Outstanding Chapter of the Year - Preston Trail Chapter

Waqar Fatimah, P.E., CFM

TSPE Preston Trail Chapter Coordinator

Waqar Fatimah, P.E., CFM, is a Water Resources Team Leader at Halff with nearly 10 years of experience in water resources engineering, providing technical leadership on projects that support resilient and sustainable communities. She is known for her commitment to professional excellence, collaborative leadership, and service to the engineering profession at both the local and state levels. Waqar earned her Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 2012 from NED University of Engineering and Technology in Pakistan and her Master’s degree in Civil Engineering in 2016 from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. She maintains professional engineering licensures in Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma and is a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), reflecting her broad technical expertise and regional impact.

An active board member of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) Preston Trail Chapter since 2020, Waqar currently serves as Alternate State Director and is in her second year as the chapter’s MATHCOUNTS coordinator. In this role, she leads STEM outreach initiatives that promote student engagement and increase awareness of engineering careers. She is also an active member of the Texas Floodplain Management Association. In recognition of her leadership and service, Waqar was honored as the 2024 Young Engineer of the Year by the TSPE Preston Trail Chapter. Beyond her professional roles, she is deeply committed to mentorship, having guided civil engineering students and continuing to support the development of younger engineers within the profession.

Devan Ruiz, P.E., PMP, Assoc. DBIA

TSPE Preston Trail Chapter Coordinator

Devan Ruiz graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Her involvement in ASCE’s Concrete Canoe Competition sparked a passion for the engineering industry and teamwork that continues to drive her career today. Devan is a Project Manager at Freese and Nichols in the Frisco, Texas office. She works in the Transmission and Utilities group, where she helps deliver critical water and wastewater infrastructure to support the growing population of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Beyond her professional role, Devan is deeply committed to advancing the engineering profession through active involvement in professional and technical societies. She has been an engaged member of the Preston Trail Chapter since 2022, serving in multiple leadership positions, including MATHCOUNTS Co-Coordinator, Director, and Audit Chair. Her efforts have helped organize one of the largest MATHCOUNTS competitions in Texas, inspiring future engineers. Additionally, Devan contributes to the Project Management Institute Dallas Chapter as Vice President of Membership, where she supports member engagement and chapter growth. Devan lives in Lewisville with her best friend and husband, Alberto, a Structural Engineer at Burns and McDonnell. They have been together for 12 years and their life revolves around her two pups, Cora and Mia.

Coordinator of the Year Awards

Jacob Hinson, P.E.

TSPE Central Texas Chapter Coordinator

Jacob Hinson was born and raised in Crawford, Texas where he graduated from Crawford High School in 2008. He began his collegiate studies at Texas State University in Engineering Technology and Concrete Industrial Management. After two years, he continued his studies at Texas A&M University as a Civil Engineering major. In 2013, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Following graduation, Jacob began his professional career with Walker Partners in Waco where he now has 11 years of experience designing and constructing infrastructure projects from master plans and facility assessments to studies and reports, design, construction administration, and construction inspection for a multitude of local municipalities and higher education institutions.

Although Jacob never participated as a Mathlete, he did participate in mathematic competitions in middle school through high school. He was introduced to MATHCOUNTS in 2014 when he first volunteered at the Central Texas Competition Series event as a test proctor. In 2019, he became the Coordinator for the Central Texas Chapter and continues in that role today. 

Shannon Muhl, EIT

TSPE Central Texas Chapter Coordinator

Shannon Muhl is an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) at Schultz Engineering in College Station, where she supports the design and execution of engineering projects. She graduated from Texas A&M University, where she built a solid technical foundation and a passion for serving communities through engineering. 

Shannon is actively involved in professional leadership and outreach. She served as President of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) Central Texas Chapter for the 2023–2024 term and has been a MATHCOUNTS Co-Coordinator for the Central Texas Chapter since 2024, helping inspire the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers.

She and her husband live in the Waco area, where he is a high school teacher and coach. Together, they enjoy supporting local sports programs and investing in their community, both professionally and personally.