Berrin Tansel, Ph.D., P.E., Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has received the 2026 William H. Wisely American Civil Engineer Award.
The award honors ASCE members whose sustained leadership and service have advanced the society's history, traditions, technical excellence and professional activities.
Tansel was recognized for her:
Throughout her career, Tansel has advanced environmental engineering through pioneering research, impactful education and sustained professional service. Her work has improved the design and operation of water and wastewater treatment processes while strengthening engineering education and preparing future civil and environmental engineers.
According to ASCE, her contributions have elevated engineering education, enhanced the skills of practicing engineers and fostered the engagement of students and underrepresented groups in STEM. Her influence extends across numerous professional organizations, including the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors, the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, the Water Environment Federation, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, ABET and ASCE.
Tansel's expertise has also been recognized nationally by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, where she was selected as a leading expert on oil spill science.
The William H. Wisely American Civil Engineer Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the civil engineering profession through leadership, service and a commitment to advancing ASCE's mission and technical excellence.
The award honors ASCE members whose sustained leadership and service have advanced the society's history, traditions, technical excellence and professional activities.
Tansel was recognized for her:
"Exemplary dedication to advancing ASCE's history, traditions, and technical excellence through pioneering research, impactful education, and sustained professional service that have enriched its legacy and inspired continued innovation in environmental engineering."
Throughout her career, Tansel has advanced environmental engineering through pioneering research, impactful education and sustained professional service. Her work has improved the design and operation of water and wastewater treatment processes while strengthening engineering education and preparing future civil and environmental engineers.
According to ASCE, her contributions have elevated engineering education, enhanced the skills of practicing engineers and fostered the engagement of students and underrepresented groups in STEM. Her influence extends across numerous professional organizations, including the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors, the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, the Water Environment Federation, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, ABET and ASCE.
Tansel's expertise has also been recognized nationally by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, where she was selected as a leading expert on oil spill science.
The William H. Wisely American Civil Engineer Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the civil engineering profession through leadership, service and a commitment to advancing ASCE's mission and technical excellence.