Quoin Fall 2021

Page 1


04

08

26 14

03

Message from the School Head Richard Burt

24

Industry Executive Board Welcomes Two New Members

04

Summer Camps Introduce High School Students to Construction Management

26 Building Science Curriculum Features Service Learning

06 Building Science Students Host Construction Industry Podcast

32

Applying Augmented Reality to Construction

07 Senior Lecturer Drew Yantis

33

Liu Lends Technological Expertise to Historical Research

08 M. Miller Gorrie Center Celebrates 15th Anniversary

34

BSCI Welcomes Camille Davis

35

Auburn Team Places First in Design-Build Competition

12 Industry Advisory Council Assists Building Science Faculty 13 Amna Salman Awarded Prestigious AGC Education and Research Foundation Summer Internship 14

Meet Mac the Robot Construction Dog

// QUOIN Richard Burt / Head and McWhorter Endowed Chair, McWhorter School of Building Science Madison Champion / CADC Communications Coordinator Brandon Clarke / Lead Administrative Assistant,

22 Isabella Harris '21 23

2 \\

Building Science Student Awarded AGC Scholarship

McWhorter School of Building Science

// CONTRIBUTORS Kelley Young / writer Jessica Holmes / writer


// MESSAGE FROM the school head In my last message in Quoin I spent a great deal of time explaining the impact of COVID-19 on the program and how we had shifted our teaching and learning methods to accommodate the virus. Since the last Quoin we have tried to return to some resemblance of normality, although as I write this, the university still has a number of COVID-19 protocols in place that affect day-to-day operations. There are also restrictions which may prevent us from doing some of our international activities. However, the pandemic does not appear to have affected our enrollment or our ability to find our graduates jobs. This past fall and spring we had 100% career placement, and this fall we may see a record number of students in the undergraduate program. Our cover shows Mac our robot construction “dog.” The BSCI faculty have been discussing for a number of years the need to conduct research and educate our students on the use of robotics in construction. In the spring we finally committed to investing in Mac with the financial support from the Construction Industry Fund. Inside you will learn how Assistant Professor Eric Wetzel intends to use this innovative machine for data collection on construction sites. Mac has garnered a lot of positive exposure for the program in the short time we have had him, and the university is planning to profile the BSCI program and Mac

Both of these ladies had previously been involved in initiatives

at the Ole Miss game on October 30.

within the college to recruit more females into the program and the industry, and I’m looking forward to their contributions to

It always good to read about student successes. There

the board.

are many examples inside. You will learn about two recent graduates who have put together a series of construction

Finally, Gorrie Center celebrates its 15th year of operations. Even

industry podcasts with the goal of getting more high school

though Gorrie was built as a state-of-the-art LEED certified

and college students interested in construction as a career.

facility, we have not remained static. This summer we completed

This endeavor complements the summer construction

renovations of classroom 205. I can now report that every teaching

camps for high school students that Lauren Redden and

and learning space in Gorrie has been renovated to provide the

Mike Hosey lead, which are are also featured inside. You

most up-to-date teaching and learning environment with the best

will also read about the success of PhD student Amna

educational technology.

Salman, who became the school's first recipient of AGC’s prestigious Robert L. Bowen Industry Residency Fellowship.

WDE!

I mentioned in the last issue of Quoin that we had added former Industry Executive Board member Drew Yantis to the faculty, and you can learn more about Drew’s transition into teaching inside. Drew’s move into academia has also provided an opportunity to invite new members to the board, and this issue features on our two newest IEB members: Nancy Juneau and Greer Gallagher.

// 3


PROGRAM UPDATES

SUMMER CAMPS Introduce High School Students to Construction Management McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) faculty hosted two camps for high school students this past summer through Auburn Youth Programs, an initiative of Auburn’s Office of Continuing and Professional Education. In early June, Assistant Professor

They live on campus for five days,

Lauren Redden led the Construction

experiencing life as a college student,

Management Summer Academy for

and spend the week learning the basics

Young Women, and in late June Field

of the industry from Auburn faculty.

Lab Manager and Senior Lecturer Mike

Associate

Hosey led the Building Construction

teaches bidding, estimating and plan

Camp, and over half a dozen of their

reading; Assistant Professor Alan Bugg

colleagues helped to teach.

teaches

Professor

safety;

Wes

Professor

Collins

Salman

Azhar teaches virtual design; Hosey

4 \\

The Construction Management Sum-

teaches construction methods; and

mer Academy for Young Women is a

Assistant Professors Jeff Kim and Eric

camp for rising 11th and 12th graders who

Wetzel host an innovative technolo-

are considering a career in construction

gies expo. Redden teaches various

management. This is a scholarship camp

sessions, such as career mapping in

funded by generous industry sponsors,

the

which means there is no fee for the

usage, materials and methods. The

young women who come to Auburn for

students get to explore and experiment

the opportunity to learn about the excit-

with hands-on construction activities

ing and diverse career opportunities

and take field trips to active, large-scale

available in the field.

commercial construction sites.

built

environment,

equipment


All: High school juniors and seniors at Auburn's summer camps learn about the construction industry through site visits, educational activities and hands-on construction work.

The purpose of the camp is for the students to learn about the exciting and diverse career opportunities available in construction management...” LAUREN REDDEN

Campers also have opportunities to

opportunities available in construction

methods and safety procedures, other

engage with talented professionals in the

management, experience the teaching

BSCI faculty members stepped in to

field, attending an equipment rodeo at

methods from our faculty and feel like

help. Redden taught estimating; Prof-

Thompson Tractor and learning how to

they are experiencing our program.”

essor Paul Holley taught scheduling; Kim

wire a lamp with Allen Conradi of Thalamus

Electric.

Redden,

taught 3D Modeling; and Program Chair

who

The Building Construction Camp is also a

Mark Taylor taught contracting business.

designed and directed the camp in both

week-long residential program for rising

Hosey says the camp is a great chance to

2019 and 2021, says that the generous

11th and 12th graders and is open to both

learn what a career in construction

donors who fund the camp believe in the

young men and women. Hosey has been

management will look like. “Our goal is

need to educate more young women

teaching this camp since 2008. He

to show the students the skills needed

about construction management.

begins each year by deciding on a

for a career in the construction industry

service-learning project for the students

to see if this career might interest them.

“We have industry that want to pour

to complete, and this year’s campers

We let them actually develop a proposal

knowledge into the future of con-

were assigned to build an 8x10 foot shed

stating how much the project will cost,

struction,” she stated. “The purpose of

for a local Habitat for Humanity home in

how long it will take to build and how

the camp is for the students to learn

need of outdoor storage space. After

quality workmanship will be assured for

about the exciting and diverse career

Hosey taught the students about building

the client.” // 5


STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Building Science Students Host CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY PODCAST Davis Hambrick and Walker Lott are the hosts of “Laying Foundations,” a unique podcast that addresses issues related to construction management and highlights individuals who work in the industry. Hambrick (‘20) and Lott (‘21) are both

As hosts, Hambrick and Lott interview

recent graduates of Auburn’s McWhorter

their guests to learn about secrets to

School of Building Science (BSCI).

success in the industry then share that information with their listeners. As a

Hambrick and Lott decided to begin re-

rule, they encourage listeners to consult

cording “Laying Foundations” because

with others for help with problem-

they felt it was important to introduce a

solving, to welcome feedback and to be

broad audience to the industry they love.

team players.

“Our goal is to reach high school and college students who do not know about

Hambrick currently works as an Assistant

the incredible opportunities in construc-

Field Manager with Brasfield & Gorrie in

tion, as well as people who do not know

New Orleans, while Lott has moved to

about construction in general,” explained

Birmingham. The pair have recorded

Lott. “We are also passionate about

close to two dozen episodes remotely,

skilled trades, and we want to enlighten

using Zoom to speak with one another

high school students to the incredible

and with guests from all over the country.

opportunity trades present if college is

“Each guest brings something exciting

Lott says that the feedback they’ve

not a direction they want to go.”

to the table,” said Lott. “We continue to

received from fellow recent alumni has

grow each week by speaking with

motivated them to continue producing

someone new.” They’ve interviewed

episodes. “Davis and I have both

home

received multiple texts from our friends

builders,

contractors,

real

commercial estate

general investors,

saying they love what we are doing.”

building science faculty, YouTube personalities and an electrical engineer-

“Laying Foundations” is available for free

turned-pastor, among others.

on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Each guest brings something exciting to the table. We continue to grow each week by speaking with someone new.” WALKER LOTT

6 \\


FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Senior Lecturer DREW YANTIS Drew Yantis, one of the newest members of Auburn’s building science faculty, had already spent a good deal of time on campus before he began teaching last spring. “For over 25 years, I was part of our

While employed at Holder, Yantis was an

“Being a great builder does not only

company’s recruiting team focusing on

active Auburn alum, serving several years

require great technical skills, it also

our college recruiting at Auburn,” Yantis

on BSCI’s Industry Executive Board and

requires great interpersonal and commu-

explained. “The resulting engagement

the College of Architecture, Design and

nication skills,” he explained. He enjoys

with students, faculty, staff and adminis-

Construction’s Executive Board, including

teaching and sharing his years of

trators taught me critical lessons about

two year-long terms as president of each

professional experience with students

working at a university.” Yantis is now a

board. Yantis received the Distinguished

and wants to make sure they are

Senior Lecturer in the McWhorter School

Service Award from the college in 2007

prepared for a successful future in

of Building Science (BSCI). A 1987

and 2011. He says that making the

the industry. Yantis has come full circle

graduate of the program, he was former-

transition from industry to academia has

and is happy to be back at the school

ly Senior Vice President of Holder Con-

been a positive one. “It has been great,”

where his own career began. “While in

struction, where he worked for over

Yantis said. “I am incredibly fortunate to

school at Auburn, I learned so much from

three decades.

work with exceptional people and to be in

my professors about the power of rela-

the classroom with talented and hard-

tionships and the benefits of a strong

working students.”

culture focusing on collaboration, curiosity,

As a construction professional, Drew was instrumental in the successful com-

respect and hard work. I feel blessed

pletion of projects totaling over $3 billion

Yantis teaches Project Analysis, Senior

to

dollars and 10 million square feet. The

Thesis, Contracting Business and Con-

today’s students who are tomorrow’s

majority of these projects were on univer-

struction

construction leaders.”

sity campuses across the United States.

which he thinks is vitally important.

Communication,

a

course

share

these

same

values

with

// 7


FACILITIES

M. Miller Gorrie Center Celebrates 15TH ANNIVERSARY The M. Miller Gorrie Center, where Auburn’s McWhorter School of Building Science is housed, turns fifteen years old on October 20, 2021. Much more than four walls and a

Dan Bennett, FAIA, was Dean of

roof, “Gorrie,” as it’s affectionately

the College of Architecture, Design

known, is a constantly evolving

and Construction (CADC) at the

center of activity that caters to the

time the Gorrie Center was built.

unique needs of the building

He was also one of the founders of

science program and its students

a university-wide taskforce that

and faculty. Named after alumnus

worked to include sustainability

M. Miller Gorrie, founder and

into everyday practices on campus.

chairman of Brasfield & Gorrie,

Bennett says that when planning

the building was the first LEED

for the Gorrie Center began, the

(Leadership in Energy and En-

building’s ‘green’ designs did not

vironmental Design) Gold certified

meet Auburn’s standards for image

building on Auburn’s campus and

and design aesthetics in campus

one of the first in the state of

buildings. “We had to fight to make

Alabama. Over the years, the

the building appropriate for con-

36,000 square foot Gorrie Center

struction education,” Bennett said.

has been continually updated to

“The key argument was our desire

ensure that students have access

to get LEED certification. That

to the latest technology.

helped us justify what we were

Gorrie... is a constantly evolving center of activity that caters to the unique needs of the building science program...”

doing was appropriate.”

Left: Ground was broken for the Gorrie Center at a ceremony on July 15, 2005. Pictured from left to right are student Zeb O’Bryant, Allison Gorrie, Jim Gorrie, BSCI Head John Murphy, Ben Nevins of Brice Construction, Auburn Board of Trustees member Charles Ball, Frances Gorrie, Miller Gorrie (for whom the building is named), Auburn University President Ed Richardson, CADC Dean Dan Bennett and project architect Everett Hatcher. Right: Miller and Frances Gorrie welcome the McWhorter School of Building Science to the M. Miller Gorrie Center at its opening on October 20, 2006. 8 \\


// 9


Right: The Engaged Active Student Learning (EASL) classroom encourages interaction and discussion among groups of students. Below: The Virtual Design Construction Laboratory (VDC Lab) allows students to gain experience with virtual reality and Building Information Modeling.

10 \\


Left: Students prepare for a team competition in one of Gorrie's competion rooms. Below: The recently renovated Gorrie Room 227 includes video display walls and glass boards that function as writing surfaces.

At the time it was built, the Gorrie Center changed the way facilities were designed and built on Auburn’s campus, and today the building continues to be a leader in educational technology.”

Since construction was completed in

The competition rooms have been espe-

The Gorrie Center also includes a thesis

2006, the Gorrie Center has undergone

cially helpful in recent months since many

room equipped with computers that have

multiple renovations to ensure that

competitions have gone virtual due to

sophisticated industry-relevant software

students are consistently working with

COVID-19, and teams now use the space

that students need to complete their final

the latest industry technology. “All of our

both to prepare and to present their work

theses, as well as conference rooms, a

renovations are done with the intention

to a panel of judges via live video. Another

student

of improving our students’ educational

recent addition is Gorrie’s EASL (Engaged

computer lab.

experience,” said school head Richard

Active Student Learning) classroom, which

Burt. “We want to ensure they are well

encourages active learning by allowing

At the time it was built, the Gorrie Cen-

prepared for the workforce when they

students to move easily around the room,

ter changed the way facilities were

graduate.” Recent upgrades include a

work in breakout groups and share their

designed and built on Auburn’s campus,

Virtual

work online or in person by projecting it on

and today the building continues to be a

the walls.

leader in educational technology. Gorrie

Design

Construction

(VDC)

Laboratory, which allows students to

lounge

and

a

sophisticated

gain experience working with virtual

serves the BSCI faculty and staff well

reality and building information model-

and is the treasured home of the building

ing, as well as three competition team

science program.

rooms for students competing regionally, nationally and internationally.

// 11


IAC HIGHLIGHTS

INDUSTRY ADVISORY COUNCIL Assists Building Science Faculty Faculty in Auburn’s building science program are careful to ensure that the course content they teach reflects the rapidly changing landscape of the construction industry. The school has an Industry Executive Board

In addition to general industry knowledge, Burt

(IEB) to provide advice and feedback for this

is looking for IAC members to share information

purpose. Three years ago McWhorter School

on specific subject matters. “We’re looking at

of Building Science (BSCI) head Richard Burt

reviewing the content of what we teach in the

decided he also wanted to garner industry

areas of mechanical, electrical and plumbing

information from young alumni and created the

systems

school’s Industry Advisory Council (IAC). This

explained. Mechanical and electrical systems

group provides an opportunity for recent BSCI

are changing rapidly because of new low

graduates to be involved with the school as

voltage technologies, and in the future Burt

they help faculty to learn more about current

would also like to focus on communication,

challenges and changes in construction.

both in terms of interpersonal communication

as

well

as

sustainability,”

he

and the challenges faced in communicating on a construction site. Associate Professor Mark Tatum says that the

It’s just another reason Auburn is the leader in construction education.” MARK TATUM

IAC is an asset to faculty in terms of keeping the school’s curriculum up to date. “The more recent graduates who are members of this council have the advantage of knowing the content of our recent curriculum and the challenges facing upcoming graduates as they enter the industry,” Tatum stated. “It’s just another reason Auburn is the leader in construction education.”

The IAC holds regional meetings for members to come together and share information with

Burt says that while the feedback he receives

faculty and administrators. Often hosted by

from the IAC is invaluable and the workshops

major construction companies, these meetings

the group does are enjoyable, his favorite part

have been held in Birmingham, Nashville,

is seeing former students who have now

Atlanta, Orlando, Fort Worth and Auburn.

grown into industry professionals. “The great

During the day-long sessions, Burt spends the

thing is that I get to see our graduates after

morning providing attendees with an update

they’ve gone, and I can see the changes in

on the state of the program, and in the

them and how competent and confident they

afternoon the IAC members give him feedback.

are to speak on technical matters.”

The IAC most recently met this past May in Nashville and is planning a late 2021 meeting in Texas.

Join the IAC!

12 \\


STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Amna Salman Awarded Prestigious AGC EDUCATION AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION SUMMER INTERNSHIP Amna Salman, a doctoral student in the McWhorter School of Building Science, was awarded a summer residency fellowship through the Associated General Contractors of America’s Robert L. Bowen Industry Residency Initiative. The fellowship was being jointly funded

The AGC Education and Research

“Through this residency, I not only gained

by Associated General Contractors of

Foundation summer internships pro-

hands-on experience but also learned about

America (AGC), the McWhorter School

vide

the

of Building Science and Bailey-Harris

construction industry to collaborate in

management, procurement, site logistics and

Construction Company.

the training of outstanding students,

site safety, especially in the context of

and we were delighted to welcome

COVID-19. I feel participating in the AGC

The fellowship program is intended to

Auburn’s Amna Salman to be a part of

Industry Residency was an investment in the

strengthen connections between con-

the team on our innovative project at

future of academia and the construction

struction education and practice. For

AU’s Tony and Libba Rane Culinary

industry.

her fellowship, Salman partnered with

Science Center. This was a win-win

experience to the classroom, I can enrich my

Bailey-Harris, an Auburn-based con-

situation for Bailey-Harris and Auburn

course material with relevant field examples.

struction

her

University, and we were proud to be a

That

summer on site at one of the Bailey-

partner in this ground-breaking op-

knowledgeable and can better understand the

Harris projects giving her the opportunity

portunity

challenges.” At the end of the residency,

to gain experience in the field that

education in the state of Alabama.”

company.

She

spent

unique

opportunities

to

advance

for

the

construction

will inform her teaching and research.

current

way

issues

By

bringing

my

related

to

project

construction

students

will

be

field

more

Salman evaluated how the experience will impact her teaching in the building construction

According to Russell Harris, the compa-

Salman’s residency began in June. The

programs; she plans to share this valuable

ny’s president, “This was the first time

culinary center is a 7-story facility that

experience

that Bailey-Harris Construction has en-

will include a teaching hotel, teaching

members, both inside and outside of Auburn

gaged in this type of exciting partnership

restaurant, classrooms and laboratories.

University.

with the McWhorter School of Building

The project is expected to be completed

Science at Auburn University.

by Spring 2022.

with

students

and

faculty

Salman earned an undergraduate degree in architecture in Pakistan in 2007 followed by a dual Masters in Community Planning (MCP) and Public Administration (MPA) from Auburn in 2013. She began teaching as an adjunct in the McWhorter School of Building Science in 2017 and then joined the inaugural class of doctoral students in 2020. Salman, a recipient of a Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship from Auburn, plans to focus her dissertation research on design and implementation of smart facility management systems that would serve as a building block for smart cities. Salman is eager to work on this research with Dr. Anoop Sattineni, William A. Hunt Endowed Associate Professor and Executive Programs Chair, because of his experience and expertise in the field of construction information and communication technology. // 13


14 \\


TECHNOLOGY

MEET MAC the Robot Construction Dog Building Science faculty have an innovative new partner in construction research. Nicknamed

“Mac,”

the

four-legged

robotic dog is a Boston Dynamics Spot. The robot is designed for data collection and is intended for use in a number of settings, such as construction and mining, where it can support inspections, exploration and site documentation and help ensure safety of workers. In the McWhorter School of Building Science, Mac will be used for research, teaching and outreach. Different from many other marketavailable robots, Mac is able to readily navigate construction sites, climb over debris, walk up and down stairs, avoid unexpected obstacles, get back up if knocked over and is water resistant—all ideal qualities for working in the rough and challenging construction environment. What really sets Mac apart is the ability to perform missions autonomously. Once programmed, Mac will travel to the designated locations—avoiding people and obstacles along the way—take scans or photos, known as “actions,” and then return, all without the need for human intervention. Mac can take scans using LiDAR,

a

pan/tilt/zoom

camera,

a

360-degree camera, thermal imaging and more. // 15


One way Mac’s “handler,” Assistant Professor Eric Wetzel, has been using the robot in his research is to conduct a comparative analysis of how well Mac performs compared to a

We are always asking ourselves, how can we take the current tech and push it forward for additional application?”

human in capturing construction site data

ERIC WETZEL

to a tripod-mounted, human-controlled scan. If

through LiDAR on an active construction project. Along with his coauthors, Tom Leathem and Junshan Liu, the research team is evaluating the productivity, quality and accuracy of a robot-based scan in comparison Mac can reliably perform that data capture function as well as a human, it could allow a project’s field engineer, the person historically responsible for site data capture, to concentrate efforts elsewhere.

Top: Mac performs a short-duration point cloud of the Gorrie Center Lobby. (image courtesy of Associate Professor Junshan Liu) Above: Mac's controller, named the "Spot Tablet" by Boston Dynamics, provides a range of commands to the user. Middle: Assistant Professor Eric Wetzel provides commands to Mac or engages autonomous mode via the Spot Tablet. Opposite: Mac's interchangeable attachments include a LiDAR scanner and processor (shown on page 19), pan/tilt/zoom camera and 360° camera. 16 \\


// 17


Above: Dr. Wetzel looks forward to Mac's teaching and research applications. Right: Dr. Wetzel introduces Mac to a group of Maxwell Air Force Base International Officer School students during their tour of the university this past summer. Opposite Top: Earlon "Mac" McWhorter is namesake of both the School and Mac. From left to right: Dr. Eric Wetzel, CADC Dean Vini Nathan, Earlon McWhorter and Betty McWhorter. Opposite Bottom: Earlon and Betty McWhorter and their grandson meet Mac for the first time. From left to right: School Head Richard Burt, Mac Casey, Earlon McWhorter, Betty McWhorter and Dr. Eric Wetzel. 18 \\


According to Dr. Wetzel, “As researchers, Mac is a mechanism to explore solutions to specific labor and data collection inefficiencies in our industry. Using the tech that we have in Mac opens the door to solving current market issues but also gives us a benchmark for the next steps. We are always asking ourselves, how can we take the current tech and push it forward for additional application?” Called

“Mac”

in

honor

of

Earlon

McWhorter for whom the McWhorter School of Building Science is named, Mac is a powerful addition to the school’s suite of tools. Mac is being used to support faculty and graduate student research and will also be introduced to students in class. As more construction companies are using robots, exposure to these technologies will better prepare students to engage with them in the field.

Called “Mac” in honor of Earlon McWhorter for whom the McWhorter School of Building Science is named, Mac is a powerful addition to the school’s suite of tools.”

// 19


20 \\


Opposite: Mac is the only robot of its kind on the Auburn University campus. Left: Made with construction sites in mind, Mac avoids obstacles, rights itself if pushed and traverses difficult terrain. Below Left: Mac's agility allows it to climb up and down stairs with ease. Below Right: Sporty stripes and a "War Eagle," emblazoned by AU Athletics, show Mac's Auburn spirit.

About Mac’s role in the classroom, Wetzel said, “Outside of research, Mac plays a huge role within the McWhorter School

of

Building

Science.

In

teaching,

Mac

is

representative of a big shift in our industry to apply advanced technologies, including robotics. Current market robots can lay brick (SAM), tie rebar (Tybot), finish drywall

Mac is representative of a big shift in our industry to apply advanced technologies, including robotics.” ERIC WETZEL

(Canvas) and layout walls (Dusty Robotics), among a whole host of other scopes. In today’s industry, knowledge and technology are not mutually exclusive; the two are inextricably linked. We teach a lot of technology in our curriculum and robotics is the next obvious step.”

// 21


STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

ISABELLA HARRIS '21 Isabella Harris graduated from Auburn’s McWhorter School of Building Science this past May.

The recipient of this year’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC) Student Government Association Student Award, Harris made the dean’s list every semester. While at Auburn, Harris was very active on campus. She was a member of Sigma Lamda Chi, the honor society for students in construction, and served as the marketing director for Auburn’s student

chapter

of

the

Associated

General Contractors of America. Harris

also

worked

in

CADC’s

Development Office, assisting the staff with donor stewardship efforts. “She has been vital to our donor event planning and execution,” said CADC Development Coordinator Shelly Nemeroff. “Isabella is always willing to assist with special projects and take the lead on new initiatives. She is the definition of professionalism and courtesy.” After interning with JohnsonKreis Construction for two years, Harris has accepted a position as an Assistant Project Manager in the firm’s Birmingham office.

22 \\

Isabella... is the definition of professionalism and courtesy.” SHELLY NEMEROFF


SCHOLARSHIPS

Building Science Student Awarded AGC SCHOLARSHIP McWhorter School of Building Science student Hayden Bruner has been named one of three recipients of Alabama Association of General Contractors’ (AGC) 2021 Howard and Juanita Savage Scholarship. Part of the AGC Foundation Scholarship

As a building science major, Bruner is

Program, this $1,000 scholarship is

following in his family’s footsteps. Both

presented to undergraduate students in

his mother’s and father’s families owned

the state of Alabama who meet a series

construction companies, and he is the

of requirements that include outstand-

fourth generation to go into construction.

ing academics, community involvement

He hopes to someday own his own

and extracurricular activities.

company. A native of Selma, Alabama, Bruner is an Eagle Scout and a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity on Auburn’s campus. Congratulations, Hayden!

// 23


IEB CHANGES

INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE BOARD Welcomes Two New Members The McWhorter School of Building Science Industry Executive Board (IEB) is a group of professionals, many of whom are BSCI alumni, committed to the discussion and review of industryrelated issues facing contemporary construction educators. The IEB advises Auburn’s building science faculty on current trends in the industry and how they might be addressed through coursework. At the IEB’s biannual meetings, board members hear from graduating students about their experiences in the program and then give feedback on how the students’ education aligns with the industry. Once a year, the IEB invites new members to join the board, and this year’s additions are Nancy Juneau and Greer Gallagher.

Juneau is the CEO of Juneau Construction, a top regional contractor in the southeastern U.S. She started Juneau Construction in 1997 in Atlanta, and since then it has grown to over 175 employees with offices in Atlanta, Tampa and Miami. In 2018, she was named one of Atlanta’s Most Admired CEOs and received a Woman of Distinction Award from March of Dimes for her extensive contributions to the community.

[Greer and Nancy] are both excellent additions to our board, and we’re excited for them to share their knowledge with us.” RICHARD BURT

Left and Left Above: Nancy Juneau, CEO of Juneau Construction, is a regular at McWhorter School of Building Science career fairs and recruiting events. 24 \\


Gallagher, a 2000 graduate of Auburn’s bachelor

construction services across multiple

CREW Atlanta, an organization whose

of building science program, is the Vice President

market segments throughout the country.

mission is to influence the success of the

of Interior Construction at Holder Construction,

In addition to her role at Holder, she

commercial real estate industry by ad-

where she leads her team in delivering interior

currently serves as the President of

vancing the achievements of women. “Greer has been coming here for years to recruit for Holder and has really served as the company’s physical presence on campus, and Nancy has been so active in recruiting and offering internships to our students and supporting initiatives to get more women into BSCI,” said school head Richard Burt. “They are both excellent additions to our board, and we’re excited for them to share their knowledge with us.”

Above: Greer Gallagher, a BSCI alumna and Vice President of Interior Construction at Holder Construction, is a frequent visitor on campus for BSCI's Meet and Greets. // 25


26 \\


PROGRAM UPDATES

Building Science Curriculum Features SERVICE LEARNING In the spring of 2020, the McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) received a Special Recognition Award from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) for outstanding community service carried out through the school’s Construction Field Lab course. This

hands-on

connects

service

students

organizations

to

learning

with

local

develop

course

non-profit

and

execute

community-based construction projects. Dr. Scott Kramer, J.E. Wilborn Endowed Chair and Professor, was surprised to learn that Auburn’s program

considerably

exceeded

AGC’s

requirements: “When I filled out the application for the award, I realized that they’re set up for a university to do one project a year—we’ve been doing 14 a year!” In BSCI 4360 Construction Field Lab, a seniorlevel graduation requirement, students work in teams of ten students and one faculty advisor to create built solutions to issues facing nonprofits. Organizations are invited to explain their missions and present their proposals to the student teams who then choose a project that aligns with their interests. The students on each team complete a combined total of 600 hours of planning and building during the semester. At the end of the project, students present their work and share the experiences and lessons they learned from serving others. Kramer says that this course is valuable preparation for professional life since so many construction firms participate in community service projects. He believes Auburn is one of the very few construction schools in the nation with a service learning course as a graduation requirement. Drew Holland, a 2021 BSCI graduate, said that the class was a great way to end his academic career. “I really liked getting

The students on each team complete a combined total of 600 hours of planning and building during the semester.”

out in the field and taking a step away from the classroom,” he stated. “You get to see how your classes translate. I enjoyed getting out there and building relationships with the team and the client.”

Left: Construction Field Lab Manager Mike Hosey works with students to frame walls at the Curtis House in Opelika. Above: Auburn's building science students put in many hours of work each semester with Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity. // 27


The Curtis House The Curtis House, an Opelika non-profit that offers community-building activities, has been a long-term partner with faculty in the field lab course. Over the course of several semesters, BSCI students have built a house on the property as well as an outdoor pavilion, a structure that came in handy for outdoor gatherings and block parties during COVID-19. Kramer believes that, in addition to doing construction work, it’s important that students be involved with the community, so BSCI sponsored a build-a-birdhouse class for students to interact with local children.

Cameron

Mercer,

a

2021

graduate of BSCI, said that interacting with children in the community is an important part of the class. “I hope we

Kramer came to learn about The Curtis

“Back in the spring of 2020 we did the

had an impact on the kids, but the big

House several years ago from Brian

foundations and the framing but had to

impact was what the kids were able to

O’Neil, an Auburn alum and executive

stop when COVID-19 hit,” Kramer said.

do for us,” he said. “There were a lot

director of Third Lens Ministries. O’Neil

“Brian and the Curtis House asked us to

interested in swinging a hammer, and I

helps non-profits navigate design-build

go back and finish building the house.

saw myself in that. They did a good job at

projects and in turn helps Kramer identify

I’m really proud of our students, jumping

quality control!”

suitable projects for the field lab class.

back in the game.” In Fall 2020, students finished the work that had been paused, framing the house during the fall semester and then completing the roof, siding and windows in spring 2021.

Top and Right Above: BSCI students work to build a structure at The Curtis House, a non-profit community organization in Opelika. Above and Right: At the end of each semester, students present their work and share the experiences and lessons they learned from serving others. 28 \\


Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity Another long-term partner is Auburn-

This past fall semester, the students

Kramer says that the new facility lab has

Opelika Habitat for Humanity. While

were able to prefabricate the interior

been a game changer for service learn-

building an entire house is too large a

and exterior walls in the Robins &

ing in the school. “Because of the field

project for a single semester, Habitat

Morton Field Lab and then deliver and

lab we are now able to prefabricate walls

for Humanity make preparations that

install them to Habitat House #70. With

offsite, which increases quality, efficien-

allow for framing a house using two

this new method, two teams can frame

cy and productivity,” he stated. “It’s also

teams of students. When they arrive on

a house in the fall semester and another

a great teaching tool to expose our stu-

site the first day, Habitat staff already

team can do the siding, windows and

dents to this process, because prefabri-

have building permits secured and the

roof in the spring.

cation and offsite construction are be-

house’s foundation and slab completed.

coming a larger part of commercial

The students then build the walls and

In fall 2020, students were able to start

erect the roof trusses in colaboration

using the new Robins & Morton Con-

with Habitat supervision. “Materials

struction Field Lab at Auburn University

are delivered and equipment is in place,

to support their work on service learning

so the pressure is on the students to

projects. Made possible through a gener-

complete their phase of the project by

ous gift of more than $1.3 million dollars

the end of the semester,” said Kramer.

from construction management firm

building now.”

Robins & Morton, the construction field lab features a high-bay building with four bays, two of which are fully enclosed and protected from the elements.

Above: The high-bay building at the Robins & Morton Construction Field Lab features four bays, two of which are fully enclosed and protected from the elements. Far Left, Left and Top: Building science students and Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity prefabricate walls at the Robins & Morton Field Lab for Habitat House #70.

// 29


Prefabrication and Samson’s Strength Sustainable Veterans Project With this increased level of efficiency, the school was able to take on projects in a broader geographical area and began working with Samson’s Strength Sustainable Veterans Project (SSSVP) out of Lineville, Alabama. This grassroots organization runs a 115-acre working farm in Clay County that includes a collection of footprint houses, no larger than 850 square feet, for military veterans who are struggling with homelessness or joblessness. BSCI faculty realized that they could prefabricate wall panels for the project in the Robins & Morton Field Lab, slightly modifying the design to fit on trailers for transportation. Over a four-day weekend, the students traveled to the farm in Lineville where they built flooring, erected the walls and installed roof trusses. “We have proven to ourselves that offsite fabrication can really work in a service learning class,” Kramer said. “We are not just limited to Auburn and Opelika.”

Above, Top and Opposite Middle: Building Science students on the Samson’s Strength Sustainable Veterans Project team present the project and receive certificates of appreciation for their work. 30 \\


Service Learning Seeks INDUSTRY PARTNERS With the advent of offsite fabrication at the Robins & Morton Construction Field Lab, a new plan is under development for corporate sponsors to partner with BSCI for service learning projects. “We could collaborate in Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery or Atlanta,” Kramer said. “We have now completed two Habitat houses this way, and our recent project in Lineville, Alabama, really solidified our ability to construct a Habitat-type house outside of Lee County. This opens up the possibilities for collaborating with builders and companies outside of Auburn.” Since many companies are already working on service projects within their communities, this type of industryacademic collaboration would give Auburn faculty a vetted project and would give companies access to Auburn students. It would also give BSCI students the opportunity to create relationships with builders and to learn from working industry professionals.

If you would like to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact CADC Director of Development Melissa Denney at (334) 844-5436 or dennemf@auburn.edu.

Our recent project in Lineville, Alabama... opens up the possibilities for collaborating with builders and companies outside of Auburn.” SCOTT KRAMER

// 31


RESEARCH

APPLYING AUGMENTED REALITY to Construction McWhorter School of Building Science faculty Jeff Kim and Darren Olsen are applying augmented reality technology in new ways to improve inspections and training in building construction. Augmented reality (AR) is computer generated images or graphics that are overlaid on the real world to allow people to interact with their environment in a different way. Often presented through an interface, such as a phone, tablet or headset, AR technology is being developed for use in a number of different ways including in video games, education and shopping. Kim and Olsen are engaging with this technology to solve problems with construction inspections and quality. Working with technology firm Enklu, Kim and Olsen have used an AR authoring tool and Microsoft HoloLens headsets to test the application of AR in construction inspections. In the first test scenario Kim and Olsen focused on installation of embeds. Olsen explained, “Correctly

identifying

any

errors

in

the

installation early in construction will save time and money on the construction project.” While wearing the HoloLens, information from

While the research team continues work

Kim said, “This research is important be-

construction plans are superimposed over the

on this initial application to construction

cause while the tools we are developing

wearer’s vision, which allows them to compare

inspections, they are also considering

can be used to assist practitioners with

the planned location of embeds with what is

other applications of this technology in

the inspection process, we can use the

actually installed at the site. For Kim and

construction. Building construction grad-

same tool to help train those that are just

Olsen’s initial study, building construction

uate student Jack Renfroe worked with

starting out in their careers.”

students served as participants; one group of

Kim and Olsen to examine whether AR

students were given paper plans and asked to

could be applied in workplace training to

In the next phase of research, Kim and

examine whether embeds have been correctly

help address the skilled labor shortage in

Olsen hope to work with industry part-

installed and another wore a head mounted

construction. In this study, Renfroe

ners to test the application of AR in the

HoloLens and asked to complete the same

worked with Kim and Olsen to develop

field for both inspections and training.

task. The study found that participants using

an AR application to teach novice work-

the AR headsets were better able to identify

ers about wall framing techniques.

embeds and problems; participants using AR did especially well at identifying embeds with a narrow profile, much better than those reviewing the paper plans alone. The research team made some adjustments based on their

Above:

initial findings and finalized the second round

The AR user interface shows the embeds along with potential user observation.

of testing in Summer 2021.

Left: Associate Professor Darren Olsen demonstrates use of the AR headset with the test embeds installation. 32 \\


FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

LIU LENDS TECHNOLOGICAL EXPERTISE to Historical Research Junshan Liu, Associate Professor in the McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI), combines his expertise in technology with an interest in historical research. “Junshan is one of our most

In addition to HBIM, Liu’s research

productive and innovative research-

methods

ers,” said Karen Rogers, Associate

construction survey technology, in-

Dean

Studies

cluding Light Detection and Ranging

College

(LiDAR), photogrammetry and Un-

and of

for

Graduate

Research

in

Architecture,

the

Design

and

incorporate

innovative

manned Aircraft Systems (UAS), to

Construction (CADC). “He is a

digitally

pioneer in the use of Historic Building

heritage sites and built structures.

document

and

restore

Information Modeling (HBIM).” Liu works with an interdisciplinary team

Liu and his team, which includes

to “bring history to life” on a number

BSCI school head Richard Burt and

of historical preservation projects,

other colleagues from the CADC,

many of them related to the rich civil

Auburn’s History Department and

rights history in the region.

Georgia Tech University, have used this technology in conjunction with more traditional archival research to record and recreate the setting and the events of the Bloody Sunday conflict which took place in

Below: Point cloud of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma, Alabama, and its surroundings allows for effective documentation of the “Bloody Sunday” Conflict Site's current conditions. This dense point cloud was captured through multiple years of work by Liu and his research team.

Selma, Alabama, in 1965. Liu and his team were awarded a National Park Service African American Civil

Junshan is one of our most productive and innovative researchers. He is a pioneer in the use of Historic Building Information Modeling...” KAREN ROGERS

Rights grant for the production of a Historic Structures Report for the Edmund Pettus Bridge, which played an important role in this event.

// 33


The research I’m doing can really elevate my teaching.” JUNSHAN LIU

Liu was also involved in a project for the

Liu is currently working on another

While his time working on research off-

Old Depot Museum in Selma, which

project that utilizes his expertise in

campus can be significant, Liu says that

hosts

and

technology and historic preservation. He

he enjoys bringing his findings into the

photographs related to Bloody Sunday

and Visiting Assistant Professor Gorham

classroom. “The research I’m doing can

and Southern history. With Danielle

Bird of CADC’s architecture program

really elevate my teaching,” he said. “I

Willkens of Georgia Tech, Liu used

have received a Creative Work and Social

can use what I learn from historical

LiDAR, photogrammetry and UAVs to

Impact Scholarship grant from Auburn

preservation research to help both the

fully record the museum’s historic fabric.

University

community

They also created drawings and an HBIM

Rosenwald Schools in the South. Built in

industry, and I am always excited to

model of the building to help assess its

the 1920s, Rosenwald Schools were the

share my work with my students.”

condition and needs for restoration in the

result of a program created by famed

future. A 360-degree virtual tour, created

educator Booker T. Washington and retail

by Liu and Willkens, is available on the

executive Julius Rosenwald for the

museum’s website.

education of African American children.

collections

of

artifacts

to

digitally

document

They played a vital role in meeting their communities’ needs. The Rosenwald Above: This point cloud image shows the Old Depot Museum in Selma, Alabama. (image courtesy of Danielle Willkens)

project grew out of Liu’s success in using 3D modeling in civil rights-related historic preservation.

Right: This perspectival plan view of the Old Depot Museum was developed from the dense point cloud. (image courtesy of Danielle Willkens)

FACULTY/STAFF NEWS

BSCI Welcomes CAMILLE DAVIS CADC offers a warm welcome to Camille Davis, Administrative Support Assistant in Building Science. Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in international business from Auburn in 1991. She most recently worked as the Alumni Relations Coordinator for the College of Agriculture and also provided administrative support for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. In her new position, she is responsible for a wide variety of administrative support duties for the McWhorter School of Building Science.

34 \\

and

the

construction


PROGRAM UPDATES

Auburn Team Places First in DESIGN-BUILD COMPETITION After an exciting week of competition, a team from Auburn’s McWhorter School of Building Science won first place in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 2 2021 Design-Build Competition. The

Assistant

Team member Megan Edwards, who

Professor Alan Bugg and APLA Visiting

team,

led

by

BSCI

graduated this year with a bachelor of

Assistant

Kuhns,

architecture, said that this experience

competed in ASC’s virtual competition in

helped to improve communication and

February, with winners announced in an

teamwork skills. “Our goal is always to

online awards ceremony.

find the best solution for both design and

Professor

Alyssa

constructability. Working directly alongside Auburn competes in ASC Region 2,

building science students and participating

which encompasses the southeastern

in these competitions was a real-world

United States. The design-build com-

simulation of that,” Edwards stated.

petition was sponsored by the firm A.M. King, who provided the project details

The team was comprised of building

for the competition. Each team was

construction students Fiona Bangoy,

asked to prepare a bid for a manufacturing

Sarah Scott, Ashley Kingry and Macy

facility in South Carolina that included

Walker as well as architecture students

exterior space, interior production line

Edwards and Aynsley Norris. Bangoy

space and offices. Team members had

said that virtual competition was just as

to establish the programming for the

challenging as competing in person and

building and site development, develop

that the team bonded during the busy

plans for structural, electrical, mechanical

week. “I am proud to be a part of a

plumbing and fire protection design and

wonderful

complete

comprised of all women,” she stated.

construction

management,

commissioning and project closeout.

and

hard-working

Our goal is always to find the best solution for both design and constructability.” MEGAN EDWARDS

team

Walker agreed and added “After many tireless nights in Gorrie completing

Design-build competitions are unique

everything

we

because

rewarding

part

they

offer

an

opportunity

needed, was

the

sitting

most in

the

for building science and architecture

conference room watching the awards

students to work together toward a

ceremony. Finally, they called Auburn

common goal.

University for first place. I have never heard a room scream louder.”

Above: Pictured left to right, front to back: Team members Macy Walker, Ashley Kingry, Aynsley Norris, Sarah Scott, Fiona Bangoy and Megan Edwards worked under guidance of BSCI Assistant Professor Alan Bugg and APLA Visiting Assistant Professor Alyssa Kuhns. // 35


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