Dr. Reichenbach joined Drexel University in 2021, following his doctoral and master’s studies in structural engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He earned his bachelor of science in civil engineering from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. Before his academic career, he gained valuable industry experience as a structural engineer with the Harman Group and Hardesty & Hanover, where he worked on the design of steel bridges and complex structural systems. His combined academic and professional experience provides him with a practical perspective that informs both his research and his teaching.

Throughout his career, Dr. Reichenbach has contributed to several high-impact projects that have advanced steel bridge design. He played a leading role in the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Project 12-113, which focused on modifying AASHTO cross-frame analysis and design. His work included field monitoring of bridges, laboratory experiments on cross-frame members and parametric finite element analyses of over 4,000 bridges. These efforts led to the development of comprehensive design methodologies and several AASHTO provisions for cross-frame and diaphragm systems, significantly improving the safety, reliability and efficiency of steel bridge structures.

In addition to his work on cross-frames and diaphragms, Dr. Reichenbach has contributed to research on lateral-torsional buckling of non-prismatic steel girders, influencing the 10th Edition AASHTO provisions. His research is widely recognized for its practical applicability and impact on bridge design standards.

The Dexter Memorial Lecture was instituted in 2005 in memory of Robert J. Dexter, an associate professor of civil engineering at the University of Minnesota, who was an internationally recognized expert on steel fracture and fatigue problems in bridges. The program provides an opportunity for individuals early in their careers in structural engineering to present a lecture on their steel bridge research activities to the Steel Bridge Task Force and to participate in its semiannual three-day meeting.

Previous recipients of the Robert J. Dexter Memorial Award Lecture can be found here.

The award was presented to Wisch at a Steel Bridge Task Force meeting on September 24 in Lafayette, IN. Dan Snyder, vice president of construction at AISI and Chris Garrell, chief bridge engineer at the National Steel Bridge Alliance, presented the award, which reads: “In recognition of his exceptional leadership and contributions to steel bridge fabrication and education, including advancing best practices, mentoring engineers, improving quality and safety, and providing technical guidance, and for his dedicated service as a member and supporter of numerous bridge and transportation organizations.”

“Gary Wisch has spent his entire career fabricating steel bridges and educating engineers on best practices. At DeLong’s, he has contributed to countless steel bridge projects, and he has consistently shared his expertise as an active member or supporter of the AISI-led Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA), Steel Bridge Task Force, AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration, the Transportation Research Board and many others,” said Snyder. “Always engaged, always ready to provide practical insight, Gary fully embodies the spirit of the Alexander D. Wilson Memorial Award. Our community owes him a profound debt of gratitude for his tireless dedication to the steel bridge industry, both during his career and continuing into his retirement.”

About Gary Wisch
Gary W. Wisch, P.E., has worked for DeLong’s Inc., an active Bridge Task Force member, for 43 years. He spent his first seven years as a research engineer and the subsequent 35 years as the engineering vice president. In this role, Wisch supervised all engineering, drafting and quality control functions. In the past year, Wisch has transitioned towards retirement, working part time in an advisory capacity. Over the years, Wisch has been involved in numerous civic, religious, educational and professional organizations. Wisch has been married for 41 years. He and his wife, Jackie, have three children and five grandchildren.

About Alexander D. Wilson
As chair of the Steel Bridge Task Force, Alexander (Alex) D. Wilson presided over a group representing the top steel bridge design experts in the United States. As manager of customer technical services for ArcelorMittal USA, he developed and tested new technologies for the bridge industry, including weathering and High-Performance Steels, both of which provide cost-effective and durable alternatives to competing materials and are widely used in bridge construction today. Looking to the next generation of talent, he oversaw the establishment of AISI’s Robert J. Dexter Memorial Award Lecture.

The Alexander D. Wilson Memorial Award was instituted in 2022. The first award was presented to metallurgical consultant Dean C. Krouse. Past recipients include the president of High Steel Structures, John O’Quinn, and former senior steel applications engineer at SSAB Americas, David Stoddard.

About The Steel Bridge Task Force
The Steel Bridge Task Force was formed more than 40 years ago to coordinate research that establishes safe, cost-effective steel bridges and to implement these developments into steel specifications, specifically the AASHTO design codes. Its members include the American Iron and Steel Institute, National Steel Bridge Alliance, AASHTO Steel and Metals Technical Committee, steel producers, steel organizations, steel bridge fabricators, bridge owners, university faculty, consultants and representatives from the Federal Highway Administration.

To build more resilient bridges, the future must start today. With innovative materials, designs and protection systems now available, the American steel and galvanizing industry is poised to deliver bridges that endure well into the next century—and beyond. The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) and the American Galvanizers Association (AGA) have developed free, essential resources to streamline steel bridge design and ensure long-term performance with a 100-year service life.

The webinar will be presented by Dr. Michael Barker, professor of civil and architectural engineering at the University of Wyoming and director of education for the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance, and John Krzywicki, marketing director at the American Galvanizers Association. Dr. Barker’s primary research focuses on steel bridges, experimental testing, bridge design specifications, bridge field testing, high-performance steel and reliability analyses of structures. Krzywicki’s strong engineering background equips him with the technical knowledge necessary to effectively communicate design, performance, and sustainability considerations when using hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel.

Join us during Infrastructure Week to explore these resources and gain the tools needed to build resilient steel bridges that stand up to tomorrow’s challenges.

Named for the founder of the Steel Bridge Task Force, the Richard S. Fountain Award was established in 2001 to recognize leadership in steel bridge research and outstanding efforts to advance AASHTO specifications. Russo received the award at the Steel Bridge Task Force meeting on January 29, in Tampa.

“Frank’s contributions to steel bridge engineering have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Dan Snyder, vice president of construction for AISI. “His advancements in forensic investigations, design provisions and girder standards have improved the way we approach bridge design and construction. Just as importantly, his dedication to education and mentorship—through the development of curricula and his extensive teaching of NHI courses—has strengthened the knowledge base of the industry and shaped countless engineers. He has provided a lasting legacy that will continue to influence the future of steel bridge design for years to come.”

Since 1995, Dr. Russo has worked as a full-time bridge engineer, with industry experience dating back to 1990. His career includes leadership roles in major consulting firms since 2000, where he has managed projects, led multidisciplinary teams and provided oversight on complex structural designs. His early experience as a design engineer with the Iowa Department of Transportation laid the foundation for his deep understanding of bridge performance, safety, and resilience. He has lectured on bridge design, structural analysis, and engineering principles at leading institutions and has taught over 150 National Highway Institute (NHI) courses, shaping the next generation of bridge engineers.

He received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree from Temple University and a Doctorate from Iowa State University.