Haichuan ‘Peter’ Deng, KPFF Consulting Engineers
2019 Award Recipient
Nominated by the American Society of Civil Engineers
Haichuan “Peter” Deng
KPFF Consulting Engineers
Haichuan ‘Peter’ Deng, KPFF Consulting Engineers, has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Kenneth W. Porter Award in recognition of his many contributions to the education of K-12 students by showing them the exciting opportunities available in engineering. A structural design engineer, he has been involved in a wide spectrum of projects ranging from large multi-building properties in residential, commercial, health care, and transportation sectors to smaller educational, tribal, tenant improvement, and site structures.
Post-graduation, he has spent much of his time mentoring students and promoting civil engineering to them. Some of his more prominent K-12 outreach projects include hosting the annual Popsicle Stick Bridge competition, mentoring students through the Architecture/Construction/Engineering (ACE) mentoring program, hosting multiple STEM After School Academies through the Washington Alliance for Better Schools (WABS), and participating in local high school college and career days. The annual Popsicle Stick Bridge competition is for high school students who design and construct bridges made of popsicle sticks. The student-constructed bridges are load-tested during a competition held at the Museum of Flight. The ACE mentoring program engages professionals in the construction industry with high school students to work through a design project through the schematic design phase. WABS organizes an afterschool program for elementary and middle school students on STEM topics. The program is conducted by engineer volunteers. Peter organized and taught classes on bio-mechanical engineering, earthquake engineering, and stormwater engineering.
He serves as an outstanding role model for young students who are trying to find a path in STEM education. He motivates others by illuminating the potential to make an impact as an engineer.