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Amber Spears

Amber Spears

Material Science and Chemical Engineering Research Intern

Followers of Amber Spears2000 followers
location of Amber SpearsDetroit, Michigan, United States

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Geotechnical Engineer, Poet, Public Speaker, Lifelong Learner, Restorative Justice Activist

  • Education

    • Jackson State University

      2021 - 2024
      Doctor of Philosophy - PhD Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

      Activities and Societies: CREATE (Climate REsilient REsearch And Transformative Education) Lab (2021-2024), Graduate Student Association (2021-2024), African Drum and Dance Ensemble (Spring 2022), National Society of Black Engineers (2021-2023), Gardening Club (2023-2024), CREATE Lab's First NSF-funded Climate Resilient/Adaptive Infrastructure Workshop Coordinator (2022)

    • Cass Technical High School

      -

      Activities and Societies: Softball (Co-Captain, 2007-2008), Wade McCree Scholars (2004-2008), DAES (Environmental Science Club) (2004-2005), Photography Club (Co-President, 2007-2008), National Honors Society (2006-2008), Business Department Co-op Student (Detroit Children's Museum, 2007-2008), Human Services Curriculum (2004-2008)

    • The University of Texas at Austin

      2012 - 2014
      M.S. Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

      Activities and Societies: National Society of Black Engineers (2012-2014), American Society of Civil Engineers (GeoInstitute Chapter, 2012-2014), UT Black Graduate Student Association (Historian, 2013-2014), Graduate Student Assembly (Shuttle Bus Committee, 2013-2014), Black Girls Run! Austin Chapter (2012-2014)

    • University of Michigan

      2008 - 2012
      B.S.E. Civil/Environmental Engineering

      Activities and Societies: Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar (2008-2012), Michigan's Science Technology Engineering and STEM Cohort 1 (2008-2012), National Society of Black Engineers (Community Service Chair, 2010-2011), American Society of Civil Engineers (Community Service Chair, 2011-2012), Mustard Seed Campus Ministry (Seeder Leader, 2009-2012), Women’s Novice Rowing (2009-2010), CEDO's First Alternative Spring Break (CoE) Coordinator (2010-2011)

  • Experience

    • Wayne State University

      Jun 2009 - Jul 2009
      Material Science and Chemical Engineering Research Intern

      The Michigan Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority ParticipationAssisted in research involving pulmonary drug delivery systems/nanomedicine using Chitosan (CS) Determined MW of CS using viscometry, depolymerized CS, prepared and characterized CS-DNA polyplexes One of five to present research at closing ceremony

    • NTH Consultants, Ltd.

      Jun 2010 - Sept 2010
      Geotechnical/Environmental Engineering Intern

      Participated in Regional Intern Leadership Program-Discover Engage Transform (DET) Performed boring tests and classified soil samples in Metro-Detroit using a Geoprobe rig Collaborated with structural engineers to determine design of storage tank for

    • University of Michigan

      Jun 2012 - Aug 2012
      Academic Facilitator/Advisor for Summer Engineering Institute

    • The University of Texas at Austin

      Jan 2013 - May 2014
      Graduate Researcher

    • NTH Consultants, Ltd.

      May 2014 - Oct 2015
      Staff Engineer

      Geotechnical Engineer for the Heavy Civil Design team

    • CTI and Associates, Inc.

      Oct 2015 - Sept 2021

      Geotechnical Engineer for the Solid Waste (Landfill) teamPFAS Action Team (2019-2021) Geotechnical Engineer for the Solid Waste (Landfill) teamCTI Emerging Leaders Dinner Visionary (2016-2017)Northern Equities Group "CTI Gardens" Team Lead (Spring 2019 - Fall 2019)

      • Project Engineer

        Sept 2019 - Sept 2021

      • Staff Engineer

        Oct 2015 - Sept 2019

    • Lawrence Technological University

      Aug 2018 - Apr 2019
      Adjunct Professor - Civil Engineering Department

      Served as Geotechnical Advisor for Civil Engineering Senior Capstone Course (2 semesters)Led discussion for geotechnical seniors to assist them with their designs, presentations, and technical reportsGraded presentations for each senior capstone team and technical reports for each geotech student

    • Jackson State University

      Aug 2021 - May 2024

      Served as advisor for CIV410 Capstone Fall 2023Served as grader and assistant with media for CIV 575 Earth Dams and Slopes Fall 2023Served as lecturer for CIV 380 Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering Spring 2024 Conducted research under NSF CAREER Award (CMMI Grant No. 2046054)Coordinated Inaugural Climate Adaptive Infrastructure WorkshopCompleted Advanced Geosciences, Inc. Resistivity Imaging SeminarObtained Remote Pilot LicenseServed as Adult Sponsor to High School Researcher in The Mississippi Science and Engineering Fairs—Student awarded 2nd Place in Plant Sciences for Region II and State Fairs

      • Graduate Teaching Assistant

        Aug 2023 - May 2024

      • Graduate Research Assistant

        Aug 2021 - May 2024

    • Onyx Enterprises Inc

      Jan 2023 - now
      Geotechnical Engineer

      Certifications and Registrations AssistantMDOT and Airport Director of EngineeringSESC Plan Review/Approval

  • Licenses & Certifications

    • OSHA 40 HR HAZWOPER Certification

      Institute for Safety and Health Management
      Oct 2016
      View certificate certificate

    • MINING1x: Mining Engineering Principles: Exploration to Innovation

      EdX
      Jun 2025
      View certificate certificate

    • Social and Behavioral Research

      CITI Program
      May 2025
      View certificate certificate

    • Engineer In Training (EIT)

      Texas Board of Professional Engineers
      Jun 2014

    • Verified Certificate of Achievement: GEO101x: Geoscience: the Earth and its Resources

      EdX
      Jul 2020
      View certificate certificate

    • SESC Plan Review and Design

      Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
      Jan 2019
      View certificate certificate

    • Group 1: Researcher (PI)

      CITI Program
      Jan 2025
      View certificate certificate

    • Professional Engineer License (PE)

      Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
      Jun 2021

    • Storm Water Management Operator

      Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
      Oct 2018
      View certificate certificate

  • Honors & Awards

    • Awarded to Amber Spears
      Safety Recognition Award CTI and Associates Safety Team Jan 2021
    • Awarded to Amber Spears
      Outstanding Practictioner Advisor Award ASCE Central Region Younger Member Council Jan 2020 "Awarded to a Younger Member who has demonstrated outstanding support for a Student Chapter."
    • Awarded to Amber Spears
      Willie Hobbs Moore Achievement Award University of Michigan Women in Science and Engineering Mar 2018 Established in 2013, this award was created to honor Dr. Willie Hobbs Moore. She became the first African-American woman to earn a BS in Electrical Engineering and MS in Electrical Engineering at the University of Michigan, as well as the first woman to receive a Ph. D. in Physics at any institution.The Achievement Award is for an individual in STEM whose achievements encourage and inspire others to achieve their goals.https://wise.umich.edu/?page_id=63
    • Awarded to Amber Spears
      Outstanding Leadership Award Engineering Society of Detroit, National Society of Black Engineers-Detroit Professionals Chapter Mar 2017 I was selected by the 2016-2017 National Society of Black Engineers-Detroit Professionals Chapter E-Board to receive this award.
    • Awarded to Amber Spears
      Safety Recognition Award CTI & Associates Safety Team Dec 2016
    • Awarded to Amber Spears
      Distinguished Leadership Award College of Engineering Apr 2012 The Distinguished Leadership Award is presented to those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership through their contributions to the college and/or the community.
    • Awarded to Amber Spears
      Marian Sarah Parker Prize College of Engineering Apr 2012 Competitive College of Engineering Nomination-Based Award. Sarah Drake Parker initiated this endowment, shared with the College of Engineering, in memory of her daughter, Marian Sarah Parker, C.E. 1895, the first woman to graduate with an engineering degree from the University of Michigan. As a member of Purdy & Henderson, Parker became a specialist in the design of the steel-framed skyscraper and helped to design such revolutionary buildings as New York's Flat Iron Building and the Waldorf… Show more Competitive College of Engineering Nomination-Based Award. Sarah Drake Parker initiated this endowment, shared with the College of Engineering, in memory of her daughter, Marian Sarah Parker, C.E. 1895, the first woman to graduate with an engineering degree from the University of Michigan. As a member of Purdy & Henderson, Parker became a specialist in the design of the steel-framed skyscraper and helped to design such revolutionary buildings as New York's Flat Iron Building and the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The award is made annually to the outstanding woman senior in engineering and to the outstanding woman M.Arch. degree candidate. Show less
    • Awarded to Amber Spears
      Martin Luther King, Jr. Spirit Award College of Engineering Jan 2012 Competitive College of Engineering Nomination-Based Award. Recipients were selected as award recipients based on their leadership, promotion of diversity, and exemplification of the vision of Dr. King.
    • Awarded to Amber Spears
      Member of the Year National Society of Black Engineers-UofM Chapter Apr 2011 This award is given to the member of NSBE who demonstrates leadership, initiative, compassion, and commitment to NSBE. It is nomination-based.
    • Awarded to Amber Spears
      JRF/Spike Lee Youth Motivation Award Jackie Robinson Foundation Mar 2011 This award was established in 1995 to recognize the matriculating Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar who performed the most outstanding community service during the preceding calendar year. The award is presented during the Scholars’ Networking Weekend. The service initiative or project must be innovative and practical and should enable an individual or organization to solve a social, economic, governmental or legal problem within the community and/or to improve the status of the population… Show more This award was established in 1995 to recognize the matriculating Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar who performed the most outstanding community service during the preceding calendar year. The award is presented during the Scholars’ Networking Weekend. The service initiative or project must be innovative and practical and should enable an individual or organization to solve a social, economic, governmental or legal problem within the community and/or to improve the status of the population served. Show less

  • Volunteer Experience

    • Civil/Geotechnical Engineer

      Issued by Engineering Ministries International (EMI) on Jul 2015
      Engineering Ministries International (EMI)Associated with Amber Spears