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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