Government Civil Engineer Award
This award is conferred upon a subscribing member of the Texas Section, employed by a governmental organization, for meritorious service to the Texas Section and one or more of the Section’s Branches.
2025 Government Civil Engineer Award Recipient
Genest Landry PE, PMP | City of Austin
Genest Landry is an Assistant Director in the Capital Delivery Services Department at the City of Austin. She oversees a group of dedicated project and construction management professionals responsible for the designing and constructing infrastructure that keeps Austin thriving. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Master of Science in Structural Engineering from the University of Texas. Genest began her career in transportation engineering, specializing in bridge design and transportation project management before transitioning to the public sector. There, she can employ her passion for public service with her ability to drill down into project details to deliver projects that keep Austin thriving.
Throughout her career, Genest has been a strong advocate for STEM fields, working as a volunteer and mentor with organizations such as the University of Texas, GirlStart and ASCE. She has been actively involved in the Austin Branch and Texas Section of ASCE since 2014. She has held multiple positions on the board of the Austin Branch and is now serving as the Vice President of Educational Affairs for the Texas Section. Genest believes that making a difference requires actively showing up. In addition to her advocacy in engineering, she serves on the board of her local neighborhood association, volunteers for Austin Pets Alive!, and has served as a youth mentor with Explore Austin.
When not working or volunteering, Genest can be found spending time outdoors with her husband, two children, and foster dogs.
Professional Service to Students Award
The Texas Section established this award in 1999. This award is conferred upon a subscribing member of the Texas Section for meritorious service to the Texas Section through service to one or more of the ASCE Student Chapters in Texas and/or service during the Regional Student Conference.
2025 Professional Service to Students Award Recipient
Eva Reynal PE | BGE, Inc.
Eva Reynal, PE is an Engineer in the Transportation Systems Department at BGE, Inc, with six years of experience in hydraulics and hydrology across Houston and surrounding areas. Eva graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor’s degree (2019) and Master of Science degree (2021) in Civil Engineering.
Eva has been active in ASCE since college, having served in multiple roles at the student chapter level. She has served on the ASCE Texas Section Student Activities Committee since 2016, and chaired the committee from 2022-2025. Eva oversaw the coordination of student chapters hosting and participating in the annual Region 6 Student Symposium, and helped integrate its recent transition to the Frontier Student Symposium. She also established monthly student and advisor calls within Region 6, providing training to chapters, and helping to keep them connected to the Sections and Region. Eva is also a corresponding member of the Committee on Student Conferences and Competitions, where she supports other student chapters in planning symposia. She was invited to participate on the Student Support Summit Committee, where she was a member of the Implementation-team and contributed to the success of the Summit.
Outside of work, Eva and her husband Wesley enjoy participating in community events. As members of the Saint Arnold Bike Team, they’ve fundraised for and ridden in the Texas MS150 and the Galveston Bay Foundation’s Bike Around the Bay.
History & Heritage Award
This award is presented to an individual or Branch for making special contributions to recording and/or recognizing the history and heritage of civil engineering in Texas.
2025 History & Heritage Award Recipient
Edward Penton PE | Jacobs
Ed Penton is a lifelong resident of Dallas, Texas, and a civil engineer with a career grounded in technical expertise, historical preservation, and leadership. He currently serves as a People Leader at Jacobs, where he supports engineering teams through mentorship, project guidance, and a focus on collaboration, accountability, and long-term professional growth.
He has been an active member of ASCE for many years. Within the Dallas Branch, he has held several leadership roles, including President, and now serves as the History and Heritage Chair. In this role, he works to document and promote the legacy of civil engineering in the region, highlighting the contributions of past projects and professionals. His efforts include organizing historical displays, supporting landmark recognition, and encouraging member engagement with local engineering history. At the state level, Ed served as Vice President – Technical for the Texas Section ASCE, where he helped develop programs that connect engineering practice with historical awareness and technical advancement.
Ed values the importance of inclusion in the profession and believes that preserving history involves recognizing the diverse individuals and communities that shape the built environment. His approach to leadership emphasizes respect, shared purpose, and long-term impact across generations.
He is supported by his wife, Michelle Wurtz Penton, an archaeologist whose work complements Ed’s interest in cultural and historical preservation. Together, they share a commitment to protecting the stories and structures that define communities.
Ed Penton is greatly humbled to be recognized with the History and Heritage Award, honoring his contributions to preserving engineering history and promoting its relevance to future generations.
Professional Service Award
This award is conferred upon subscribing members of the Texas Section for meritorious service to the Texas Section and to one or more of the Section’s Branches.
2025 Professional Service Award Recipient
Julia Clarke PE, F.ASCE | Raba Kitsner
Julia P. Clarke, P.E., F.ASCE, is an Associate, Geotechnical Department Leader at Raba Kistner, Inc. She manages the Houston Engineering Department, supervising staff members, including project managers and engineering professionals. She maintains client relationships to procure geotechnical engineering services. Julia provides training and mentoring opportunities for young engineering professionals by developing technical training videos and creating the Professional Development Series program.
Julia has been an active leader in the Houston Area and the State of Texas throughout her career. She served as the 2023-2024 Vice President for Educational Affairs for the ASCE Texas Section. Julia promoted STEM education and programs for future Civil Engineers, engineering students, and young engineering professionals. She served as the 2016-2017 Vice President Technical, 2017-2018 Vice President Administration, 2018-2019 President Elect, 2019-2020 President, and 2020-2021 Past President for the ASCE Houston Branch. During her Presidency, Julia participated in an interview entitled, “Meet a Local Leader in Engineering Supporting STEM Education for Houston Girls,” for the Houston Life TV Show. She expressed her passion for attracting young women to pursue STEM careers. Julia received the 2023 Award of Honor for her dedicated service to the ASCE Houston Branch. In September 2024, she was elected to Fellow Member of ASCE.
Julia is a Life Member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and served as the 2014-2015 President of the SWE Houston Area Section. She received the 2024 SWE Distinguished Engineer Award for demonstrating professional excellence in engineering, engineering management, and leadership in SWE.
She received an MS in Civil Engineering from Purdue University and a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of South Florida.
Service to the People Award
The Service to People Award is presented to an engineer, not necessarily a member of the Texas Section, who has distinguished themselves with special service to people. The award recognizes engineers who bring credit to the profession through community activities that are visible to the public.
2025 Service to the People Award Recipient
Ron Reichert| AmeriTex
Ron Reichert earned his BS in Civil Engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia. Numerous jobs and adventures across the country led Ron to Texas where he became heavily involved in ASCE. He has served as Texas Section VP Technical, as chair of or member of CECON/Texas Section conference planning committees 14 times and has participated in dozens of events and committees at multiple branches. Ron was the 2010 recipient of the Houston Branch Award of Honor, the 2012 recipient of the Texas Section Professional Service Award, and the 2024 Houston Branch Presidential Medal of Merit. Ron and AmeriTex are members of and/or sponsors of 8 ASCE Branches and have provided over 2,200 sponsorships for students from 11 different schools to attend ASCE Branch meetings, CECON, or Symposium. Ron is active in multiple chapters of APWA, SAME, AGC, and ASHE, and is a Board member of IAI. Additionally, Ron serves on and participates in multiple standards and specifications committees at ASTM and AASHTO and provides educational seminars to over 1,000 engineers annually. Currently, Ron is a member of the Houston Branch Technical Committee and serves as Practitioner Advisor to Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M. Ron is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and currently resides in The Woodlands.
John A. Focht Jr. Citizen Engineer Award
This award was established by the Texas Section in 1990 to recognize the outstanding and continued dedication of a member through their leadership and service to the community, thereby becoming a better citizen engineer.
2025 John A. Focht Jr. Citizen Engineer Award Recipient
Glenn Goldstein PE, PMP, PMI-RMP | Foresight
Glenn A. Goldstein, PE, PMP, PMI-RMP is the Risk Management Technical Director at Foresight. He serves as Risk Manager for the AUS Airport Expansion and Development Program (AEDP) and is developing risk management standards for the City of Austin’s Project Controls Division.
Glenn began his ASCE journey as an undergraduate on the student steel bridge team. Since moving to Texas, he has been active in the Austin Branch serving in leadership roles for over 12 years, including Branch President, and now as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee. At the Texas Section level, he served as Section Treasurer, Sponsorship Chair for CECON, and participated in legislative advocacy at both the state and national levels. He is also a member of ASCE’s Community of Practice on Risk Management.
Glenn earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with Honors from Georgia Tech where he was a member of the swimming team serving as captain in his senior year. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Structural Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
Outside of work, Glenn enjoys outdoor activities and playing in the Underwater Torpedo League (UTL). He is active in civic organizations, having served as a Toastmasters International Club President, Assistant Cub Scout Den Leader and Pack Treasurer, and youth sports coach. Glenn and his wife, Beth, have two children, Ella (14) and Liam (11), and a dachshund named Astro. Their family fosters dogs and has helped more than 15 displaced labradors and dachshunds find new homes. A native Floridian, Glenn has called Texas home for over 25 years
Award of Honor
The Texas Section established the Award of Honor to present to a limited number of members. It recognizes service to the Texas Section and outstanding professional achievement in civil engineering.
2025 Award of Honor Recipient
Sean Merrell PE, PTOE | BGE, Inc.
Sean P. Merrell, PE, PTOE, RAS is an associate with BGE, Inc. where he serves as a director leading their North Texas traffic engineering practice. Sean brings over 25 years of signal design, signal timing, pedestrian accessibility, and ITS experience. He has previously been honored as the ASCE Dallas Branch Engineer of the Year and the Edmund Friedman Young Engineer of the Year at both the National and Houston Branch levels. Sean has served ASCE for over 27 years in numerous positions including 2 terms as Region 6 Governor, Texas Section President, Dallas Branch President, Texas A&M Student Chapter President and is currently the ASCE Region 6 Director on the Global Board.
Sean is currently giving back to his community by serving on the Frisco Planning & Zoning Commission and recently served on the City of Frisco and the Collin County Bond Committees, the City of Frisco Parks and Recreation Board, and the City of Frisco Charter Review Committee. He enjoys his time molding teenagers into young men while serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster over many years, and while being a leader and mentor supporting ASCE student activities and Symposium competitions across the country.
Sean received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineer degrees in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. He lives in Frisco with his very understanding wife Elizabeth of 32 years, their 16-year-old son Declan, 2 dogs and 12 fish.
Young Civil Engineer Award
This award is conferred to a subscribing member of ASCE by the Texas Section to recognize an individual’s professional contributions of Younger Members through their Section, Section Institute Chapter(s), or Section Branch(es) upon recommendations of the Honors Committee. Candidates for the Young Civil Engineer Award must demonstrate significant professional achievement, assessed through their:
- Contributions to advancing the engineering profession.
- Technical competence, exemplary character, and integrity.
- Leadership in guiding younger members.
- Contributions to public service beyond their career.
- Other meritorious evidence recognized by the Honors Committee.
2025 Young Civil Engineer Award Recipient
Gilbert Portillo PE | Houston Public Works
Gilbert currently serves as a Managing Engineer for Houston Public Works, bringing over a decade of experience in civil engineering and public infrastructure management. He oversees several key sections within the City Engineer’s Office, including water and wastewater infrastructure, facilities, telecommunications, and right-of-way permitting. His leadership supports the efficient operation and continued growth of Houston’s public works systems.
He is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Texas and holds the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) designation, reflecting his expertise in flood risk management and infrastructure resilience. Gilbert earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. Hook ’em Horns!
An active member of the engineering community, Gilbert has served on the Houston Branch Board of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) since 2023. He currently serves as Technical Vice President, overseeing the branch’s technical programming, and will assume the role of Treasurer in October. His previous leadership positions include Student Chapters Chair, Practitioner Advisor, Mentorship Committee Member, and Education Vice President. He also volunteers as a judge for the Region 6 Student Symposium competitions, supporting the development of future engineers.
In his free time, Gilbert enjoys traveling, volunteering, and collecting vinyl records—activities that provide both creative inspiration and personal relaxation.
Outstanding Civil Engineering Student Award
This award is for ASCE Texas Section student members who are:
- enrolled in an ABET-accredited civil engineering program in the State of Texas;
- in good standing with their college/university; and
- a current, registered student member of ASCE
2025 Outstanding Civil Engineering Student Award Recipient
Nisha Sthapit MS, EIT | Jacobs
Nisha is a Structural Engineer at Jacobs Engineering Group, specializing in bridge design. She earned her Master of Science in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in May 2025. Over her seven years in the profession, she has contributed to projects involving concrete and steel bridges as well as commercial and residential building structures.
Growing up in Nepal and experiencing the devastating 2015 earthquake shaped Nisha’s career path, inspiring her to work at the intersection of structural engineering and disaster risk management. She also holds a Master’s in Disaster Risk Management from Tribhuvan University in Nepal in 2022. Her passion lies in developing resilient infrastructure, from bridges to buildings, that can withstand natural hazards and serve communities for generations.
An engaged member of the ASCE, Nisha has actively participated in conferences and student competitions. She credits ASCE with fostering professional growth and strengthening her connections within the engineering community during her graduate studies. She has been recognized with ASCE RGV Scholarship award and ASCE SEI Future Funds Scholarship award in 2024.
Family remains Nisha’s greatest source of motivation. She credits her late father, a civil overseer, for inspiring her to become an engineer, and draws strength from her mother, sisters, and her dog, all in Nepal whose love keeps her connected to home. She is also deeply supported by her fiancé, whose unwavering encouragement fuels her professional drive.
Outside of her professional work, Nisha enjoys traveling, visiting scenic places and discovering new cultures and cuisines.
