Bartlett Engineering & Surveying’s David Via, PE, Finalist in Prestigious ASCE Ethics Paper Competition

Wilson, NC — Bartlett Engineering & Surveying, PC is proud to announce that David Via, PE, a civil engineer with the firm, was selected as a finalist in the D. V. Terrell Ethics Paper Competition, hosted by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Region 4.

Via, who has been with Bartlett Engineering & Surveying for three years, represented North Carolina as one of seven finalists from across eight states in the ASCE Region 4 area. The finalists were invited to present their papers at the Region 4 Assembly held in Indianapolis, Indiana, where each participant delivered a 15-minute presentation addressing one of the most critical issues facing the profession: the ethical responsibilities of civil engineers in the wake of infrastructure disasters.

This year’s competition prompt asked participants to reflect on events such as the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Maryland and the Interstate 95 collapse in Pennsylvania, and to consider the ethical role of civil engineers in both the prevention and response to such disasters. Via’s paper emphasized the importance of empowering licensed professionals across all industries with the time and resources necessary to design safe, effective infrastructure systems. He also highlighted the ethical responsibility of current license holders to mentor and train the next generation of engineers to uphold the profession’s highest standards of integrity.

“It was an honor to represent not only Bartlett Engineering & Surveying, but to also be one of two presenters from North Carolina at this competition,” said Via. “It was a great day of professional development that continues to motivate me to be the best engineer I can be.”

The D. V. Terrell Ethics Paper Competition is designed to promote thoughtful dialogue around engineering ethics and professional responsibility. Participation by engineers like Via demonstrates a deep commitment to upholding the health, safety, and welfare of the public, a cornerstone of civil engineering practice.

“We are incredibly proud of David and his recognition as a finalist in the D. V. Terrell Ethics Paper Competition,” said Robert Bartlett, President at Bartlett Engineering & Surveying, PC. “His thoughtful approach to addressing the ethical responsibilities of civil engineers reflects the core values of our firm—servant-minded, integrity, intentional, transformative, and enthusiasm. David’s achievement underscores the importance of cultivating leadership and ethical awareness within our profession, and we are honored to have him as a leader of our team.”