Updates from Boston

Happenings

This one is short and sweet—all the news that’s fit to print.

I drafted most of this while sitting in Logan Airport on the way home from ASCE Structures Congress, one of the largest structural engineering conferences in the world. It felt like the right place to pause, look around, and take stock.

1. ASCE Structures Congress (and a t‑Shaped Moment)

I had the joy of proposing—and then participating in—a t‑Shaped Engineer panel at Structures Congress. To my delight, the session was accepted and turned into one of those conversations that feels both timely and hopeful.

The panel was to consist of friends and colleagues:

• Michael Gangone, Associate Professor, Norwich University

• Kevin Walsh, Principal at Frost Engineering & faculty at the University of Notre Dame

• Michael Lisk, Structural Project Manager, VP, HKS Incorporated

• Ron Welch, Former Dean of Engineering, The Citadel

Together, we unpacked a t‑shaped approach to educating engineers and ushering them thoughtfully into industry—technically grounded, relationally wise, and purpose‑directed. It was a secular conference, but I was able to explain the importance of my faith from the stage. The discussion was rich, practical, and deeply encouraging.

Best part?
My daughter was there.

She earned a Young Professional Scholarship, which allowed her to attend the conference and sit in on our panel. Watching her land the plane—articulating what the work felt like and why it mattered—was one of those rare moments where professional life and personal life intersect perfectly. I couldn’t have been prouder.

2. If you want to find my writing other places

Christian Scholar’s Review carried a three-post arc that lays out the t-shaped engineer philosophy in a story forward way. I was excited to be featured and hope to be able to continue contributing there in an engineering lane. Check it out…

The national Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity recently moved to LeTourneau University – this is an exciting development, and I’ve already met some great people as they are settling in. They produce and host several publications, one of which is Insights, a blog dedicated to discussing, equipping, and inspiring pastors, ministry leaders, and laypeople regarding the real life issues people are experiencing and seeking Christian guidance on at the intersection of medicine, technology, and the Christian life. My piece, “Dementia, Grandpa Hoy, and the Truth of Our Personhood,” is featured this month. Different than most of my writing here, but I suspect you’ll recognize the voice.

3. A Small Milestone on Substack

This post will likely be the 10,000th view on this Substack—45 posts and counting.

I’m genuinely enjoying the writing: the story‑driven reflections, and the chance to think out loud with a thoughtful community. Thanks for being part of that.

4. Book Update (and a Screenshot I’ll Keep Forever)

The book has now sold 1,500 copies—and counting.

I’m learning this is actually quite strong for a niche book like this. For about seven glorious seconds, it even appeared on Amazon’s Hot New Releases list. Yes, I grabbed a screenshot.

5. What’s Coming Next (Late Spring and Summer Is Full)

A few things on the near horizon:

• Christian Engineering Conference (Calvin University)
  I’ll be presenting a paper titled:
  “Measuring and Encouraging Christian Faith Development in STEM Students,” trying to answer the question, ‘Does faith grow at college for engineering students?’
  (Short answer: done right, yes—it really does.)

• The First‑Ever National Christian Engineering Teaching Workshop
  Along with Dave Dittenber (Cedarville University), Bryan Swartz (Messiah University), and Justin Vander Werff (Dordt University), I’m helping organize something new—and honestly, long overdue.
  The workshop is coming together beautifully, with 24 registrants already signed up. I can’t wait to learn together.

• Dallas Baptist University – Forum on International Education and Leadership 2026 – Real Wisdom for Artificial Times: Navigating AI with Purpose
  I’ll be giving one of the plenary addresses, focused on encouraging and equipping K–12 educators, and discussing a t‑shaped approach to incorporating AI in that environment.