ASCE Plot Points Podcast
Transcript from my conversation with ASCE and the role my Mother has played in shaping my career
Early last year I sat down with Ben Walpole from the American Society of Civil Engineers Pilot Point Podcast for a conversation on my career journey and the bright future ahead for the construction industry, and the special inspiration I have. I am beyond fortunate to have an incredible role model in my mother, Marcie (Bern) Shavel, who sparked my interest in construction at a young age and continues to inspire me as an endlessly curious engineer, consummate professional and leader in our industry. The transcript below has been edited for clarity. Read or listen below, enjoy.
Ben Walpole: It's ASCE Plot Points with Ben Walpole. It's Friday, May 10th, which means Mother's Day is just around the corner—this Sunday, actually. I thought it would be a good time to share this conversation with Aaron Shavel. Aaron is New York through and through, born and raised there, and now works as a project manager for TCe, specializing in rail infrastructure. He's young, ambitious, and very enthusiastic about the profession. His civil engineering origin story starts with his mom and Mother's Day. Here's Aaron Shavel.
So, a lot of times with folks, we start with how they got interested in the profession. I gather your story's a little different than most. Maybe in 20-30 years, as the profession continues to diversify, this won't be that exceptional of a story. But I feel like a son being inspired by his mother as a civil engineer is still fairly unique. Can you tell us a little about that dynamic and how you got interested in the profession?
AS: Yeah, absolutely. Like you mentioned, my mother is in the industry, and that's how I was introduced to it from a very young age. She started out in estimating in the 80s in New York City and worked her way up to be a project manager for Slattery, the precursor to Skanska, New York City. Growing up, I visited job sites with her. One pivotal moment was when I was about eight years old. She had just finished a huge overpass in northern New Jersey. I was off from school for Columbus Day, and the freshly paved interstate overpass had no cars yet. I got to rollerblade miles of that overpass. At eight years old, I didn't fully understand construction or project management, but I knew that was pretty much it for me.
BW: So, it was never really a second thought after that? You went straight to engineering school and right into the industry?
AS: Exactly. There was never a second thought. I went to engineering school and then directly into the industry.
BW: What's that relationship like now between you and your mother as you excel in the profession she was also in?
AS: It's really cool to talk shop, especially with a parent. We trade war stories, though sometimes we agree to not talk about work. But it's definitely great to learn from her, especially now that she's a subcontractor. It's a very special relationship.
BW: I don't want to overstate the point, but I feel like it's usually sons being inspired by their fathers in this profession. Do you feel like your story has marked you as different? Have you met others who entered the profession the same way?
AS: What's unique is that this industry requires toughness—for everyone—but even more so for women. My mother is a tough, loving lady, and I definitely inherited that from her. She always emphasized being the best you can be and staying tough.
BW: Tell us about your toughness in the profession. Or at least, what you're doing now. You've accomplished a lot at an early age. Can you walk us through your day-to-day and where you're at in your career?
AS: I don't think toughness is unique to me—it's a requirement in this industry. There are strong personalities, tight deadlines, and a lot of money involved. Right out of school, I knew I wanted to build in New York City. I started with a company focused on transit work—signal upgrades, civil support work, station reconstruction, rehabilitation, and building new stations. Now, I continue working on upgrading the New York City subway system and commuter rails across all five boroughs and beyond.
BW: Is there a certain pride in working on these projects, being a local?
AS: Absolutely. As a kid, I loved trains. Combining that with my passion for construction felt natural. A few years ago, I worked on a new train station in Long Island for the New York Islanders—my favorite hockey team. I spent two and a half years there, and now when I go to games, I get off at a station I helped build. It doesn't get cooler than that.
BW: That's amazing! I hope you're not a Rangers fan.
AS: Nope! For what it's worth, the Islanders beat the Rangers last night. My co-workers are Rangers fans, so I walked into some boos today—all in good fun.
BW: Civil engineers often appreciate how tangible their work is. But it's even more special when it's something as big as a train station.
AS: Exactly. That's why we do this—to build. You pour your heart into it, and at the end of the day, you can point out what you've built. Whether it's a skyscraper, a bridge, or even utilities you can't see, like water lines—it's rewarding to say, "I made that happen."
BW: You mentioned not initially seeing rail transit as part of your construction interest. During undergrad, where did you see yourself in the profession, and how has that evolved?
AS: Many aspiring construction professionals want to build bridges—that was me, too. But I've learned that every project has components of various construction types. For example, the train station in Long Island involved bridges over highways, pedestrian bridges—so many facets in one project. Construction spans many industries; it's never one-dimensional.
BW: Looking ahead, what's next for you?
AS: We're entering a golden age of American infrastructure. Projects in utilities, power, resiliency, and transportation are gaining attention and funding. New York is leading the charge with major expansions like the second phase of Second Avenue and station capacity upgrades. I want to be involved in these transformative projects in new and exciting ways.
BW: Do you feel like we're past the setup phase and ready to make things happen?
AS: Not entirely. It's like changing the engine mid-flight, but there's funding and political support. It's exciting as both an industry professional and a city resident. Part of this golden age must include expanding our industry by bringing in ambitious young minds. Construction is incredibly rewarding—every project is unique and challenging. We need more passionate people to join us.
BW: Your enthusiasm is inspiring, especially for younger people. Do you think you'd still have found your way into construction if your mother hadn't been in the industry?
AS: That's a great question. I think so—I was always curious about how things work. Curious people naturally gravitate to this industry. There's so much to learn, so many disciplines involved. It's a place where curiosity is constantly rewarded.
BW: AEC Plot Points is a production of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Subscribe, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Thanks to our guest, Aaron Shavel. Stay updated on the civil engineering profession at source.asce.org. Thanks for listening. We'll talk to you again next week.