Job description: Kate is a project engineer on the Portal North Bridge construction project, which is part of Amtrak's Gateway Program. The new bridge over the Hackensack River in New Jersey will replace an existing 114-year-old railroad bridge that opens for maritime traffic but often is plagued with mechanical problems that result in train delays.

Why she's influential in technology: With over 15 years of experience in the heavy civil construction sector, Kate has used technology to cut costs and improve efficiency at Traylor Brothers. Recently, Kate and her team helped the Portal North Bridge project complete a milestone: the erection of a bridge arch span in a marine environment. The operation entailed rolling the arch onto the barge at the assembly site, lashing the arch to the barge, towing the arch to the project, monitoring weather and tides, and finally skidding the arch into place. Kate's role was key to the operation's success, which depended on detailed engineering planning, design and construction coordination among multiple teams.

Three tugboats, a heavy transport barge and a spacer barge towed the 5-million-pound, 400-foot-long, 50-foot-wide arch down the Hudson River to the construction site in Kearny, New Jersey. Kate followed the 30-hour journey by applying common sense and the latest technology to solve potential problems. Throughout the process, she ensured that everyone was on the same page, which greatly improved the Traylor Brothers' efficiency and cohesion.

What's more, Kate is a lifelong learner who keeps up with current industry trends and best practices. Recently, she obtained her professional engineering license. Her commitment to staying on top of the latest information in her field sets a positive example for her mentees, encouraging them to pursue their professional development goals.