DFI Announces 2026-2027 Traveling Lecturer

Howard Perko, Ph.D., P.E., Magnum Piering

Hawthorne, N.J. — Howard Perko, Ph.D., P.E., director of engineering at Magnum Piering, has been selected as the 2026–2027 Traveling Lecturer. Recognized for his sense of humor, engaging teaching style and commitment to advancing the profession, Perko will travel and present a series of lectures to university students, professional groups and industry associations. He is available, on request of DFI, to present lectures September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027.

The Traveling Lecture program promotes engineering and construction in the field of deep foundations, excavation support, ground improvement and tunneling by encouraging students to explore a career in the geotechnical industry, providing information on topics of interest to members of the industry and raising awareness of how DFI and its activities support the industry. 

Perko is a licensed professional engineer in 18 states, holds seven patents and has authored more than 70 technical publications. He is the author of the widely recognized textbook Helical Piles (Wiley, 2009), a practical resource for engineers working with deep foundation systems. His work bridges theory and practice, helping engineers better understand soil–structure interaction and improve deep foundation design reliability in challenging ground conditions. He is an inductee of the Academy of Civil Engineers at Michigan Technological University and serves as an adjunct professor at Colorado State University.

A dedicated member of DFI for nearly three decades, Perko has served the organization in numerous leadership roles, including master of ceremonies, technical reviewer, committee chair and secretary, specialty conference chair, annual conference chair, and as a member of the DFI Board of Trustees, and DFI Educational Trust Board. 

Following are the topics available for the 2026–2027 traveling lecture series:

• Evolution of the Global Application of Helical Piles
• Deep Foundation Failures and Engineering Fixes
• Training Civil Engineers Project Management Using AI
• Lessons Learned from Geotechnical Engineering on the Moon, Mars and Comets
• Dark Matter, Soil Matric Suction and the Art of Finding Common Ground

Learn more about the program, available topics and request the lecturer at https://dfi.org/events/lectures/dfi-traveling-lecturer/

DFI Traveling Lecturer -2 

About DFI

DFI is an international association of contractors, engineers, manufacturers, suppliers, academics and owners in the geotechnics industry. Our multidisciplinary membership creates a consensus voice and a common vision for continual improvement in geotechnical and geoenvironmental design, manufacturing and construction. We bring together members for networking, education, communication and collaboration. With our members, we promote the advancement of the industry through technical committees, educational programs and conferences, publications, research, government relations and outreach. DFI has more than 4,500 members worldwide.