Hindsight on Training Gaps and Improvements

Earn 1 PDH

The Younger Member Group will deliver a presentation identifying their experience on gaps in early-career job training within the cold-formed steel (CFS) profession. The session will highlight common challenges faced by emerging engineers and how those challenges are overcome with varying perspectives. The group will also propose practical improvements. The presentation is aimed to spark dialogue between younger staff and firm leadership to create more effective, sustainable training pathways.

Learning Objectives

• Identify common gaps or pitfalls in early career training
• Explain how different learning and mentorship styles influence early professional development 
• Evaluate strategies used by emerging engineers to overcome training challenges and adapt to expectations
• Propose actionable improvements to training programs within a firm.

Panel Speakers: Alyssa Pease, Kamryn Miller, Daniel Church, Elizabeth (Ellie) Viox, and Lia Zhu.

Alyssa Pease
raSmith

Alyssa Pease, P.E., is a structural engineer in raSmith’s structural services division with nine years of specialized experience in cold-formed steel (CFS) design. She has contributed to a wide range of building types across the country, including mid-rise residential structures, retail and commercial developments, healthcare facilities, academic institutions, and adaptive reuse projects. Her expertise includes mid-rise load-bearing systems, prefabricated wall panel design, exterior curtain wall framing, raised platform framing, interior framing, remodeling and retrofitting.

Kamryn Miller
Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc.

Kamryn Miller, PE, is a Field Engineer with Simpson Strong-Tie, based in Denver with almost 6 years of experience in the industry. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering from Washington State University and holds PE licenses in Colorado and Wyoming. In her role at Simpson, she partners with design teams and contractors to provide technical support and guidance on innovative building connection solutions. One of her key focus areas is cold-formed steel connections, where she regularly presents on Simpson's CFS connectors and testing through lunch-and-learn sessions. Kamryn is an active member of CFSEI and serves on the Board of Directors for the Structural Engineers Association of Colorado (SEAC).

Elizabeth (Ellie) Viox
McClure

Ellie has a Bachelors in Architectural Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology and 2 years of experience as a project manager in the construction industry. She is currently a Structural Designer working primarily with Cold-Form Steel. She is an active member of CFSEI and the SAVE Coalition, including helping evaluate damage after the May 2025 Tornado in St. Louis.

Daniel Church
Excel Engineering, Inc.

Originally from the Chicagoland area, Daniel got his bachelor’s degree at University of Wisconsin-Platteville in December of 2016. He started at Excel in January of 2017 and has worked with their Cold-formed Steel Division for the last nine years.

Lia Zhu
M.T. E.

Lia is a structural E.I.T. based in Toronto, Canada, with four years of professional experience specializing in cold-formed steel design across commercial, mid-rise residential, and infrastructure projects. She holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto, with a focus on structural engineering. As a Young Member, she is particularly interested in integrating emerging technologies, including AI-driven tools, into cold-formed steel design to improve efficiency, accuracy, and design workflows

Click to register

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
DIAMOND SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSORS