Episodes

  • Ashlynn Stillwell

    Ashlynn Stillwell
    Oct 13 2026

    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    45 mins
  • Mamon Powers, Jr., Part Two

    Mamon Powers, Jr., Part Two
    Apr 24 2026

    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    27 mins
  • Mamon Powers, Jr., Part One

    Mamon Powers, Jr., Part One
    Apr 24 2026

    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    25 mins
  • Benjamin Sells, Part Two

    Benjamin Sells, Part Two
    Mar 31 2026
    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    27 mins
  • Benjamin Sells, Part One

    Benjamin Sells, Part One
    Mar 31 2026
    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    25 mins
  • Dick Lanyon, Part Two

    Dick Lanyon, Part Two
    Feb 17 2026
    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    23 mins
  • Dick Lanyon, Part One

    Dick Lanyon, Part One
    Feb 17 2026
    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    29 mins
  • Silviu Livescu, PhD

    Silviu Livescu, PhD
    Feb 3 2026
    Engineering Legends, hosted by Chris Burke and powered by the Western Society of Engineers, features Silviu Livescu, PhD, the 2026 recipient of the Washington Award. Recognized for his pioneering work in low-enthalpy geothermal energy systems, Silviu discusses advancing sustainable, cost-effective building heating and cooling, his work as Co-founder and CTO of Bedrock Energy, and the role engineers play in advancing the welfare of humankind.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    29 mins