Jithu Alexander, PE, an associate and structural engineer at STV, was recently named 2025 Young Engineer of the Year by the Structural Engineers Association of New York (SEAoNY). This award recognizes exceptional rising talents in the structural engineering field who excel professionally and contribute significantly to their communities and the industry.
“I’m honored by this recognition, which reflects the tremendous support and mentorship I’ve received from my colleagues and friends,” Alexander said. “The driving force behind my professional involvement is our work’s profound impact on people’s lives. As structural engineers, we create the framework for safe and resilient spaces. Being part of SEAoNY, a community that consistently pushes the boundaries of excellence and innovation in the built environment, is incredibly motivating.”
Alexander was recognized for his dedication to the profession and steadfast commitment to SEAoNY. For the last four years, he has co-chaired the Student Outreach Committee, playing an instrumental role in organizing signature events to engage and support students in their pursuit of structural engineering.
His journey with SEAoNY began as a student himself in 2017.
“My passion for structural engineering blossomed during college, where I was fortunate to intern at STV,” Alexander said. “Matt Sangen, then co-chair of the committee, introduced me to SEAoNY and encouraged my involvement. With his guidance, I established a student chapter at Manhattan College (now Manhattan University). My continued involvement stems from a deep appreciation for the organization that has been key in shaping my professional journey. SEAoNY provided me with invaluable connections and experiences early in my career, and I’m passionate about paying it forward by helping the next generation of students access those same opportunities.”
Through his involvement with the Student Outreach Committee, Alexander has facilitated numerous events, including panel discussions, resume workshops, interview preparation sessions and Ask Me Anything (AMA) forums, where students can seek personalized career advice from professionals. He leads the annual Shadow a Structural Engineer Program, pairing students with engineers across various firms to give them a firsthand look at the day-to-day realities of structural engineering. He has also spearheaded the organization’s MOLA competition, a hands-on initiative that utilizes MOLA kits to help students visualize engineering concepts and apply them in a competitive environment.
Beyond his work with SEAoNY, Alexander is an adjunct professor at Manhattan University. There, he teaches steel design to undergraduate students and assists with the senior design capstone class, providing guidance and feedback on student presentations.
Stephanie Berrios, a structural engineer at Entuitive and a fellow member of SEAoNY’s Student Outreach Committee, nominated Alexander for the Young Engineer of the Year award. A panel of judges selected him as part of SEAoNY’s Structural Engineering Excellence (SEE) Awards Program, which emphasizes industry experience, leadership and community involvement.
“Alexander embodies all these qualities,” Sangen said. “He has taken on pivotal roles in his projects at STV, as an adjunct professor at Manhattan University and an active participant in SEAoNY since graduating from college.”
At STV, Alexander has provided structural design and construction administration services for various projects, including school expansions, resilience infrastructure and rail and transportation facilities throughout the New York metropolitan area and beyond. Most recently, he has contributed to the Hato Rey Courthouse Annex, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Jamaica Bus Depot, the New York City School Construction Authority’s P.S. 95Q Addition and accessibility improvements at New York City Subway and Staten Island Railway stations.
Alexander was honored during the annual SEAoNY SEE Awards & Boat Cruise, where he received his award from SEAoNY president-elect Anthony Piderit and was celebrated among several STV colleagues.
“Even at a young age, Jithu is an excellent steward of the structural engineering profession,” said Chris Cerino, PE, F.SEI, DBIA, vice president and technical director of structural engineering, urbanism and planning. “His passion for excellence and involvement has him teaching university classes and leading young member committees, outside of his time leading STV structural projects. Jithu is the perfect recipient of this award from the premier New York structural engineering organization.”
