Annual Conference Program

Engineering Ethics NSPE Board of Ethical Review Cases: A Discussion on Competence and Standard of Care

Speaker
Julia Harrod, P.E., F.NSPE

This session will explore real-world ethical dilemmas reviewed by the NSPE Board of Ethical Review, with a focus on issues related to competence and the standard of care expected in the engineering profession. Through selected case studies, participants will examine how ethical principles are applied in practice and discuss the responsibilities engineers hold in protecting public health, safety, and welfare.

Attendees will gain insights into the NSPE Code of Ethics, understand how to navigate complex professional situations, and strengthen their ability to make sound, ethical decisions in their own work.

Julia Harrod, P.E., F.NSPE

Incoming President of NSPE

President and CEO of MWM DesignGroup

Ms. Harrod is recognized for excellence and leadership in her profession and in technical and civic programs. She is also an avid volunteer, from STEM outreach to serving as national treasurer for the National Society of Professional Engineers and advocating for the professional engineering community.

After earning her Bachelor of Architectural Design from MIT in 1990, Harrod spent nine months in Bath, England, working for an architectural engineering firm. After arriving back in Austin, she began work at Martinez & Wright Engineers (now MWM DesignGroup) as a design technician.  It was here that she changed her career path from architecture to engineering. While still working at MWM, she came to The University of Texas at Austin to complete her education by earning a master’s degree in architectural engineering in 1994.

She now serves as project principal and chief quality control reviewer for all the firm’s engineering and landscape architectural projects. As president, she is also responsible for the firm’s strategic initiatives and financial operations.

Over the years, MWM’s clients have included the City of Austin, Capital Metro, Austin Community College and Texas State University. Julia has overseen large site projects as well as utility and transportation infrastructure improvements.

Julia has also made notable contributions to the engineering profession through advocacy and outreach at both the local and state levels. She is currently serving as the national treasurer of the National Society of Professional Engineers. She has also served as the president of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers and the Austin Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Julia was named State Engineer of the Year by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers in 2015.