Leveraging the Mutual Recognition Agreement: how US PEs can earn UK Chartered Engineer

Dr. Mark J. Vanarelli

Dr. Mark J. Vanarelli is a multi-disciplinary engineer and academic with broad expertise in civil, mining, geological, environmental and natural resources engineering. He has worked in industry, academia, and government for over thirty-five years. Dr. Vanarelli received his Bachelor of Science in geological sciences from Rutgers University in New Jersey. He also holds a Professional Degree in Geological Engineering, a Master of Engineering (Engineer of Mines) degree and a Ph.D. degree in Mining and Earth Systems Engineering, all from the Colorado School of Mines in Colorado. Dr. Vanarelli is a licensed Professional Engineer in civil, mining and geological engineering in Nevada and New Mexico. He is also licensed in civil engineering in four other states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Colorado and South Dakota. Dr. Vanarelli is recognized as an International Professional Engineer (IntPE) through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). He is also a licensed Professional Geologist in several states. Dr. Vanarelli is a Chartered Engineer and a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (MICE) in the United Kingdom. Currently, Dr. Vanarelli works for the United States Department of Energy as a Senior Subject Matter Expert in Geomechanics, Ground Control and Support.

Scott Sayles

With more than 25 years of experience in the transportation engineering industry, Scott Sayles brings a broad and versatile background across multiple design disciplines and both traditional and alternative project delivery methods. He is a registered Professional Civil Engineer in four U.S. states and in 2025 earned the Chartered Engineer qualification through the Institution of Civil Engineers in the United Kingdom.

Scott is passionate about the health, safety, and welfare of the public and how engineering can assist in those endeavors. Additionally, Scott is a Vice President and Civil Engineering Technical Director with WSP, where he provides technical leadership on complex transportation programs and projects.

Michelle Cockburn

Michelle Cockburn is the ICE’s Membership Manager for the Americas region. She joined the ICE in 2015 after many years in the water industry. Experienced in a range of operational and strategic roles, leading service delivery, customer insight and data analysis, she uses this experience to support students, apprentices, graduates and experienced practitioners in their personal development pathways, as well as supporting their employers' learning and development programmes.

Suha Atiyeh

Suha Atiyeh is the Institution of Civil Engineers Representative for the USA Mid-Atlantic South Region, covering District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Suha is a Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng MICE) with the ICE in the UK and a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the US.  Her experience encompasses a range of complex projects including public infrastructure, transportation, stormwater, and water projects in the US and Middle East.  She has successfully led numerous high-profile and impactful infrastructure design projects. 

Suha started her career in the private sector at local, international and global consulting firms. Suha then continued her career in the public sector where she has been instrumental in leading high-profile design projects as well as devising and managing complex, multi-million dollar infrastructure programs.