June Monthly Meeting - Engineering Ethics in Action: Lessons From Structural Failures and Ethical Dilemmas
June 25, 2026
6:00 PM MDT - 8:00 PM MDT
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PRESENTATION:
Engineering Ethics in Action: Lessons From Structural Failures and Ethical Dilemmas
PRESENTED BY:
Chantell J. Cornett
Principal | Managing Partner | VP/CFO - Ward Cornett & Associates
Chantell J. Cornett received her engineering training in Construction/Civil from Arizona State University where she is a current Ph.D. Candidate in Structures/Strength of Materials. A forensic engineering expert with 20+ years of experience, her practices focuses in construction disputes, job site safety, defect/building envelope claims, and forensic cost analysis. A licensed Arizona KB-2 Contractor, she consults on OSHA/ADA/Code compliance, property condition assessments, and structural investigations. In 2025, Cornett was awarded a National Science Foundation Fellowship to advance research in concrete in Chile. She serves on the Arizona Board of Technical Registration, presents at conferences, and adjunct teaches. When not consulting, she enjoys advocacy in workplace safety and ethical engineering practices.
DESCRIPTION:
Ethical decisions in structural engineering have far-reaching consequences. This session examines real-world case studies of failures—including the Citicorp Headquarters near-miss—to explore the intersection of technical compliance, ethical responsibility, and public safety. The discussion will challenge attendees to consider how loudly engineers must “sound the alarm” when lives are at stake. With insights from the ASCE 2020 Code of Ethics and historical failures, participants will gain tools to navigate ethical dilemmas, balance corporate and professional duties, and reinforce a culture of transparency and accountability. Whether seasoned or early-career, this session will reshape how engineers approach their ethical obligations in practice.
