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Jen Porter Featured in New Hampshire Business Review’s Ask the Experts: Women In Construction Overcome Obstacles, Innovate for Change

New Hampshire Business Review‘s February 23rd issue features a women in construction spotlight, with input from Jen Porter, PE. Read Jen’s insights below:

(Ask the Experts) Women in construction overcome obstacles, innovate for change

Women in Construction Week takes place the first full week in March, celebrating the history of women in the industry who faced tremendous challenges in a traditionally male-dominated field. In this issue of NH Business Review, we learn from an expert in the field who shares insights and perspectives on what it’s like for women in construction today, and how they’re helping to foster inclusivity, develop talent and innovate for the future.

Our expert: Jennifer F. Porter, PE, senior project engineer for civil/traffic, TFMoran Inc.

Q: What led you to choose a career in engineering?
A: Throughout high school I always thought my future career would be in the sky, as I wanted to be a pilot and go to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to study.

Sometime during my junior year in the early ‘90s, I attended a Women in Engineering Symposium at New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord, NH. That day inspired me and shifted my interests back on the ground to the field of engineering.

When I enrolled at Bucknell University, I was unsure if civil or mechanical engineering was the correct path for me. Luckily, Bucknell requires all potential engineering students to take Engineering 101, a class that explores all disciplines of engineering with weekly hands-on problem-solving labs. It didn’t take long for me to decide to pursue civil engineering.

These early opportunities and hands-on learning not only taught me the skills required for my course work but also set the foundation for my future in engineering. The many hours of traditional academics and practical labs, in addition to my collegiate sports career — I was a member of the Track and Field team — helped me sort priorities and budget time; attributes that would serve me well in my profession. My engineering class had a very high percentage of women enrolled, and it’s where I developed some of my best friendships, many of which went on to be very successful women in the field of engineering.

Q. How can the construction industry attract and retain more women professionals, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce that enhances creativity and productivity?
A. Providing opportunities that introduce girls/women to construction and engineering opportunities can be the spark that changes the course of thinking for a young person. Many women do not consider the construction industry based on the simple lack of knowing it is an option. Having a sound understanding of basic construction and engineering principles and receiving proper training early in your career is key to establishing confidence and comfort in the construction environment. Providing resources for mentorship, male or female, can also make a tremendous difference to a new engineer starting out, so providing this resource is pivotal to women entering into the profession and staying with it.

I’ve had the pleasure of working for my current employer, TFMoran, for over 25 years. It has been my first (and only) engineering job since college graduation. I started at entry level in the office, running errands, making prints and reading regulations. I asked a lot of questions.

At TFM, I have had great mentors to educate and support me in my career. Teaching by example, showing patience, providing opportunity and pushing me to be a problem-solver by asking the right question and seeking out the answer. They provided me with challenges and the support I needed to grow as an engineer and a person. I am proud to be part of the team at TFM.

With the good also comes the bad, as I have had encounters in my career where my job experience appeared to be questioned due solely on my gender. When confronted with such a moment, I have felt I had two choices: deflect or stand tall. I have not let those moments define me, and have used each opportunity to build confidence and a greater belief in myself. To treat others with respect, setting boundaries to form positive relationships based on trust, and to project the confidence my experience and knowledge should garner after 25 years in the field of engineering. Much like the values my parents instilled in me, and I hope to inspire in my children, I choose to be fair and respectful to others. We should all expect nothing less. Treat everyone as you want to be treated.

Q. What initiatives or programs have proven effective in breaking down barriers and biases, promoting skill development, and providing equal opportunities for women pursuing careers in construction?
A. Educating men and women that intelligence is not defined by gender. Providing a company culture that brings everyone on the team to the table on equal ground and treated with respect. Engineers are engineers, period.

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TFMoran’s Eversource Project featured in the Union Leader

TFMoran is providing civil and traffic engineering, land surveying and landscape architecture services for two Eversource facilities located in Nashua, New Hampshire. TFMoran Senior Project Manager Nick Golon, PE was quoted in the Union Leader about the planned upgrades.

The project includes the possible relocating of the millyard substation located on the Pine street extension, to a city-owned site adjacent to the current location. The Nashua City Planning Board recently approved of the plan, but is also awaiting the approval of the Board of Aldermen in order to move forward. The millyard substation has been in use since 1949, and could use updates as the facility is becoming increasingly unreliable. If all goes to plan, construction is expected to start in 2020 following a ground breaking ceremony to be held in January. TFMoran’s Nick Golon explained the proposed substation will be about 14,000 s/f and include a new access road and utility poles, with its completion anticipated later next year.

Eversource also proposed renovations for the current Work Center located on Amherst Street, which has been approved as well. The project includes renovations of the existing structure, and the construction of a new 14,500 s/f garage in the rear of the building. Nick stated the Work Center was built in the late 1950s, and is an antiquated structure that needs updating.

Check out the full article from the Union Leader here, or continue reading below.

Eversource to upgrade two of its facilities in Nashua

by Kimberly Houghton Union Leader Correspondent

NASHUA — Eversource Energy is preparing for two major projects aimed to improve its aging infrastructure in the city.

The Nashua City Planning Board recently approved the two projects — one at the utility company’s substation in the millyard and the other at its existing work center on Amherst Street.

Eversource Energy is hoping to relocate its millyard substation on the Pine Street Extension to a city-owned parcel that abuts the current structure. Although planning officials have approved the site plan, the Board of Aldermen must also approve the proposal in order for the project to move forward.

“Some of the equipment in the substation that we call millyard, off Pine Street Extension, has been in service since 1949 and is becoming increasingly unreliable,” said Alan Rowe, Eversource project manager.

After speaking with representatives from the city, an identical parcel of land on an adjacent parcel was identified as a potential land swap, according to Rowe.

This land swap, if given the green light from aldermen, will allow Eversource to relocate some of its lines, while also creating a continuous, city-owned parcel that could be used for future development, he said.

Nick Golon, an engineer with TFMoran, said the new power substation will be about 14,000 square feet, and will include a new access road, utility poles and a chain link fence.

Construction is expected to start in 2020, and be completed by the end of the year. The existing substation will then be demolished, he explained.

“We are starting preliminary engineering,” said Rowe, adding Eversource would like to break ground on the project in January.

Eversource Energy has also submitted a second site plan for its existing work center at 370 Amherst St. Earlier this month, the planning board approved the project, which includes renovations to the current structure and a new, 14,500 square feet garage.

Golon said Eversource’s Nashua Area Work Center was built in the late 1950s, and is an antiquated structure that needs updating.

The project includes renovating the existing garage into office space, and then constructing a new garage in the rear of the parcel where line trucks will be stored, he said.

Although Eversource is not looking to add any employees at the site, Golon said the plan will provide a more strategic location for workers and the storage of vehicles.

“The expansion and renovation will reuse the existing building while adding a similar architectural appearance for the addition,” Linda McGhee, deputy planning manager, wrote in a staff report to the Planning Board.

 

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“Tour De Manch” Bike Tour to Support Conservation Commission

The Manchester Conservation Commission’s annual bike tour, “Tour De Manch,” will be held September 9th, 2018, beginning at Eversource Energy Park in Manchester.  This family-friendly bike ride offers a 30-mile or 40-mile route around the city of Manchester, NH.  The event benefits the Manchester Conservation Fund which provides financial support for citywide environmental projects including education, conservation, and restoration of our natural resources.

TFMoran’s Senior Project Manager Nicholas Golon, PE is the event Chair for the Conservation Commission board. “The event continues to grow each year, both in numbers and in sights” said Nick Golon.  “The tour is so much more than a bike ride, it is a great way to show riders a different side of their city they may otherwise never get to see, meet new people from their community, and help support a worthy cause in protecting Manchester’s natural resources”.

Riders will depart from Energy Park, 780 N. Commercial Street, at approximately 7:30 a.m. Sights along the route include Rock Rimmon, the Piscataquog Rail Trail, Nutts Pond Recreation Trail, Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, Lake Massabesic and the historic Weston Observatory.  The tour offers t-shirts, rest stops, bike support and finishes with lunch, generously provided by the Puritan Backroom. Registration is $25 for adults, $10 for children 6-13, and free for kids under 6.  The registration fee goes directly into the Manchester Conservation Fund.

Since 1989, the Manchester Conservation Commission has worked to preserve the city’s natural resources for the benefit of its citizens and wildlife.  By protecting these resources, we help improve water and air quality, preserve rare species of plants and animals, provide recreational and educational opportunities, and mitigate the impacts of storms and flooding.  The bike tour is our primary fundraiser.

Please come out to the Tour De Manch Bike Tour to help support citywide environmental projects! Click HERE to register.

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TFMoran Sponsors NH-ASCE Scholarship Golf Tournament

TFMoran Gold SponsorOn Friday, June 6th TFMoran was a Gold sponsor for the New Hampshire Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (NH-ASCE) scholarship golf outing at the Beaver Meadow Golf Club in Concord, NH.  All proceeds above event costs go to the NH-ASCE Scholarship Fund to assist NH high school seniors and UNH students enrolled in ABET accredited Civil Engineering programs.  Senior Project Manager, Nick Golon, PE, also a member of the NH-ASCE Board of Directors, represented TFMoran on the fairways and greens and was accompanied by Walter Bilynsky, Joe Sperry and Alan Roe.  The weather was beautiful, the scores were low, and a great time was had by all!

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TFMoran Promotes Three Engineers

TFMoran, Inc. has recently promoted three engineers to senior level positions:

Christopher Rice has been promoted to Senior Project Manager. Mr. Rice has over fifteen years experience in civil engineering and is responsible for the management and engineering design of private, public and municipal land development projects.

Thomas Lamb, PE has been promoted to Senior Structural Engineer. Mr. Lamb has over ten years experience in structural design, analysis, and construction administration of residential, public and commercial buildings throughout New England.

Joaquín Denoya, PE has been promoted to Senior Structural Engineer. With more than nine years experience, Mr. Denoya specializes in structural design, analysis, and construction administration of residential and commercial buildings throughout New England, New York and New Jersey.

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TFMoran Judges ASCE Regional Steel Bridge Competition

Hosted by UMass Lowell the New England Region Steel Bridge Competition, sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) took place over the weekend of April 25th and 26th.  Top honors went to MIT, with UCONN and WPI also qualifiying for the National Competition.   TFMoran Senior Project Manager, Nick Golon, PE, completed his eighth year judging the competition.  Congratulations to all the teams that participated!