vol. 32
spring 2021
REMEMBERING ROGER RICE 1951–2020
04
06
08 20
03
Message From The School Head Richard Burt
17
Building Science Students Compete in Virtual Competition
04
Building Science Students Remember Senior Lecturer Roger Rice
18
Auburn Building Science Faculty Honored With Awards
20
Rising to the Challenge: Building Science Programs Thrive Despite Pandemic
28
Faculty and Staff Changes Taking Place in the McWhorter School
29
Building Science Program Honored by Associated General Contractors
30
Questions from Colleagues Q&A with Tom Leathem
06 Auburn Launches Doctoral Program in Building Construction 07 Kathryn Crowley '13 08 Building Science Opens Robins & Morton Construction Field Lab 12 Milwaukee Tool Donates Field Lab Equipment 14 Building Science Awards Endowed Professorships 15 Renovations Complete in Gorrie Room 227
// QUOIN Richard Burt / Head and McWhorter Endowed Chair,
16 Paul Hedgepath '05
McWhorter School of Building Science Madison Champion / CADC Graphic Designer Brandon Clarke / Lead Administrative Assistant, McWhorter School of Building Science
// CONTRIBUTORS Kelley Young / writer
2 \\
// MESSAGE FROM the school head In the last edition of Quoin I wrote that 2020 would be an exciting year for the school. On March 4, 2020 I was driving back from the dedication ceremony for the Robins & Morton Construction Field Lab and thinking to myself how great things were in the school. Earlier that week we had hosted a visiting team from the American Council for Construction Education chaired by Dr. Abdol Chini, the former head of the Rinker School at the University of Florida. Over three days his team evaluated our program against the accreditation criteria, and we received an outstanding review. The next day I attended the dedication ceremony with the university leadership and many of our industry supporters. The following week I was set to attend the AGC National Convention in Las Vegas, where eight of our students would receive national scholarships and the school would pick up a community service award. With spring break around the corner, life was good! Except for COVID! This horrible virus hit the school hard in April, when our much-loved senior lecturer, Roger Rice, died within days of testing positive for the virus. His passing has left a huge hole in the school. In the short time he was with us, his impact was significant. This is evident in the many thoughtful memories we received from students after his passing, some of which you can read throughout this issue. The photograph of Roger
This past year we have also seen the first group of Ph.D. students
on page four captures his personality perfectly; always happy,
enter the program and a number of faculty receive university, state
always positive, always smiling. We all miss him very much.
and national awards. We also welcomed Angie White as our new
You will also read about how the school has adapted to teaching and learning during this pandemic. The shift to remote instruction during the spring semester was a major
Career Services Specialist and Industry Executive Board member, Drew Yantis, as a new Senior Lecturer. Here’s to a better year in 2021!
undertaking with the faculty successfully adapting to the skills and technologies needed for remote instruction. During this
WDE!
time, our unit technology support team, led by David Royer, worked tirelessly to support faculty and students. During the summer, the school was one of the first programs to get approval to return to face-to-face teaching under strict
Richard Burt
COVID protocols for our summer surveying camps. Paul Holley was able to put together a program that provided a safe environment for the students and allowed them to continue with their scheduled studies uninterrupted. By the fall semester, the vast majority of BSCI classes had a face-to-face component to them and we were able to use the Robins & Morton Construction Field Lab as a base for our service learning projects for the semester.
// 3
IN MEMORIAM
Building Science students remember SENIOR LECTURER ROGER RICE After a lengthy career in industry that took him across the country, Roger Rice returned to his alma mater in the fall of 2017 as adjunct faculty to inspire a new generation of students in the same way that his professors had kindled enthusiasm in him. He had checked off the "bucket list" wish to become a teacher, but his impact on the lives of students had only just begun. He would go on to obtain a senior lecturer position with the school in January 2019. Few were more engaged in the building construction program than Roger. He was the first to arrive, spent immeasurable amounts of time assisting students with their course work, and always had time for everyone. He often spoke of how his time and money were not his own, but rather a practical means to serve those around him. From the smallest gesture such as learning the names of every student in his often-large classes, to writing a personal check for the materials needed to complete a student service project, he was a man of generosity and action. Roger never met a stranger. As a building
As one student put it, “The world lost
For those who had the honor of knowing
science faculty member, he made mean-
one of the greatest men I have ever
Roger Rice personally, his passing cuts
ingful connections with everyone he
known. Professor Rice taught me so
deep. Yet in these difficult moments we
met. APLA Associate Professor Emeri-
much more than what he was paid to
are reminded that we are members of
tus Scott Finn shared, “I could tell that he
teach. He shared life lessons, stories,
the Auburn Family. The Auburn Creed
would be one of those teachers who
knowledge, and was always available to
meant a lot to Roger, who truly lived
cared deeply about the students and
talk if we needed advice about anything.
Petrie’s words: “I believe in the human
would help them to succeed, first and
He knew every building science student
touch, which cultivates sympathy with
foremost. This was not about his own
by name and loved them for who they
my fellow men and mutual helpfulness
academic advancement, not about publi-
were. He represents all things that the
and brings happiness for all...And be-
cations or P&T, but about teaching,
CADC strives to be, and never asked for
cause Auburn men and women believe
teaching individuals, and sharing with
recognition because of it.”
in these things, I believe in Auburn and
those students the things about which
love it.”Roger’s tenure at Auburn was
he was passionate.”
short, but his legacy will live on for years to come.
4 \\
“He
helped
me
understand
many
concepts that I had not been able to grasp in other courses. He knew every single student's name he ever had and went out of his way to learn and remember where they were from. Professor Rice truly embodied what I think is a great Auburn man.” - Hayley Hendrick
Every day he would say how thankful he was to have the opportunity to teach us, but the opportunity to have him in my life was what I am thankful for. His passion and eagerness to see us succeed and his kind spirit are what I will miss the most.” WILL TANNER
“My first impression of Roger Rice was the passion he had for teaching. He talked about how he was once in the building science program at Auburn, and he talked about the great professors
“A story I like to tell about him involves
“Professor Rice touched the hearts
he had and how they inspired him to
the career fair. On career fair day,
of every student he taught. He loved
come back and teach in the program.
students park and walk 20 minutes to
each one of us so deeply, cared about
The last class day he brought in pizza
the career fair location. Professor Rice
our
for all 200 students. I cannot say I
would pick students up in his vehicle
University but also in life. He left a
have heard of another professor that
and drop them off at the front door so
lasting impression on every person he
would do something like that for such
they would not be soaked in sweat.
came into contact with and knew each
a large class. He had a heart of gold
When he arrived at the career fair, he
of our names, which meant more to us
and was extremely generous in every
would grab you and hype you up to as
than he ever knew. I looked up to
way possible.”
many companies as possible. This was
Professor Rice because his actions
not a job to him, it was a calling.
were louder than his words, he always
Although Professor Rice is no longer
seemed to know just the right thing to
with us, his impact and legacy will live
say and his smile could cheer me
on forever.”
up even on the hardest of days. I will
- Jack Graffeo
“I remember right before our test retake he had a review session and saw that I
- Justin Wilkes
was almost in tears. He came up to me,
success
not
only
at
Auburn
never forget my professor and friend Roger Rice.”
put his hands on top of my head and
- Alex Ferguson
told me to breath and that he would
“One specific memory that I have is
help me get through it. He didn’t leave
when Professor Rice took us to the top
my desk until I fully understood the
of the parking deck overlooking the
“Professor Rice is one of the greatest
material. He really cared so much about
construction site at Parker Hall. He
people I have ever had the honor of
all of us and constantly did more than
encouraged us to take pictures of
knowing. Over the three courses and
anyone else in his position would do.”
construction sites and to learn from
competition team I took with Professor
them, to spot errors or slapdash work
Rice, I have learned so much. Most of
and to admire great work.”
the things I retain from his lectures are
- Amie Sardinha
- Mitchell Eddleman
not about what is on the syllabus but life lessons from his great career and how to treat people like he treated us. Every day he would say how thankful he was to have the opportunity to teach
Professor Rice truly embodied what I think is a great Auburn man.” HAYLEY HENDRICK
us, but the opportunity to have him in my life was what I am thankful for. His passion and eagerness to see us succeed and his kind spirit are what I will miss the most.” - Will Tanner // 5
PROGRAM UPDATES
AUBURN LAUNCHES DOCTORAL PROGRAM in Building Construction Last fall, the McWhorter School of Building Science welcomed students to the first Ph.D. program in building construction in the state of Alabama. The start of the doctoral program, which
This association has contributed to a
is one of only seven such programs in
focus on the high-tech visualization and
the country, aligns the terminal degree of
modeling of construction processes and
the
with
products that makes the McWhorter
in
program unique among other academic
building
comparable
science
program
graduate
programs
building construction and construction
offerings
management across the nation.
The average time to complete the
in
the
construction
field.
doctoral degree is three years, and the The doctorate in building construction is
program requires 62 semester hours of
a research-based degree focused on
graduate
generating
bachelor's degree.
new
knowledge
through
course
work
beyond
the
innovative exploration of theory, development of creative perspectives and
Two students, Amna Salman and Kevin
structure courses at Auburn's undergraduate
applications of new technologies to
Hitchcock, began their doctoral studies
building science program as an adjunct
address the challenges of creating
last fall. Amna earned an undergraduate
professor in 2017. Hitchcock holds a bachelor's
and maintaining a sustainable built
degree in architecture in Pakistan in 2007
degree in geology and a Master of Engineering
environment. It emphasizes original,
followed by a dual Masters in Com-
in construction engineering management, both
interdisciplinary
munity
Public
from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
scholarship in key and emerging areas of
Administration (MPA) from Auburn in
He has been a construction educator for fifteen
building construction. The degree is
2013. After working at Auburn as a
years at Lawson State Community College in
suited for students and professionals
campus planner, Amna felt compelled to
Bessemer, Alabama. Both Amna and Hitchcock
interested in advancing their knowledge
build upon and share her knowledge of
are recipients of Presidential Graduate Re-
and
the field and began teaching building
search Fellowships from Auburn University.
skills
in
or
the
cross-disciplinary
areas
of
high-
performance buildings, nD modeling and simulation
of
processes, integrated
building
construction
sustainable
construction,
project
maintenance
and
delivery,
facilities
management
and
innovative construction education. The program differs from traditional doctoral programs in civil engineering because of the McWhorter School's close association with allied disciplines in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction, where it is housed.
6 \\
Planning
(MCP)
and
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
KATHRYN CROWLEY '13 Kathryn Crowley works as a
Crowley is a 2013 graduate of
superintendent at JE Dunn
Auburn’s building science program,
Construction in Tampa, Florida,
where she was heavily involved in
managing teams in the field.
competition teams and leadership programs. She was also a finalist
As a superintendent she oversees
for Auburn University Miss Home-
each project schedule, coordinat-
coming in her senior year, running
ing trade partners’ sequencing,
on a platform of energy efficiency
ensuring quality and promoting
and sustainability. She volunteers
safety onsite. Her area of expertise
her time with several organizations
is Lean Construction management,
in the Tampa Bay area, including
which utilizes the Last Planner®
Habitat for Humanity and Ronald
System of Production Control and
McDonald House, and is active in
focuses on collaboration with proj-
her local chapter of the National
ect team managers, safety and
Association of Women in Con-
efficiency.
struction. In her spare time she is
She volunteers her time with... Habitat for Humanity and Ronald McDonald House and is active with her local chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction.”
an active boater, kayaker, camper and hiker on the National Florida Scenic Trail.
// 7
FACILITIES
The
Building Science Opens ROBINS & MORTON CONSTRUCTION FIELD LAB
laboratory
newly
renovated
field
portunity to build prototypes of tall-
possible
er structures that may need to uti-
through a generous gift of more
lize scaffolding. The onsite classroom
than $1.3 million dollars from
(B) holds 30 to 40 students and was
construction
modeled after a professional con-
was
made
management
firm
Robins & Morton. The College of Architecture, Design
struction management setting. “The facility that Robins & Morton has
and Construction at Auburn University
Unrivaled in size and capability, the
given us is unique among construc-
dedicated the Robins & Morton
construction field lab features a
tion schools,” said McWhorter
Construction Field Laboratory in
high-bay building (A) with four
School of Building Science Head
March of 2020 and began using it
bays, two of which are fully
Richard Burt. “I’m not aware of any
for classwork fall 2020.
enclosed and protected from the
site with the facilities that it has
elements. With 30-foot ceilings,
both for teaching and for students
this space gives students the op-
to be able to do hands-on activities.”
8 \\
Unrivaled in size and capability, the construction field lab features a high-bay building with four bays...” A
B
Professor Mike Hosey teaches the service learning course that is a graduation requirement for every building
science
student.
The
Robins & Morton Construction Field Lab is constantly busy with Hosey’s students as they build walls, gather tools and create safety and communication plans. The field lab has plenty of uses beyond research
coursework, and
including
service-learning
projects. “We have a lot of student groups
that
take
on
service
projects,” said Hosey, “and they'll come to me for help and for tools. It’s just given us an opportunity to really grow in a lot of ways.”
// 9
Clockwise, from top left: Project and supply storage; high bay building; tool storage; classroom; parking. 10 \\
// 11
With its practical but highly sophis-
apply it in the field is vital to
ticated facilities, the Robins & Morton
their success in the future. “It's
Construction Field Lab is giving
equipment, labor and materials
Auburn students the professional,
that all goes in together to make it
hands-on training they need to be
happen,”
effective construction managers.
students are like a sponge and
While learning theory in the class-
they're wanting to learn as much
room is important, being able to
as they can.”
Hosey
said.
“These
The field lab has [uses] beyond coursework, including research and service-learning projects.”
FACILITIES
MILWAUKEE TOOL Donates Field Lab Equipment Milwaukee Tool has generously donated an important gift-inkind to the McWhorter School of Building Science. The gift consists of a broad selection of tools and equipment for use at the Robins & Morton Construction Field Lab. Representatives from Milwaukee Tool arranged the tool display at the field lab to mimic a retail setting. Students will check tools out for field use by scanning them with an app on their phones which will enable faculty to monitor where each tool is being used. In addition to the initial gift, which is worth more than $15,000, Milwaukee Tool will replace or repair any damaged tools on an annual basis. 12 \\
// 13
FACULTY/STAFF NEWS
BUILDING SCIENCE AWARDS ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS The McWhorter School of Building
The Wilborn Endowed Professorship for
documents,
project
Science at Auburn University has
Senior Faculty has been awarded to
construction
services,
announced the awarding of several
Scott Kramer, and the Wilborn Endowed
procurement and is the editor for the
professorships beginning in the fall
Professorship for Emerging Faculty has
proceedings of the Associated Schools
of 2020.
been awarded to Tom Leathem. These
of Construction’s Annual International
professorships were created through an
Conference. Dr. Kramer holds bachelor’s
Alumni
estate gift from John Edward Wilborn of
and master’s degrees in civil engineering
Committee Endowed Professorship has
Birmingham, the first graduate of the
from Auburn as well as a Ph.D. in
been awarded to Associate Professor
building science program at Auburn in
educational
Darren Olsen. This alumni committee,
1945. Dr. Leathem holds a bachelor’s
undergraduate and graduate courses,
established in 1990, decided to celebrate
degree in construction management and
including Construction Documents and
the group’s twentieth anniversary in
a doctorate in curriculum and assessment
Construction
2010 by funding an endowment to recog-
as well as a Master of Design-Build from
Productivity, and was awarded the 2020
nize
Auburn. He teaches undergraduate and
Auburn Alumni Association’s Award for
graduate
Excellence in Faculty Outreach.
The
Atlanta
Auburn
outstanding
BSCI
faculty.
Associate
Professor Olsen, who holds a bachelor’s
courses
in
construction
degree in building construction and a Juris Doctor degree, teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in information technology and estimating. The
William
A.
Hunt
Endowed
Professorship has been awarded to Professor Salman Azhar. Bill Hunt, along with his wife Ann, chose to show his support of the program by endowing a professorship that has honored former building science professors such as Ed Marty, Paul Brandt and Keith McPheeters. Bill served on the Building Science Industry Advisory Council, the Dean's Executive Board and the Dean's Club. The School of Building Science awarded Bill with the Distinguished Service Award in 2001 and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. Bill passed away in December 2019. Dr. Azhar holds a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in civil engineering as well as a Master of Engineering in structural engineering. He teaches Structures I and II as well as Research Methods and also serves as the chair of the school’s graduate programs, including the new Ph.D. program in building construction, which was inaugurated last fall.
14 \\
Left to right, top to bottom: Darren Olsen, Scott Kramer, Salman Azhar, Tom Leathem
delivery,
technology.
Labor,
planning
He
preand
teaches
Equipment
and
FACILITIES
RENOVATIONS COMPLETE in Gorrie Room 227 Recent renovations to Room 227 in Gorrie Center included two video screen display walls, multiple glass boards that function as writing surfaces, new carpets and paint. “What is nice [about the glass boards] is that
Philanthropic opportunities, such as naming
they are on three of the four walls and have
the glass boards, are available. If you are
graph lines superimposed,” said Professor
interested in learning more, please contact
Paul Holley, “so when teaching classes like
Christopher Griffin in CADC’s Office of
scheduling and structures, they are so much
Development at cgriffin@auburn.edu.
better than traditional whiteboards.”
// 15
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
PAUL HEDGEPATH '05 Paul Hedgepath is the Director of Virtual Construction for M.J. Harris Construction Services in Birmingham, Alabama, where he leads all BIM operations. His responsibilities include coordination
professor and chair of the school’s grad-
with design teams, owners and estimat-
uate programs, said that Hedgepath has
ing and construction teams in the field.
helped several graduate students com-
Through this collaboration, he incorpo-
plete and publish their research. “He not
rates 3D coordination and visualization,
only shared new ideas for research but
4D schedule sequencing, 5D quantity
also significantly assisted our students in
and cost analysis, BIM-enabled facilities
relevant data collection and analysis,”
management and Lean Construction.
Azhar stated. “He helped several of our graduate students to successfully com-
[Paul] is always excited to get involved in any way he can.” TOM LEATHEM
16 \\
A 2005 graduate of the McWhorter
plete
School of Building Science, Hedgepath
findings in conferences and journals.”
was recently awarded the school’s
Assistant Professor Tom Leathem added,
Distinguished Service Award. For the
“Anytime we contact Paul, whether it be
past several years, he has lent his skills
to present a guest lecture to our students,
to the school’s building construction
conduct a demonstration or provide
programs,
and
insight about technology innovations in
teaching expertise in the area of innova-
construction, he is always excited to get
tive technologies. Dr. Salman Azhar,
involved in any way he can.”
providing
guidance
their
capstones
and
present
UNDERGRADUATE UPDATES
BUILDING SCIENCE STUDENTS COMPETE in Virtual Competition Every semester, students from the McWhorter School of Building Science compete in regional competitions hosted by the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC). Although the competitions were held virtually last fall, the students who participated benefitted from the experience in new ways. Fall semester’s team had only three weeks to
Auburn normally competes in ASC Region 2,
prepare for the competition instead of the
which encompasses the southeastern United
months they’re accustomed to. “We threw
States, but last fall’s Region 2 competition was
it together very fast,” said team captain
postponed to spring, so Assistant Professor
Cameron Mercer. “We really had to push hard
Dr. Wesley Collins entered the team in an open
and do our research early.” Once they received
category in Region 3, the Great Lakes region.
construction and contract documents from
Under normal circumstances teams have the
Lithko Contracting Inc., the sponsor of the
opportunity to conduct on-site research, but
competition, they had the material they need-
competing in a different region meant a site
ed to begin their work. “We started by doing
visit
an analysis of the job site, a review of the geo-
challenge of designing a Midwestern manufac-
technical report and a review of the logistics
turing facility also meant dealing with some
and how the surrounding area was laid out,”
unfamiliar construction techniques.
was
impossible.
The
competition’s
Mercer said. Competing in the open concrete category, the team set themselves up as a
The team benefitted from Zoom meetings
mock concrete subcontractor called Plainsman
with the project managers at Lithko every day.
Concrete Services and created a jobsite-spe-
After a week of intense work, they presented
cific Request for Proposal. With team captain
virtually to a panel of judges in a socially
Mercer acting as the project manager, every
distanced roundtable format, broadcasting
team member was assigned a role in the com-
from the conference room in the Miller Gorrie
pany. Craig Stanford was project engineer,
Center.
Reeves Brashear was superintendent, Macy
Lithko Contracting then provided a presenta-
Walker was virtual design manager, Matthew
tion explaining how the real project was actual-
Hazelwood
ly completed. “It’s fun to see where you were
was
design
coordinator
Hudson Dorough was estimator.
and
Following
competition
protocols,
right and where you were wrong,” Mercer said. Despite COVID-19 restrictions, the specially designed and equipped competition rooms in Gorrie Center got plenty of use last fall as students put their skills to the test in a safe and responsible manner.
// 17
FACULTY/STAFF NEWS
AUBURN BUILDING SCIENCE FACULTY HONORED WITH AWARDS Several McWhorter School of Building Science faculty have received awards from various organizations this past year. Professor Scott Kramer, J.E. Wilborn Endowed Professor, was honored with the Auburn University award for Excellence in Faculty Outreach. Kramer’s ongoing outreach projects illustrate his dedication to helping others. Kramer, an Auburn alum who is in his 27th year of teaching, leads building science students on annual service trips to Ecuador, Haiti and Panama. Kramer has developed Construction Field Lab, a required course for all building construction majors in which students build structures for the non-profit organizations of their choosing. Kramer knows that this course is valuable preparation for real life upon graduation. “Construction firms always have projects that serve the community, whether it’s a Habitat house or building something for the
community,”
Kramer
observed.
“They’re probably going to be doing it in their professional careers, so we wanted to get a jump start on that while they’re
Assistant Professor Eric Wetzel received
here in school.”
an Auburn University Alumni Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award. Wetzel, who has been teaching at Auburn for four years, is responsible for teaching scheduling and field operations to first semester seniors. His love of teaching stems from watching the progress his students make throughout the course. “I like research, but I really like being in the classroom and seeing students, who may have never built a construction
schedule
in
their
entire
professional lives, having to build three by the end of the semester,” Wetzel explained. “It’s really rewarding to see that growth.” In addition to his teaching award, Wetzel was named to the Alabama Associated General Contractors’ 2020 “40 Under 40” list.
18 \\
The Associated Schools of Construc-
Assistant Professor Lauren Redden
tion (ASC) is a professional organization
was also honored with an ASC Region-
that brings together construction indus-
al Teaching Award. Redden teaches
try insiders and educators to advance
introduction to construction and con-
building science education. Although
struction documents and is the faculty
last year’s ASC conference was post-
advisor for the Construction Manage-
poned, the organization continued to
ment Summer Academy for Young
announce its annual awards, which in-
Women. Redden’s skills as an educator
cluded national recognition for two
and a professional were also recognized
Auburn educators. Professor Salman
by Auburn’s Student Government As-
Azhar was awarded a Regional Out-
sociation, who honored her as a 2019–
standing Educator Award. Azhar, the
20 outstanding faculty member, and by
William A. Hunt Endowed Professor
the Alabama Associated General Con-
and chair of the school’s graduate
tractors, who named her to their 2019
programs, teaches structures I and II
“40 Under 40” list.
as well as research methods.
// 19
CURRENT EVENTS
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE Building Science Programs Thrive Despite Pandemic Instruction and learning at Auburn University might look a little different this year due to COVID-19, but responding to the pandemic has resulted in a number of innovative pedagogical initiatives at the McWhorter School of Building Science.
In March 2020, at the beginning of the
Students also had to adjust to remote
pandemic, Auburn University announced
learning
that instead of returning from spring
semester. Many fourth-year building
break in person, students would be
construction students had been com-
completing all remaining coursework for
pleting co-operative learning experiences
the semester remotely. Despite being
at construction sites all over the United
technologically savvy, some building
States. When spring co-op experiences
science students were anxious about
were cut short, these students were
the transition. Building science (BSCI)
faced with the unexpected challenge of
faculty reassured them that the plan to
completing their final thesis remotely.
go virtual was not only doable but could
BSCI faculty and staff realized that most
also be beneficial. “During our first Zoom
students didn’t have the sophisticated
lecture, I spent some time addressing
industry-relevant hardware or software
the positives of virtual learning (no park-
they needed to do this, and they
ing issues, more time for study, more
immediately devised a plan to loan
time for other hobbies) and spent time
students the necessary equipment from
answering
had
the thesis room in Gorrie Center. Thirty-
specific to our class,” said April Simons,
eight of the 46 thesis students chose to
assistant professor of building science.
accept the offer of equipment, which
“This is a wonderful opportunity to walk
included a desktop PC tower, two
alongside our students and help them
monitors, a keyboard and a mouse for
work through challenges and maintain a
each student. BSCI staff members Angie
positive outlook.” One benefit of remote
White, Brandon Clarke and David Royer
instruction was that faculty members
boxed up the equipment and either
recorded their lectures and made them
shipped it directly to each student’s
available to students to review later.
home or facilitated on-campus pickup.
any
questions
they
during
the
summer
2020
Students were able to review lectures and tutorials as often as needed and could complete work at their own pace. // 21
Some students were notified that their summer
industry
internships
had
been
cancelled due to the pandemic. Fortunately, however, some companies decided to revamp their programs so that students could complete internships virtually. Longtime industry partner Juneau Construction restructured its program to
create
a
six-week
remote
learning
experience called VIP2020 (Virtual Internship Program). Student Anna LaRock said working with both a project engineer and a preconstruction manager at Juneau was an invaluable experience. She was assigned to review submittals, create site logistics plans and complete assignments in Procore as well as tasks that involved estimating, quantity takeoff and bid comparison. “I learned so much about having to be flexible in the construction industry,” she said of interning during a pandemic. “Things are constantly changing, and you have to be ready to meet those changes with a solution.” Nancy Juneau, CEO of Juneau Construction, said the new internship program was a success. “VIP2020 100% exceeded our expectations,” she stated. “And I think we have set the bar high for our company and our internship program moving forward.”
This is a wonderful opportunity to walk alongside our students and help them work through challenges and maintain a positive outlook.” APRIL SIMONS
Top left and bottom left: Thesis equipment was available for pickup or shipment to students completing their thesis remotely. Top right and bottom right: Safety protocols such as facial coverings and social distancing were put in place to ensure an in-person experience was available for students. 22 \\
// 23
Auburn University began the fall semester by offering four different modalities of classes, including remote courses and traditional face-to-face classes. In blended classes, smaller groups of students met with faculty in person and completed some coursework online. In HyFlex classes, students had the option to go to class in person, attend class live via Zoom or to review video lectures later on their own time. All of these options gave students control over the type of learning styles that work best for them during the pandemic.
Top left and bottom left: Associate Professor Keith Rahn utilizes various educational technology platforms to conduct class remotely. Top right and bottom right: Building Science students have made social distancing and wearing masks a regular practice in daily life. 24 \\
Four different modalities of classes, including remote courses and traditional face-to-face classes... gave students control over the type of learning styles that work best for them during the pandemic.”
// 25
26 \\
While freshman and sophomores adjusted to new learning modalities, juniors and seniors were concerned
about
what
would
happen
after
graduation. Fortunately, BSCI’s Career Services has worked hard to create opportunities for students to obtain full-time positions and internships in a safe way. Former Career Services Specialist Lindsey Motley
explained
that
instead
of
conducting
information sessions in person, she recorded and posted half-hour video chats with industry representatives who discussed their companies’ cultures and available positions. The traditional Meet and Greet sessions, where students engage with company representatives on campus, are now done across a conference room table in a safe and socially distanced setting. And last fall’s virtual career fair was like no other career fair before it. Using the Career Fair Plus online platform, students were able to browse companies on the platform, upload their résumés for employers and then build a schedule of live video meetings in 10-minute time slots. Despite the disruptions to normal daily life, Motley says the construction industry has not slowed down. An impressive 98% of May building science graduates had jobs lined up before graduation, as did 96% of August grads. While students are continuing to navigate classes, interviews and job offers virtually, Auburn building science grads are still finding good jobs.
Opposite: Building science senior Cameron Mercer and classmates were able to continue efforts on their service learning project at The Exodus Ranch thanks to great care and planning from BSCI faculty and staff. Left: Meet and Greets, one of several opportunities for BSCI students to network with industry representatives, continued to be available. Above: Professor Paul Holley's students continued the Survey Camp tradition, visiting several spots on campus, such as the Gogue Performing Arts Center, to sharpen their skills.
// 27
FACULTY/STAFF NEWS
FACULTY AND STAFF CHANGES Taking Place in the McWhorter School Congrats, Angie White! Angie White has been named as the new building science career services specialist. She most recently served as the administrative support assistant in building science where she helped to coordinate career fairs and assisted seniors with thesis delivery. In her new role, Angie will serve as a liaison between students, faculty, industry partners and employers.
Welcome, Drew Yantis! Drew Yantis has been hired as a senior lecturer. He is transitioning from his responsibilities as a senior vice president with Holder Construction. Drew is a 1987 alumnus and has served on the Advisory Boards for the school and the college. He is also a board member of the American Council for Construction Education.
Thank you, Lindsey Motley! Best wishes to Lindsey Motley who has been at CADC since 2017. Lindsey began with the building science program as an academic advisor and most recently was a Career Services Specialist.
28 \\
UNDERGRADUATE UPDATES
BUILDING SCIENCE PROGRAM HONORED by Associated General Contractors The McWhorter School of Building Science was honored with 2020 national and state awards from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the nation’s leading association for the construction industry. At the national convention in Las Vegas last March, Senior Lecturer Mike Hosey and a group of building science students, members of Auburn’s student chapter of AGC, accepted a Special Recognition Award for service learning. This award was given on the basis of outstanding work done through the school’s Construction Field Lab, a required course taken by seniors. This hands-on service learning course connects students with local non-profit organizations to
The school’s contribution to the industry was also
develop and execute 14 community-
honored at the state level with the Alabama AGC
based projects each year. Since
Community Development Award and the AGC
its inception in 2018, over 210
Impact Award, the latter in recognition of the
students
considerable impact the school has had on the
the course.
have
participated
in
state’s construction industry. “Alabama AGC has consistently been a strong supporter of the school over many years,” said school head Richard Burt, “and to be recognized by such a prestigious group for the impact our graduates have had, particularly at the state leadership level, is very humbling.”
// 29
FACULTY HIGHLIGHT
QUESTIONS FROM COLLEAGUES Q&A with Tom Leathem The McWhorter School of Building Science is pleased to announce that Dr. Tom Leathem has been promoted to associate professor. Dr. Leathem, a J.E. Wilborn Endowed Professor, was also named an Auburn University Biggio Faculty Fellow for 2020–21. He holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Western Illinois University, a Master of DesignBuild from Auburn and a Ph.D. in curriculum
and
assessment
from
Mississippi State University. Dr. Leathem is the editor for the proceedings of the Associated Schools of Construction’s Annual International Conference. A renowned educator and pedagogical enthusiast,
Dr.
Leathem
answers
questions about education in the age of COVID from his colleagues.
Excellent teaching is about providing the best learning experience you can for your students.” TOM LEATHEM
How do you see the experiences of dealing with the current pandemic affecting construction education in the future? - RICHARD BURT, PH.D. , Head, McWhorter School of Building Science
I think a lot of us in construction education
have to assess these things and determine
have done a really good job of trying to bring
what provides the best learning opportunity.
the real-world construction professional environment into the classroom remotely. The
Trying to organize a job site visit now is defi-
pandemic has forced us in many ways to try
nitely a lot harder. And in a lot of cases, if you
things we’ve been thinking about for a long
have a class of 30 students, that almost be-
time but were too afraid to try in the past. In
comes such an insurmountable issue that you
some ways it’s given us an opportunity to
just can't do it. Then we're forced to look at
experiment without the concern of the conse-
what other options we have, like a live
quences of failure. I have no doubt that some
streamed virtual tour of a job site.
of the things this pandemic has forced us to try will be around long after this whole thing is
I think this pandemic is going to advance the
over. I think there's going to be a certain level
future of construction education. We're going
of student expectation that’s going to exist
to be a lot nimbler in how we offer and deliver
that we as educators are going to have to
the courses, and because of that it's going to
evaluate. For example, will students just come
create opportunities for more individuals to
to expect that in-person class sessions will
access these learning opportunities. So I think
always be recorded and available to them? As
there's a lot of good that's going to come out of it.
educators, we're going to be the ones who 30 \\
As a Biggio faculty fellow, you’ll be leading student feedback focus groups and
How do you define excellent teaching
sharing the findings with faculty. How do you plan to “focus” these focus groups?
and how do you strive to improve as
What specific themes are your priority, and why?
a teacher?
- KAREN ROGERS, PH.D., Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, College of Architecture, Design and Construction
In these focus groups, we address the
Focusing the sessions in this way helps engage
strengths,
weaknesses
and
- LINDSAY DOUKOPOULOS, PH.D., Associate Director of Educational Development, Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning
opportunities
the students as participants in the creation of
To me, excellent teaching is about providing
within an instructor’s course. The two most
their learning environment while fostering a
the best learning experience you can for your
important points to me about these sessions
stronger student–teacher connection.
students. And for me that means constantly
are that this is a completely voluntary thing,
trying to improve. I came into teaching after
that teachers have proactively reached out to
What was nice last semester with Zoom is that
being in industry for quite a while. I probably
the Biggio Center seeking insight to help
we were asking the students to have these
wasn't even three or four weeks into that first
elevate their teaching, and that everything that
discussions in breakout rooms. It’s fairly private
semester of teaching, and it was really
the students say is completely anonymous so
there; I'm not even a part of those discussions.
resonating with me that I know a lot about
they can feel comfortable to provide honest
So when we give the faculty member feedback,
construction, but I'm not sure that I know how
actionable feedback about the class. The three
they're
the
to teach it well. I was constantly wondering,
questions that we ask the students are: what's
discussion and the specific comments that the
what are my students getting out of this? Are
working for your learning in this class, what
students have written down in their breakout
they even really interested in my class? Do
could be working better for your learning in this
rooms. The essence of the entire thing is about
they dread my class?
class and what do you think you could do better
trying to improve the learning experience for
as a student to improve your learning in this class?
the students.
getting
my
summary
from
And so that's really what influenced me to get my Ph.D., because I wanted to be a better teacher and I wanted to understand more about what being a good teacher was all about. One of the things that evolved in that
I've got a passion for construction.” TOM LEATHEM
process was recognizing that I’ve got to understand what the students’ perspective is, and the only way I can do that is to get feedback from them. So I do ask my students a lot because I genuinely want every one of them to get as much out of my classes as they
How do you plan to share what you learn as a Biggio Faculty Fellow with others in the college? - C. BEN FARROW, PH.D., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and International Programs, College of Architecture, Design and Construction
can. I've got a passion for construction, it's just in me. It's who I am and as much of that as I can transfer to my students, that's what I want to do. My goal is to be developing that passion within them for this profession.
When this whole thing started at the beginning
teaching. The Be Well Weekly Series that
of the semester, I really didn't know what my
we're doing is something that many of us
The other thing that I think also defines
role was going to be. But now that we're
would probably be interested in; it will cover a
excellent teaching is being a good supporter
starting to get our foothold, I’ve got a better
number of topics with guest speakers. There's
of your colleagues and being somebody that's
sense of the things that we're doing. In my
one in that series called ‘Teaching with Tots,’
willing to listen to ideas. I love when other
department, I'm going to be communicating
for those of us trying to navigate working from
colleagues of mine come to me asking me
some of this information through our faculty
home with children.
questions, and I help them in any way I can.
meetings. I'm going to pull up the Biggio
I've been fortunate enough to be able to do
Center's website and show there are some
My first priority will be communicating this
that not only within building science but also
really great things here for faculty. In addition
information in the form of reminders through
now as a Biggio Faculty Fellow. It's allowing
to facilitating the student feedback focus
email, and I definitely want to get a strategy
me to do that across the university in different
groups, I am participating in a faculty learning
set up for how we will get the information to
units, which is awesome. I love that.
community called Pandemic Pedagogy. It's
the faculty. I know all the different units are
really just an opportunity for faculty to come
having Zoom faculty meetings, so I’m hoping
together a few times over the semester
there may be opportunity to share some things
through Zoom and talk about things they're
that way.”
dealing with related to this pandemic and their // 31
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