Denise R. Simmons, Ph.D., PE, F. ASEE

Associate Dean for Workforce Development

Denise Rutledge Simmons, Ph.D., PE, F. ASEE, PMP, LEED-AP, is a civil engineer, civil engineering researcher, faculty member, and associate dean at the University of Florida. She has spent over a decade in industry and nearly two decades in academia. She is a trailblazer in the field of civil engineering education and workforce development, with an extensive record of scholarly contributions to academia and the industry. Simmons is a recipient of multiple awards and grants, including the National Science Foundation’s Faculty Early Career Development Award, in support and recognition of her pioneering work in the field.

In 2023, the American Society for Engineering Education elected her to Fellow Membership in recognition of her leadership in anchoring engineering education research in the context of civil engineering workforce development, expanding understanding of competence development, especially through out-of-class activities, and furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion in engineering education and practice.

Simmons is the director of the Simmons Research Lab, where she leads a team of researchers focused on advancing the field of civil engineering through competency development, education, and training. As the Associate Dean for Workforce Development in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida, she is committed to promoting accessible, high-quality, and inclusive engineering education.