Civil Engineering/Geomatics Competition

This approach integrates online asynchronous learning, live virtual lectures and direct mentorship from professionals. These mentors are identified anywhere in Idaho or across the nation where CET/SGET students are located. One such student is Jordyn Hjeldness, who recently graduated from ISU with a Bachelor of Science in Surveying and Geomatics Engineering Technology. “I absolutely love being outside,” said Hjeldness. “After high school, I googled ‘What do you go to school for to design a bridge’ and civil engineering popped up.” Hjeldness received an associate of applied science degree in Land Surveying and Civil Engineering Technology from the North Dakota State College of Science and that’s where she decided to switch to a career in land surveying. After interning at architectural and engineering firm Mead & Hunt, Hjeldness’ boss suggested she look into getting her bachelor’s degree in order to get out from behind a computer. Hjeldness wanted an education from a larger program than was available in her area and ended up touring the ISU campus in Pocatello where she

Field Day

On the same ground our founding fathers walked, civil engineering and geomatics students from all over the country converged to test their knowledge and skill. The National Society of Professional Surveyors held its 21st Annual Student Competition in Washington D.C. on March 30 to April 1 of 2022. The Idaho State University College of Technology team competed in the Baccalaureate bracket against six other teams. The competition consisted of a variety of field exercises. The first day was a geolocation scavenger hunt for original survey monuments placed along the boundary of Washington DC — Many of which date back to 1792. The second day revolved around precise leveling, running a boundary traverse using turn-of-thecentury equipment and calculating a triangulation using existing monuments, including the top of the Washington Monument, with mid twentieth century equipment. When all was done and the dust had settled, the ISU team placed second and was awarded a trophy during the third day’s ceremonies. “Overall, the competition was seen as a great experience and a proud moment for the team from ISU and we are already looking forward to next year’s NSPS conference,” said John Liimakka, one of the ISU team’s two advisors. “The ISU students and faculty would like to thank the Idaho Society of Professional Land Surveyors for their continued support, it is greatly appreciated.”

was able to meet the instructors and work first-hand with all the equipment she would soon learn how to use. “During the tour, Dr. Rajendra Bajracharya showed me the survey room and we talked and tinkered with the equipment,” Hjeldness said. “Right away I decided that this is where I wanted to go.” Hjeldness was ultimately unable to move to Idaho, but thanks to the mentorship program, she was still able to attend classes remotely during the day while working in the evening. Hjeldness’ boss at Mead & Hunt served as her mentor throughout the duration of the program — overseeing her in-field labs. Despite being in another state, Hjeldness said the virtual learning format allowed her to get to know her classmates and ask questions of her instructors whenever she needed to. When she attended the May graduation ceremony in Pocatello, she quickly recognized her instructors and credited them as being a massive part of her success in the program. “I don’t know how to thank the instructors enough,” said Hjeldness. “The instructors have been so helpful, so knowledgeable and encouraging.” Now graduated, Hjeldness is happy to give back as a mentor herself. She was introduced to the idea through Darren Leavitt, program coordinator for CET, who suggested that she may be able to help another student who was passing through North Dakota and needed a second person to help with completing their labs. Now that she has her degree, Hjeldness plans on remaining in Fargo until she can get fully-licensed. “If I was reached out to again, I would always help,” Hjeldness said. “Sharing knowledge is the only way we can excel and challenge our own brains and help the growth of others’ knowledge as well.” Following the implementation of the mentorship approach, the CET/SGET Programs have gone from just a handful of students each semester to a total of more than 150 students across 22 states, with more students than ever before in Idaho: 54. In fact, many out-of-state students have even expressed a desire to move to Idaho to finish the program. As the CET/SGET Programs are thriving and leading the way for other schools across the country, the College of Technology has already begun to expand this mentorship approach to other areas. If you are interested in exploring a rewarding role as a mentor for the CET/SGET Programs — or other programs — contact the College of Technology to learn about available and potential opportunities.

Students becoming familiar with equipment.

Students practice surveying techniques near the Eames Complex.

For those interested in the CET/ SGET Programs, you can find more information at isu.edu/civilengineering and isu.edu/geomatics.