Meeting/Event Information

Speakers Bios: Michael Carlson, P.E. and Hafiz Rahman, P.E.

Michael Carlson, P.E. currently leads the TxDOT Bridge Design Section in Houston. His section oversees the design of new bridges, rehabilitation of existing bridges, geotechnical design, and review of all consultant bridge plans for a variety of transportation projects throughout the Houston District. Michael is a native Houstonian with over 17 years of dedicated service to TxDOT.  Michael obtained his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University in May 2007, followed by Masters of Engineering (Civil/Structural) at Texas A&M in August 2008. Since joining TxDOT in 2009 he has worked on several major projects within the Houston Area, including the US 290 corridor, SH 99 and IH 10 Interchange, the express bypass bridge for SH 146 in Kemah, IH 69 and IH 610 Interchange, and IH 610 Bus Lane. Over the years, Michael has also provided design solutions for bridge rehabilitation and emergency repairs.  He has led efforts to standardize designs, automate procedures, use technology to the fullest, and provide training and guidance for the bridge staff in the Houston District.

Hafiz Rahman, P.E. is a civil and structural engineering leader with over 17 years of experience in bridge design, transportation infrastructure, and major capital project delivery. He serves as Department Manager for In‑House Design Services at the Harris County Office of the County Engineer and previously worked as a Transportation Engineer Supervisor with the TxDOT Houston District Bridge Design Office. His experience spans the full project lifecycle—from planning and schematic development through PS&E, construction support, inspection, load rating, and resiliency‑focused structural assessments—while leading multidisciplinary teams and ensuring compliance with AASHTO, FHWA, and state standards. Earlier in his career, he held senior engineering and project management roles with the Virginia Department of Transportation and spent eight years in consulting across public and private sectors. Mr. Rahman holds an M.S. in Civil Engineering from Lamar University and a B.S. from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, is licensed in Texas and Virginia, an ASCE member, and is FAA Part 107 certified for drone‑based bridge inspection.

The Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) is dedicated to serving and promoting the worldwide structural engineering profession and related industries by providing a forum for research, education, design, testing, manufacturing, construction, and operations in the structural engineering profession.　

Event Contact: Michael Hrncir | Director of Programs, SEI Houston