Caleb Cheng Lok Hing
Doctor tackles engineering challenges
35, Structural Engineer
Michael Baker Jr. Inc.
Arlington, Texas

Caleb Cheng Lok Hing earned his doctorate in civil engineering from West Virginia University in 2006. He was also awarded a National Science Foundation Fellowship. Hing joined Michael Baker in 2006, putting to use his expertise in nondestructive testing with ground-penetrating radar and infrared thermography on numerous projects around Texas.

At Baker, he has led structural engineering teams on more than $750 million of design-build and design-bid-build projects. Most recently, Hing completed a super-heavy move project that involved calculating structural-load ratings for a 700-ton vehicle on more than 40 bridges in California.

"I look forward to continuing my volunteer efforts with SEI [Structural Engineering Institute] and give back to the profession in appreciation for what it has done for me professionally and personally," Hing says.

Tom Hughes
Energy expert driving innovation
29, Energy Specialist
Leidos
Oklahoma City

Tom Hughes' experience ranges from working with proven renewable-energy technologies like solar to experimenting with new technologies for nuclear and coal projects. He has played an integral role in key Leidos design-build projects, including three recent geothermal plants. Hughes is also working as the project manager on a new coal technology that seeks to upgrade low-heating-value coals.

Hughes is certified as a data center energy practitioner and a certified energy manager. He is currently working toward his professional engineer's license and project management professional certification.

He has also served as an officer for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. "We are helping drive new technologies around coal and more traditional energy sources that could change the way we view these valuable resources," he says.

Kate Hull
Supports construction litigation clients
27, Senior Consultant
Spire Consulting Group LLC
Austin, Texas

Kate Hull specializes in providing claims and litigation support to clients in complex construction disputes.

She has been involved with more than 30 projects, ranging in value from $1 million to more than $1.2 billion, across numerous sectors of the design and construction industry over the past few years.

Through her leadership positions at the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International and the Society of Women Engineers, Hull encourages young professionals to get involved in industry organizations, mentors current engineering students and advocates for better educational resources. She is also a LEED Green Associate. Hull is actively involved in several industry organizations, including U.S. Green Building Council Central Texas, Construction Law Section of the Austin Bar Association and Young Women's Alliance.

Christopher Masters
West Point grad guides rail projects
39, Vice President
Parsons Transportation Group
Richardson, Texas

Christopher Masters chose to pursue engineering after growing up in his family's concrete business. He graduated from West Point and began a career as an army engineering officer, leading projects worldwide. After the army, Masters joined a consultant team that led light-rail expansion programs in Dallas. He spent some time as assistant vice president of program delivery at Dallas Area Rapid Transit. He then joined Parsons as a vice president, where he is responsible for delivering rail and transit programs.

"When leading the delivery of rail projects for DART, I was given the challenge to develop the first design-build programs for the agency," Masters says.

He has been involved with the Design-Build Institute of America and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Masters has volunteered in his local community with the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and the Wylie Youth Soccer Association.

Kyle Nelson
Helping to shape the Oklahoma City landscape
35, Project Director
Manhattan Construction Co.
Oklahoma City

In 12 years with Manhattan Construction Co., Kyle Nelson has been involved with more than $300 million in projects that have helped shape Oklahoma City's landscape while fostering a solid client-driven reputation. As project director for the firm, he provides overall management direction for the onsite project management teams he leads.

"There's no substitute for hard work," Nelson says. "We sacrifice a great deal to do what we do. It's about relationships and making decisions that our clients emphatically appreciate. It's also about building something I can be proud of, to bring my kids and grandkids through someday."

Nelson is involved with numerous groups and charities, including the Associated General Contractors of America, Associated Builders and Contractors, USGBC, Habitat for Humanity, Feed the Children and Toys for Tots.