Raths, Raths & Johnson Inc., Principal, Robert Kudder, Ph.D., S.E., F.ASTM has been appointed to the Northwestern University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering External Advisory Board. The board provides strategic review and advice to the department on its educational offerings, research activities, and student recruitment plans which is part of the department's accreditation process.

The 12-member board consists of senior engineering professionals in several civil and environmental engineering specialties, alumni of Northwestern, and liaisons from industry and academia. Dr. Kudder received both his Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering in 1979 and Master of Science in Civil Engineering 1972 from Northwestern University. He will serve a three-year term on the board.

A key leader of Raths, Raths & Johnson Inc. both as an engineer and Principal, his forensic engineering career spans over 44 years specializing in structural forensics and building enclosure performance. He has consulted on a wide range of projects types providing expertise in building science, water leakage investigation, testing, repair design, and expert witness testimony on numerous building envelope issues and structural failures.

A nationally recognized expert on exterior wall leakage and condensation performance problems, he served as Chairman of the ASTM E06.55.15 Task group which developed the E2128 standard for the evaluation of building wall leakage, and has participated in and chaired the ASTM international symposia on building wall performance issues. He actively serves in several leadership and committee roles as a Fellow of ASTM International, and frequently speaks and publishes on building wall systems, condensation, and quality assurance issues across the construction industry.