Charlie Stevens, a research engineer with the TTI’s Center on Tolling Research, was honored as the 2014 State of Texas Young Engineer of the Year. Stevens received the award during the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) State Conference in San Antonio June 26. TSPE established the award in 1970, and it’s given annually to a young (age 35 and under) engineer based on “technical ability, professional achievements, civic and humanitarian activities.” Stevens was selected after a review of the nominations from local chapters across the state. In his acceptance speech, Stevens discussed his key concepts to professional growth. “As a young professional, you must seize every opportunity for professional growth that is made available to you,” he said. “You shouldn’t be afraid to fail, and that fear is the single greatest barrier to advancement.” Stevens added that young professionals should not hesitate to ask for help from others who have more experience. Stevens recently returned to TTI in March 2014 after serving as a managing director and officer of a Houston-based civil engineering consulting firm. Stevens has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Texas A&M University.