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About DENISE R. SIMMONS, PhD, PE, F.ASEE, PMP, LEED-APDr. Denise R. Simmons, is a distinguished figure in civil engineering education and workforce development. With tenure at the University of Florida’s Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering, she blends deep academic knowledge with hands-on industry experience. With over three decades of work experience in positions across consulting, professional engineering, and academia, Dr. Simmons has served in diverse roles, from leadership positions in for-profit entities to guiding minority-serving institutions. As the Associate Dean for Workforce Development at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, her leadership highlights her unparalleled foresight and industry relevance. Having dedicated over a decade to engineering leadership roles, Dr. Simmons provides her consulting clientele with a rare fusion of academic insights and actionable industry strategies. Her pioneering research, backed by over $8.5 million in federal funding and resulting in over 100 refereed articles, positions her at the nexus of civil engineering education and real-world applications. In 2023, her contributions earned her the grade of Fellow Member in the American Society for Engineering Education. A fervent advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in engineering, Dr. Simmons champions a business ethos where inclusivity aligns with profitability and societal impact. Her consulting acumen aids organizations in cultivating a diverse talent pool primed to address complex challenges. Esteemed in academia, Dr. Simmons’ advisory role for numerous NSF grants underscores her reputation. Her expertise in deciphering industry challenges and tailoring solutions is unmatched, making her a sought-after consultant for academic institutions and businesses aiming to navigate the evolving engineering landscape. Contact me at: About the Simmons Research LabThe Overview of Simmons Research Lab is home to a dynamic, interdisciplinary mix of researchers who work together to explore human, technological, and societal interactions to transform civil engineering practice, with a new focus on leadership, mentorship, and professional formation; technology and innovation in the workplace; well-being and resilience; and theories on workforce inclusion and retention. SRL members learn research methods appropriate for investigating human thinking, motivation, and learning. We bridge the differences in language, background, and ways of thinking from the social sciences and higher education to civil engineering and the construction industry. Internally, we keep the team informed on topics ranging from important publications to read to upcoming birthdays of team members. Externally, we share our research findings through manuscripts, posters, oral presentations, social media, and other dissemination outlets. |
