New Faces of ASABE 2010

ASABE salutes all those who have newly entered the profession, and especially these sixteen individuals below, nominated to be ASABE's New Faces of Engineering for 2010. These individuals have distinguished themselves with outstanding achievements that serve as inspiration to their peers and to the future engineers who will follow in their footsteps.

Five of these individuals will be honored by Engineers Week in the national "New Faces of Engineering" campaign. Watch www.eweek.org during Engineers Week 2010, February 14-20, for the announcement.

Joe Biggerstaff, BS
CNH
Wichita, Kansas

There may be uncertainty in the current economy, but there’s no uncertainty in Joe Biggerstaff’s value to the agricultural machinery industry. In his young career Joe has made contributions to his company that have earned him rewards and increased responsibility. During the Tier 3 engine launch for Case New Holland skid steer loaders, Joe was responsible for assisting in the launch of six new models of Case skid steer loaders and compact track loaders, an assignment that involved everything from drawing releases and prototype builds, to production assembly builds. His current project is a loader arm design for a ground-up skid steer loader development project

Joe arrived at CNH with numerous accomplishments to his credit. He was a member of the winning teams in both the 2006 AGCO Student Design Competition and also the ASABE International ¼-Scale Tractor Student Design competition in 2004-2005. In addition, he was a part of the research team that developed the Greenseeker variable rate sprayer, the success of which led to the launch of a company called NTech Industries.

Joe holds a B.S. in biosystems and agricultural engineering from Oklahoma State University. He has been a member of ASABE since 2002.

Mark Bowers, BS
John Deere Harvester Works
East Moline, Illinois

It’s not just automobile manufacturers who are concerned about vehicle emissions and air quality: agricultural equipment companies also share the goal of lower engine emissions. Engineers like Mark Bowers are helping companies meet that goal. Bowers helped ensure that John Deere combines met the new government regulations for cleaner diesel emissions. Since joining John Deere Harvester Works, Mark has worked as a research and development engineer, focusing his time on the development of the Tier 3 engine program in combine harvester applications. In this role, he verified cooling package performance, engine power, and overall system performance in both the lab and field environments throughout North America, South America, and Europe.

Outside of work, Mark stays very active in ASABE, at both the national and local levels. Through the Quad City Section, he helped promote engineering by supporting several local high school student groups in engineering and science competitions and by supporting an agriculture display at a local children’s museum.

Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and biological engineering from Purdue University. He joined ASABE in 1999.

Chad Daniel, BS, EIT
Sauer-Danfoss
Ankeny, Iowa

The success of Chad Daniel’s career may lie in his willingness to combine his strong technical skills with an understanding of the non-technical issues associated with product development. Chad is a member of the Advanced System Engineering group at Sauer-Danfoss, a producer of engineered systems and components for off-road vehicles. In one recent project, Chad worked with a supplier in Denmark and helped coordinate and monitor the development of a performance-critical part. In that project, air pressure, speed capability, noise and vibration were key technical considerations, but packaging and cost were also crucial to the project’s success. Marketing was also an integral component, and Chad served as the engineering interface to marketing.

Chad continues to augment his technical expertise with the development of “soft skills.” He has participated in the Sauer-Danfoss “Living Excellence and Performance” program, which develops participants to take on leadership roles and contribute to Sauer-Danfoss' future and the company's success.

Chad holds a B.S. in agricultural engineering from Iowa State University and is working on a master’s degree. He has been an ASABE member since 2003.

Amy Dessner, BS, PE
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Rochester, Minnesota

In August 2007, southeastern Minnesota experienced a rare rain event that destroyed communities and caused widespread erosion. Amy Dessner met the disaster head-on with engineering assistance to stabilize the massive landslides that were threatening homes and businesses. Her extra work hours were offset by the satisfaction of restoring health to communities and streams.

Going the extra mile is nothing new to Amy, who has assisted landowners and local governments through her position with the NRCS. Her skills and strong work ethic have been applied in survey, design, and construction oversight for flood control dams, agricultural waste management systems, streambank stabilization, wetland restoration projects, and more. Amy works in the Driftless Area, characterized by complex topographical and geologic conditions that require bypassing conventional methods to develop designs that provide both structural and environmental stability. Her expertise led to an appointment on a committee to investigate a dam failure and plan its rehabilitation, and she enjoyed recognition for her work in the book Changing Our World – True Stories of Women Engineers (ASCE, 2006).

Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville. She has been a member of ASABE since 2006.

Courtney Fisk, MS
University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research
Lexington, Kentucky

The world of biology holds the promise of viable solutions to our energy needs, and engineers like Courtney Fisk are turning those promises into renewable-fuel reality. At the University of Kentucky’s Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER), Courtney has been involved in a variety of projects aimed at unlocking the energy potential of bio-based products, like plant oils, biomass, and algae, and she has been directly involved in designing reactors for converting those products into fuels. She was also responsible for designing a new greenhouse that serves as the laboratory space for the center’s algae research currently underway.

Courtney holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in biosystems and agricultural engineering from the University of Kentucky, where she’s now pursuing an MBA. Within ASABE she has served as a student officer and participated in activities that support young engineers and engineering students. She has been a member of ASABE since 2002.

Nate Green, MS, EIT
E & J Gallo Winery
Modesto, California

Whether for our convenience, preference, or safety, most of the food we enjoy requires some measure of processing. Engineers like Nate Green ensure those processes result in food that is safe, nutritious, and affordable.

Since graduation Nate Green has been employed in the food industry, at E & J Gallo Winery, and previously at Diamond Foods Inc, as a design engineer and project manager. The projects he has worked on include the design and installation of equipment for bottling wine and processing and packaging snack foods, like California almonds. He has also worked with other engineers to address worker safety issues and regulatory compliance. These accomplishments have resulted in increased plant capacity and efficiency. He has done this while maintaining a safe and positive work environment. His efforts enable his employer to remain competitive in the marketplace, and they help ensure affordability to the consumer.

Nate holds a bachelor of science degree in bioresource and agricultural engineering and also a master’s degree in engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He has been a member of ASABE since 2000.

Thomas Hefferan, BS, EIT
Eli Lilly
Carolina, Puerto Rico

Since joining Lilly in 2006, Tom has largely focused on leading projects to reduce process cycle time and waste from a large-scale fermentation and purification biotech process. As a Six Sigma Green Belt, Tom has supported or led six projects, which resulted in throughput rate increases and a reduction of more than 1.2 million gallons of water per year from the plant’s automated cleaning process. Because the systems he oversees are used weekly by more than 100 operators, Tom is continuously looking for opportunities to reduce human errors and improve process understanding through the development of training programs and equipment monitoring tools. Tools such as color-coded drawings, instrument history data collection tools, and equipment scheduling programs have all significantly increased the technical understanding and transparency of the equipment operation, while reducing human error–related non-conformances.

Tom obtained a bachelor of science in biosystems engineering from Michigan State University. He joined ASABE in 2002.

Jacob Holl, BS
Weasler Engineering
West Bend, Wisconsin

Jacob Holl credits his engineering background with his success as a technical expert, salesperson and project leader. Upon graduation from college, he joined Weasler Engineering as an applications engineer, assisting in the development of power transmission products that help customers maximize the efficiency of their applications for agricultural and lawn and turf markets. Very quickly, his experience in engineering and technical assistance was put to good use in educating existing and new customers about Weasler’s innovative products.

The combination of technical and sales experience has greatly expanded his overall product knowledge and contributed to his professional and personal development. As a result, Jacob has helped the company expand its customer base, earning himself career promotions along the way.

Jacob holds a bachelor of science degree in biosystems engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He has been a member of ASABE since 1998, serving as secretary-treasurer of the Wisconsin Section for two years.

Candice Johnson, BS, EIT
John Deere Intelligent Vehicle Systems
Urbandale, Iowa

How can we produce food and other life necessities on a scale that supports our rapidly expanding world population? And how can we do so without degrading our limited natural resources? Engineers like Candice Johnson are hard at work on those problems.

Candice’s career has allowed her to combine an interest in sustainable food production with a talent for optimizing agricultural and manufacturing operations. In her current role at John Deere, she is helping to expand the capabilities of Deere’s GreenstarTM precision-agriculture products, which provide farmers the ability to make highly informed crop-management decisions. In previous positions at Deere, Candice has helped improve the manufacturing process by optimizing the layout and ergonomics of assembly lines.

Candice also supports other young engineers in their career development, lending generous time to student and young-professional activities within ASABE. As a student at Oklahoma State University, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in biosystems engineering, Candice took an active role in the university’s ¼-Scale Tractor team.

Candice joined ASABE in 2000.

Andy Lenkaitis, MS, EIT
GEA Farm Technologies
Naperville, Illinois

An improved environment for livestock animals is the mission of Andy Lenkaitis. After completing his master’s thesis, which quantified the environment pigs experience on the journey between a farm and a processing plant, Andy joined GEA Farm Technologies. His projects have included an evaluation of an innovative way to purify milk fed to dairy calves and improving the operation of automatic manure collection and transfer systems across the country. Andy works alongside agricultural equipment dealers to develop producer relationships. He managed a sales area of $7 million in 2009 and regularly gives presentations on new technology and equipment. In addition, he designs, sells and evaluates proper manure equipment for efficient waste management systems on livestock operations, as well as finds new market channels for manure handling equipment.

Andy holds a master’s degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Illinois, where he also earned bachelor’s degrees in agricultural engineering and agricultural sciences. At U of I, he was an officer in the ASABE student club and a member of the ¼-scale tractor design team. He has also been involved in ASABE Preprofessional and Young Professional activities, as well as the Chicago Section and several technical committees. He joined ASABE in 2002.

Ian Radtke, MS, EIT
Caterpillar
Peoria, Illinois

Engineers who can help increase efficiency and reliability are major assets to manufacturing companies. Since graduation, Ian Radtke’s role as a transmission design and controls engineer has greatly increased the resistance to contamination and the shift quality of Caterpillar’s wheel loader transmissions. His work in optimizing control oil routing and clutch modulation strategy, combined with pursuance of next-generation powertrain solutions to provide significantly better fuel economy in wheel loader applications, have made him a valuable member of Caterpillar’s design team.

Since 2005 Ian has also volunteered his time as a committee member on the International ¼-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition organizing committee. During this time he has held the office of secretary, served as tech inspector, as well as member of the P-126 Rules sub-committee.

Ian holds a BS in biosystems engineering from Michigan State University and an MS in agricultural and biological engineering from Purdue University. He has been a member of ASABE since 2001.

Patrick Uhlenhake, BS
John Deere Horicon Works
Horicon, Wisconsin

Pat Uhlenhake is proud to be helping produce safe and reliable vehicles for John Deere customers. At Deere’s Horicon Works, Pat has developed his skills as a lab test engineer to create and perform tests that fulfill the needs of John Deere product development teams. His work in the fatigue and component strength lab helped those teams verify initial designs prior to field testing. When component problems arose, Pat’s assistance in identifying and fixing them helped keep factory assembly lines running. His work in field data acquisition is critical to verifying the performance and safety of Deere’s Gator utility vehicles.

Pat received a bachelor of science in agricultural engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he was a member of the ¼-Scale Tractor team. He joined ASABE in 1998 and has been involved in Wisconsin Section activities.

Jason Ward, MS, EIT
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi

Jason Ward is a strong believer in the mission of the cooperative extension system and wants to ensure that producers have access to the most accurate and timely information possible. After graduation from the University of Kentucky, Jason worked with the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s National Soil Dynamics Laboratory, in the conservation Systems Research Unit, in Auburn, Alabama. Among other endeavors, he studied the effects of conservation systems on soil properties and crop productivity. In 2008, Jason began work as an extension associate at Mississippi State University in the department of agricultural and biological engineering. Jason focuses on precision agriculture and grain storage in support of Mississippi’s producers.

Jason holds bachelor’s and master’s of science degrees in biosystems and agricultural engineering from the University of Kentucky. He is now pursuing a PhD in biological engineering at Mississippi State in the area of grain and biomass storage issues. Jason joined ASABE in 2002 and currently serves on committees for extension and precision agriculture.

Steven White, MS, EIT
Kuehl & Payer, Ltd.
Aurelia, Iowa

As a consulting engineer for a civil and agricultural engineering firm, Steven White is in a unique position to help his clients optimize their operations while acting as responsible stewards of the environment. After graduating from Iowa State University in 2007, Steven went to work for the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Permitting Unit at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. He used his engineering skills to evaluate permit applications to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. In 2008, Steven changed roles from regulatory to planning, design and construction when he started working for Kuehl and Payer, Ltd., a consulting engineering firm located in Storm Lake, Iowa. Steven works with clients on a variety of projects ranging from animal confinements, stormwater management, soil and water conservation, and solid waste management. His work has involved assisting livestock producers with the planning, layout and design of swine and turkey feeding operations, and also developing pollution prevention plans required for stormwater runoff.

Steven holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural engineering from Iowa State University and has been a member of ASABE since 2001.

Erika Williams, BS
John Deere Des Moines Works
Ankeny, Iowa

Test engineers play a pivotal role in product development, helping safeguard the significant investment manufacturers make in bringing a product to market. Erika Williams started her career with John Deere as a test engineer, verifying and validating the performance of tillage, cotton harvesting, and self-propelled sprayer equipment. Her major role was to develop laboratory, structural and durability test plans to enhance overall operation and the customer’s experience. Her efforts led to a 72% reliability improvement over a two-year period. Erika used this experience as she moved into design of tillage ground-engaging tools and current product implements, working on designs to improve productivity and value to the customer. As a senior engineer, she led a cross-functional, multi-unit team to provide a major service part cost reduction project for the tillage business, while maintaining the value and performance for the customer. Erika currently serves as a “Process Pro” for the factory, splitting her time between overall business-improvement efforts and working with new product development and providing innovative, robust designs to customers.

Erika holds a bachelor of science degree in agricultural and biological systems engineering from North Dakota State University. She joined ASABE in 2001.

Kevin Wright, BS, CFM
Suwanee River Water Management Dristrict
Live Oak, Florida

With a greater concentration of springs than anywhere else in the world, the Suwannee River Water Management District needs engineers like Kevin Wright to ensure the District can cope not only with its drinking water and wastewater needs, but also with problems like flooding. Kevin was hired by the District to review land development permits, which consider stormwater runoff quality and flooding potential. He later became the project coordinator for the District’s efforts with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Map Modernization Program, managing a budget of over $4.2 million. While working with FEMA, Kevin helped develop several website applications, which enable residents to view floodzone maps, determine flood elevations and answer common questions about the National Flood Insurance Program. Kevin is now concentrating on water use permitting, water supply planning, and the formation of the Nature Coast Regional Water Authority, which will provide four municipalities and two counties with drinking water and wastewater systems.

A member of ASABE since 2004, Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and biological engineering from the University of Florida, where he is pursuing a master’s of engineering and where as an undergraduate he served as president of the ASABE student chapter.