Rudkin recognized for his work as project manager for the B.F. Sisk Dam seismic dam modifications
Commissioner Touton with Caleb Rudkin and his wife Rachael.
WASHINGTON – Caleb Rudkin, a geotechnical engineer in the Bureau of Reclamation's Technical Service Center, is Reclamation's Engineer of the Year. Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton joined Rudkin at today's National Society of Professional Engineers award ceremony, where he was recognized along with other engineers in federal service.
"Engineers play a vital role at the Reclamation, and I want to congratulate Caleb on being recognized as engineer of the year," said Commissioner Touton. "Caleb built a collaborative process with Reclamation's largest dam safety project, extending the dam's life that is vital to California's water infrastructure. I want to also thank all of the engineers at Reclamation for the tireless work protecting life and property for the American public."
Rudkin was recognized for his work as the B.F. Sisk Dam seismic modifications project manager/team leader. Rudkin promoted a culture of collaboration and open communication between project team members and fostered a trusting relationship with stakeholders and affected public by establishing a clear understanding of the project's vision and objectives.
The B.F. Sisk Dam safety project is Reclamation's largest under the 1978 Safety of Dams Act. It will add stability berms and other dam safety features to the 3.5-mile-long earthen dam. The dam's height will also increase, reducing downstream public safety concerns by reducing the likelihood of overtopping if slumping were to occur during a seismic event.
Other engineers recognized by Reclamation as regional engineers of the year include:
- Daniel Cavanaugh, a supervisory civil engineer in the South-Central California Area Office, is recognized for their work during flood control operations.
- Nicholas Garmon, a civil engineer in the Oklahoma-Texas Area Office, is recognized for their work as engineering lead for inspection, operation, maintenance and replacement needs for large water supply projects under the Oklahoma-Texas Area Office.
- Jeff Hoss, a mechanical engineer in the California-Great Basin Region, Division of Design and Construction, is recognized for their work in many design and construction projects.
- Leon Sojka, a senior electrical engineer at Grand Coulee Dam, is recognized for their work on a Columbia River Riverbank Monitoring System.
Rudkin has a Bachelor of Science in engineering (civil specialty) with a minor in economics from the Colorado School of Mines and a Master of Science in engineering (civil specialty) from the Colorado School of Mines.
