Featured Famous Engineer: The Father of the Iron Bridge

Do you live by a river, stream, or any other waterway? If so, chances are you cross a bridge often during a commute- whether it be to work, to school, or just to another part of town. 

Although there are many structural and civil engineers who can be credited for developing the bridges we have and use today, there is one engineer who is largely credited for bridgework and development. In fact, he is considered the "Father of the Iron Bridge." His name was Squire Whipple. 

About Squire Whipple 

Squire Whipple, a civil engineer, lived from 1804 to 1888. He was born in Massachusetts, but later moved to New York State where he received his education in engineering. For his secondary education, he attended Fairfield Academy in Herkimer, New York. Whipple greatly exceeded in his college studies, as he graduated from Union College in New York after being a student for only a year. 

After graduating from college, Whipple began his career as an engineer. Surprisingly enough- his career did not begin with a focus on bridges. Instead, he performed a lot of engineering work that dealt with railroads and canals. One of his inventions was a lock, which helped weigh canal boats. 

Whipple's Bridge Work 

After focusing on railroads and canals, Whipple soon shifted his focus to bridgework. 

During his career, he obtained two patents for his bridge designs: 

• Bowstring iron-bridge truss 
• Lift drawbridge 

Whipple also dedicated his time and effort to develop a 146-foot iron railroad bridge. This bridge was constructed by Watervliet, New York. 

Publications: 

In efforts to share his immense knowledge for bridge building, Whipple published the book, Work on Bridge Building, in 1847. Consisting of two essays and original plans for iron and wooden bridges, Whipple's insight to bridge construction is still used in many civil and structural engineering university classes today. In fact, you can view an online version of his book here.

How Long to Study for The PE Exam? You Can Study Too Much

Work. Study. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.

Studying for any exam can be hard and stressful- especially for an exam that your career is relying on, so it makes sense that some individuals obsess over studying and study too much.

For individuals who are preparing for an NCEES exam such as the FE, PE, or SE exam, the average time spent preparing for an individual's chosen exam is 200-300 hours. 

Are you preparing for an NCEES exam? If a large amount of your day consists of just working and studying for your chosen exam, you may be spending too much time of your day studying.

We get it. Studying for an NCEES exam is stressful, and you probably want to spend as much as time possible as you can studying. But, did you know there is such a thing as studying too much? Although this differs for everyone, many people have a threshold of how much information they can take in each day. To ensure that you do not waste your time studying too much in a day and to ensure that you get the most value out of all of your study sessions, below are some signs that you may be studying too much:

Table of Contents

1. You aren't getting enough hours of sleep

2. You aren't giving yourself enough time to consume a healthy meal

3. You don't see anyone outside of your family or work

1. You aren't getting enough hours of sleep. 

Make sure to always get seven to eight hours of sleep for optimal memory consolidation. Although coffee may seem like a better alternative, coffee can only do so much to keep you awake. 

2. You aren't giving yourself enough time to consume a healthy meal. 

Are you living off of hot pockets, potato chips, or fast food? Yes- convenience is great, but constantly eating fatty and unhealthy foods really does hinder your overall brain functionality. When you eat foods such as eggs, broccoli, and fish, you feel better when compared to eating unhealthy foods. Make sure to give yourself enough time in the day to eat brain-powering food! 

3. You don't see anyone outside of your family or work. 

It's important to have a social life! During the time you are preparing for your exam, make sure to dedicate time to spend with your friends outside of studying and work. Giving yourself breaks within your study session is always a good idea, as it lets your brain relax.

Studying is really important if you want to pass your chosen NCEES exam- but make sure you aren't overdoing it. 

Think about it- if you study eight hours a day for three months, that equates to over 700 hours of studying! If you begin studying three months out, you only truly need to dedicate two hours a day for studying based on the average reported study times mentioned earlier in this article. Likewise, if you begin studying six months out, you need to study one hour a day. A great way to set a consistent study schedule is to take an online exam review course that has an average of two hour class sessions. 

For more FE, PE, and SE exam advice, make sure to check out our Facebook page for weekly tips.

5 Mistakes PE Examinees Make and Tips on How to Avoid Them

Scenario: You walk into your first PE exam. Although you're a little nervous, and perhaps a bit queasy, you still feel like you're ready to dominate the next 8 hours. You've brought a suitcase of your reference materials, brought your brand-new approved calculator that arrived at your doorstep yesterday (perfect timing), and made sure you stayed up until 2 a.m. to ensure that you went over every last detail in your notes before going to sleep. 

About halfway through the exam, you realize that you're starting to lose energy. "How am I going to make it through the next four hours?" you think. You've completed 40 questions, and although you spent around 15 minutes trying to figure out how to do a specific problem on your calculator, you feel like you can't be too behind. Once you only have 30 minutes left in the exam, you start to panic. You have 10 questions left and have no idea how you will have enough time to finish them all. 

                                                                                              _____________________ 

The above scenario is representative of many examinees who made a few vital mistakes during their last-minute exam preparation. 

Are you getting ready to take a PE exam, whether it be a CBT in the next few weeks, or a pencil and paper exam next October? As you prepare, it's important to understand best practices for taking an NCEES exam. As an exam review course provider, we get the chance to talk to many students who have taken the exam before, many who have shared their biggest regrets while taking their chosen PE exam. Whether you are taking the PE exam for the first time or second time, we've listed some of the most common mistakes below. Check them out to ensure that you will avoid them all when taking the PE exam, which will increase the likelihood of you passing! 

Table of Contents

1. Spending too much time on a question

2. Not getting enough sleep

3. Getting caught up in your confidence

4. Packing too many reference materials

5. Not learning how to use your calculator

1. Spending too much time on a question 

Many first-time exam takers of the PE exam may have issues with time management. On a typical PE exam, an examinee is given 8 hours to complete 80 questions. So, each question generally should get 6 minutes dedicated to it. If you find yourself struggling with a question, simply skip it and move on to the next question and come back to that question later. A great way to manage your time is to bring a stopwatch (make sure to turn the sound off) or wristwatch to the exam to keep time with. 

2. Not getting enough sleep 

It's completely understandable that many people want to cram the night before an exam. As tempting as that may sound, staying up too late will be detrimental to your exam performance. If you don't get enough sleep, after a few hours of taking the exam, you'll most likely run out of stamina and will not be able to think clearly as needed. The night before the exam, make sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep. Feel free to look over your notes and reference materials an hour or two before going to bed, as this will help with memory consolidation. 

3. Getting caught up in your confidence 

This tip is extremely important and following it can be a clear line of passing versus failing the PE exam. Even if you were a straight A student in school and have a great grasp on a majority of engineering concepts, taking the time to prepare for each topic that is on NCEES' exam specifications will help refresh things you may have forgotten otherwise. Trust us, if you think you can pass the PE exam without studying, chances are you are wrong. Taking an exam review course that covers every topic is a great strategy to make sure you feel comfortable with every possible topic that may appear on the exam. 

4. Packing too many reference materials 

Yes, NCEES allows you to bring suitcases full of reference materials for pencil and paper exams. Should you do it? Maybe, maybe not. It all truly depends on your organization of your binders and books so that you don't spend valuable time during the exam trying to find something in your reference materials. Our suggestion: print out organized, consolidated notes written by our PE instructors, which will provide you everything you need to reference during the exam. 

5. Not learning how to use your calculator 

We get it- some people have favorite models of calculators which may not be on NCEES' approved calculator list. Make sure to look at the approved list a few months in advance of taking your exam so that you can not only ensure you get an approved model in time, but also so that you can learn how to use that calculator. Not sure where to start when learning how to use a new calculator? Finding a free calculator training tutorial should do the trick!

What is Control Systems Engineering?

Have you ever heard of Control Systems Engineering? The field of Control Systems Engineering is a great, integrated field to go into. You can learn about the field below: 

Table of Contents

1. What is Control Systems Engineering?

2. What Does a Control Systems Engineer Do?

3. What is a typical salary for a Control Systems Engineer?

4. How to Become a Control Systems Engineer

What is Control Systems Engineering? 

Control Systems engineering revolves around the automatic control theory to develop anticipated behaviors in control environments. As this field of engineering greatly overlaps various practices of Electrical Engineering, electrical circuits, microcontrollers, and other electrical tools may be used. 

Control Systems Engineers have a play in many modern technological products, some of which include airplanes and cars. 

What Does a Control Systems Engineer Do? 

The main role of a Control Systems Engineer is to focus greatly on controlling dynamic systems, the systems which constantly change. From the designing, to the developmental stage, these engineers monitor control solutions through the entire creation process. Because of the emphasis on dynamic systems, a Control Systems Engineer must consistently monitor the stability of the system to ensure that everything goes smoothly. 

What is a typical salary for a Control Systems Engineer? 

The annual income for a Control Systems engineer ranges between $60,000 and $117,000. Of course, an engineer's location, prior education, and years of experience can have a big impact on his/her salary. 

How to Become a Control Systems Engineer 

To become a licensed Control Systems Engineer, one must take and pass the Principals and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. This 8-hour exam evaluates an examinee's minimum knowledge needed to excel in the Control Systems industry. The exam includes, but is not limited to, questions regarding the following topics: 

1. Sensors
2. Flow, Level, and Pressure Calculations
3. General Calculations
4. Control Systems Drawing
5. Control Systems Theory
6. Control Systems Implementation
7. Security of Control Systems
8. Valves
9. Pressure Relieving Devices
10. Motor Controls
11. Signals
12. Transmission
13. Networking
14. Safety Systems Documentation
15. Safety Implementation
16. Safety Lifecycle Management

As Control Systems Engineering features many advanced and complicated concepts, taking a PE Control Systems exam review course to assist in PE exam preparation has proven to be successful for many engineers- raising the chance of passing by 15%.

The Importance of Engineering and the Professional Responsibility of an Engineer

Do you ever wonder about the importance of engineering and why engineers need to take and pass the PE exam to become licensed? Or why many states require a licensed engineer to obtain a specific amount of Professional Development Hours (PDHs) on an annual or biannual schedule? 

The answer is simple: an engineer is responsible for keeping the public safe. This concept is common in other professional fields. For example, aspiring doctors must take and pass USMLE, as well as periodically take continuing education classes. The same idea applies to lawyers, nurses, accountants, and veterinarians. 

Think about it: engineers work on many projects that can affect the public-positively if the project is implemented correctly, or negatively if something goes wrong. Engineers work on bridges, buildings, roadways, and even projects that include dangerous chemicals and even petroleum. Ensuring engineers are licensed is a big precaution in keeping the public safe. If an unqualified engineer works on a project, there is a possibility of putting the public in danger. 

When asked about the importance of engineering, the director of reinforcement for the state of Louisiana reported: "The primary purpose of licensing for professional engineers is to protect the public from unqualified individuals." 

How to Comply with Engineering Licensing Requirements 

Becoming a licensed, professional engineer can be broken down into 3 steps: 

Table of Contents

1. Take and Pass the FE Exam

2. Take and Pass the PE Exam

3. Take Continuing Education Courses

Step 1: Take and Pass the FE Exam

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is generally the first step in becoming a professional engineer. There are seven different FE exams one can take: FE Chemical, FE Civil, FE Electrical, FE Environmental, FE Industrial, FE Mechanical, and FE Other (General). The FE exam is typically required to be taken and passed before one applies to take the PE exam. 

Step 2: Take and Pass the PE Exam

The Principle and Practices of Engineering (PE) Exam is the exam that deems whether a candidate can be licensed in the engineering field or not. There are many types of PE exams an aspiring engineer can become licensed in, such as PE Civil, PE Mechanical, PE Environmental, and PE Electrical. Many examinees find success in passing their chosen PE exam after taking a PE exam review course. 

Step 3: Take Continuing Education Courses

Currently, 42 out of 50 states require engineers to obtain a specific amount of PDH credits to maintain an active engineering license. Although state requirements differ, many states accept webinars and active online courses for credit. To learn about your state's license renewal requirements, click here.

7 Common Engineering Interview Questions

Last month, you received a notification that you passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Excited and relieved that you pulled off something so difficult during your senior year of undergraduate college, the first step you took as an engineer in training was to apply to as many jobs as you could. 

Fast forward a few weeks. Now, you're sitting in the lobby of one of six engineering firms who have given you a call back. This is your first interview. The secretary already asked you if you wanted water to drink and you immediately declined, too nervous to even think about anything other than the upcoming interview. As you periodically glance at the ticking clock on the wall, you start to run through your personal interview list in your head. 

• Resume- check. 
• Letters of recommendation- check. 
• Suit jacket buttoned- check. 
• Job description- check. 
• Prepared answers to expected job questions- wait... 

You freeze. You can't believe it- you forgot to look up common engineering interview questions to practice with. How will you know what questions will be asked? ____ 

Do you have an engineering interview coming up! Great! 

Although interviews can be really nerve-wracking, sufficiently preparing for interviews before-hand can make, rather than break, your success. 

One of the best things you can do is research a list of common engineering interview questions. Write down those interview questions that you see repeatedly come up and jot down your answers to those questions. Practice reciting your answers with a family member, friend, or even with just yourself in the mirror to perfect your responses to your liking and satisfaction. 

Not sure where to start in your search for common engineering interview questions? To help you out, we've compiled a list of some of the most popular interview questions below: 

1. What engineering software are you familiar with? 
2. How do you ensure that you stay up to date with the latest engineering technology? 
3. What attributes make you a valuable engineer? 
4. Tell me about a time that you used logic to solve a difficult problem. 
5. What was the most challenging thing for you during college, and how did you overcome it? 
6. What would be your approach in dealing with a difficult client? 
7. What are your goals for your career? 

The list can go on and on, but the above questions are great base questions to build upon in preparing for your next interview. 

One last interview tip: always accept water during an interview as having a dry mouth during an interview can make it much harder to speak clearly.

Good Luck!

Avoiding Exam Anxiety: FE, PE, and SE Prep Tips and Tricks

If you are preparing for an exam, you may have a good understanding of what pre-exam anxiety feels like. Studying for an exam can be extremely nerve-wracking, but it doesn't have to be! By ensuring you treat your body right by staying in shape and watching what you consume, many factors that cause anxiety can be avoided. We've listed some of our favorite tips and tricks to avoid FE, PE, or SE exam anxiety below: 

Table of Contents

1. Exercise

2. Eat Anxiety-Fighting Foods

3. Decrease Caffeine Consumption

4. Sign Up for an Online Class or Tutoring Sessions

1. Exercise

We get it-it's sometimes hard to get motivated enough to exercise regularly. However, exercise can help you decrease your anxiety in various ways. One way, for example, is consistently exercising-a jog around the block, going to the gym, or doing a cardio workout in your living room. When you exercise, your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, lowers. Your body also releases endorphins when you exercise. Endorphins are hormones that help regulate a positive mood. If studying for the FE, PE, or SE exam is exhausting, a nice workout session will help put you in a better mood!

Bonus fun fact: Research shows that cardio workouts increase activity in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that consolidates memory.

2. Eat Anxiety-Fighting Foods

... And by "anxiety-fighting foods," we aren't referencing chocolate, ice cream, or any other sweet foods we get cravings for when we're down. Although sweets are the ultimate "comfort" food, they typically don't help physiologically with reducing stress or anxiety. 

What we really mean are foods that help regulate brain chemicals, hormones, and generally make you feel good. Check out some of our favorite food picks below: 

1. Salmon: This protein contains docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. Both of these omega-3 fatty acids regulate neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which help you relax and stay calm.ⁱ 

2. Yogurt: This dairy product has been shown to promote overall mental health. It is believed to do so by inhibiting free radicals and neurotoxins, "which can damage nerve tissue in the brain and lead to anxiety"ii

3. Blueberries: This fruit contains a very high amount of vitamin C and flavonoids antioxidants, both of which have shown to reduce anxiety in numerous scientific studies.ⁱⁱⁱ 

3. Decrease Caffeine Consumption

We all (or, well most of us) love a good cup of coffee. While some people enjoy the ritual of drinking a hot, steaming cup of coffee in the morning to begin their day, other people sip on multiple cups of coffee throughout the day.

Even though coffee provides a power-boost, it actually can be detrimental for emotional health. When a caffeinated beverage is consumed, such as coffee, a lot of things happen such as an increase of heart rate, an increase of blood pressure, and increase the secretion of stress hormones (hence the connection to anxiety). Within the actual brain itself, caffeine "hinders the calming neurotransmitter GABA, which puts the brain activity on hold when needed. GABA is married to happiness and relaxation, so it's no surprise that having a low GABA level can lead to anxiety and panic attacks."iv

4. Sign Up for an Online Class or Tutoring Sessions

Studying for a big exam, especially one that will have a big impact on your career such as the FE, PE, or SE exam, is stressful to begin with. Did you know that there are resources out there to help you study for NCEES exams? From online classes to online tutoring sessions, having another individual help you through difficult engineering concepts will help decrease anxiety and increase your overall confidence and of course, will help you pass your FE, PE, or SE exam! 

References

i. Bjarnadottir, A. (n.d.). DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid): A Detailed Review. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ dha-docosahexaenoic-acid

ii. Kim, B., Hong, V. M., Yang, J., Hyun, H., Im, J. J., Hwang, J., .. Kim, J. E. (2016). A Review of Fermented Foods with Beneficial Effects on Brain and Cognitive Function. Preventive nutrition and food science, 21(4), 297-309. doi:10.3746/pnf.2016.21.4.297 

iii. Xu, Y., Wang, C., Klabnik, J. J., & O'Donnell, J. M. (2014). Novel therapeutic targets in depression and anxiety: antioxidants as a candidate treatment. Current neuropharmacology, 12(2), 108-119. doi:10.2174/1570159X11666131120231448

iv. This Is Why Coffee Makes You Anxious And How To Stop It. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.deathwishcoffee.com/ blogs/news/caffeine-and-anxiety

Risk Management in Engineering

An example of Why Risk Management is Important in Engineering 

You were granted your first project as an engineer. Excited and confident in your project planning abilities, you get to work on developing plans that a client requested. A few months out, you realize your project is behind schedule and forecasting to be slightly over budget. You are also having issues keeping enough people on your crew to complete the job at the projected pace. Your client is not happy. Did you consider any risk when starting on this project? 

What is Risk Management 

Risk management is a process within project management that includes identifying certain risks a project may have. When threats are identified, they are analyzed on how they can impact a project. There are many factors that can be considered risky for a project, especially in engineering, but the main and most recognizable risks include costs, legal liabilities, and going over a projected schedule. 

There are five main steps in risk management: planning, identifying, analyzing, developing response strategies, and monitoring and control. 

Different Types of Risk Management In Engineering 

In engineering, there are many risk factors one must take into consideration when planning or working on a project, such as: 

1.  Surpassing cost budgets 
2.  Not meeting deadlines on planned schedule 
3.  Funding is decreased or removed 
4.  Regulations Change 
5.  Outsourced parties do not perform up to expectations 
6.  Parts do not show up on time 
7.  Loss of project staff 
8.  Chance of accidents and injuries 

As it's an engineer's duty to keep the public safe, risk management is not something that should be ignored when working on a project. It is always important to stay ahead of a possible risk and be proactive instead of reactive. By planning for possible risks and determining a plan for if those risks do appear viable, the risk should not pose as large of a threat as if it was not thought of prior. 

"Projects are usually undertaken to either solve a problem or take advantage of an opportunity. The probability that the project- even if precisely executed- will complete on time, on budget, and on performance is typically small. Project management is utilized to increase this probability. So in a sense, project management is risk management."                                                                                                                                                                                                      -Bruce Pittman