Every soil boring, concrete test, and environmental assessment we complete starts with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This National STEM Day, November 8, we are celebrating the people and skills that help our clients build with confidence. 

 While the fundamental principles of STEM remain the same, the tools and technologies used to apply them continue to evolve. Today, our engineers, scientists, and technicians combine technical expertise, digital tools, and collaborative problem-solving to help you reduce risk, stay on schedule, and deliver projects that support communities and infrastructure. 

What role does STEM play in engineering today? As STEM education has evolved, so have the skills required across the industry. Hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technology-driven coursework help prepare professionals to solve real-world problems. Whether evaluating site conditions, designing infrastructure, supporting environmental projects, or analyzing data to inform project decisions, STEM provides the foundation for the work our teams do every day. 

“As a geologist, I’ve learned that every great career starts with curiosity about how the world works. Giving students early exposure to STEM can turn that curiosity into a career protecting our environment, improving our infrastructure, and strengthening our communities.” Mike Bratrud, Vice President and Principal Scientist at Braun Intertec. 

Technology has also transformed how engineering teams plan, design, and support construction projects. Tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), computer-aided design (CAD), drones, geographic information systems (GIS), and project management platforms help teams visualize projects, analyze conditions, share information, and make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.  For you, that means better coordination among engineers, clients, contractors, and stakeholders and projects that move more efficiently from concept through construction. 

How is STEM used in construction? STEM is equally important during the construction phase of projects. Engineers and technical specialists apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to review project data, evaluate materials, verify measurements, monitor performance, and address challenges that arise in the field. From construction observation and quality assurance to environmental compliance and infrastructure inspections, many of the services we provide rely on STEM principles to help keep your project safe, compliant, and on track. What may seem like routine work often involves multiple STEM disciplines working together to support safe, sustainable, and effective project delivery. 

How Braun Intertec invests in the next generation of STEM professionals at STEM is not only how we work. It is how we grow our industry. Our employees' partner with Science from Scientists to build hands-on STEM kits for local students. We also established the Braun Intertec Scholarship Fund with the Ridgewater College Foundation to help recent high school graduates start careers in nondestructive testing (NDT). 

Looking ahead, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, digital twins, and advanced analytics continue to create new opportunities across the built environment. As the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry evolves, STEM remains at the center of innovation, workforce development, and problem-solving. 

STEM is more than an educational framework. It is the foundation that helps our engineers, scientists, technicians, and field professionals develop solutions, improve infrastructure, protect natural resources, and support the communities we serve. 

Ready to put your STEM skills to work? Explore careers at Braun Intertec. Open Positions