activities running this week for National Engineers Week. And make sure to check out the ADOT Kids website or find #ADOTKids on social media!

Hey, kids, do you like math and science, and helping people?

Then it’s not too early to think about becoming an engineer! You might even decide you want to work as an engineer for the Arizona Department of Transportation.

That’s what Joselyn Valero did! Ever since she was a little girl, Joselyn knew she wanted to grow up and become an engineer.

After all, she has always had a knack for numbers and an affinity for science. She also wanted a career that would enable her to help people.

So working as a development engineer for ADOT is a perfect fit.

“I always loved math and I knew I wanted to be something where math was a big part of it. The idea of building a bridge or a skyscraper fascinated me,” said Joselyn.

Not only is Joselyn an engineer, she is also a project supervisor at the Casa Grande Construction Field Office!

One thing she is really excited about is a first-of-its kind dust detection and warning system on a 10-mile stretch of Interstate 10 near Casa Grande. This system warns drivers if they are about to drive into dust storms – and how severe the storms are. The system can even lower speed limits to match the weather!

“It will definitely make driving safer,” Joselyn said.

Joselyn studied hard to meet her goal. She earned high grades, graduated from high school and then attended Arizona State University. She got not just one, but two degrees in engineering; a bachelor’s and master’s degree.

She interned at ADOT in 2013 and two years later, she joined ADOT’s popular, two-year Engineer-in-Training program. She worked for a number of different teams and was able to piece together how each relates and relies on one another.  It gave her a big picture view and diverse experience.

“You get to see what all the different groups in engineering do as opposed to getting a job at a specific group where all you experience is what that one group does,” she said.  “I also really enjoyed going to different parts of the state and meeting so many people!”

Here are some of her training experiences:

• In the Kingman construction field office, she worked on a mill and fill project for US 93 to Las Vegas. A mill and fill project is when a layer of asphalt pavement is removed and replaced with a new layer.
• In the Prescott Regional Laboratory, Joselyn tested materials before they were  put into highways.

“I was able to run every test that we do when testing asphalt, soils and concrete,” Joselyn said.

• In the Contracts and Specifications Group, Joselyn worked on the plans and contract for the Earley Road to Interstate 8 project. This was part of the I-10 widening project between mileposts 196 and 200 near Casa Grande.

For Joselyn, working for ADOT is a career dream come true.

You can make YOUR dream come true, too! Are you interested in being an “engineer-as-a-career?” We hope so! There are many different kinds of engineers at ADOT.

Check out more ADOT Kids videos, blogs and activities during National Engineers week. You can search for #ADOTKids on Twitter and Facebook. If you want to learn even more about engineering, go to the ADOT Kids website: azdot.gov/ADOTKids.

We love engineers!

But do you know that there are many different types of engineers? Just at ADOT we have many different kinds who look at everything from the best way to get cars over a bridge to the water and power lines that go underground. 

If you've ever thought about being an engineer, here are some of the options available to you!

And once you have read about all the different types of engineers, click on the photo to have your parents download our seek-and-find activity to match them with the type of work they do!

Civil Engineers:

If you’ve got the inclination to draw, design, problem solve and create order, you might want to be a civil engineer. Civil engineers uses computer-aided design and drafting to prepare the technical drawings used to build freeways, bridges, and more. Civil engineering deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment. This includes public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewage systems, pipelines as well as structural components of buildings and railways.

ADOT has many specific kinds of civil engineers. These include:

• Geotechnical engineers, whose knowledge of soils and rocks are important to building roads and bridges.
• Drainage engineers with expertise in designing for flooding and erosion control.
• Environmental engineers with expertise in minimizing the negative impacts to the environment while constructing and maintaining transportation features.

Civil engineering also includes what we are going to look at next: roadway, traffic and bridge engineers. 

Roadway, Bridge and Traffic Engineers:

Roadway, Bridge and Traffic engineers use mathematics and science to determine where or how to build new highways and to make existing highways better.

• Roadway engineers work with many other types of engineers and together they make plans for construction to make the highways. Roadway engineers design the geometric parts of a road such as widths, curves and slopes.  They also design road safety hardware like guardrails.
• Bridge engineers use computer programs to design the bridges that carry cars and trucks over waterways, rivers, washes, railroads and other roadways.  
• Traffic engineers design the signs, pavement markings and roadway lighting that help make the highways safe to drive on and help people understand where they need to go. They also design traffic control plans used to help traffic move safely through a work zone.

Resident Engineers:

Resident engineers work in ADOT district offices around the state and make sure contractors who build the projects follow the design plans. They also help resolve challenges and find solutions while the project is being constructed.

Survey Engineers and Surveyors:

Before a designer can prepare construction plans for highways, roads and bridges, they need more information about the land they wish to build on.

• Surveyors use tools to measure and locate features like mountains and rivers that can be used to make topographic maps. Topographic maps detail the “topography” of the land, showing the surface of the earth and features such as hills, rivers and houses. These maps and plans help engineers design highways and bridges. Aerial photography is done by planes or drones taking pictures from the sky. Did you know that George Washington was a surveyor?
• Survey engineers and surveyors provide engineering surveys and topographic maps to assist designers of ADOT highway projects. They collect and analyze 3-D information about the land, roads and bridges. They use sophisticated equipment such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS), levels and electronic theodolites. Theodolites are special telescopes that help them measure angles while surveying. They then use computers to make 3-D digital drawings for other engineers to use while designing highways. Survey engineers and surveyors also help ADOT’s Right of Way group by performing property surveys. 

Transportation technology engineers:

Transportation technology engineers use computers, electronics, control systems (like traffic lights), communications technologies and management strategies for transportation systems to provide travel information to improve road safety and efficiency. As new transportation technologies emerge, like self-driving vehicles and smart/connected cars, transportation technology engineers are needed to make sure our infrastructure safely accommodates these new transportation trends.

Have you seen the message boards along the freeway? These are types of transportation technology. Technology is also used to calculate the travel times displayed on the boards like how long it will take to get from Phoenix to Tucson based on distance and how fast cars are traveling. If there is a crash on a road and a lane is closed, it will take much longer to get to Tucson from Phoenix. 

Utility and railroad engineers:

Utility and railroad engineers work with utility companies and design engineers to locate underground utilities. Did you know that things like the water, electricity and gas that come into your house are called “utilities?” The pipes and wires that bring these utilities are located underground or strung from large poles. Utility engineers help place all these pipes and wires under the ground or on poles.

When highway projects are happening, utility engineers help locate these utilities and other items that could interfere with construction. They use non-invasive technology and techniques along with carefully controlled excavation methods to provide detailed information on underground features so they can either be avoided or relocated. This process is important to construction workers’ safety, controlling costs and making sure people nearby can still have water and electricity.

ADOT does not have engineers that drive trains but they have engineers to determine what to do when a road and a railroad meet at a crossing or when a bridge goes over or under a railroad. To ensure that trains and cars can travel safely while sometimes crossing paths, utility and railroad engineers ensure the safety of motorists and train operators by using signs, signals and pavement markings.

Engineer as a career

There you have it! There are so many different types of engineers you can grow up to be. But all of them are important in designing and building highways and bridges, not to mention keeping people safe. 

While deciding what kind of engineer you want to be, have fun with the seek-and-find activity! And if you are really interested in being an "engineer-as-a-career," watch for more ADOT Kids videos, blogs and activities running this week for National Engineers Week. And make sure to check out the ADOT Kids website or find #ADOTKids on social media!

Designing bridges and roads. Surveying land and streams. Improving road safety. Maintaining existing transportation infrastructure. These responsibilities and more reflect the work our engineers perform daily at the Arizona Department of Transportation. Whether you are a bridge, civil, roadway, survey, traffic or transportation technology engineer, your work matters and makes a difference in the communities we serve. Therefore, I am proud to recognize our engineers for National Engineers Week, Feb. 21-27, under the theme “Inspiring Wonder.”

Building a safe and efficient transportation system requires the skills of many talented engineers and support staff. It takes knowledge and teamwork to design and operate a state transportation system. I see the accomplishments our engineers achieve every day. It is especially rewarding when our teams are recognized, both locally and nationally, for projects that serve the traveling public. Examples are the wrong-way driver detection and dust storm detection systems, and the one-year-old Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway.

Having the right skill set to build bridges and roads, and implement safety measures requires an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education. It is never too early to pique the interest of children in the field of engineering and inspire a world of wonder.

Our national award-winning ADOT Kids program is an example of teamwork and the work of our engineers. We created ADOT Kids in an effort to educate children about transportation and to keep it fun. From learning how snowplows operate, to building a bridge and decorating our roadways with unique designs, to creating highway safety messages and Keeping Arizona Grand, ADOT Kids has been a huge hit with children, parents and educators. Our ADOT engineers and employees have enlightened the community by serving as subject matter experts in answering questions from children.

I have the most deep respect for the engineering community. I congratulate our engineers on this special week of recognition. They do indeed inspire wonder in our communities and are worthy of us saying ‘thank you’ for the work they do.

With children spending more time at home because of the public health situation, parents, grandparents and teachers are looking for ways to educate and entertain them.

That's why in April 2020 we launched ADOT Kids to pique youngsters’ interest in math, science and creativity through engineering-related activities. From building toothpick bridges and creating chalk art drawings, to writing safety messages and solving word jumbles, ADOT Kids activities pique youngsters’ interest in math, science and creativity.

Now, with National Engineers Week kicking on Feb. 21, ADOT Kids activities will focus on the topic of “engineer as a career.” Expect posts and activities next week that focus on what it means to be an engineer.

Development Engineer Joselyn Valero and Engineer-in-Training Babak Dehghani are sharing their stories to encourage children to pursue engineering careers.

“I always loved math and I wanted to be where math is a big part of it. The idea of building a bridge or a skyscraper fascinated me,” Valero said.

Dehghani, a construction engineer, is gaining experience in different aspects of engineering through ADOT’s Engineer-In-Training program.

“With an engineering degree, you could ensure that every road, bridge, airport, water supply and mass transit system is well-planned and completed,” he said.

Bridge Design Manager David Benton, who discusses bridges in an ADOT Kids video, praised the ADOT Kids initiative.

“ADOT Kids helps young kids understand how employees at ADOT help people get to where they want to go and help keep them safe on the road,” Benton said.

ADOT staff creates all theinteractive educational content, which can be be found on ADOT Kids website, azdot.gov/ADOTKids. There you'll find cartoon characters, games, photos, videos and Zoom video backgrounds of large equipment and Arizona landscapes. Communications team members even created an original song for ADOT Kids about dust storm safety.

ADOT employees like East Flagstaff Highway Operations Tech Supervisor Tod Skinner are helping to promote ADOT Kids. His wife, Kelsey, is area director of the Boys and Girls Club of Williams where children participated in ADOT Kids snow plow activities. Tod even brought a TowPlow to the club so youngsters could see it up close.

“We talked about the science involved in snow and ice removal, the technology and engineering of the truck, and the math involved in the price of the TowPlow versus two regular size plows and the cost of manpower and fuel,” Kelsey said.

Check out ADOT Kids activities and help spread the word to your friends, schools and youth organizations. Look for #ADOTKids activities on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Send suggestions for ADOT Kids activities to [email protected]. 

And make sure to be on the lookout next week for special National Engineers Week content!