Presenter:  James J. Mercier, P.E.

Overview

IEEE Senior Membership is not difficult to apply for, but it does take some planning to get it right. I will explain the details one will need for a successful application and why one should apply. I will also discuss what the Senior Member Reference Writers’ true function is and what they each need to do to write an effective reference. I will also cover why the Section needs Senior Members and my recommendations on a Senior Member Upgrade Event.

This program is intended especially for potential Reference Writers and application mentors. Potential Senior Members are certainly welcome, too.

About The Presenter

James Mercier is licensed as a professional engineer in Texas and five other states, and a Texas licensed Master Electrician. He is an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Life Member and an IEEE Life Senior Member, having joined both in College. In the Central Texas Section, his duties include Membership Development Chair, Sr. Member Upgrade Coordinator, and SAMIEEE Recipient. He also is a Past-Chair of the IEEE joint chapter (PI)² (PES/PELS/IES/IAS), and current Treasurer. His nickname is “Honeybadger”. James was a 2020 George F. McClure Citation of Honor recipient for his dedication to IEEE and his Chapter.

James has an eclectic history. After serving 4-years in the Air Force, he worked and completed a four-year Apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1999, making him a qualified construction electrician. The training specialized in industrial and commercial wiring. Then, in 1986, he graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a BS in Civil Engineering and worked as an Environmental Engineer in the private sector. In 1994, James was hired into the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to work in the Roadway Illumination and Traffic Signals Sections where he specialized in reviewing electrical plans, specifying grounding practices, inspecting installations for code compliance, improving design practices, and lightning protection.

In 2001, James transferred to the TxDOT Bridge Division Hydraulics where he specialized in river and stream flows through culverts and bridges. James used his multiple and varied experiences to design a collapse detection and motorist warning system for the Queen Isabella Causeway Bridge in south Texas. James also was a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) and an instructor for the Texas Floodplain Management Association.

He retired from TxDOT in 2015 so that he can enjoy doing what he wants to do!

Earn PDH Credits

U.S. IEEE members who have participated in an IEEE-USA Webinar can earn professional development hours (PDHs) from IEEE’s Educational Activities Department by clicking here to request a certificate.*

*Please allow 7-10 days to receive a certificate.