#Eweek2026 Spotlight | Sushil Shenoy
Embracing the strange and unique
For National Engineers Week 2026, we’re sharing stories from Cushing Terrell’s engineering talent to learn more about how they chose their profession and what makes them tick.
Who (or what) inspired you to become an engineer?
I helped build my parents’ log home when I was 12. I realized then that I thoroughly liked building things. That being said, I didn’t like it in the winter when it was cold and wet, so I thought I would become an engineer so I could build stuff from inside an office. And now I get to!
What is your area of expertise and why did you choose it?
I like projects that don’t fall within the “normal” or “usual” realm of structural engineering. I like the weird stuff, like circular staircases with no connection to the structure except for at the top and bottom, mobile cell towers, or industrial equipment support structures. With projects like these, you have to get inventive and creative. It demands thinking outside of the box in order to get things just right and I highly enjoy that kind of challenge.
What is one of your favorite projects and why?
One of my recent favorite projects is designing a clamp to put fabric structures on a shipping container without having to put holes into the rails of the container. I often work on projects that entail and involve me conducting research and development. I’m creating items like container canopy truss brackets or custom tanks for museum displays and other interesting specifics like that.
Tell us something about the field of engineering that is surprising or not common knowledge.
As you move up in your career, you spend a lot of time on the phone. I used to think that being an engineer meant I wouldn’t have to talk to people much. Boy was I wrong. But seriously, I love the work that I do. It’s one of those funny anecdotes that shows nothing is quite the way you perceive it to be and it’s good to have varied skills in all types of fields and disciplines.
What things can you not help but engineer in your life?
I think the answer would be everything. My daughter asks me why I do stuff all the time. I tell her why, and she almost always says, “Ooohhhh. That makes sense!” It has been happening so much lately that it has become a joke between us.
A spiral staircase, kitchen, and garage/workshop built by Sushil in his home and on his property
What piece of advice would you give a young person interested in becoming an engineer?
Anyone interested in being an engineer needs to commit — and I mean really commit — to being a constant learner. You have to enjoy learning new things and applying them to solve problems.
Are you involved in activities that help engage students/young people in engineering?
I teach engineering at Gonzaga University and my students almost universally love how practical I make their learning. I’m extremely proud of that.
Sushil at a Glance
- Structural Engineer and Associate
- Located in Spokane, Washington
- Defining characteristics: Analytical, motivated, people-oriented, problem solver, strategic thinker, but says he’s “still laid back”
Sushil getting casual at home in a graphic tee
Sushil and his wife at a FARE Idaho marketing event
