CONGRATULATIONS, Cassandra Burns, Pavement Section Chief, Bureau of Highway Design

Congratulations Cassandra!? Cassandra is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer in the State of New Hampshire and was just promoted to Pavement Section Chief in the Bureau of Highway Design. The Pavement Section keeps the roads in drivable condition so that citizens can get to where they need to go. Her group advertises resurfacing projects that help improve and maintain riding surfaces. She is very proud of the number of projects and miles that her section advertises every year. “The projects we work on make a difference to the State of New Hampshire’s infrastructure,” said Cassie. She is proud of the work we do, not only in the Pavement section, but the entire Department of Transportation.

Since Cassie was hired at the NH DOT in Highway Design in 2006 (right after graduating from UNH), there have been a lot of retirements and younger people coming in, which has been great to see. She feels that it’s exciting to get fresh perspectives on projects and ideologies. “The staff that I work with is excellent;” she said, “they work really hard to put out numerous projects throughout the year.”

NHDOT has helped Cassandra in her professional development.? “When I started as a Civil Engineer, going through the Engineer Training Program at the DOT, I was able to work within a Highway Maintenance District, including Maintenance Sheds, as well as the Bureaus of Construction and Environment, for example.” Through the program, Cassandra learned what others do, what their role in the project development process is and how they affect and impact projects in Highway Design.? The purpose of the Civil Engineer Training program is to provide entry-level engineers with diversified training that will enable them to gain a better understanding of the organizational relationships and various engineering functions performed by the Department.

Cassie started in Final Design and worked her way up to lead Project Design teams. She advises new hires of the NHDOT to meet as many people as they can and learn what they do – “You work with so many different people, from co-workers of varying backgrounds and fields, to working closely with consultants, to citizens and government employees. It’s great to see a familiar name or face.” She has gained a lot of knowledge about the different aspects of Transportation from roadways to bridges to rails and trails) and how to accommodate everyone, not only motorists, but bicyclists and pedestrians as well. The resurfacing projects have been interesting – you get to see a lot of Towns and roadways all over the State.

On her days off, Cassandra goes on local day trips or travels over long weekends or vacations. She balances her career and family because NHDOT offers flexible hours, “which is great when you have a family or other types of commitments.” Cassandra can come into work early and make it home in time to meet her child after school to help with homework or go to after school activities/practice/games. She loves to spend extra time with her family and friends.?

The 3 career lessons she’s learned thus far are:

1. Listen and learn from others.
2. Ask lots of questions.
3. We are all working towards the same goal which is to improve the NH transportation infrastructure and to create a safer and more efficient transportation system.