2025 Engineering and Technical Excellence Award Winners

Pooyan is a seasoned senior engineering manager at Parsons, with over two decades of experience in tunnel and geotechnical engineering. He has significantly contributed to numerous key projects across North America and the Middle East, including his recent work on the Strategic Surface & Ground Water Network in Greater Doha and the Zacate Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in Texas. Pooyan has been leading the technical discipline for the Second Avenue Subway Design-Build proposal. As the project geotechnical lead, he authored the Geotechnical Baseline Report for the Transbay Joint Powers Authority Downtown Extension project in San Francisco. His innovative approach and leadership have been instrumental in the successful delivery of projects such as the Anacostia River Tunnel in Washington, DC, which was awarded the Best Global Wastewater Project of the Year by Engineering News-Record Magazine. Pooyan’s dedication to quality, safety, and sustainability, along with his mentorship of other engineers, emphasizes his commitment to excellence in the field. He holds multiple certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMP), has published over 35 articles in peer-reviewed journals, and has presented at industry conferences.

Sayeed, a key team member of the Royal Commission–Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries Project in Saudi Arabia, has rapidly advanced within his organization, demonstrating exceptional engineering expertise. He excels in team leadership, time management, task prioritization, and goal-setting, developing systems that foster success. Known for his positive attitude and resilience, Sayeed’s proactive approach inspires colleagues to overcome challenges and solve problems efficiently. His consistent delivery of high-quality work has earned him commendations and awards, including a Certificate of Appreciation from the Royal Commission.

Sayeed’s innovative contributions in cost optimization, sustainable design solutions, and effective leadership have significantly enhanced project outcomes. A commitment to continuous professional development drives him to hold Chartered Engineering certifications and actively participate in industry workshops, staying ahead of emerging trends. His dedication to excellence, effective communication, and collaborative spirit make him a highly valuable asset to any engineering team.

Chris is a passionate and skilled lead electrical engineer at the Chiari Center, a 900,000-square-foot, mission-driven facility. Known for his commitment to customer satisfaction, Chris ensures that all design and construction meet the unique facility requirements of his clients. His technical knowledge and problem-solving skills have been invaluable, consistently delivering efficient and safe electrical systems. Chris is also recognized for his mentorship, providing weekly project reviews and guidance to junior engineers, many of whom have advanced to become branch chiefs. His professionalism and innovative approach have earned him high regard from both colleagues and clients and has contributed significantly to the success of numerous projects. Chris’s dedication to quality and his ability to offer creative solutions make him a highly sought-after expert in his field.

Chris is a talented construction engineer known for his exceptional technical expertise and leadership in managing complex infrastructure projects. His notable achievements include significant contributions to the Regina Bypass and Kicking Horse Canyon Phase 4 projects, where his proactive problem-solving and innovative solutions were pivotal in overcoming challenging issues. Chris’s dedication to project success is evident in his tireless work ethic, ability to bridge the gap between design and construction teams, and his commitment to safety, quality, and cost control. Transitioning to his current role on the Integrated Delivery Team, delivering temporary-works engineering solutions for various projects and initiatives, Chris continues to refine his technical skills and foster a culture of innovation, consistently delivering cost-saving measures and process improvements. His leadership and technical acumen have earned him respect from peers, clients, and industry professionals, making him an invaluable asset to Parsons.

Chris is a subject matter expert in engineering design for active transportation facilities and complete streets. With extensive experience in sustainable urban transportation, Chris has led numerous high-profile projects, including the Canadian national award-winning Beckwith Street Revitalization in Smiths Falls. Renowned for his innovative and reliable technical services, Chris has managed multidisciplinary teams and mentored aspiring engineers, consistently receiving high praise from clients. His notable projects span across Canada, including the Reconstruction of Albert, Queen, Slater, and Bronson streets in downtown Ottawa and the Wharf/Humboldt AAA Bike Lanes in Victoria, both of which earned national recognition for their engineering excellence. Chris actively participates in the Transportation Association of Canada’s (TAC’s) Active Transportation Integrated Committee, advancing the practice of active transportation design across Canada. He is a repeat presenter at TAC’s annual national conference, showcasing his work on Parsons’ projects that lead the field in implementing the latest best practices. Bilingual in French and English, Chris is also a key contributor to Parsons’ business development efforts, frequently assisting in proposal writing and public engagement. His commitment to client service and innovative design solutions makes him a highly sought-after professional in the field of transportation engineering.

Rizwan is a highly skilled traffic engineering professional with extensive expertise in traffic design that adheres to regional and international standards. He played a key role in developing the IAN-035 standards for Qatar’s Traffic Control Manual, contributing significantly to the nation’s infrastructure. His leadership and technical proficiency have been instrumental in delivering high-impact projects, including the Q and D Route project, which spans Qatar’s major roads, and the expedited completion of directional signage for the FIFA 2022 event.

His innovative approach has greatly enhanced Qatar’s wayfinding system, earning him formal recognition from senior management and direct appreciation from clients. His commitment to excellence, sustainable practices, and mentorship further reflect his exceptional service and alignment with Parsons’ core values.

Rohan is a highly skilled and innovative technical expert who plays a pivotal role in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) modernization efforts through the Technical Support Services Contract program. His notable contributions include the ANT-1882 ARSR Fall Protection Upgrades and the AGL-0517 UIS Tower Assessment Support projects. Rohan’s development of efficient workflows for rapid assessment report production and his automation of report generation processes have significantly enhanced project delivery timelines and client satisfaction. His self-taught proficiency in Java has further streamlined operations, reducing costs and fostering a culture of innovation within the structural team. As a registered professional engineer in 48 states and territories, Rohan supports Parsons and the FAA with exceptional technical expertise. 

Chris is a technical expert and leader, renowned for his pivotal role in developing the ARGIS appliance, which has significantly enhanced organizational security and operational capabilities. His adeptness at navigating complex technical and logistical challenges, such as overcoming procurement issues for physical devices, underscores his comprehensive understanding of both technical and operational requirements. Chris’s meticulous planning and execution were instrumental in deploying ARGIS appliances across 49 networks, thereby strengthening the organization’s security infrastructure. His innovative approach to integrating ARGIS into the acquisition process and spearheading a JIRA overhaul to optimize workflows further exemplifies his commitment to driving efficiency and performance. Through his leadership, Chris has fostered a culture of innovation and excellence, mentoring cross-functional teams and aligning strategic goals with operational execution, solidifying Parsons’ reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable solutions.

Lorenze has been a pivotal figure at Parsons since joining, in 2011, evolving from a junior software developer to a key technical leader. His expertise has driven the transformation of teams from monolithic applications to cloud-native, polyglot solutions, showcasing his relentless pursuit of improvement. Lorenze has led significant projects, including the modernization of the System Parametric Information Relational Intelligence Tool (SPIRIT) and the implementation of the Future Order of Battle/Ground Equipment (FORGE) platform, both of which have revolutionized data management and architecture. His leadership on the Command Post Computing Environment (CPCE) and the Video Identification Collection and Exploitation (VICE) Biometrically Enabled Watchlist Rectification (BEWL-R) project further underscore his capability to handle complex, critical projects. Lorenze’s innovative use of technologies like large language models and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) has streamlined processes, reduced errors, and enhanced team productivity. His commitment to mentoring and fostering a collaborative environment has not only improved team performance but also strengthened client relationships and Parsons’ reputation for delivering high-quality solutions.

Naser, with over 35 years of structural CAD experience, has been an invaluable asset to Parsons, showcasing exceptional growth and technical expertise. His contributions to the Kicking Horse Canyon project highlight his innovative approach and commitment to excellence. Utilizing his expertise in structure design and building information modeling (BIM), Naser significantly enhanced the design and presentation of two major bridges, ensuring high-quality outputs and elevating client satisfaction. His proactive timeline management and early submissions allowed the team to focus on refining designs, maintaining project momentum, and ensuring success. By transitioning from traditional 2D drafting to advanced 3D modeling using tools like Civil 3D, Revit, and InfraWorks, Naser improved accuracy, precision, and efficiency, setting a new standard for excellence. His leadership in collaborating with contractors and mentoring the drafting team further reinforced the project’s success. Naser’s dedication to innovation and technical leadership has made significant contributions to the project’s success and set a benchmark for future projects.

Valarie is an established electrical engineer with over 25 years of experience in software development and system integration, including more than 12 years in the Utility sector. Renowned for her expertise in database management and integration, she excels in working with electric, gas, and water utilities, as well as associated vendors like customer information/billing, outage management, SCADA, and GIS. Valarie’s ability to collaborate with utility engineers and apply technical-use cases to Parsons Utility Enterprise Data Management Software has earned her a stellar reputation among over 300 customers, who frequently seek her advice even on non-Parsons-related software implementations. Her innovative approach to resolving complex database challenges and standardizing implementation processes has significantly enhanced productivity and scalability for clients. Valarie’s leadership and mentorship extend across cross-functional teams, ensuring seamless project execution and fostering a culture of excellence. Her contributions have consistently received exemplary feedback, making her an invaluable asset to both her organization and the utilities she serves.

Scott rapidly ascended to the role of Parsons’ IT lead and primary SAP technical support subject matter expert, specializing in S/4HANA, BTP, CPI integrations, CIG integrations, and ABAP development. Demonstrating exceptional proficiency, Scott often outperformed many of the SAP technical resources and provided critical guidance to the SAP System Integration partner’s developers. He successfully rewrote several SAP queries into maintainable ABAP programs and architected solutions to complex issues, such as handling SAP unsupported Relish Symmetric decryption. Scott’s efforts in improving automated scheduling, error monitoring, and integration solutions significantly enhanced the SAP Ariba user experience. Despite having no prior SAP experience, Scott’s self-driven learning and dedication have made him an exemplary leader in the enterprise applications development team, showcasing his ability to master new technologies and support critical business processes.

Ken is a distinguished professional with over 17 years of experience supporting customers throughout the Intelligence Community. As the hardware deputy program manager for the Exploitation, Test, and Analysis Programs (ETAP) under the Defense and Space Engineering Solutions (DSES) sector, Ken has consistently demonstrated exceptional technical expertise and leadership. He has been instrumental in providing skilled engineering analysis of foreign threat materiel, leading global Quicklook deployments, and developing innovative tools and processes that significantly enhance productivity and deliverable quality. His contributions to national security and subject matter expertise have been recognized by agency directors and senior leadership, earning him a reputation for reliability and excellence.

Katherine, with over 30 years of experience in environmental laboratory oversight, data validation, chemical analysis, and quality control, has significantly contributed to multiple hazardous waste and military munitions projects for Parsons. As the lead chemist for the Federal Environmental Directorate, she ensures her team provides analytical data of the highest quality across more than 20 projects. Katherine has been instrumental in developing quality assurance project plans, many involving emerging contaminants like PFAS, and has led winning proposals for major clients, including a $2.2 million PFAS drinking-water-treatment infrastructure project. Her leadership extends to managing a 16-member call team for Chemours, which provides critical public outreach and crisis management for PFAS-impacted communities in North Carolina. Katherine’s innovative contributions, including her part in the development of a PFAS screening method for rapid site characterization, have earned her multiple accolades, underscoring her exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing environmental remediation efforts.

Mohammed exemplifies a steadfast commitment to technical excellence and innovative problem-solving, making him an invaluable member of the Project Management Department at Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries (JCPDI). His advanced technical skills have been instrumental in identifying critical issues early, designing efficient solutions, and implementing strategies that exceed project goals. Notably, his work on the electrical infrastructure project at the JCPDI program for the Royal Commission at Jubail and Yanbu at Jizan not only met deliverables but also added significant value, strengthening client trust and opening doors for further collaborations. Mohammed’s proactive approach, innovative mindset, and ability to foster strong relationships have consistently driven organizational success and positioned JCPDI for sustained growth.

Alexis has consistently showcased exceptional expertise in developing automation tools that address repetitive tasks, significantly aiding project delivery. His innovative solutions, such as the Road Automation Tool, Layer Conversion Tool, and Directional Sign Traffic Tool, have been instrumental in ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of project information.

A key achievement is the Directional Sign Traffic Tool, which has enabled the Traffic team to reduce design time by an estimated 60 to 70%, streamlining the process and significantly improving efficiency. Additionally, Alexis has successfully integrated various stages of project workflows, reducing manual intervention, minimizing errors, and enhancing overall productivity.

His tools are adaptable for use across EMEA and beyond, bridging the gap between design and production stages while facilitating accurate English-to-Arabic translations. His commitment to performance excellence has driven revenue growth, improved delivery timelines, and elevated the quality of deliverables, making him a visionary leader in automation-driven innovation and organizational growth.

Ashley is an exceptional technical director with a robust background, having previously worked as a lead software engineer at Xator Corporation. She began her career as an engineer at InCadence Strategic Solutions, where she honed her expertise in developing game-changing solutions in biometrics and identity management. Over the years, she has overseen and managed teams developing cutting-edge mobile and web biometric applications. Her strategic vision and deep technical knowledge have driven the success of major projects, including Army NextGen, USMC, NATO KFOR, NCIS, Canada DND, DHS, FBI MBA, Orange County, and IMS Student Vetting programs. Ashley’s instrumental work on the 2024 research and development project AresNext showcases her ability to overcome significant technical challenges and achieve cross-platform success. Recognized as a subject matter expert in the identity/biometrics community, Ashley holds three significant patents, underscoring her innovative contributions to the field. Her proactive approach to client needs, dedication to high-quality service delivery, and commitment to mentoring and fostering a collaborative work environment have significantly advanced our enterprise. Ashley’s strategic implementation of new processes and methodologies has streamlined operations, reduced costs, and improved efficiency, making her an invaluable asset to our organization. Her exemplary leadership, technical acumen, and innovative mindset have earned her commendations from clients and colleagues alike, solidifying her reputation as a key contributor to her projects.

John is a distinguished systems architect with over 16 years of experience at Parsons and its predecessor companies, excelling in both hardware and software design and development. Known for his ability to solve complex problems under tight deadlines, John has been instrumental in several high-priority projects, including the NitroFalcon IRAD and multiple Department of Defense projects, such as CAPTAINCHAI and Free Space Optics. His innovative solutions, such as the custom multiradio system for CAPTAINCHAI, have secured significant contracts and advanced Parsons’ technical capabilities. John is highly regarded by clients and colleagues alike for his meticulous planning, efficient designs, and exceptional leadership.

Smokey is the technical director of the Strategic National Solutions group within Parsons’ Defense and Intelligence sector’s High-Consequence Mission team, where he has consistently demonstrated exceptional technical expertise. Smokey has been instrumental in developing the VIKING architecture, a scalable, federated sensor-to-shooter system that significantly enhances the lethality and survivability of military operations. His innovative approach and leadership led to the successful debut of VIKING at the Valiant Shield 2024 exercise, positioning Parsons as a major provider of over-the-horizon targeting and sensor-to-shooter capabilities for the Department of Defense’s Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) efforts. Smokey’s efforts have resulted in over $2 million in new contracts, significantly expanding Parsons’ portfolio. His ability to anticipate client needs, deliver innovative solutions, and foster strong relationships with key government customers has solidified Parsons’ reputation as a leader in target management and earned him commendations from senior DoD leaders.

Over the past three years, Mai has proven expertise in stakeholder management and business development, significantly contributing to business growth in Qatar. Her strategic planning and market analysis skills have been instrumental in acquiring new clients, enhancing the business acquisition process, and increasing revenue. Her efforts in developing over 50 proposals have secured new business opportunities and fostered strong client relationships. She has successfully completed the Shipley Business Winning certification and actively participated in the Qatar ConTeQ Expo 2024, showcasing Parsons’ cutting-edge solutions. Mai’s leadership and initiative in proposal development, client engagement, and innovative technology have significantly impacted the team’s success and organizational goals.

Hamsa is a very promising urban designer who has made significant strides in her career within Parsons’ Design and Planning Studio. Recently promoted to a senior role, Hamsa has consistently demonstrated dedication, technical excellence, and a positive attitude, contributing to the successful delivery of master planning and urban design projects. Her ability to balance creativity with technical knowledge has established her as a reliable and capable professional, often serving as a key point of contact for clients and senior staff. Hamsa actively promotes innovative urban design solutions and is known for her unique hand-drawn and digital sketches. Beyond her project work, she has co-led mentoring activities, organized knowledge-sharing sessions, and played a pivotal role in team engagement initiatives, showcasing her leadership potential and commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Since joining the Parsons Ottawa structural team, Amer has become a highly sought-after engineer, leading numerous complex bridge rehabilitation and new bridge design projects. He has demonstrated exceptional technical knowledge and versatility, contributing to major local and national projects, including the award-winning Kicking Horse Phase 4 project. His expertise in bridge design, load rating, and condition assessment, combined with his proficiency in the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code, AREMA, and AASHTO LRFD, has earned him high praise from clients and contractors alike. Amer has also co-authored several research papers and presented at international conferences, showcasing his innovative solutions and advanced technical skills. His dedication to quality, efficiency, and mentorship, along with his proactive approach to project management and design, exemplifies Parsons’ core values and has made him a respected leader within the organization.

Alison has demonstrated exceptional technical excellence and leadership during her more than four years at Parsons, evolving from a summer intern to a highly accomplished junior engineer. Her contributions to the GHOSTATOM and COYOTECANYON contracts have far exceeded expectations, particularly with her innovative work on the CAPTAINCHAI project, where she led the mechanical design, prototyping, and fabrication efforts. Alison’s contributions were essential to the successful delivery of the first CAPTAINCHAI production run, significantly contributing to Parsons being awarded a follow-on effort worth $1.9 million. She has also played a pivotal role in the MYSTICEAGLE project and has designed several complex RF enclosures. Her proficiency in various manufacturing skills, including 3D printing and NC programming, showcases her technical versatility. Alison’s relentless work ethic and collaborative spirit continue to drive innovation and success within the team.

Jonathan has proven his outstanding capabilities at Parsons, making significant strides in digital engineering and model-based systems engineering (MBSE). He has played a crucial role in developing the Parsons Digital Engineering Framework (PDEF), including its Enterprise Service Bus, Data Mesh, and Project Lifecycle Management Tools, and has designed the high-performance computing capability for PDEF. Jonathan has led multiple high-profile projects, such as the MBSE model development for the ABAD contract and the Minuteman III missile system project, ensuring client satisfaction through meticulous attention to detail and proactive communication. He has also developed and delivered comprehensive MBSE and digital engineering courses, enhancing the skills of Parsons personnel and partners. Additionally, Jonathan has been pivotal in mentoring junior colleagues and managing interns, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment.

Justin has demonstrated exceptional technical excellence and innovation as an Engineer II at Parsons, particularly through his work on the Chester Design-Build project. He successfully designed multiple bridge elements, including three footings and two end bents, while optimizing rebar quantities and accommodating updated geotechnical conditions. Justin led the design of the Horse Island Chute Bridge, ensuring seismic compliance and simplifying girder fabrication. His contributions to proposal teams have consistently provided quality technical support, resulting in cost-effective and optimized designs. Justin introduced innovative solutions such as a comprehensive substructure design spreadsheet and improved CAD detailing methods. His proactive approach and deep understanding of bridge engineering have made him a reliable and indispensable resource for both colleagues and leadership. Justin’s firm commitment to performance excellence, particularly in service delivery, has garnered positive feedback from clients and solidified his role as a trusted partner. He embodies the values of respect, consideration, and helpfulness, consistently demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and collaboration.

Caleb is a member of the Parsons team that works on atmospheric transport and dispersion modeling for multiple government clients. He has a PhD in theoretical physics from Brandeis University and specializes in scientific computing applications, particularly fluid dynamics and atmospheric modeling. Caleb has led recent efforts to integrate GPU computing into Parsons’ atmospheric modeling tools, accelerating critical simulations by up to a factor of 10. He has also taken initiative in incorporating AI tools into our team’s work, ranging from automatic code documentation using large language models (LLMs) to AI-based surrogate models for our atmospheric modeling tools. In the latter area, he has published cutting-edge research on the use of tensor neural networks to accelerate expensive simulations involving partial differential equations. Caleb’s proactive approach to tackling complex challenges has resulted in reliable solutions regularly used by government clients. His forward-thinking initiatives have bolstered our team’s technical portfolio and underscore his role as a next-generation leader.

Dany has consistently demonstrated exceptional expertise as a security architect, particularly in the area of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). His technical skills and proactive approach have been crucial in executing precise security assessments, architecture reviews, and integration plans for newly acquired companies. Dany’s ability to quickly understand and mitigate security risks has significantly reduced the likelihood of security incidents, setting him apart in his field. His contributions include developing robust technical strategies and providing invaluable support during proposal development, ensuring compliance with security standards and regulations. Dany’s innovative mindset has led to the creation of customized security playbooks and the adoption of new technologies, streamlining the integration process and enhancing the company’s security posture. His leadership, professionalism, and collaborative spirit have fostered a positive work environment and strengthened stakeholder relationships, making him an indispensable asset to the company.

Mark has been a key member of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency Assessment Team, where his exceptional technical expertise and innovative problem-solving skills have significantly contributed to the team’s mission. His ability to identify and address vulnerabilities in defense critical assets and infrastructure has been instrumental in reducing risks at the enterprise level. As the team’s Facilities Engineering subject matter expert, Mark’s proactive approach and creative solutions have consistently exceeded client expectations, earning him commendations for his respectful and helpful demeanor. His leadership and collaborative efforts have fostered a culture of innovation within the team, enhancing operational efficiency and contributing to the success of significant projects.