(King of Prussia, PA) Engineers Week (Feb 20-26, 2022) was created by the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1951 to increase the understanding of and interest in engineering careers, particularly from a diverse and well-educated workforce. This week, Dawood is shining a spotlight on some of our engineers to showcase the breadth of knowledge and experience among our staff. Today, we speak with Jason Cowen, PE, Project Engineer, Highway Services.
Hi Jason! Please tell us a little bit about how you got into the engineering field and what your current position at Dawood is like.
Jason: I was always into how things are built and how to make things. When I first got out of high school I looked into architectural engineering, but during college the civil aspect really drew me in. It’s the closest engineering specialty to architecture, but without all the art.
I joined the Dawood team nine years ago, and in my current role as Project Engineer, I manage the company’s many highway service projects and mentor two engineers on my team. I work closely with PennDOT regional offices and municipal clients on geometric design, pavement marking, traffic control plans, erosion and sedimentation plans, and anything else related to roadway design.
What is so special about engineering and how does it motivate you?
Jason: In college, I split my focus between structural engineering and transportation, until one professor motivated me to go in the transportation direction. Being able to create something, and helping the public, are what motivates me. I also enjoy mentoring the younger engineers to help them get the knowledge they need to succeed.
Tell us about one of your favorite Dawood projects and what makes it stand out to you.
Jason: One project I’m most proud of is a bridge design package of PennDOT District 4, where my team and I designed bridges for SR 4016 and SR 4024. SR 4024 needed geometric design to re-align the roadway to have better safety features entering an adjacent intersection, and SR 4016 needed a diversion channel to convey a regulated stream away from the work zone. What makes this project stand out are the complications and the innovative solutions we developed. A secondary stream channel was conveying spring water into the work zone, so we needed to design a diversion channel to minimize impacts to the adjacent roadway.
Any of the bridge packages we work on shows the wide range of skills and solutions Dawood brings to our clients. My team is currently working on a total of eight bridge packages for PennDOT D-2, D-4, and D-8.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
Jason: I enjoy spending time with my wife and four children. I coach their sports teams, which range from ice hockey to basketball to soccer and baseball. I’m also an avid ice hockey player and golfer, when I can find the time.