Dr. Denise R. Simmons

Board Secretary

Dr. Denise R. Simmons, P.E., F.ASEE, PMP, LEED-AP is the Associate Dean for Workforce Development in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering at the University of Florida. She is a uniquely original and accomplished scholar who pursues research at the intersection of engineering education, civil engineering workforce development, and ecosystems required to equip and sustain an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and healthy workforce. Her research is inspired by more than 10 years as a practicing engineer where she held numerous leadership positions and her nearly 20-year academic career with positions at for-profit, community, minority serving, and research intensive institutions.

Supported by approximately $8.7M in federal funding, Simmons has published over 100 refereed articles that have contributed significantly to expanding the engineering workforce and creating a more diverse and inclusive culture in the industry. Her work has had a significant impact on the engineering profession, helping industry prepare, recruit, and retain in fulfilling careers more diverse engineers who are equipped to address the challenges of society. In 2023, the American Society for Engineering Education elected her to Fellow Membership in recognition of her outstanding contributions to anchoring engineering education research in the context of civil engineering workforce development and expanding understanding of competence development in engineering education and practice.