About SEI

The Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) National Capital Section (NCS), established in 2023, aims to connect and unite practicing structural engineers, young professionals, and students in the DMV region. Committed to fostering innovation and advancement in structural engineering, the SEI-NCS cultivates future leaders by hosting technical seminars, providing continuing education opportunities (PDHs), and conducting local construction site tours. As a member, you’ll gain access to a dynamic network, facilitating collaboration between academia and practitioners while bridging the gap between research and real-world application. Join us to propel your career forward, foster innovation, and collectively shape the future of structural engineering.

Exploring Career Paths in Underground Infrastructure: 

A Focus on Risk Management in Tunneling Projects 

Click HERE for the registration link.

This event is designed to introduce you to the dynamic and rapidly growing field of underground construction, with a particular emphasis on the complexities and challenges of risk management in tunneling projects. This is a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of underground infrastructure and explore the vast career possibilities within this specialized sector. 

Underground structures are an integral component of modern infrastructure, playing a crucial role in urban development, transportation networks, and resilient cities. Tunnels, subways, underground utilities, and deep foundations support the functionality and efficiency of societies worldwide. However, these projects come with unique challenges, including geological uncertainties, environmental constraints, and safety concerns. Effective risk management is essential to ensuring the successful planning, design, and construction of these complex structures. This session will provide you with industry insights, real-world case studies, and expert guidance on navigating the technical and managerial aspects of tunneling projects. 

By attending this session, you will gain valuable knowledge from industry professionals who have firsthand experience in managing underground infrastructure projects. The discussion will cover key topics such as geological risk assessment, construction methods, mitigation strategies, and cutting-edge technologies used in tunneling. Whether you are considering a career in geotechnical engineering, structural design, or construction management, understanding the risks and solutions associated with underground projects will give you a competitive advantage in the field. 

Meeting Format: In-person
Location: The Catholic University of America, Maloney Hall (620 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC), Room 326
Time: Thursday, April 24th at 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Cost of Attendance: No Fee, RSVP is required due to limited capacity

(Note: Metered parking is available around the building.) 

About the Speakers

                    
                                Elisa Comis                                                  Parsa Heydarpour Ph.D., P.E.,PMP 
          Managing Director – ARX-Pini Group USA Inc.              Tunnel Specialist- COWI North America 
  Guest Speaker                                                                     Host 

Elisa Comis 

Managing Director, ARX-Pini Group USA Inc. 

Elisa Comis has 18 years of experience in mechanized tunneling, with an emphasis on utilizing tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in a variety of ground conditions. She has participated in key projects around the world starting with Contractor SELI as plant manager in 2007 and then with The Robbins Company as Field Service Commissioning Engineer first and then Project Engineer. She also led the design of the first Robbins Crossover TBM being used in North America in Akron, Ohio. 

In November 2017, she joined McMillen Jacobs as a subject matter expert regarding TBMs, where she served as a Lead Associate. From 2020 to 2022 Elisa was deployed as Assistant Resident Engineer at the DC Water North-East Boundary Tunnel Project. In September 2022, Elisa joined the Pini Group as the new PINI USA Managing Director. She is also Past Chair of the UCA Women In Tunneling (WIT) Group, and currently Chair of the SME Inclusion and Diversity Committee. 

Parsa Heydarpour, Ph.D., P.E., PMP 

Tunnel Specialist, COWI NA 

Dr. Parsa Heydarpour is an accomplished structural engineer and educator with a robust background in civil engineering, specializing in structural and geotechnical analysis and design. As a Tunnel Specialist with COWI NA, Dr. Heydarpour leads complex underground engineering projects, including large-scale transit systems, urban resiliency initiatives, and critical infrastructure development. His expertise encompasses advanced structural modeling, geotechnical assessments, and the development of innovative solutions for challenging engineering problems. 

Dr. Heydarpour is a licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states (DC, MD, and NC) and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and a Top Expert Engineer Member of the MIDAS Expert Network. His contributions to the engineering community include hosting expert workshops and publishing extensively in peer-reviewed journals on topics ranging from seismic analysis to geotechnical modeling.