July 23, 2010

Organization awards DeVantier diplomate status

by Tim Crosby

CARBONDALE, Ill -- An engineering professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale recently reached another professional milestone.

The American Academy of Water Resources Engineers named Associate Professor Bruce DeVantier of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering a diplomate in water resource engineering. The certification recognizes DeVantier for his work in broadening the body of knowledge for practicing engineers.

The organization credits DeVantier with improving the practices and standards and advancing the profession of water resources engineers. Diplomates represent strong professional ethics and a commitment to life-long learning and professional development. Engineers certified as such number only about 500 worldwide.

DeVantier earned his doctorate in 1983 at the University of California at Davis. His work concentrates on soil remediation, drinking water quality, numerical modeling and finite-element modeling.

Sanjeev Kumar, chair of the department and distinguished teacher, said DeVantier has earned this special recognition and offered his congratulations.

“The award of the Diplomate signifies Dr. DeVantier’s outstanding contributions to the profession of civil engineering in general and water resources in particular,” Kumar said. “This honor not only brings recognition to him but to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. It is a testimony of the quality of faculty members we have in the department.”

Founded in 2004, the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers developed the specialty certification program as part of its effort to improve the profession.

To receive diplomate status, engineers must possess a graduate degree or training, a valid engineering license and 10 years of experience. They also must demonstrate broad knowledge and deep technical competence in the field, be of good moral character and adhere to the American Society of Civil Engineers code of ethics.