Leshko Elected to University of Connecticut’s Academy of Distinguished Engineers

Brian Leshko, HDR’s bridges and structures inspection program leader, has been inducted into the University of Connecticut’s Academy of Distinguished Engineers. Each year, the School of Engineering commends exceptional engineering alumni whose careers are characterized by their exemplary contributions to the engineering profession through research, practice, education, policy or service.

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Brian Leshko, HDR bridges and structures inspection program leader, speaks at his induction to the U ...

Brian Leshko, HDR bridges and structures inspection program leader, speaks at his induction to the University of Connecticut’s Academy of Distinguished Engineers. (Photo: University of Connecticut)

“I am truly grateful to be honored for my contributions to the engineering profession,” Leshko said. “I am humbled to join the talented group of UConn graduates who have distinguished themselves and positively impacted society through their engineering achievements.”

Leshko’s engineering career began at the United States Air Force Academy, where he received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He would later earn a master’s degree in structural engineering at UConn, and a master of civil engineering degree with an emphasis on structural dynamics from The Johns Hopkins University.

Leshko’s education led to a fascination with inspection and evaluation techniques for bridges and tunnels. His professional commitment to this specialized area, as well as his diverse experience, has been instrumental in growing HDR’s bridges and structures inspection program into a national leader. What started as a cadre of six bridge engineers/inspectors has grown to a staff of more than 100 certified personnel.

“It’s no surprise that Brian is receiving this well-deserved honor,” said Pat Hickox, HDR’s bridges and structures director. “It is through his commitment and dedication that we have been able to enhance our bridge and tunnel inspection services for our transportation clients. We are pleased others recognize the greatness we see each day.”

Leshko shares his expertise through professional writings and presentations, and is contributing to several ongoing research projects for the Federal Highway Administration and National Cooperative Highway Research Program. He has been recognized as an Inaugural Fellow of the Structural Engineering Institute and a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers—a prestigious honor held by fewer than five percent of ASCE members.

About HDR’s bridge experience
We have a passion for all types of bridges, and offer every bridge-related service you can think of and a few you might not. We work on some of the largest and most complex bridge programs in the United States, including leading the Hoover Dam Bypass design team, winner of the prestigious 2012 ACEC Grand Conceptor Award; serving as lead designer for both the New NY Bridge replacing the Tappan Zee Bridge and the Pennsylvania Rapid Bridge Replacement Program public-private partnership; and co-managing the Oregon Transportation Investment Act III Bridge Delivery Program.

About HDR
For more than a century, HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our expertise spans 10,000 employees, in more than 225 locations around the world—and counting. Our engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services bring an impressive breadth of knowledge to every project. Our optimistic approach to finding innovative solutions defined our past and drives our future.