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Ashlynn Stillwell
44:48|In this episode of Engineering Legends, Chris Burke sits down with Professor Ashlynn Stillwell of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to discuss her path into engineering, her academic career and her groundbreaking research at the intersection of water and energy, work that is helping shape the future of sustainable infrastructure.The conversation explores the hidden energy costs of water loss, how emerging technologies can help identify leaks in water distribution systems, and the challenges of managing stormwater entering sanitary sewers. Professor Stillwell shares how a better understanding of the relationship between water and energy can transform the way we design, operate and maintain infrastructure, making our communities more efficient, resilient and sustainable for generations to come.
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Mamon Powers, Jr., Part Two
26:51|In this episode of Engineering Legends, host Chris Burke talks with Mamon Powers, Jr., chairman and CEO of Powers & Sons Construction. Powers shares the story of building one of the Midwest’s leading minority-owned construction firms, from joining his father’s company in the early 1970s to leading major projects across the region.He reflects on key milestones, the mindsets that shaped his leadership and growth, and major developments throughout his career, including large-scale projects and the formation of Lakeside Alliance. The conversation also highlights the journey and significance of the Obama Presidential Center project.Mamon Powers, Jr., Part One
24:56|In this episode of Engineering Legends, host Chris Burke talks with Mamon Powers, Jr., chairman and CEO of Powers & Sons Construction. Powers shares the story of building one of the Midwest’s leading minority-owned construction firms, from joining his father’s company in the early 1970s to leading major projects across the region.He reflects on key milestones, the mindsets that shaped his leadership and growth, and major developments throughout his career, including large-scale projects and the formation of Lakeside Alliance. The conversation also highlights the journey and significance of the Obama Presidential Center project.Benjamin Sells, Part Two
27:06|In this episode of Engineering Legends, host Chris Burke talks with Benjamin Sells, writer, psychotherapist, lawyer, and former Village President of Riverside, Illinois. Ben shares the story behind key moments in Chicago’s infrastructure history, drawing from his books The Tunnel Under the Lake and The History of the Chicago Portage. He explores the engineering challenges and bold decisions that helped shape the city’s development. The conversation also highlights the legacy of Ellis Sylvester Chesbrough and why Chicago wouldn’t be what it is today without his vision.Benjamin Sells, Part One
24:46|In this episode of Engineering Legends, host Chris Burke talks with Benjamin Sells, writer, psychotherapist, lawyer, and former Village President of Riverside, Illinois. Ben shares the story behind key moments in Chicago’s infrastructure history, drawing from his books The Tunnel Under the Lake and The History of the Chicago Portage. He explores the engineering challenges and bold decisions that helped shape the city’s development. The conversation also highlights the legacy of Ellis Sylvester Chesbrough and why Chicago wouldn’t be what it is today without his vision.Dick Lanyon, Part Two
22:34|In this episode of Engineering Legends, host Chris Burke talks with Dick Lanyon, longtime leader at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and historian of Chicago’s water infrastructure. Dick shares the story behind the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, the bold engineering project that reversed the river and helped save the city from a public health crisis. He reflects on the political battles, engineering challenges, and lasting innovations that shaped the system we rely on today. The conversation also looks ahead to modern water management issues, including the future of the Chicago Area Waterway System.Dick Lanyon, Part One
28:53|In this episode of Engineering Legends, host Chris Burke talks with Dick Lanyon, longtime leader at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and historian of Chicago’s water infrastructure. Dick shares the story behind the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, the bold engineering project that reversed the river and helped save the city from a public health crisis. He reflects on the political battles, engineering challenges, and lasting innovations that shaped the system we rely on today. The conversation also looks ahead to modern water management issues, including the future of the Chicago Area Waterway System.