2026 QCESC STEM AWARD RECIPIENTS

Autumn Buesking, a Structural Engineering Graduate at IMEG, Rock Island, Illinois, has been honored with the 2026 Junior Engineer of the Year Award by the Quad City Engineering & Science Council (QCESC). Young in her career, Buesking has distinguished herself not only through technical excellence on significant local projects but also through exceptional leadership in professional societies and community engagement.
Buesking has served as the lead structural engineer on impactful community projects,
including The Landing Ice Skating Rink and Pool in Bettendorf, Skip-A-Long Daycare,
and Moline Browning Concessions. Recognized for her eager approach to learning and
leadership, she was selected for IMEG’s companywide Emerging Leaders program for
2026. Her technical contributions are matched by her professional service; she is the
Chair of the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) Young Professional Engagement
Committee and recently served as Secretary for the Quad Cities Section of the
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). In 2025, she was honored as one of
ASCE’s Top 10 New Faces of Civil Engineering.
Beyond her engineering work, Buesking is dedicated to fostering STEM awareness and
community growth. She volunteers for Junior Achievement of the Heartland, sits on the
advisory committee for United Way Quad City Emerging Leaders, and is actively
involved in mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters and fundraising for Quad City
Arts through the Festival of Trees. Nominator Liz Boardman had this to say,  “Autumn
has excelled in her role at IMEG by being eager to learn, actively engaging in the
community, and being an emerging leader for the structural engineering profession.”
Buesking earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a minor in Explosive
Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri.

Lance Rowell, Principal Mechanical Engineer and Senior Project Manager at Stanley Consultants, Muscatine, Iowa, has been awarded the 2026 QCESC Senior Engineer of the Year Award. With nearly 30 years of experience, Rowell is recognized for his expertise in power generation technologies, noise control, and reciprocating internal combustion engines. His career is highlighted by his role as Owner’s Engineer for $2 billion coal plant construction project in the Dominican Republic and his management of the 300 MW (Mega Watt) Gilbert Unit 3 and Spurlock Unit 4 plants. Rowell excels as a "seller-doer," managing multimillion-dollar projects while cultivating lasting client relationships. He has a proven track record of technical leadership, serving as a subject matter expert in mechanical disciplines and mentoring junior engineers. His dedication to the profession is further demonstrated by his active participation in technical conferences and his commitment to developing innovative engineering solutions for complex power and industrial projects. Lance also served as President and Treasurer of the Iowa Engineering Society (IES) Muscatine Chapter. His leadership extends to serving ten years on the Iowa State University Extension Board, where he chaired a major building project. He was a long-time member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Nominator Brad Schmidt shares that “Lance is known for picking up a new task and mastering it,” adding that his specialized skills allow him to “accurately predict facility noise levels and navigate varied regulatory requirements.” Rowell is a licensed Professional Engineer in four states. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

James O'Shea, a Scientist 2 at Stanley Consultants, Coralville, Iowa, has been named the 2026 Junior Scientist of the Year by the Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC). O'Shea has rapidly advanced from an intern to a skilled professional, delivering comprehensive environmental compliance solutions across diverse industrial and infrastructure settings while juggling numerous simultaneous projects. Shea has made a significant impact by managing environmental compliance programs, wetland delineations, and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination studies across the United States. His work ranges from hazardous soil disposal assessments for transportation projects to leading environmental survey along major infrastructure pipelines in the Chicagoland area. He is highly skilled in field sampling, environmental reporting, and coordinating with clients and subcontractors to solve complex environmental problems. In addition to his professional achievements, Shea is actively involved in the Stanley Consultants Young Professionals Group, serving as an Office Champion. He is a member of the Society of Wetlands and the American Institute of Professional Geologists. His community service includes volunteering for roadway cleanup events and mentoring as a youth ski instructor. Nominators Trenton Humphrey and Megan Dusing had this to say, “James consistently solves environmental problems across
diverse projects…[and] is poised to take on further leadership in complex environmental
protection efforts.”

O'Shea earned his Bachelor of Science in Soil and Water Resources from the University
of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

Dr. Christopher Haring, a Research Physical Scientist at the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineering Research and Development
Center (ERDC), has been named the 2026 QCESC Senior Scientist of the Year. Dr.
Haring has over thirty years of experience developing international guidelines,
conducting river engineering research, and mentoring the next generation of scientists.
He is author of 97 publications, including research on failure modes for bank
stabilization and numerical modeling for ecosystem restoration.
Dr. Haring is a recognized expert in geomorphic assessment and river restoration,
contributing to national and international initiatives for flood risk management and
nature-based features. Haring is globally recognized expert in river engineering and
geomorphology, having led international teams to develop guidelines for Natural and
Nature-Based Features (NNBF) in flood risk management. His notable work includes
developing numerical modeling platforms for watershed assessment and serving as the
Lead Flood Area Engineer for the Cointon area response from 2017 to 2021. An avid
volunteer, he has served as a presenter for the Illinois Envirothon. He belongs to the
Geological Society of America (GSA), the Association of State Floodplain Managers
(ASFPM), the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), the Illinois Silver Jackets,
and the Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research (IIHR), among several other technical
committees. Nominator Brad Palmer highlights that Dr. Haring not only conducts vital
research but "teaches ten annual training courses and workshops for governmental
agencies and International Partner.
Christopher Haring holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Geology (Geomorphology) and a
Master of Science in Geoscience (Hydraulics) from the University of Iowa in Iowa City,
Iowa, and a Bachelor of Science in Geology form Illinois State University in Normal,
Illinois.

Jason Dennhardt, a former Technology Director and Robotics Teacher at Riverdale School District, Port Byron, Illinois, has been awarded the 2026 STEM Teacher of the Year Award by the Quad City Engineering & Science Council (QCESC). Dennhardt transformed STEM education in his district, empowering students to engage with hands-on learning in robotics, manufacturing, and engineering principles.
Dennhardt developed and led a highly successful robotics program over a 10year
tenure, coaching teams to earn more than 23 FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition
of Science and Technology) Tech Challenge awards, including multiple Illinois State
Awards. He secured over $50,000 in grant funding to establish robotics as a forcredit
course at Riverdale, ensuring longterm sustainability and expanded student access.
Through the program, he introduced students to advanced manufacturing technologies
such as 3D printing and waterjet cutting, equipping them with practical, realworld skills
aligned with future STEM careers. Beyond the Riverdale District, Dennhardt helped
launch multiple FIRST® LEGO League teams through the River Valley District Library
and played a key role in supporting Sherrard High School’s adoption of a robotics
course model, expanding access to highquality STEM education across the broader
community. He also guided his teams in organizing an annual community fundraiser
benefiting the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, raising over $20,000
for LEGO donations since 2017 and continuing today. Nominator Keith Stewart had this
to say, “Mr. Dennhardt has been a huge asset to our STEM instruction…Our students
learn so much about technology, problem solving, philanthropy, and professionalism
when they are involved in this program.”
Dennhardt holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Augustana College,
Rock Island, Illinois, and currently serves in an IT leadership role at Constellation
Energy, Cordova, Illinois, overseeing information technology operations at two nuclear
facilities.

Ken Herrmann, a dedicated FIRST® volunteer and coach, has been named the 2026 QCESC STEM Volunteer of the Year. Ken’s exceptional commitment to mentoring a local FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Tech Challenge (FTC) and coaching two FIRST® LEGO League (FLL) robotics teams has made a lasting impact on local youth and STEM education. Ken guides all his teams through design reviews, iterative improvements to their robots and innovation projects as well as helping them connect with industry professionals in the field to get feedback from various experts. He has helped many of his teams qualify for state and world championships. Through his mentorship, he empowers students to think critically and collaborate effectively. His efforts have led to significant achievements, including finalists at the FIRST® World Championships "Think" Award and multiple state championship placements. Nominator Bob Manasco said, “Ken’s
mentorship has contributed to measurable student success…Students consistently
value Ken’s patience, encouragement, and ability to translate professional engineering
practices into accessible learning experiences.”
Ken holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iowa,
Iowa City, a Master’s in Engineering from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana,
and works as a Senior Production Verification and Validation Engineer at John Deere in
East Moline, Illinois.

Dr. John D. Johnson, Founder, President, and CEO of Aligned Security and the Docent Institute, has been honored with the 2026 Hall of Fame - Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition celebrates a career spanning over 30 years defined by a rare blend of deep technical expertise, global leadership, and an unwavering commitment to mentoring the next generation of STEM professionals. Dr. Johnson’s professional journey is marked by leadership roles at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. From his early work at Los Alamos National Laboratory to his time as a Security Architect at John Deere, an Advisory Senior Manager at Deloitte, and leadership roles at Campbell Soup Co., John has shaped the cybersecurity landscape across multiple industries. Specifically, his work at Deloitte focused on the cutting-edge field of IoT (Internet of Things) and Industrial Cybersecurity. Throughout his career, he has successfully bridged the gap between complex theory and the "real world" of manufacturing and critical infrastructure. Today, he continues to provide executive-level strategy for companies across industry verticals as a vCISO (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer) and executive advisor through Aligned Security. His technical foundation is uniquely rigorous, holding a Doctor of Philosophy in Nuclear Physics from the University of Texas at Austin—a background that has informed his
analytical approach to complex digital defense systems.
Beyond the corporate boardroom, Dr. Johnson is a prolific educator. For 14 years, he
served as an adjunct professor at institutions including St. Ambrose University (SAU),
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), and Excelsior College, where he personally developed groundbreaking cybersecurity curricula. Today, his non-
profit, the Docent Institute, is a powerhouse for STEM outreach. Under his leadership,
the institute reaches 1,500 students annually through High School Cyber Career Days
across Iowa and Chicago, K-12 STEM camps, and the renowned CornCon
Cybersecurity Conference and STEM Festival. His impact on the next generation also
extends to the global stage, having served as a long-time program organizer for the
youth program at DEFCON - the world's largest hacking conference. Locally, his
commitment to the regional ecosystem is further evidenced by his role as the Founder

and President of the Quad City Cybersecurity Alliance, an organization he has led since
2009 to build a robust local technical hub.
A true servant-leader, John has dedicated decades to professional societies. He is a
Past-President of the Quad City Engineering & Science Council (QCESC) and currently
serves as a Director on the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)
International Board of Directors, alongside senior leadership roles within the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and International Information System
Security Certification Consortium (ISC)². A Distinguished Fellow of the Ponemon
Institute, John’s influence is recognized nationally; he served for nearly a decade as a
judge for the prestigious SC Magazine Awards and was a Co-Chair for the 2017
national awards ceremony.
 

The Quad Cities Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) is proud to announce the recipient of the 2026 President’s Award of Merit: Susan Eckert, RDN, a dedicated medical nutrition expert and leader in youth STEM education. This prestigious award recognizes Susan for her outstanding contributions to the council, her unwavering support of regional robotics programs, and her exceptional work as an advocate for empowering the next generation of technological leaders. Throughout her tenure with the QCESC, Susan has been a steadfast champion for STEM outreach, balancing her professional background with a prolific volunteer career. She currently works for John Deere, supporting the Foundation’s global initiatives of food security, quality education, and strengthening local communities. Susan consistently funnels her organizational expertise and passion for mentorship into creating impactful, real-world educational opportunities for youth across Iowa and the Quad Cities region.
Susan’s impact on the QCESC and the broader STEM community is characterized by
her leadership across multiple premier programs. Since 2010, she has been deeply
involved with FIRST® Robotics, expanding her footprint from local FIRST® team
coaching and mentorship to vital international volunteer roles. Her administrative savvy
has been a help to the council's operations, notably serving as the QCESC Awards
Chair since 2020 and orchestrating volunteer networks to ensure regional event
success.
Some of Susan’s many contributions include:
Pioneering Program Leadership: Serving on the Quad Cities FLL Kickoff
Planning Team since its inception in 2013 and seamlessly managing logistics as
the Quad Cities FLL Event Volunteer Coordinator and Co-Coordinator since
2019.

Statewide Mentorship and Outreach: Stepping into the critical role of FIRST®
Senior Mentor for Iowa in 2022, providing essential guidance, resource
alignment, and support to teams and educators statewide.
Educational Impact: Earning prestigious honors for her dedication, including the
2014 State of Iowa FLL Coach of the Year, the 2016 QCESC STEM Volunteer of
the Year (awarded alongside her family), the 2018 FLL World Festival Coach of
the Year in Detroit, and an Iowa Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Educator Award
in 2022.