Dr. Z’s Corner

Dr. Z

Ahmet Zeytinci, P.E., Ph.D., Fellow-NSPE, Fellow-ASCE is an award-winning professor, structural engineer, author and mentor living in Washington, D.C. Since joining academia, "Dr. Z", as he is known by his students and colleagues, has distinguished himself on campus and beyond. He is passionate about engineering, gifted in teaching, and is a true champion for professional licensure. Dr. Z. has extraordinarily high standards; has produced award-winning designs; is prolific in professional service; and infects others with these same values. He is the recipient of numerous local, regional and national awards, including recent national awards from the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). Since 2014, he has been regularly writing monthly articles for “Dr.Z’s Corner “ and offering hundreds of engineering problems, for free, every month for students, engineers and engineering educators worldwide. Dr. Z. also offers pro-bono Saturday classes for students and engineers; his free classes are open to all in the greater Washington metro area and cost nothing, nada, zilch! Starbucks coffee is always a must have for Dr. Z.

Dr. Z's Corner

Dr. Z’s Corner (202101)

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The Amazing True Story of a Former Student and Fresh PE: “Finally, a Sense of Accomplishment”

The new year is just around the corner and for my January 2021 article I’ve decided to share an inspirational story of a former student and a real Washingtonian, Curtis Day, a fresh Professional Engineer:

“I remember my high school graduation day as if it was yesterday. I recall how everyone seemed so happy, excited, and had a sense of completion. In contrast, I found myself locked in deep thought, unable to enjoy the moment, as I contemplated what was next. My perspective was a sense of urgency. For me things were just getting started, and I realized that I did not have a solid plan for my future.

College was such an unknown to me at the time, and I didn’t see the benefit of attending college. The men in my family were all self-employed or entrepreneurs, I was taught to learn a trade and be independent. I went to work for my father after high school, learning the HVAC trade and obtaining my Commercial Drivers License.

I worked as an HVAC technician and heating oil delivery driver until I was 27 years old. Working in the family business has its challenges and my mom kept encouraging me to just enroll in a class. She told me to just try it out for one semester, what did I have to lose? Then I started the process of enrolling for the Spring 2011 semester at The University of the District of Columbia. The choice to attend UDC was very simple, Washington, DC has several local universities, however UDC was the only one who had affordable tuition in the area. I started the process of enrolling myself, but I had no idea what was in store for me. First, locating high school transcripts after being out of school for nearly 10 years is not easy. Second, I never failed any class in high school, but since I never had any aspirations of going to college I skated by and did just enough to pass and get out.

I remember the day I took my application and transcript to the enrollment office. My son was 2 years old at the time and he was with me, I went into the office, handed over my papers, and sat down. The person in charge at the desk proceeded to calculate my GPA and informed me that I didn’t meet the minimum requirements for entry into the University and that I would have to start at community college.

I never forgot how my feelings were hurt and I felt a sense of rejection. My first thought was to go back to what was working for me and give up this whole college dream. I felt totally discouraged, but after talking to my mother she convinced me to continue with the process. I ended up taking a placement test later that week, and after I finished, I was called into the office. I wasn’t sure what was going on, but I found out that I had scored pretty high on the placement test. I told the advisor that it was recommended that I start in Community College and she printed out my test scores and gave me instructions to return back to the University. I had scored high enough to enter the University after all.

I remember my first semester at college. I particularly remember Calculus class because I was so unsure of how I would perform. I had always been pretty good at math, but Calculus was always tough. I still have the first exam I took in my calculus class, I received and A and it has always been my reminder that I belong.

I remember meeting Dr. Z and Dr. Behera. They stressed the importance of the FE Exam and the PE Exam, what seemed like everyday. They both guided me through my college experience making sure I not only learned the material, but that I was prepared to enter the workforce. I remember my college graduation day, once again the same atmosphere of jubilee and relief surrounded me. Even though I had completed my studies with the honor of Summa Cum Laude, I felt a sense of urgency, even more so than on my high school graduation day.

I had spent the previous 4.5 years on a path to change my career and now it was show time. I remember getting my FE Exam results shortly after graduation, but still not relief. I had a sense of anxiety to get into industry and prove that I belonged. At the time I had three job offers, and I chose to join the Boeing Company in Everett, Washington. At the time I worked with the team responsible for the design of the Cargo System on the 777-9 Commercial Airplane. After working in the aerospace industry for 2 years, I realized that I was not working in the field of engineering that I loved. I decided to resign and move back to DC and pursue a lifelong career as a Civil Engineer in the Water Resource discipline.

I am now employed with an engineering firm in the D.C. metro area, working with a team on land development projects. I am responsible for Stormwater Management/Storm Drain Design, Water and Sewer Main Design, Erosion Sediment Control Design, Flood Plain Mapping, and various other tasks related to land development.

I was first scheduled to take my PE exam in April 2020, but due to Covid-19 it was cancelled. I eventually ended up taking the exam in October 2020, and I am pleased to announce to the world that I received a passing score on my first attempt. I am also pleased to announce that I finally felt a sense of accomplishment. I feel like passing the PE exam and obtaining my PE License, will be something that I will remember forever and will be a major stepping stone for myself and my family.

I hope to be an inspiration to others and be an example of why it is never too late to do anything in life.

Pursue your dreams, never give up, work until you feel a sense of accomplishment, enjoy it for a moment, and keep building. Curtis Day, PE .”

Wishing all of you health, wealth, and happiness in 2021.

Until next time,
Ahmet Zeytinci (Dr.Z.)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Dr. Z’s Corner (202011)

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Fundamentals of Engineering (FE): Exam Day Experience

In this month’s article we answer many of our readers’ questions regarding the Fundamentals of Engineering (F.E) exam and what you are expected to do that day.

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is generally your first step in the process to becoming a professional licensed engineer (P.E.). It is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program. FE exam is a computer-based test (CBT) administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Last year about 3700 students took the FE-Civil Engineering exam and the passing rate was about 73%.

When approaching the FE Exam for the first time, it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. The best way to build your confidence is to prepare for the test and familiarize yourself with the FE Ref. Handbook 10, the only official reference material for the computer-based FE exams. Review the latest version of the handbook (currently v.10) prior to exam day. Most importantly, familiarize yourself with the charts, formulas, tables, and other reference information provided. An electronic version will be available onscreen during the actual exam. Printed copies will not be allowed in the exam room.

Once your registration is approved, you will receive an email notification that you have been authorized to take the exam and are eligible to schedule your exam appointment. NCEES computer-based tests (CBT) are offered in testing windows throughout the year during the following months: January, February, April, May, July, August, October and November.

Exam Day Protocol: Step-by-Step

Once you register and know your exam date, NCEES recommends the following: First, you should plan to arrive at the testing center 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. Upon arrival, a representative will provide you with a copy of NCEES-CBT exam rules for your review.

After doing so, you will be asked to provide your digital signature to confirm that you have read the rules and agreed to abide by them. You will also be asked to provide a current government issued form of ID such as a driver’s license. Once the representative confirms your identification and the exam that you are taking, you will be asked to provide a palm vein scan and have your photo taken. Your signature, palm vein scan and photo will be stored with your exam result.

Prior to being admitted into the testing room, a representative will ensure that you have in your possession only the items that NCEES allows them to the testing room. These items include your ID, an NCEES approved calculator, and eyeglasses. Most test centers have secure storage lockers on site for you to store prohibited items such as cell phones, other electronic devices and personal belongings such as a watch, wallet, or bag.

Once you complete the check in process, you then report to an exam proctor who will ask you to confirm your ID by providing again your palm vein scan. The proctor will then give you a reusable booklet and marker for scratch work. The proctor will review the exam rules and will escort you to the exam room and assigned workstation and launches the exam. Before starting your exam, all examinees will be required to read and agree to the NCEES’ non-disclosure agreement and complete a brief tutorial to learn how to ADVANCE to the next item, RETURN to a previous item and FLAG items for review.

The FE exam includes 110-questions. The exam appointment time is 6 hours long. Nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes); Tutorial (8 minutes); Actual exam (5 hours and 20 minutes) and scheduled break (25 minutes).

After completing approximately 55 questions, examinees will be prompted on screen with the option to take a 25-minute break. Examinees who wish to take the scheduled break should raise their hands and wait for the proctor for assistance. Unscheduled breaks may be requested at any time during the exam by following the same procedure. However, examinees should be aware that the clock will not stop during an unscheduled break. Examinees are allowed to access their lockers during the scheduled and unscheduled breaks.

After completing the exam and a brief survey, you should raise your hand and the proctor will verify that you have properly exited the exam, will escort you from the testing room, and collect your booklet and marker. You will receive an email from NCEES within 7 to 10 days notifying you that your results are available for viewing in your MYNCEES account.

And lastly, stay relaxed and confident. Always keep a good attitude and remind yourself that you are going to do your best!

Until next time,
Ahmet Zeytinci (Dr.Z.)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

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