For Alysa Johnson, it’s all about connecting. Connecting with fellow engineers. Connecting with others outside her industry. Connecting with college students. Connecting with kids.
As the President of the American Society of Civil Engineering’s (ASCE) Minnesota Chapter, Alysa has forged many meaningful connections at every step along her path to her current role. She finds that being part of a professional organization is worthwhile and rewarding.
Reaching the Next Generation
Since her first experience in the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at North Dakota State University (NDSU), Alysa has always gravitated to outreach opportunities in professional organizations.
“One of my passions is reaching out to younger kids – girls and boys – getting them involved in the science and engineering field. I think it’s great when kids start to learn early that STEM is an option for them, and anybody can do it.”
Alysa Johnson, PE, SRF Civil Design Lead
Alysa has contributed many outreach activities at ASCE, like Build ‘em and Bust ‘em or judging for a special award at the Future City Competition. Both events target middle-school aged students who get an opportunity learn about engineering in-depth, and then design and build models of structures and even whole cities.
At Build ‘em and Bust ‘em, college students also give the students a campus tour, which is one of the highlights of the day.
“We try to offer this opportunity at a time when they are able to see what life is like in a college setting for students that aren’t that much older than themselves,” Alysa explains.
Why ASCE?
In 2012, when she graduated from NDSU and began her career in SRF’s Civil Design group, Alysa was originally attracted to ASCE because its membership spans all the disciplines of civil engineering – transportation, structural, environmental, geotechnical, water resources, and construction. As the engineering industry continues to evolve, that variety provides unique opportunities to expand each other’s knowledge and expertise.
Alysa has also found many leadership opportunities at ASCE. She started out as the chair of the Young Members Group (YMG) and moved on to the YMG President, Director of Outreach & Membership, Treasurer, President Elect, and now this year’s President.
Through her work with ASCE, Alysa has also become an ambassador for SRF, both from a recruiting perspective and a business development perspective. She has personally introduced people she has met through ASCE to engineers at SRF who otherwise wouldn’t have made that connection.
One of ASCE’s most impactful tools is the Minnesota Infrastructure Report Card. This helps ASCE members effectively start a conversation with Minnesota residents, businesses, and policymakers about the future of the state’s infrastructure. According to Alysa, “The report card is a way for us as an organization to stay in front of legislative decisions that would help our industry.”
What’s Next?
After Alysa’s 2023-2024 presidential term wraps up this October, she looks forward to continuing her work with the ASCE as the 2024-2025 Past President and the ongoing opportunities to influence the industry she is so passionate about.
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Alysa Johnson has 11 years of experience in SRF’s Civil Design group. Her expertise includes designing all stages of multidisciplinary projects, from preliminary design through construction administration, and coordinating with public and private agencies and utility companies. She has also led several road/trail feasibility studies along with concept alternatives and associated cost estimating.