RECENT NEWS

The Fall 2022 semester was busy for the students, faculty members, and staff of SECCM. While continuing our day-to-day delivery of our courses and activities, we focused on several different aspects of our operations, including:

RESEARCH – The Engineering program hosted an event during which students who performed research during Summer 2022 (both at RWU and not) presented their work and welcomed the Dean and Associate Dean for Research from the School of Engineering at URI to discuss a path to graduate school with our seniors. In addition, Dr. Maija Benitz and Dr. Koray Özer presented information to interested students on obtaining a summer research position at other universities. SECCM faculty continued working – in collaboration with students - on existing projects (from RIDOT, NASA, NSF, Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, etc.) and submitting proposals for funding new research activities (to NSF, RI-INBRE, NBEP, etc.).

CONFERENCE AND COMPETITION ATTENDANCE – Several Construction Management students and faculty attended Associated Schools of Construction conferences/competitions in Prague, Czech Republic (Region 8) and Albany, NY (Region 1). For many of our students, participating in such competitions is a significant moment in their RWU academic journey. Several members of the SECCM community – particularly from Electrical Engineering and Computer Science also attended the IEEE Women in Engineering Forum.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT – SECCM partnered with the RWU Center for Career and Professional Development to organize three days of hiring days/fairs, where over 40 employers had the opportunity to connect with more than 230 students. This was in addition to Career Information Sessions and Alumni Mock Interviews (thank you to those of you who participated) as well as CCPD activities within specific SECCM courses.

COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT – In addition to creation of the Multicultural STEM Alliance described later in this newsletter, SECCM offered opportunities to strengthen our sense of community and provide support to our students in new ways. SECCM organized a mixer exclusively for individuals who identify as female from our faculty, staff, and student body. The Women of SECCM mixer event aimed to foster an atmosphere of fellowship, networking, and support. During Fall 2022, students enrolled in the Shawmut Scholars Program - an initiative to promote diversity in Engineering and Construction Management - had the opportunity to meet with their professional mentors from Shawmut. The event took place at the RWU Sailing Center and provided an excellent platform for students to engage with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into their chosen fields.