Civil Engineering Technology
Jack Liimakka
Clinical Instructor
John, also known as Jack, is a professional engineer with a MS degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration on structures from Michigan Technological University (MTU). He also earned a BS degree in Civil Engineering with a construction option and a BS degree in Land Surveying from MTU.
John is currently employed as an instructor for the Civil Engineering Technology Program here at ISU. His courses of instruction include: Materials Testing, Materials Theory, Plan Reading, Public Works, Civil and Geomatics Engineering Technology, Beginning Surveying, Intermediate Surveying, Construction Surveying, Soil Mechanics, Statics and Strength of Materials, Structural Design and Applied Mathematics.
Previous to being at ISU John was a college instructor teaching engineering and surveying courses at a community college in the state of Maine. In addition to his teaching experience John has also practiced as a professional in his field doing both engineering and surveying work for consulting firms and government agencies including foreign experience.
Jeannie Vahsholtz
Clinical Assistant Professor
Office: Vocational Arts Building #206
Professional Work Experience
- Clinical Assistant Professor of Surveying & Geomatics/Civil Engineering Technology – Current Position
- District Land Surveyor for Idaho Transportation Dept. for 9+ years
- Second Year Instructor for Civil Engineering Technology/Geomatics 8 years
- 35+ years’ work experience
Career Highlights
- Master of Science in Engineering Technology University of Maine 2023
- Past President of the Idaho Society of Professional Land Surveyors
- Bachelors in Geomatics Idaho State University College of Technology 2010
- Idaho Professional Surveyor’s License 2008
- Associate of Applied Science Civil Engineering Technology Idaho State University College of Technology 1987
Favorite Professional Experience
My favorite professional experience was surveying in Butte County for Lutheran Camp Pekins, and walking the boundary with the Director of the Camp and the USFS representative. The survey was for a 99-year lease, and the Camp was in need of a larger boundary area. I set pins, sealed a legal description, and filed a record of survey, up near Red Fish Lake. My sister and my daughter both helped me with that boundary survey. I re-traced GLO Brass Caps set in 1918 as part of the section work.
A little about me…
I have three sons and a daughter, two of my sons gave me four grandchildren which are such a joy! My daughter is a soon-to-be mom and will add another grandchild to make a total of five grandchildren! Camping and the great outdoors in Idaho is one of my favorite things to do. I love to travel, especially to see the grand kids. Recently I traveled to South Carolina to write exam questions for the NCEES. This was a great experience for me and an honor to serve my surveying profession in that capacity. My favorite animal is a dog, and I have always had one. My old girl is getting up there in age, she’s almost 12, her name is Sandstone Rue (Rue for short). I recently added a golden retriever lab to my immediate family. Her name is Saphira, and she is such a joy!