Quoin vol. 36

QUOIN McWhorter School of Building Science

2025 // vol. 36

magazine

Building Science Researchers Complete Second Digital Scan of Petra

// Features 21

Building Science Researchers Complete Second Digital Scan of Petra

24

BSCI Students Explore Construction in the UK and Europe

27

BSCI Alumni Build Across Generations

// News & Notes 03

Message from the School Head

04

Alexander Adolf Joins BSCI Faculty

// Alumni & Industry 30

Keeping the Past Alive: Alumna Oversees Housing Projects That Preserve History, Modernize Campus

31

Industry Executive Board Welcomes Five New Members

Redden Named Undergraduate Program Chair 05

BSCI School Head Elevated to National Academy of Construction

06

BSCI Establishes Student Chapter of NAHB Building Science Students Awarded Record Number of National AGC Scholarships

07

BSCI Students Donate Time, Expertise with Service Learning Projects

08

Tiger Giving Day 2025 Funds Disaster Relief Tools

09

Building Science Students and Faculty Recognized

10

Upcoming Events BSCI in the News

// On the Plains 11

BSCI Faculty Integrate Artificial Intelligence in Teaching

Building Science Alumni Receive Recognition 32

Career Fairs Open Doors for Students and Industry Professionals 33

BSCI Alumni, Industry Partners Set Examples throughout the Construction World

34

BSCI Alum, Faculty Member Brings Professionalism Back to the Trades

35

Pat Arrington Receives Building Science Lifetime Achievement Award

36

Building Science Alumnae Building Big in Denver

37

Alum Aims to Build Students’ Futures as Member of IEB

Two Candidates Earn Doctoral Degrees in Building Construction 12

BSCI Unveils $1M Thesis Lab

13

CADC Rolls Forward with Design of Mobile, Bio-Based Pavilion

14

BSCI Students Prepare for Industry with Professional Organizations Studio+Build Drives Collaborative Mass Timber Product Development

Industry Meet & Greets Create Connections with Students

BSCI Alumna Commits to Next Generation of Construction Leaders 38

BSCI Alum Found Confidence at Auburn

39

Turning a Lifetime of Hard Work into a Legacy for the Next Generation

// Research 40

Auburn Mass Timber Collaborative Highlight

42

Making Heat Stress Everyone’s Responsibility on Construction Sites

Building Science Invests in Renovated Offices for Growing Faculty

44

Auburn Researchers Investigate Air Quality Challenges

18

BSCI Competition Teams Provide Real World Experience

45

Auburn Faculty Lead Restoration of Historic Alabama School

20

CADC Summer Camps Empower Students to Create Their Futures

46

CADC Seed Grant Program Supports BSCI Faculty Research

47

CCIC Announces 2026 Research Awardees

15

Robins & Morton Field Lab Celebrates 5th Anniversary

16

Father, Daughter Pursuing BSCI Degrees Together

17

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// Message from the School Head This has been another very busy year in the McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI).

This past fall, we reached a record 805 students in the undergraduate program. There continues to be strong demand for our graduates, with record company participation at our career expos and 100% career placement. This past year, we welcomed back a new faculty member, Alex Adolf, who is a graduate of the program. We also said goodbye to Dr. Tom Leathem, who had served as the Undergraduate Program Chair. Tom left to lead the Construction Management program at Clemson University, and we wish him the best of luck. Lauren Redden, a 2008 graduate of the program, will take on the role of leading the undergraduate program. She is already off to a great start. The program received an outstanding review during our recent American Council for Construction Education reaccreditation visit in part to the hard work of both Leathem and Redden.

This issue’s cover features the outstanding work that Dr.

There is also an update from our alumni in Denver. We were

Junshan Liu is conducting at the Petra World Heritage Site

extremely grateful that one of those alumni, Kathryn Crowley,

in Jordan. This is one of several research projects featured

returned for our Awards Banquet. She was able to celebrate

in this edition that are ongoing, and we have also included

the life of her friend and 2013 BSCI alum Charlie Whiting

the results of our most recent grant awardees so you can

who sadly passed away earlier this year after a lengthy

see what our faculty are working on.

battle against cancer. Charlie had been an outstanding student and an active member of the Atlanta BSCI Alumni

We continue to strive to meet Auburn University’s

group, which has now established an endowed scholarship

President Roberts’ goal of creating the best student-

in Charlie’s memory.

centered experiences in the nation. The school’s provision of exemplary student experiences was identified as a

WDE

strength of the program in our recent reaccreditation visit.

We have included articles on many of these activities, such as our new National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) student chapter, other student organizations, student competitions and our service-learning initiative, including a celebration of five years at the Robins &

Richard Burt, Ph.D.

Morton Construction Field Lab.

McWhorter Endowed Chair and Head McWhorter School of Building Science

We have also included several stories about our outstanding

Auburn University

alumni. At our Fall Celebration Banquet, we awarded Pat

cadc.auburn.edu/construction

Arrington with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This was a well-deserved award, and you can read about his long

/auburnbuildingscience

@au_bsci

support of the program here.

// 3

News & Notes // On the Plains // Features // Alumni & Industry // Research

Alexander Adolf Joins BSCI Faculty The McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) welcomed full-time lecturer Alexander Adolf in the fall of 2025.

The 2019 BSCI graduate previously taught as an adjunct and brings a broad, international perspective to the teaching staff. He apprenticed with one of the largest painting firms in Germany and worked

in

both

Operations

and

Preconstruction for one of the largest general contractors in the United States.

Beyond his technical expertise, Adolf is committed to the people who make up the industry. He researches individual and organizational leadership, systems for

Redden Named Undergraduate Program Chair Associate Professor Lauren Redden has been named the Undergraduate Program Chair in the McWhorter School of Building Science, succeeding Associate Professor Tom Leathem.

fostering positive workplace cultures and strategies

for

empowering

the

next

generation of construction professionals.

In her new role, Redden will provide leadership for the undergraduate program, overseeing curriculum review, academic standards, student recruitment and competition team coordination. She earned both a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction and a Master of Building Construction from Auburn. After working in the construction industry, she returned to join the faculty, where she teaches a range of courses across the pre-professional and professional programs. READ MORE >>

Together, we will strive to innovate and elevate our program, ensuring our graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead and succeed in their careers.”

LAUREN REDDEN

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Research // Alumni & Industry // Features // On the Plains // News & Notes

BSCI School Head Elevated to National Academy of Construction Richard Burt, McWhorter Endowed Chair and Head of the McWhorter School of Building Science, has been elected to the National Academy of Construction Class of 2025.

The National Academy of Construction (NAC) was founded in 1999 and is comprised of industry leaders across construction, engineering, architecture, consulting and academics. Election to the NAC recognizes individuals for their contributions in technology, work

process

improvement,

safety,

industry

relationships,

management tools, education and more.

“This is a tremendous honor, not only for me personally, but also for the McWhorter School of Building Science, Auburn University and my alma mater Texas A&M University,” Burt said. “I would have never thought when I entered the construction industry as a trainee structural engineer at the age of 16 in 1976 that I would aspire to such an accolade.”

Burt has been a faculty member and school head at Auburn since

During his tenure, Burt has elevated the student experience with

2008 and was recently inducted into the Associated Schools of

one of the country’s first study abroad programs for construction

Construction Academy of Fellows. He has also served as the

students and the only program with a required service learning

secretary and on the Board of Trustees for the American Council for

component as part of the curriculum to provide students with

Construction Education and on the Education & Research

opportunities for international travel and hands-on experience.

Foundation of the Associated General Contractors.

Robert Cox , the director of the M .E. Rinker, Sr. School of

Alongside other faculty, Burt has been instrumental in initiating and

Construction Management at the University of Florida who

advancing the use of technology in the restoration of historically

nominated Burt for NAC, called him “a relentless driver of higher

significant structures including the D-Day Landing Site in Pointe du

education for construction industry leaders and the elevation of

Hoc in Normandy, France, and the site of the civil rights movement

the profession through innovative educational study abroad and

at the Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala.

service learning opportunities.”

Alongside the other 36 electees, Burt was formally inducted into NAC at the organization’s Annual Meeting in October 2025 in Colorado Springs, Co.

This is a tremendous honor, not only for me personally, but also for the McWhorter School of Building Science, Auburn University and my alma mater Texas A&M University.”

RICHARD BURT

// 5

News & Notes // On the Plains // Features // Alumni & Industry // Research

BSCI Establishes Student Chapter of NAHB The Auburn University McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) has launched a new student chapter of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Sponsored by the Greater Montgomery Home Builder Association, the organization will serve as a platform for students who are interested in the residential construction industry. READ MORE >>

Building Science Students Awarded Record Number of National AGC Scholarships Eleven Building Science students have been

Service Learning showed me the importance of serving others through construction.

POWELL GORDON

awarded scholarships from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), marking the highest number of national AGC scholarships the school has received in a single year.

This milestone follows a student-led effort last fall to hold informal scholarship workshops, encouraging AGC student chapter members to develop and submit strong applications. Their collective effort paid off, and students were able to attend this year’s AGC National Convention in Columbus, Ohio, to be recognized on their accomplishments. READ MORE >> Ben Alberstadt, Doug & Puddie Pitcock Scholarship Audrey Cecil, G. Von Anderson Mem. Scholarship William Darley, Randall K. Redding Scholarship Jack Fuhrman, Andrew Blair Walton Mem. Scholarship Jesus Hernandez, Eddie Stewart Scholarship Adelaide Jowers, Doug & Puddie Pitcock Scholarship Justin Lieber, Rick Brown Mem. Scholarship Landon Miller, Holt Rast Mem. Scholarship TJ Parnell, McGriff Insurance Services Scholarship Hannah Grace Skipper, Hoyt G. Lowder/FMI Corporation Scholarship Hannah Williams, AGC of Alabama Scholarship

6 \\

TOP LEFT: Students built accessory buildings for Habitat for Humanity homes.

TOP RIGHT: Two groups of students traveled to Quito, Ecuador to continue work with a church organization that Auburn has been partnering with for years.

ABOVE: One team built a wheelchair ramp and fixed up a mobile home for an Auburn resident with The Way 2 Serve.

Research // Alumni & Industry // Features // On the Plains // News & Notes

BSCI Students Donate Time, Expertise with Service Learning Projects Students in McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) applied their construction knowledge to 14 Service Learning projects in 2025, continuing Auburn’s outreach commitment to assisting community non-profits.

From projects at home on The Plains to far away in Quito, Ecuador,

This year, BSCI students tackled construction projects with the following

the students gained hands-on experience while helping address the

nonprofit organizations.

critical needs of organizations and individuals.

Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity, Lee County, Alabama

“Service Learning showed me the importance of serving others

Alabama Sheriff’s Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch, Camp Hill, Alabama

through construction,” BSCI student Powell Gordon said. “It also

Servants in Faith & Technology, Quito, Ecuador

helped me practice teamwork skills that are essential in the

The Way 2 Serve, Auburn, Alabama

construction industry.”

BGM Ministries, Jonestown, Mississippi

Senior Lecturers Jonathan Tucker and Hunter McGonagill and Associate Professor Darren Olsen organized the projects in increasingly far distances from Auburn.

Alabama Rural Ministry, Tuskegee, Alabama READ MORE ABOUT SPRING 2025 PROJECTS >> READ MORE ABOUT FALL 2025 PROJECTS >>

“Whether the project is local or in South America, the Service Learning program gives the students hands-on experience while expanding Auburn’s outreach mission,” Tucker said. // 7

News & Notes // On the Plains // Features // Alumni & Industry // Research

Tiger Giving Day 2025 Funds Disaster Relief Tools Thanks to community support on Tiger Giving Day this year, the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC) has raised $15,948 to support the McWhorter School of Building Science’s (BSCI) tool trailer.

The funds will allow the School to outfit a disaster relief trailer with

“With several Service Learning classes each semester fully utilizing

tools and equipment , so it can be deployed by student construction

tools, these additions will greatly improve trailer scheduling,” said

teams to assist in recovery efforts.

Andy Hughes, Robins & Morton Field Lab Manager. “We are looking

The disaster relief trailer is part of BSCI’s Service Learning initiative, a course run from the Robins & Morton Field Lab that provides students with hands-on construction experience building projects that benefit the community. The new tools will increase the

to equip trailers with hand and battery tools, ladders and a generator. Any equipment that a team would need to help at a disaster relief site.”

CADC Director of Philanthropy Christopher Griffin remarked that

program’s capacity to help those in need—with two fully outfitted

Tiger Giving Day allows the College of Architecture, Design and

trailers that can be deployed when necessary—while contributing to

Construction to highlight the amazing work happening within the

the student’s experiential education.

College.

With several Service Learning classes each semester fully utilizing tools, these additions will greatly improve trailer scheduling.”

ANDY HUGHES

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Research // Alumni & Industry // Features // On the Plains // News & Notes

Building Science Students and Faculty Recognized The McWhorter School of Building Science has celebrated the many awards received by faculty and students this year, highlighting hard work, dedication and excellence in construction education, research and industry involvement.

RICHARD BURT (School Head) Academy of Fellows, Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) RICHARD BURT Class of 2025, National Academy of Construction WES COLLINS (Associate Professor) International Outstanding Researcher Award, ASC AMNA SALMAN (Assistant Professor) Region 2 Teaching Award and International Excellence in ABOVE: The Service Learning program gives BSCI students hands-on construction experience, while providing community organizations with projects that make people's lives better.

Teaching Award , ASC JUNSHAN LIU (Professor), RICHARD BURT & MARK TATUM (Associate Professor) Creative Work and Social Impact Scholarship Funding

“It is amazing to see the CADC family come together to fund an opportunity for our Building Science students that allows these

Program , Auburn University

students to impact those that need it most ,” Griffin said.

KEN SANDS (Assistant Professor)

In previous years, Tiger Giving Day has supported the Experience

of Engineering Education—Southeastern Section

Alabama Fieldwork Program, the Shoe Design Outreach Program for high school students, the preservation of the historic Rosenwald

Outstanding Conference Paper Award, American Society

RICHARD BURT & JUNSHAN LIU

Schools and civil rights research for the Edmund Pettus Bridge in

Selma Bloody Sunday Conflict Map , Auburn University 2025

Selma, Ala.

Showcase Exhibition

“I am excited to hear how today’s philanthropy impacts our students’

NICHOLAS COFFEY ‘24

experience and the memories they take from their time here on the Plains,” Griffin said. READ MORE >>

Outstanding Undergraduate Student , College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC) MUHAMMAD USAMA ‘25 Outstanding Graduate Student , Building Construction , CADC

Save the Date! Tiger Giving Day 2026 will take place Wednesday, March 25.

Next year's Tiger Giving Day will support a community makerspace for the School of Industrial and Graphic Design. Auburn's first collaborative makerspace will offer experiential workshops, hands-on learning and

KAREN CARNAGO ‘24 Outstanding Graduate Student , Executive Certificates in Building Construction , CADC MUHAMMAD UMER ‘25 Outstanding Graduate Student , Ph. D. in Building Construction , CADC

accessible tools for creative expression. // 9

News & Notes // On the Plains // Features // Alumni & Industry // Research

BSCI in the News It's been a record year for the McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) with highlights from local to international media outlets, showcasing the hard work of BSCI faculty and alumni.

Chris Ritter Recognized at PCL Construction Services | Orlando Business Journal | Apr. 16 Chesebro Promoted to Director of preconstruction at PCL Construction | Tampa Business Journal | Apr. 16 Mike Rogers and team at Rogers & Willard helping rewrite Mobile’s story | Business Alabama | June 19

Milestones & Moments in 2026 After a successful 2025, the year ahead is already taking shape with new opportunities and experiences for our students. Here’s a look at what’s coming in 2026.

JANUARY 2026

Numerous study abroad opportunities, such as the Italy program pictured here, are available to Building Science students throughout the year.

7: Spring Classes Begin 7: Australia Study Abroad Begins

JUNE 2026

19: MLK Day (No classes)

BSCI Summer Camps

19–21: NRCA Comp., Las Vegas, NV

10: Europe Study Abroad Begins

FEBRUARY 2026 4–7: ASC Region 6/7 Comp., Reno, NV

15: Japan-Spain Study Abroad Begins 19: Juneteenth (No Classes)

14–16: ASC Region 5 Comp., Hurst, TX

JULY 2026

18: BSCI Spring Career Fair, Neville Arena

3: Independence Day (No Classes)

19: BSCI Spring Career Fair Interviews

17: Europe Study Abroad Ends

MARCH 2026 6–15: Quito Study Abroad

18: Japan-Spain Study Abroad Ends 31: Summer Classes End

9–13: Spring Break (No classes)

AUGUST 2026

15-19: MCAA National Con., Phoenix, AZ

8: Commencement

18–20: ABC National Con., Salt Lake City, UT

17: Fall Classes Begin

24–26: AGC Annual Con./Expo, Orlando, FL 25: Australia Study Abroad Ends Photo by Robert Noles | The Observer

APRIL 2026

Auburn Opelika Habitat dedicates

24: Spring Classes End

House No. 78 | The Opelika Observer | Aug. 19

SEPTEMBER 2026 7: Labor Day (No Classes) OCTOBER 2026 8–9: Fall Break (No Classes) NOVEMBER 2026 23–27: Thanksgiving Break (No Classes)

Sara Beth Wilcox recognized as ‘Woman of Impact’ | Brasfield &

DECEMBER 2026

Gorrie | Sept. 22

4: Fall Classes End 12: Commencement

Nearly 100 BSCI students participate in almost 20 competition team events each year. Pictured: ASC Region 5 Design-Build team, coached by Alan Bugg, placed 2nd in February 2025.

Photograph: A M King

A M King Awards Auburn University First Place in ASC’s 2025 DesignBuild Competition | A M King | Nov. 19 SEE MORE CADC IN THE NEWS >>

MAY 2026 1: Graduation Reception 2: Commencement 11–15: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Residency Week 18: Summer Classes Begin

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The McWhorter School of Building Science welcomes industry partners to three career fairs every year.

Research // Alumni & Industry // Features // On the Plains // News & Notes

BSCI Faculty Integrate Artificial Intelligence in Teaching Artificial intelligence (AI) is steadily reshaping the construction industry, and the McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) is ensuring students are prepared to enter a workforce where AI-enabled tools are quickly becoming standard practice.

Over the past few years, faculty have begun integrating AI platforms directly into coursework, giving students hands-on experience with emerging technologies.

“AI isn’t a magic estimating or scheduling button,” BSCI Associate

In Preconstruction courses, Togal.AI introduces students to automated

potential while developing the judgment required to verify its results. “It's

quantity takeoff, a task traditionally performed by manually measuring and tracing building elements from two-dimensional plans. While

Professor Wes Collins said, noting that students learn to use AI to its fullest not going to replace the human brain, but it will automate tasks.”

students still learn the fundamentals by completing takeoffs manually,

BSCI faculty Ken Sands, Alex Adolf and Drew Yantis and doctoral

they also see how Togal.AI can instantly generate area and linear

candidate Shadi Alathamneh are also exploring AI’s applications across

calculations. The comparison helps them evaluate not only speed and

the curriculum. By engaging with AI critically—not as a shortcut, but as

efficiency, but also accuracy and limitations.

a complement to their technical foundation—BSCI students are gaining

RIGHT: BSCI faculty are integrating AI into the coursework, following trends of automation and workflow in the construction industry.

construction industry. READ MORE >>

the fluency, adaptability and confidence they’ll need in the future of the

Two Candidates Earn Doctoral Degrees in Building Construction In August, the McWhorter School of Building Science awarded two doctoral degrees—to Muhammad Umer and Farnaz Jafari— recognizing their dedication to research, teaching and innovation in the construction industry.

Muhammad Umer

Farnaz Jafari

A native of Karachi, Pakistan, Umer attended Auburn as a Presidential

Following a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering and a

Graduate Research Fellow. During his time in the program, he worked

master’s degree in Sustainable Architecture from the Iran University of

with the Construction, Automation, Robotics and Visualization

Science and Technology, Jafari completed a doctoral degree in Building

(CARV) Lab and served as a First-Year Experience Mentor for the

Construction Technology.

Graduate Student Council.

As a member of the National Women in Roofing, the Occupational

A member of the Sigma Lambda Chi International Construction Honor

Safety and Health Administration and the Associated General

Society, he received the College of Architecture, Design and

Contractors of America, she received recognition for the Best Design

Construction’s award for Poster Presentation at the Auburn Research

Brief and Team Collaboration from the Smart Shelter Foundation during

Symposium in both 2023 and 2024. Umer also earned a certification in

the international workshop “From Temporary Shelter to Semi-Permanent

Engaged Teaching from Auburn’s Biggio Center for the Enhancement of

Homes” in 2023. She has published articles on the incorporation of

Teaching and Learning and completed its Distinguished Future Faculty

industry professionals in construction education, the trends of mass

program.

timber usage in construction and climate design strategies derived from

Following graduation, Umer took a position as an Assistant Professor at the University of West Florida. READ MORE >>

bioclimatic analysis.

Jafari now serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, Mass. // 11

News & Notes // On the Plains // Features // Alumni & Industry // Research

BSCI unveils $1M Thesis Lab The McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) is sporting a renovated lab space for its thesis students that encourages professional collaboration.

The 2,300-sqft space can accommodate a full cohort all in one room, a necessity prompted by the expansion of the BSCI program.

Over 2,270 thesis students were ushered through the two previous rooms that were renovated. The new Brasfield & Gorrie Thesis Lab features a large open space with upgraded workstations, office-like lighting and a breakout area with a kitchenette for students who work after-hours on their projects.

“My vision was a transitional space for students becoming construction professionals, providing thesis students with an environment that’s more like what they will see in the offices they go to work in,” said Richard Burt, BSCI School Head.

The design work was done by CMH Architects’ Blake Nelson, a 1998 graduate of CADC’s Architecture program, with construction by Carlisle Construction and oversight from Auburn University Facility Project Manager Kelly O’Neal-Young, a 2006 BSCI graduate.

“The new Brasfield & Gorrie Thesis Lab will provide students with an innovative approach to their program in a more professional setting,” O’Neal-Young said. “It will give them an opportunity to utilize experiences from their classmates by sharing and collaborating to help their theses be the best.” READ MORE >>

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Research // Alumni & Industry // Features // On the Plains // News & Notes

CADC Rolls Forward with Design of Mobile, Bio-Based Pavilion Interdisciplinary collaborators at Auburn are wrapping up construction for a mobile demonstration pavilion that will display sustainable alternatives to conventional construction.

In the fall of 2024, faculty from the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC) and the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment teamed up with the HudsonAlpha Institute for

LEFT: The pavilion will be a showcase for the use of bio-materials in the construction industry.

Biotechnology, based in Huntsville, Alabama, to research bio-based construction materials.

Using funds from the Alabama Research and Development Enhancement Fund and a matching contribution from HudsonAlpha, the collaborators envisioned a mobile demonstration pavilion that could be taken to trade shows and construction conventions, expanding the exposure to bio-based materials throughout industry partners in the Southeast.

“The goal of the research is to demonstrate the use of healthy, low carbon, bio-based construction materials for residential construction,” said David Shanks, Assistant Professor of Architecture. “We’re focusing on utilizing local Alabama forestry and agricultural resources in construction for economic and workforce development within the state.”

During the Spring 2025 semester, Shanks tasked Architecture students with designing the pavilion, and BSCI students took

The goal of the research is to demonstrate the use of healthy, low carbon, bio-based construction materials for residential construction.”

DAVID SHANKS

over the construction in Fall.

READ MORE >>

LEFT: The pavilion utilizes timber construction multiple ways, showcasing the breadth of bio-material opportunities.

ABOVE: BSCI students constructed the bio-based pavilion at the Robin & Morton Field Lab. // 13

News & Notes // On the Plains // Features // Alumni & Industry // Research

BSCI Students Prepare for Industry with Professional Organizations

Studio+Build Drives Collaborative Mass Timber Product Development

Students in Auburn’s McWhorter

Students and faculty from BSCI

School of Building Science (BSCI) go

and the School of Industrial and

beyond the classroom to shape their

Graphic Design (SIGD) teamed

professional futures and foster

up to create a marketable product

growth in their communities.

for mass timber installation.

“Joining a BSCI student organization provides

Since the late 2000s, SIGD and BSCI have run a collaboration called Studio+Build to

invaluable networking opportunities with peers

prototype new systems, technologies and methods for the construction industry.

and industry professionals, enhancing your career prospects,” said BSCI senior James Adams.

“Studio+Build has a rich history dating back nearly twenty years, and has been an exceptional example of how collaboration in the CADC can have meaningful impact on the industry by

The School offers membership opportunities in

way of potential improvements to construction productivity and safety,” said Paul Holley, a

the following student organizations.

BSCI professor and the Director of the Center for Construction Innovation and Collaboration.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)

“It has been a great way for Industrial Design students to immerse themselves in construction

ABC advocates for free enterprise in the

and for BSCI faculty and students to learn about the iterative design process,” he said.

construction industry, upholding a merit shop philosophy that supports open competition and success independent of labor affiliation.

Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) The AGC Student Chapter is dedicated to student growth in construction knowledge, engaging students with industry professionals and supporting community outreach.

[SIGD students] were able to not only learn from their design studio professor but also from construction educators, researchers and professionals.”

RUSTY LAY

Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) DBIA teaches the integration of design and construction services to ensure a successful project for owners, designers and construction practitioners.

National Association of Home Builders

The collaboration took a hiatus around the COVID-19 pandemic and while faculty pursued other research, but in Fall 2024, Holley and SIGD Associate Professor Rusty Lay revamped Studio+Build with a project centered on mass timber.

(NAHB)

Students from Lay’s Industrial Design senior studio traveled to Atlanta to tour the construction

NAHB, a platform for students interested in the

site of Brookhaven City Hall, a cross-laminated timber (CLT) project by McCarthy Building

residential construction industry, provides

Companies, Inc., and visited CLT manufacturer SmartLam in Dothan, Alabama.

valuable opportunities to gain real-world insights, network with industry leaders and explore

“The design students involved with the Studio+Build project were able to not only learn from

different career paths.

their design studio professor but also from construction educators, researchers and

Sigma Lambda Chi (SLX) Auburn’s Iota Chapter of SLX gives students the

professionals,” Lay said. “Through this studio collaboration the students gained insight into how design can contribute to a broader scope of industries beyond consumer products.”

opportunity to be recognized locally, nationally

Each student developed a tool, product or system that would assist in mass timber

and internationally for academic

construction, presenting 13 different prototypes in December. Two designs were carried

accomplishments as a construction major.

forward into a research and testing phase. READ MORE >>

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Research // Alumni & Industry // Features // On the Plains // News & Notes

Robins & Morton Field Lab Celebrates 5th Anniversary The McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) is celebrating five years of the Robins & Morton Construction Field Lab, which took the program’s experiential learning to a new level.

The BSCI program has included hands-on learning opportunities through community service projects for 30 years and has made use of a three-acre parcel of land on West Samford Avenue for the last decade.

In the spring of 2018, Robins & Morton donated $1.3 million to transform the existing lab into a permanent facility that could cater to the broad experiences and opportunities the program offers, opening the Robins & Morton Construction Field Laboratory in the spring of 2020.

“It provides experiential learning about planning and executing projects, building and being part of a team, and being accountable while executing work,” Mike Thompson ‘82, CEO of Robins & Morton, said. “It hopefully gives students empathy for the tradespeople they will later encounter on

The Robins & Morton Construction Field Lab provides opportunities for summer campers to experience a hands-on project (ABOVE), BSCI students to test out safety protocols in a controlled environment (LEFT) and faculty to lead exercises focused on construction processes (BELOW).

job sites by better understanding how difficult it can be to perform the actual work. Robins & Morton is proud to have been and continue to be a part of something that gives so much validation to the enjoyment and learning that comes out of it.”

The first of its kind in a university construction program, the Robins & Morton Field Lab functions like a working jobsite with a high-bay building that allows students to build prototypes from scaffolding. The onsite classroom holds 40 students in a professional construction management setting. The controlled environment allows the students to prefabricate construction elements, such as panels for Habitat for Humanity houses around Auburn. READ MORE >> // 15

News & Notes // On the Plains // Features // Alumni & Industry // Research

Father, Daughter Pursuing BSCI Degrees Together When Julia Ann Bratton switched her major to Building Science, her dad was skeptical—not because he didn’t think she would be successful, but because he knows the challenges of the construction industry.

Mark Bratton is the President of Summit Electrical Construction in Birmingham, a position that he worked his way up to after graduating with a degree in communications from the College of Liberal Arts in 1990. But when his daughter explained why she wanted to study Building Science, Mark saw a sentiment and a sense of pride he shares.

“She said, ‘I need something tangible. In construction, I can see the fruits of my labor,’” he said. “I thought that was wise. That’s why I still do it, too.

I need the visual of what we put our effort into.”

I’ve been in the industry for 40 years, and I’ve picked up something from every class I’ve taken and apply it every day in my job.”

MARK BRATTON

As Julia Ann got deeper into her classes in the McWhorter School of Building Science, she would call her dad to share what she was learning and ask questions. When Mark didn’t have the answers, he called the School to see how he could learn and was introduced to the Executive Certificates program.

TOP: Mark and Julia Ann Bratton

Taking distance classes at night, Mark is halfway through his second of

BOTTOM: The father-daughter duo have been attending Auburn games together for Julia Ann’s entire life.

three 12-hour certificates. While he doesn’t have plans to change jobs following graduation, the certificates program allows him to explore emerging technologies in the construction industry.

“I’ve been in the industry for 40 years, and I’ve picked up something from every class I’ve taken and apply it every day in my job,” he said. “There is

The pair are set to graduate in 2026, but for the next few months, they will continue to be classmates in the School.

“It’s not a normal thing to be able to do the same thing as your dad,” Julia

a misconception among my peers that if you’ve gotten to the top of the

Ann said. “It’s cool because we’ve been able to learn a lot from each

industry, why would you want to do anything else? But at our business,

other, talk about what we’re learning and bounce ideas off each other.”

we want to be the best, and to do that you’ve got to stretch the limits.”

READ MORE >>

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Building Science Invests in Renovated Offices for Growing Faculty The McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) has once again upgraded its facilities in the M. Miller Gorrie Center to support its expanding faculty and programs.

“This growth brings exciting opportunities,” said Richard Burt, McWhorter Endowed Chair and BSCI School Head. “Our undergraduate program has grown by 50% over the last six years, and we now graduate 60 students each semester. With growth like this, evaluating and updating office space becomes essential.”

BSCI’s renovation transformed a single faculty office and adjacent graduate student space into five modern faculty offices. The new offices house BSCI’s newest faculty members, Steve Aydelott and Alex Adolf, along with faculty members Jake Elbrecht, Ben Marshall and Bob Muir. Located on the second floor of Gorrie, the upgraded space features fresh carpet, updated paint and custom office layouts to meet faculty needs.

“Changes like this provide faculty with the environment they need to collaborate, meet or focus on their work,” Burt said. “It’s an exciting time as we continue to grow in multiple ways.”

TOP & ABOVE: Refreshed office spaces offer Building Science faculty an updated home base for teaching, research and student support. // 17

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BSCI Competition Teams Provide Real World Experience Each year, the McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) prepares its students for an intense and rewarding competition season—a defining part of the student experience.

Supported by generous industry partners who help fund travel and entry fees, Auburn’s competition teams spend months preparing for national and international events that challenge them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world construction problems. While the program has participated in competitions for at least 15 years, their presence and impact continue to grow.

In 2025, Auburn students competed in nearly 20 events across the U.S. and abroad from Dublin, Ireland to Greenville, S.C. The categories spanned roofing, electrical, finance and risk management, design-build, heavy civil, commercial, preconstruction and project management. Each competition demanded a unique blend of technical skills teamwork and strategic thinking. READ MORE >>

ABOVE: Site visits give BSCI students a real world example of the competition projects.

RIGHT: Students teams gather to prepare for their upcoming presentations.

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SPRING 2025 COMPETITIONS Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 5 (Dallas, Texas) •

Joint team with Birmingham City University (Coaches: Alan Bugg, Richard Burt) 2nd PLACE

•

Joint team with Liverpool John Moores University (Coach: Jonathan Tucker) 4th PLACE

ASC Region 6/7 (Reno, Nevada) •

Electrical team (Coaches: Allen Conradi, Mark Tatum)

•

Integrated Project team (Coaches: Salman Azhar, Anoop Sattineni)

•

VDC team (Coach: Jeff Kim)

National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) (San Antonio, Texas) •

(Coach: Ken Sands) 2nd PLACE | BEST PRESENTER: Arjun Varadhan

Associated Builders and Contractors (Las Vegas, Nevada) •

(Coaches: Mark Taylor, Amna Salman) ABOVE: BSCI faculty work closely with student competition teams, providing expert guidance and constructive feedback.

FALL 2025 COMPETITIONS ASC Region 2 (Greenville, South Carolina) •

Design Build team (Coach: Bob Muir) 1st PLACE

•

Alternate Competition: Owen Nichols 2nd PLACE

•

Commercial team (Coach: Anoop Sattineni) 3rd PLACE

•

Pre-Construction team (Coaches: Wes Collins, Alex Adolf, Lauren Redden) 3rd PLACE

•

Graduate team (Coaches: Wes Collins, Shadi Alathamneh) 2nd PLACE

•

Heavy Civil team (Coach: Eric Wetzel)

•

Concrete team (Coach: Darren Olsen)

ASC Region 8 (Dublin, Ireland) Competition teams are given a project scenario and use their construction education, teamwork and communication skills to present their solution to the judges.

•

CM-QS joint team with Liverpool John Moores University (Coach: Hunter McGonagill) 2nd PLACE

•

CM-QS team (Coaches: Paul Holley, Richard Burt) 2nd PLACE

•

Design Build joint team with Liverpool John Moores University (Coach: Wes

•

Project Management joint team with TU Dublin (Coach: Drew Yantis) 2nd PLACE

Collins) 2nd PLACE | BEST PRESENTER: Olivia Fontaine

Design-Build Institute of America (Las Vegas, Nevada) •

(Coach: Ben Marshall, Alex Adolf, Mark Taylor)

Spring 2026 competitions

Many of this year’s teams earned top placements in competitions, including the ASC Region 2 Design Build team, which placed first.

•

NRCA (Las Vegas, Nevada) — January 2026

•

ASC Region 6/7 (Reno, Nevada) — February 2026

•

ASC Region 5 (Hurst, Texas) — February 2026

•

National Association of Home Builders (Orlando, Florida)— February 2026

•

ABC (Salt Lake City, Utah) — March 2026 // 19

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CADC Summer Camps Empower Students to Create Their Futures Forty high schoolers workshopped what it’s like to be construction students this past summer with camps hosted by the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC).

From scheduling sessions to carpentry basics, CADC campers

“This summer was so rewarding to meet students who are excited

dipped their toes into creative thinking, collaboration and fieldwork

about Building Science and other CADC majors,” Brewis said, noting

over week-long sessions at Auburn.

that throughout the summer campers built picnic tables and benches

“The McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) does an excellent

stepping stones to take home and a shed for Habitat for Humanity at

job of exposing high school students to construction management

the Robins & Morton Construction Field Lab.

that were donated to the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, concrete

principles through their camps,” Katherine Buck Chastain, CADC Recruitment and Scholarship Manager, said. “Students walk away

“Watching them shine has brought back so many great memories

with a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be a Building

from when I was in their shoes,” Brewis continued.

Science student and dozens of contacts in the Auburn Construction Network after their week on campus.”

Working with Auburn Youth Programs, an initiative of the Office of Professional and Continuing Education, the College hosted two building construction camps. The impact that CADC summer camps have on students’ education and career path can be seen with Camryn Brewis, a BSCI student, CADC Ambassador and camp counselor.

Brewis said that attending camp and learning from Associate Professor Lauren Redden was a “turning point in choosing her major.”

Whether CADC camps help students make decisions about their future or just explore possibilities, the experience opens their eyes to what they can create.

In addition to BSCI camps, CADC hosts 5 other camps across architecture, landscape architecture, industrial design and graphic design—including its annual Design and Construction Discovery Camp (DCDC) that gives campers exposure to each of the College’s degree programs and an array of professional possibilities available with design and construction education. READ MORE >>

The McWhorter School of Building Science does an excellent job of exposing high school students to construction management principles through their camps.”

KATHERINE BUCK CHASTAIN

LEFT: Following Auburn’s Outreach mission, Building Construction campers put their skills to work building furniture and facilities for others.

ABOVE: Summer camps allow high school students to explore careers they might not have known about.

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Building Science Researchers Complete Second Digital Scan of Petra A McWhorter School of Building Science professor and doctoral candidate are collaborating with international researchers and authorities to document ancient historical sites in Petra, Jordan.

Junshan Liu, Professor and JE Wilborn Endowed Chair, and doctoral candidate Shadi Alathemneh are helping create guidelines for sustainable tourism at the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Supported by a 2023 Seed Grant from the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC), the project uses Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology that can detect changes as small as 2 millimeters. The international team’s goal is to create a comprehensive digital archive of Petra’s existing structures, serving both as a preservation asset and as a resource for the Petra Development

and

Tourism

Region

Authority

(PDTRA) to develop marketing materials and strategic planning initiatives.

In March 2023, Liu and Alathemneh traveled to Jordan to complete the initial benchmark scans with their research collaborators — former Auburn colleague Danielle Willkens, who is now an Associate Professor of Architecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Dr. María José Viñals, a professor from the Universitat Politècnica de Valencia (UPV) in Spain.

“Working with the Petra government, Georgia Tech and UPV has been key to making this project possible, from helping us access the sites to bringing in new perspectives and local insights,” Liu said. “It strengthens both the cultural relevance and scientific rigor of the project, while also expanding our expertise and validating our methods on a global scale.” // 21

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The effort will help guide more sustainable preservation strategies and support the responsible development of cultural tourism.”

JUNSHAN LIU

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Two years later, Alathemneh, who is a citizen of Jordan, returned to continue the project, capturing changes in the historical site that were made more obvious during the extended duration of the research, with the help of the PDTRA Director of Tourism & Marketing Directorate Sabri Fdool.

Over five days in May 2025, Alathemneh re-scanned the interior and exterior of the Al-Khazneh, or the Petra Treasury, a monument carved into the red sandstone rockface 2,000 years ago, and the end of the Siq, a 1.2-kilometer gorge flanked by towering rock walls in which the Treasury sits. He also gathered data on the eroding Cattleman statue and Royal Tomb.

The team is currently analyzing the captured data to identify variables and track erosion patterns that the Petra Authority can then use to preserve this and other historic sites.

Slated to be completed by the end of 2025, the analysis will result in three-part data: a point cloud that documents key structures in their current state, a database compiling quantitative weather statistics and tourism activity and qualitative documentation of significant events impacting the site over the years. The resulting information will help create a set of guidelines for sustainable tourism at heritage sites.

“Our work in Petra is helping to build a clearer picture of how tourism and the environment are affecting these incredible UNESCO heritage sites,” Liu said.

“The effort will help guide more sustainable preservation strategies and support the responsible development of cultural tourism.”

OPPOSITE: Petra was established in the fourth century BC by an Arab Bedouin tribe called the Nabateans.

ABOVE: The digital model of the Treasury will be used to create guidelines for sustainable tourism.

LEFT TOP: The map outlines the documentation positions in and around Al-Khazneh.

LEFT MIDDLE: The scan created a point cloud model of the Treasury.

LEFT BOTTOM: Alathemneh documented both exterior and interior spaces in Petra.

// 23

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BSCI Students Explore Construction in the UK and Europe Two groups of students from Auburn’s McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) spent part of the summer broadening their construction horizons across the United Kingdom (UK) and Alpine-Nordic region of Europe.

Historic Conservation in the United Kingdom

“I hope students walked away with a deeper appreciation for how the

McWhorter Endowed Chair and School Head Richard Burt and

aspirations,” Redden said. “By standing in the presence of centuries-old

Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Chair Lauren Redden led seven students on a week-long tour of the UK in May, touring sites like Old Town Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, Stonehenge and Big Ben. As a

built environment tells the story of a society—its values, struggles and structures, they experienced history not as something distant, but as something alive and deeply relevant.”

partnership with the Auburn Honors College, the interdisciplinary group

Student Redmond Smith said his favorite part of the trip was touring

represented the Building Science, Environmental Design and

London’s financial district, discussing construction costs and durations

Mechanical Engineering programs, allowing students to discuss

of significant contemporary buildings like The Gherkin—as well as

heritage conservation from technical, cultural and design perspectives.

learning more about the nation’s historic construction.

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FAR LEFT: Traveling through cities like Stockholm, Sweden gave students a perspective on how history and culture affect the construction industry.

LEFT: Beck Stallworth (second from the left) said seeing the size and placement of the Stonehenge stone up close made her “truly appreciate the mystery and craftsmanship behind the ancient structure.”

BELOW: The students toured the Södra CLT mill in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Senior Beck Stallworth noted how much the UK’s construction industry is shaped by its history and the need to preserve buildings that have stood for hundreds of years.

“It gave me a deep appreciation for the quality of workmanship and materials that allowed these structures to last so long,” Stallworth said. “As a BSCI student, it was eye-opening to see

I hope students walked away with a deeper appreciation for how the built environment tells the story of a society—its values, struggles and aspirations.”

LAUREN REDDEN

how construction practices must adapt when working within or around historic buildings, especially when it comes to preservation regulations, materials sourcing and structural limitations.” // 25

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Mass Timber in Nordic and Alpine Europe Fifteen BSCI thesis students traveled around Europe’s Alpine and Nordic region for five weeks under the supervision of faculty members Paul Holley, Wes Collins and Alan Bugg, visiting Vienna, Munich, Zurich, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki.

Professor Holley, who is also the Director of the Center for Construction Innovation and Collaboration, said that in addition to visiting jobsites and meeting with contractors, designers and manufacturers, the students gained insight into mass timber components and installation methods.

“Building with laminated and cross-laminated wood products is becoming more common in Europe and is now also starting to gain traction in the U.S.,” Holley said. “This is a great opportunity for them to learn about this emerging shift in building structures.”

Forty BSCI students participated in study abroad trips in 2025.

In addition to the UK and Alpine-Nordic programs, the school offered the below opportunities: •

Australia (Spring 2025)

•

Italy (Fall 2025)

To see mass timber construction in action, the students toured the Stora Enso CLT Mill in Ybbs, Austria, Södra CLT mill and the World of Volvo—a Henning Larsen-designed CLT museum—in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The study abroad trip wrapped up the thesis students’ Auburn experience, as many of the trip’s participants returned home to graduate and start their careers.

“As with other Building Science study abroad trips, these students also have many indirect opportunities by way of learning how to travel to and within different countries, experiencing different cultures, norms, cuisine and economies,” Holley said. “It’s a great way for them to better understand the global

marketplace,

including

governments in other places.”

TOP: The group learned about contemporary construction in Europe with tours of sites like the Nordhavn Tunnel in Copenhagen, Denmark.

ABOVE LEFT: Seven Auburn students traveled through Scotland and England in May. ABOVE RIGHT: School Head Richard Burt explained the traditional process of flint construction used in English churches, giving students a closer look at historic building techniques, the craftsmanship involved and the reasoning behind each step of this centuries-old method.

RIGHT: Thesis students celebrate their last semester before graduation with a cultural excursion to see construction in other countries.

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people,

companies

and

Research // Alumni & Industry // Features // On the Plains // News & Notes

BSCI Alumni Build Across Generations Nearly 4,700 projects along the Gulf Coast are the result of the hard work of the Radcliff family—three generations of Auburn-trained construction professionals.

Building a Family Business Ben Radcliff Sr. founded Ben M. Radcliff Contractor, Inc. in Mobile, Ala., in 1956, eight years after graduating from Auburn—then Alabama Polytechnic Institute—with a dual degree in Civil and Mechanical

Throughout its history, Radcliff Contractor has completed thousands of projects across the manufacturing, maritime, healthcare, institutional, municipal and educational sectors, offering general construction and design-build services to new and returning clients.

Engineering and gaining experience from various contractors. Notable

The team has worked with Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss.,

early projects include industrial work with Aluminum Ore Company and

since 1967 and reconstructed 120 buildings after the shipyard was

the reconstruction of Dauphin Island Marina and the Grand Hotel,

devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

following Hurricane Frederic in 1979.

Since then, the company’s work has ranged from the Gulf Coast

In 1995, his son Ben Radcliff Jr., a 1982 graduate of the McWhorter

Exploreum Science Center to the restoration of Barton Academy,

School of Building Science (BSCI), took over as President and CEO,

Mobile’s first public school that opened in 1839. Now boasting 30 team

guiding the company for the last three decades. His son, Ben Radcliff III,

members, Radcliff Contractor has ongoing projects with the University

started working for Radcliff Contractor at the age of 16 as a laborer,

of South Alabama, Linksman Golf Course and Daphne High School.

graduated from the BSCI program in 2020 and then joined the preconstruction and estimating side of the business.

Building an Educational Future

“The company has grown exponentially over the past 70 years,” said

Following in Radcliff Sr.’s footsteps—and his love for college football—

Radcliff Jr. “It will continue to move forward and flourish into a third generation of leadership, under Ben lll.”

Auburn University was an easy choice for Radcliff Jr. and Radcliff III when they considered the strength of the BSCI program and its ability to set them up for success in the construction industry. // 27

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Radcliff Jr. credited his Auburn education for instilling in him the importance of hard work, staying organized and keeping to a schedule.

“My father taught me how to run a construction business but Auburn’s Building Science program provided me a strong foundation of how to

Christopher Griffin, CADC Director of Philanthropy, noted that the Radcliffs’ service and contributions have made a consistent, positive impact on the College.

“It is wonderful to see the multigenerational impact the Radcliff family

communicate the building strategy and product with the client and the

have had at Auburn, and our office deeply values their dedication and

architect,” he said.

direct involvement in the McWhorter School of Building Science,”

Radcliff III echoed that sentiment, mentioning that the practice of giving both prepared and impromptu presentations during the BSCI program helped him later with business development.

Griffin said.

Building a Legacy After Radcliff Sr. died in 2007, the younger Radcliffs continued to uphold

"The professors at Auburn are dynamic and put you on your toes, which

the values of the company and the name of its founder, who was

has helped me with talking to customers,” Radcliff III said, also

inducted in the Alabama AGC Hall of Fame in 2017.

mentioning the teamwork and accountability he learned in the BSCI program.

“He would always say that we’re an action-oriented company and that our reputation stands on its own,” Radcliff III said.

But for Radcliff Jr. reputation is a byproduct of creating quality buildings and treating others with respect.

“Your honor and your character are really all that matter,” Radcliff Jr. said. “You shake someone’s hand, and you do what you’re supposed to do.”

“My father would be proud of where I have taken this company, and I look forward to my son continuing the legacy as a third generation of

ABOVE: Designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood, Radcliff Contractor completed the Mobile County Annex in 2010.

building with integrity and care for our customers.”

Taking what they learned at Auburn and paying it forward, the Radcliff family continues to be involved with the School in various ways, including recruitment through semi-annual career fairs, philanthropy and mentorship.

“Radcliff Contractor has been a consistent provider of internship and job opportunities in South Alabama,” said Richard Burt, BSCI School Head and McWhorter Endowed Chair.

“Ben Jr. is a valued member of the Construction Industry Fund Administrative Committee that oversees the payments we receive from the state contractors' licensing fee, and Ben III has been involved in our Industry Advisory Council and serves as a mentor to our students and recent graduates,” Burt said.

ABOVE: Radcliff Contractor expanded the pier for Austal USA in Mobile in 2021.

LEFT: Radcliff Contractor completed Mobile’s Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and IMAX Dome Theater in 1998. Pictured is construction progress as of June 20, 1997.

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A Storied History The Radcliff's thriving business and bright future rest on

1948

the strong foundation built over the last seven decades.

Look back at the history of Ben M. Radcliff Contractor, Inc. to see how the legacy was formed.

1956

Ben Radcliff Sr. graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute.

After graduation, Ben Radcliff Sr. sought to expand upon his education with hands-on industry experience at various companies. He then founded Ben M. Radcliff Contractor in Mobile, Alabama, in 1956, concentrating on light commercial and residential projects.

1960s & 1970s The company developed more than 30

1980s This decade included many returning clients in need of renovations and expansion, as well as construction in the industrial sector in Mississippi.

projects during the 1960s and continued success into the 70s, playing a major role in developing Mobile's trademark landscape.

In 1979, Category 4 Hurricane Frederic— one of the most destructive hurricanes to

1982

the Mobile area in the 20th century—blazed through the Gulf Coast. In response, Radcliff reconstructed the Dauphin Island Marina and the Grand Hotel.

1990s Ben Radcliff Jr. graduates from Auburn University.

Radcliff completed more than two dozen projects along the Gulf Coast during the

1995 Ben Radcliff Jr. took over as President and

1990s, ranging from industrial expansions and educational buildings to civic and commercial developments.

CEO, and the legacy of excellence in quality construction in the Mobile area continues.

2017 Ben Radcliff Sr. was posthumously inducted into the Alabama AGC Hall of Fame.

2000s & 2010s The 2000s brought projects that underscored Radcliff’s versatility, spanning higher education campuses, major industrial expansions and civic landmarks across the Gulf Coast.

In 2005, Category 5 Hurricane Katrina demolished

2020

the Gulf Coast. Among other recovery projects, Radcliff reconstructed Ingalls Shipbuilding.

Throughout the 2010s, Radcliff projects blended industrial growth with civic and educational investment, including work at the Alabama State Docks, Flight Works Alabama, GulfQuest Museum and several local schools and churches.

Ben Radcliff III graduated from Auburn University. // 29

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Keeping the Past Alive: Alumna Oversees Housing Projects That Preserve History, Modernize Campus As Auburn’s campus residence halls undergo a myriad of changes, is it, “Out with the old and in with the new”?

Not for Kelly O’Neal-Young, an alumna and project manager with Facilities Management.

“These renovations allow us to enjoy the interior of the halls again, but I

While most of her work has involved housing, O’Neal-Young has also

love how Auburn is keeping the original exterior,” she said. “There is

overseen the addition of mobile credentialing for campus buildings, the

something about Auburn keeping history alive — but with a modern twist

installation of Wi-Fi in Jordan-Hare Stadium and the renovation of BSCI's

— that makes you keep coming back for more.”

Brasfield & Gorrie Thesis Lab.

O’Neal-Young has spent the last several years overseeing housing

As she walks across campus each day, she recalls plenty of fond memories

projects, including renovations in the Village and the Quad and the

from her time as a student, including living on the Alpha Xi Delta floor in

demolition of the Hill residence halls. Now, she’s also in charge of the four-

Dowell Residence Hall on the Hill.

story, 125,000 square-foot-housing project under construction on Haley Concourse, across from the Harold D. Melton Student Center.

“Back when I was in the Hill, it was lively and full of energy, and the landscaping surrounding them was so beautiful,” she said. “It was sad to

“It’s been thrilling to be part of history building brand new student

see the Hill being torn down, but Auburn has a master plan of trying to

housing,” she said of the $80 million project. “The best part is how much

provide students housing in a more central location. The renovations that

we try to match the Quad with a similar exterior personality. So much

are occurring throughout housing are providing students with modern

planning and design has gone into this building that we hope students will

amenities and upgraded finishes, and we are making long-needed repairs

love.”

while giving these halls new life.”

After graduating from the College of Architecture, Design and

And while she loves the historical aspects of renovations, O’Neal-Young

Construction’s McWhorter School of Building Science in 2006, O’Neal-

can’t help but be excited about the new residence hall, which is set to be

Young worked in private industry, including more than 13 years with

completed next summer.

Holder Construction in Atlanta. But she began to wonder if she could move closer to family and friends in Alabama, and when a position opened on campus in 2021, she knew it was meant to be.

“There will be a laundry area and community rooms on each floor, a new amphitheater for students and a better walking path between buildings,” she said. “The con is parking, which has always been tricky around the

“My construction background is in interior renovations, and at the time

Quad, but look how beautiful the landscape and hardscape is surrounding

Auburn Housing was starting major renovations in Broun and Harper in

these buildings and how much the students sit in these areas and enjoy

the Upper Quad,” she said. “The most amazing thing was the opportunity

the weather.

to work with the original 1930s construction, the terracotta structure and plaster walls and then see the halls get a modern look.”

30 \\

“Auburn still has the family feel of when I first attended here.”

Research // Alumni & Industry // Features // On the Plains // News & Notes

Industry Executive Board Expands with Five New Members The McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) Industry Executive Board is a group of professionals committed to the discussion and review of industry-related issues facing contemporary construction educators.

Building Science Alumni Receive Recognition The McWhorter School of Building Science establishes a strong foundation that carries into success

The Industry Executive Board (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—many of whom are BSCI alumni—hear from graduating

in the construction industry for years to come. Celebrate the achievements of BSCI alumni from the past year.

students about their experiences in the program and then give feedback on how the students’ education aligns with the industry.

Recent additions to the IEB include Matt Shelby, Sarah-Ashley Boling, Adam Inzina, Allan Dedman and Chuck McPherson. READ MORE >>

JIM GORRIE '84 & BILLY HARBERT '88 were named finalists for CEO of the Year in the 2025 Business Alabama Awards. Gorrie was named President of Brasfield & Gorrie in 1995, became CEO in 2011 and transitioned to Chairman in 2024. Harbert has served as Chairman and CEO of BL Harbert

Matt Shelby '07 President, Shelby General Contractors

International since its founding in 2000.

8 BSCI ALUMNI—David Aguirre ’23, Scott Crosby ‘09, Shaun Guin ‘08, Jeff Jantz ‘08, Tyler Mask ‘10, David Sims ‘16, Kyle Stallings ‘12 and Hayden Tilley ‘17—were named to Alabama AGC's 40 Under 40 list.

Sarah-Ashley Boling '11 Senior Project Manager, Morette Company

PAT ARRINGTON '85 received the Auburn Building Science Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his exceptional support of the McWhorter School of Building Science.

Adam Inzina '03 Vice President, Operations, M.J. Harris Construction Services

JEFF JANTZ '08 & DANE PEMBERTON '10 were named to the Birmingham Business Journal’s 2025 40 Under 40, recognizing emerging professionals making a significant impact on the city of Birmingham.

Allan Dedman '92 President/COO, Doster Construction Company

DOUG DAVIDSON '84 was honored by the Associated General Contractors of Georgia with the 2025 Skill, Integrity & Responsibility (SIR) Award—the highest honor for the state’s commercial construction industry leaders.

Chuck McPherson '82 Vice President, Commercial Operations, BL Harbert International

ROB CLIFTON '11 was named to the Auburn Alumni Association's 20 Under 40 Class of 2025, which honors extraordinary accomplishments, professional achievement and distinguished service to others.

// 31

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Industry Meet & Greets Create Connections with Students The McWhorter School of Building Science welcomed 51 industry partners to the Gorrie lobby this year to engage with our students. Thank you to the below industry partners.

Archer Western, a member of The Walsh Group

Juneau Construction Company

ARCO Design/Build

Lemoine Program Services

ARM

Linbeck Group

Balfour Beatty

LIV Development

Benning Construction Company

McCarthy Building Companies

BL Harbert International

Merit Construction

Brasfield & Gorrie

Miller Electric Company

C-Sharpe Co

MJ Harris Construction Services

Caliber 1 Construction New South Construction Carroll Daniel Construction PC Construction Carter & Carter PERSONS SERVICES CORP Catamount Constructors Reeves Young Choate Construction Company

RNGD

Compass Construction

Robins & Morton

Cornerstone Detention Products

Russell Construction of Ala.

Elmington Construction Evans General Contractors Evergreen Construction Gray Hensel Phelps Hoar Construction Holder Construction HPM

Schneider Electric Shelby General Contractors Stone Building Company The Beck Group The Garrett Companies Ulliman Schutte Construction Weis Builders White-Spunner Construction

JE Dunn Construction

Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

JOHNSONKREIS Construction

Yates Engineers and Construction

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Career Fairs Open Doors for Students and Industry Professionals It’s no surprise that career fairs are valuable for students and companies alike, creating pathways for career growth and talent acquisition.

For students, these events offer direct access to potential employers, while industry partners get the chance to meet future professionals eager to contribute to their success. The McWhorter School of Building Science hosted three career fairs this year and welcomed 293 companies from across the country.

Angie White, BSCI Career Services Specialist, helps students prepare by reviewing resumes, scoping out potential employers and helping them hone their communication skills—everything from how to dress for an interview to negotiating a job offer. Through the Career Fairs, students access an essential stepping stone towards their careers, and businesses get a sneak peek at the next generation of construction professionals. READ MORE >>

Research // Alumni & Industry // Features // On the Plains // News & Notes

BSCI Alumni, Industry Partners Set Examples throughout the Construction World The McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) boasts an impressive roster of alumni companies, who contribute to construction education through mentorship, recruitment and participation. See just a few of the School's distinguished alumni.

WatsonBruhn Builders Builds Relationships, Grows Sustainably For WatsonBruhn Builders, investing in team members, clients and subcontractors is the name of the game.

New South Construction Builds on Its Promises When Doug Davidson ’84 founded New South Construction in 1990, he was a 29-year-old builder with a clear philosophy: do what you say you’re going to do, when you said you’d do it and do it right the first time.

That commitment to integrity has guided the Atlanta-based company for more than three decades—and it continues to define the culture Davidson built from the ground up. Today, New South employs more than 300 people and operates offices in Atlanta, Ga., Raleigh-Durham, N.C. and Jacksonville, Fla. From the canopies at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Coca-Cola’s headquarters renovation and Georgia Tech’s first new student housing in 30 years, the company’s projects have become part of the

After graduating from BSCI in 1987,

Atlanta landscape. Its first clients—Delta Air Lines and The Coca-Cola Company—remain partners

Mitch Bruhn worked as a project

decades later, and nearly 90% of its work is with repeat clients. READ MORE >>

manager at Brice Building Company.

Over a decade later he rose to be a VP at Doster Construction Co. and then became a VP of New Generation Projects & Construction for Southern Company. But the dream of starting his own general contracting company never faded. In 2011, Bruhn teamed up with former supervisor Duane Watson to create something lasting. Fourteen years later, the Birmingham-based firm continues to grow with people at its center. READ MORE >>

Martin & Cobey Finds Talent at Auburn For construction company Martin & Cobey, the slogan “building beyond the ordinary” ties back to the quality of the education its team members gained from Auburn University.

LEFT: Thanks to New South, the domestic north and south terminals of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport feature two 65-foot-tall steel-framed canopies weighing 3.5 million pounds.

Kevin Price Construction Builds Community with Purpose When Kevin Price officially founded Kevin Price Construction, in Athens, Ga., in 1989, the business was an extension of work he’d already been doing—helping neighbors, tackling remodeling jobs and taking on small construction projects.

Founded in Athens, Ala., in 1964, Martin & Cobey has deep roots on the Plains with 70 percent of its leadership team having graduated from Auburn.

McWhorter School of Building Science alum Brian Moore ‘87 is President of

Over time, that work grew into a full-service commercial construction firm grounded in relationships, quality and

the mid-sized company that was originally started by his father-in-law Fred

community impact. Today, Kevin Price, a 2018 graduate of the

Martin Jr. ‘55. He runs the business with his brother-in-law, Vice President

College of Architecture, Design and Construction’s Master of

Frederick Martin, a 1984 graduate of Auburn’s Civil Engineering program, and

Real Estate Development program, serves as the company’s

Chief Financial Officer Bryan Nelson, a 1987 graduate of Auburn’s Accounting

chairman of the board, while his son Ben, a 2013 BSCI graduate

program. READ MORE >>

leads Kevin Price Construction. READ MORE >> // 33

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BSCI Alum, Faculty Member Brings Professionalism Back to the Trades For Allen Conradi ‘16, Auburn has never been just a university—it’s family tradition.

Following in his grandparents’, parents’ and cousins’ footsteps, Conradi enrolled in Auburn after graduating high school in 2002, but he quickly realized that a traditional academic path wasn’t for him.

He left engineering school and went to work for an electrical subcontractor, soon earning his electrical license. In 2007, Conradi opened a small electrical company, Thalamus, taking on

ABOVE: The company has grown from Conradi and a few teammates in the early 2000s to nearly 50 employees today.

solo cabling jobs and building his business.

In his 30s—with encouragement from his family, Conradi decided

Thalamus’ project list ranges from restroom renovations at

to return to school, enrolling in the McWhorter School of Building

Jordan-Hare Stadium to high-voltage upgrades tied to Auburn’s

Science (BSCI). While he was in the thesis program, Thalamus

new football scoreboard. Off campus, the company has

took off, challenging Conradi to draw on both his field experience

modernized Opelika’s traffic signal network and helped with an RV

and education to maintain the growing business.

park at Wind Creek State Park.

“The Building Science program has given me the tools I need to

Conradi often partners with other contractors rather than

operate as an entrepreneur, where my electrical license gave me

competing, filling a specialty niche in heavy civil electrical work.

the tools I need to operate as a technician,” Conradi said.

The company’s core mission is bringing up the next generation of

Now, the company boasts nearly 50 employees and specializes in

silo workers into repetitive tasks, Thalamus cross-trains employees

integrated electrical systems like networking, lighting controls, traffic signals and access control. Named for the brain’s thalamus that translates sensory input, the company simplifies complex electrical and data systems for homes, businesses and municipalities.

professional electrical tradespeople. Unlike other companies that across commercial, residential and civil projects, offering executive coaching for managers and apprenticeships for technicians.

“If we invest in our people and in bringing professionalism back to the trades and to our technicians, quality and consistency happens,” Conradi said.

After graduating, Conradi didn’t move on from Auburn—he has taught in the BSCI program as an adjunct faculty member since 2018 and mentors the School’s electrical competition team.

Whether it’s electrical work, teaching, running a business or raising his family, Conradi is committed to learning.

“If there’s one thing that being an entrepreneur has taught me, it is that you can’t be afraid to try new things and fail or to try new things and possibly succeed,” he said. “College is not the end of learning. It teaches you how to teach yourself.”

ABOVE & RIGHT: Thalamus recently contributed to the BSCI program’s new Brasfield & Gorrie Thesis Lab. 34 \\

Research // Alumni & Industry // Features // On the Plains // News & Notes

Pat Arrington Receives Building Science Lifetime Achievement Award When Pat Arrington ‘85 walked into the McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) awards banquet, in October, he thought he was there to support the Building Science program, as he had done for nearly two decades.

Instead, he found his family and longtime friends and colleagues quietly waiting in the room. Surprise turned to bewilderment as Arrington learned he had been selected to receive the Auburn Building Science Lifetime Achievement Award.

Arrington, Vice President at JE Dunn Construction, has spent nearly 30 years with the company and almost 40 years in the construction industry. He is a 1985 Building Science graduate and a former Auburn football letterman who played under Coach Doug Barfield and Coach Pat Dye. Even in the earliest days of his college recruitment, Arrington said the BSCI academic program—not the athletic team—was the deciding factor that brought him to Auburn.

I have a lot of respect for Building Science students, professors and for the industry.

I haven’t regretted one day of this career since 1985.”

ABOVE: Arrington accepted his Building Science Lifetime Achievement Award surrounded by family, friends and colleagues.

PAT ARRINGTON

Arrington joined JE Dunn Construction in 1997 and rose to lead the education program in the Atlanta office. He worked on complex multi-million-dollar education projects like the 350,000-sqft Emory University Health Sciences Research Building and campus upgrades to Westminster Schools. The company also worked on major athletic facilities like the Darlington School Athletic Complex

in

Rome,

Georgia

and

the

conversion of the former Atlanta Braves Turner Field ballpark into a football stadium for Georgia State.

Arrington has remained deeply connected to Auburn, serving on the BSCI Industry Executive Board for nearly 17 years, returning to lecture in classes and recruiting students into

the field. Receiving

the Lifetime

Achievement Award, he said, affirmed something simple and meaningful.

“I have a lot of respect for Building Science students, professors and for the industry,” he ABOVE: Arrington has worked on numerous multi-million-dollar projects, such as the conversion of the former Atlanta Braves Turner Field ballpark into a football stadium for Georgia State.

said. “I haven’t regretted one day of this career since 1985.” READ MORE >> // 35

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Building Science Alumnae Building Big in Denver Alumnae of the McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) are making a big impact in the growing construction market of Denver, Colorado, turning their Auburn education into successful careers in the Mile High City.

Kathryn Crowley ’13 made the move to Denver as both a personal and professional leap, frequent family visits sparking a connection to the city’s lifestyle.

“The mountain views, the abundance of outdoor activities—hiking, biking, camping and skiing—and the overall lifestyle drew me in,” she stated. “As I started to see more about Denver’s booming economy, especially in construction, with over 24 tower cranes up in 2023, I realized this was an exciting place to take the next step in my career.”

Crowley, a Senior Superintendent with Saunders Construction, noted

Kathryn Crowley '13

Allison Abrams '14

Kennedy May '17

Fiona Mae Bangoy '22

that the city offers a wide range of project types, from healthcare to commercial and residential builds.

“The city’s rapid growth, particularly in healthcare, has provided opportunities to contribute to projects that make a difference in the community,” she explained. “With a focus on innovation, sustainability and creating spaces that improve people’s lives, Denver has been an ideal place to grow professionally while maintaining a great work-life balance.”

Fiona Mae Bangoy ’22 and Kennedy May ’17 share Crowley’s appreciation for healthcare construction.

Bangoy, a Project Engineer with JE Dunn Construction, is working on the expansion of HCA Healthcare’s Swedish Medical Hospital, including renovations, additions and a tower expansion.

“The tower expansion was recognized as Best Project in the Healthcare category by Engineering News-Record Mountain States, and I am extremely thankful to be a part of a wonderful team,” she said.

May highlighted the 14,000-square-foot expansion of the emergency department at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tennessee, as her ABOVE: Allison Abrams '14 on a job site in Denver.

proudest project.

“This was my first opportunity to run a job from all aspects, including

For Allison Abrams ’14, Senior Project Manager at FH Construction, what began as a temporary adventure blossomed into a long-term opportunity.

“I grew up in Atlanta and wanted a change for a couple of years—not knowing it would lead to ten!” she said. “Denver is a young city with exciting growth and a completely different construction market than places around home.”

36 \\

pre-mobilization work inside the existing facility, utilities, foundations, exterior and interior and commissioning,” she shared. “The project wrapped on schedule, and I built great relationships with the hospital staff.” READ MORE >>

Research // Alumni & Industry // Features // On the Plains // News & Notes

Alum Aims to Build Students’ Futures as Member of IEB Matt Shelby ‘07 knows a little something about building.

Now president of Shelby General Contractors, he has built an impressive career that traces back to co-starting a lawn business in his late teens and even launching a construction business while at Auburn. With deep expertise in both the building industry and building relationships, Shelby has joined the BSCI Industry Executive Board to help shape the future of BSCI students.

Shelby believes the best builders understand the client’s goals, embrace the architect’s design intent and self-perform quality work with integrity.

“Understanding the origin of a project—the why—drives a deeper commitment to its delivery,” said Shelby. “The leadership approach that I use today stems in part from my experience in program management. My goal is to inspire my team to approach every project with a passion for discovering its purpose and gaining vision. Combining the ideas and goals of the client with the architect’s design intent allows us to overcome obstacles and deliver a quality end product. This is what it means to ‘Advance the Vision.’” READ MORE >>

BSCI Alumna Commits to Next Generation of Construction Leaders When Sarah Carrico ‘20 arrived at Auburn as a freshman, she wasn’t yet sure what direction her career would take.

But halfway through that first year, she found her calling in BSCI, following in the footsteps of her brother Jacob Carrico ‘16.

“The BSCI program stood out for its balance between technical knowledge, leadership development and hands-on learning,” she said.

LEFT: Sarah Carrico '20 BELOW: In 2023, Carrico participated in the BSCI Clay Shoot with young women in the construction field.

“The small cohort sizes offered a sense of community that Auburn is known for.”

Carrico credits BSCI with providing her both leadership and technical skills that industry partners are looking for in college graduates. It also connected her with mentors and organizations that encouraged her to grow beyond the classroom.

That foundation has guided Carrico into a role as a project manager with Gray in Atlanta, where she now plays a key role in mentoring interns and new hires. She takes pride in helping young professionals acclimate to the company’s culture and procedures. READ MORE >>

// 37

News & Notes // On the Plains // Features // Alumni & Industry // Research

BSCI Alum Found Confidence at Auburn Growing up in Dothan, Ala., Quick Foy ‘75 said Auburn was in his blood.

The youngest of four children, Foy watched as his siblings followed in his

Foy dedicated nearly four decades to American Constructors, working

father’s, grandfather’s, aunts’ and uncles’ footsteps to Auburn University,

on projects like the Loews Nashville Hotel and Office Building at

but he was still figuring out what he wanted.

Vanderbilt Plaza, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the

After high school, Foy worked for a concrete company run by Auburn

participated in multiple higher education projects across campuses

civil engineering alum James L. Rodgers, who encouraged him to pursue his education, which he eventually did, graduating from the

Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville. He also including Vanderbilt University, University of the South at Swanee, Lipscomb University and Belmont University, as well as the University

McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) in 1975.

School of Nashville.

“Auburn gave me the confidence to think I was capable of walking and

With his work across sectors, Foy became an expert in life safety

talking with practically anybody,” Foy said. “It gave me the arsenal to go to meetings with owners, architects, engineers and consultants and be in the conversation.”

After graduating, Foy headed to Nashville to work for Rodgers’ brother Joe at his construction company, Joe M. Rodgers & Associates, cutting his teeth building hospitals across the country.

In the late 1970s, Joe M. Rodgers & Associates sold to investors when Rodgers transitioned into politics—eventually becoming the Ambassador

systems. He helped transform the business into an employee-owned company with a qualified Employee Stock Ownership Plan and rose to Vice President of Estimating and Marketing before he retired in 2019 to spend time with his wife, two daughters and six grandchildren, all of whom live nearby in Nashville.

“I never intended to be in a management position, but as you mature, all of a sudden, you’re the mentor,” Foy said. “I filled that bill by leading by example.”

to France under President Ronald Reagan—but Foy stayed in touch with

“Family, friends, birdwatching and bees are my life now,” he said. “I’d like

the company’s other owners and followed them to the newly founded

to thank Auburn and the McWhorther School of Building Science—

American Constructors, Inc. in 1982.

which I still think of as Building Construction.”

During his career he mentored multiple team members with Auburn connections, including Associate Professor Eric Wetzel, who was then a summer intern.

"Quick patiently guided me and the other interns through the fundamentals of quantity take-offs and estimating,” Wetzel said. “His mentorship not only helped me bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice but also gave me a foundation I’ve built on ever since. I learned an enormous amount that summer—thanks in no small part to Quick.”

Throughout his career, Foy maintained his connection to the Building Science program, serving on the Industry Advisory Council and hosting student tours in Nashville. Now, 50 years after his graduation, Foy still thinks about Auburn and how it kept him marching forward.

“Persevering is what makes you successful. There’s no hesitation in building. You’ve got to keep going.”

38 \\

Research // Alumni & Industry // Features // On the Plains // News & Notes

Turning a Lifetime of Hard Work into a Legacy for the Next Generation When John Butera and Joyce Greathouse talk about Auburn, it’s clear just how much it means to them.

Their time on the Plains gave them the academic preparation they needed to launch successful careers and build the foundation of their lives. Now, they are giving back to ensure the next generation of Auburn students have the same opportunities.

The couple’s story doesn’t begin in Auburn, though. It begins at the University of Montevallo in 1972. Before they transferred to Auburn, the Jefferson County natives met as students at the small liberal arts university.

After exploring her passion for the sciences, Greathouse transferred to Auburn in 1972—a big leap from Montevallo’s campus of 2,500-some students. But the decision proved right. In 1973, after completing Auburn’s rigorous Laboratory Science program in just five quarters, she began working as a medical technologist at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in Birmingham.

“It was demanding work, but it was such a rewarding career,” she said.

“Auburn prepared me exceptionally well.”

Auburn changed our lives. We learned so much and owe a lot to the university.

Now, we want to help Auburn change other people’s lives.”

JOYCE GREATHOUSE

After Greathouse transferred to Auburn, Butera stayed at Montevallo one more year before a friend encouraged him to transfer into Auburn’s Building Science program. That’s where he found his calling.

A hands-on learner, Butera thrived while learning Building Science and working through Auburn’s co-op program. Looking back, Butera feels

Through their estate plan, Butera and Greathouse are creating scholarships that support students demonstrating financial need in Building Science,

that his co-op jobs were particularly important for his development.

Pre-Health and Laboratory Science.

“I’m a ‘show-me’ kind of guy,” said Butera, who grew up in Birmingham’s

“Not every student comes from privilege,” Butera said. “I know what it’s like to

Ensley neighborhood. “I can’t learn from books, but if I see it, I can do it.”

struggle. The co-op program in building science gave me a real leg up in life.”

As Butera and Greathouse focused on their careers, a Montevallo

Together, they hope their philanthropy will help students gain not just an

Alumni Directory arrived at Butera’s door in 1991. He thumbed through it, saw Greathouse’s name and gave her a call. Nineteen years after dating at Montevallo, the two rekindled the flame, eventually marrying in 1993.

Auburn education, but fulfilling, meaningful careers like their own.

“Auburn changed our lives,” Greathouse said. “We learned so much at Auburn and owe a lot to the university. Now, we want to help Auburn change other people’s lives.” READ MORE >>

The couple have since retired, but their successful careers allowed them to invest in homes that Butera built in both Panama City Beach and Big Sky, Montana, where they now split their time between

the mountains and the beach. But their greatest investment has been in others, most notably students at both Auburn and Montevallo.

Give back to the Auburn you know and love.

Philanthropic gifts allow future generations to access education and experiences through scholarships,

ABOVE LEFT: Butera pioneered building poured-in-place, concrete homes in Florida beach towns.

ABOVE RIGHT: Greathouse started her career in medicine at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in Birmingham. She is pictured here working as a pathologist in 1989.

programming and resources.

Contact cadcdev@auburn.edu to learn how you can support the next generation. // 39

News & Notes // On the Plains // Features // Alumni & Industry // Research

Mass timber is changing the construction industry.

Drawing from expertise of Auburn's architecture, engineering, construction manangement and forestry programs, the Auburn Mass Timber Collaborative (AMTC) is set to be a leader in mass timber research, education and outreach.

40 \\ Auburn Mass Timber Collaborative

Research // Alumni & Industry // Features // On the Plains // News & Notes

What is the AMTC?

What makes the AMTC unique?

College of Architecture, Design and Construction

Array of talent and expertise

Expertise: Building Design & Construction

College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment Expertise: Wood Science

encompassing the full chain of stakeholders involved in industry: forestry, engineering, architecture, construction and real estate development.

Southeastern forest focus matching the southeast’s construction ecology to its forest ecology.

State-of-the-art facilities

Samuel Ginn College of Engineering

supporting our research, education and outreach activities.

Expertise: Mass Timber Structural Systems

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AMTC >>

From Sapling to Shelter: Cool Tool Expands Auburn's Mass Timber Research Capabilities Ask any member of the Auburn Mass Timber Collaborative (AMTC) what they think of the university’s newest tool, and you’ll hear nothing but enthusiasm.

“I was very excited when I heard we were getting a cross-laminated timber (CLT) press,” said Brian Via, the Regions Professor of forest products. “Getting this press opens up new avenues for grants and funding and allows us to research mass timber on a much larger scale.”

Mass timber is a rapidly growing technology used in the design and construction fields, and the AMTC is becoming a leader in mass timber research, teaching and outreach in the Southeast. Now that the team has acquired a tool to manufacture its own CLT, faculty can do more research without having to leave campus or depend on outside partners.

ABOVE & LEFT: In the CADC Research Shop, timber is layered with adhesives and placed in the CLT press to dry and strengthen.

OPPOSITE: Once manufactured, the CLT is transported to Auburn's Advanced Structural Engineering Laboratory, where researchers test how much force can be applied before it breaks.

Auburn is the only academic institution in the Southeast and one of fewer than a dozen nationally to own a CLT press. Now, Auburn faculty across multiple disciplines can complete the cycle of mass timber production from start to finish—from sapling to shelter. READ MORE >>

Building Science (BSCI) students explore Mass Timber life cycle in interdisciplinary seminar course.

Co-taught by BSCI Assistant Research Professor Jake Elbrecht and Architecture Professor of Practice Tom Chung, the seminar takes students through the entire process—from forest to fabrication to installation. READ MORE >>

Auburn Mass Timber Collaborative // 41

News & Notes // On the Plains // Features // Alumni & Industry // Research

Making Heat Stress Everyone’s Responsibility on Construction Sites Have you ever noticed a construction worker securing asphalt shingles to a roof on a hot summer day?

Well, Auburn University Building Science faculty members Eric Wetzel and Ken Sands have, and they know that, if left untreated, heat-related illnesses can negatively impact workers and cost construction companies time and money.

That’s why they’ve created a novel device called the Core Temperature Visualization System (COTVIS) aimed at alleviating the burden of heat stress for construction workers.

Small box, big responsibility COTVIS looks like a small box that comfortably attaches to a construction worker’s belt, hard hat, vest or harness. It is designed to pull core body temperature and heart rate from an armband manufactured by the company Slate Safety and analyze data for signs of danger.

If it shows the worker is too hot or has a dangerously elevated heart rate, COTVIS will illuminate with a red LED screen and a warning message.

Wetzel said worker perceptions around heat illness can lead to unsafe

Since the device is facing outward, other crew members will notice it

behaviors that include ignoring the signs of heat strain.

light up and will know right away they need to get their co-worker to

“Research has shown that workers tend to underestimate the risk while

take a break.

overestimating their capacity to cope with it, and their reluctance to

“Construction workers tend to be stubborn when it comes to their

stop working at the onset of symptoms can often be attributed to a

personal well-being, but they are protective of each other,” Wetzel said.

feeling of peer pressure, job security concerns and a fear of being seen

“The idea behind COTVIS was to take away the responsibility of the

as weak,” he said. “This can be true even if the company’s operating

individual to say they’re having a problem and make it the function of

procedures and policies are at complete odds with the individual’s

everyone on a crew.”

perception.”

So, that’s why Sands and Wetzel, who teach in the McWhorter School of Building Science, have created a device that makes heat safety the responsibility of everyone on a crew — not just the individual.

CARVing out a path In 2023, when Wetzel established the Construction Automation, Robotics and Visualization (CARV) Lab as an artificial intelligence (AI) research hub within the McWhorter School of Building Science, Sands was the first person he asked to join the lab. Faculty members who work at CARV do applied research in many subsets of AI, including machine learning/deep learning, robotics, computer vision and natural language processing.

While the lab is traditional in the sense that it pursues external funding, establishes academic and industry collaborations and publishes research, it is unique in its service mission.

In 2024 alone, the CARV Lab presented at a dozen K-12 schools and college events to educate and excite young people about the construction industry and the role of AI in the coming years. While those events are fun and engaging for students, the CARV Lab is becoming well-known in the construction industry as a place for cutting-edge research.

“We’re tackling some of the biggest challenges in the construction industry, like labor shortages, safety concerns and productivity issues in the CARV Lab,” said David Hinson, the college’s Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies. “By teaming up with industry partners and different departments here on campus, we’re in a great spot to develop innovative technical solutions that will push our industry forward.”

42 \\

Research // Alumni & Industry // Features // On the Plains // News & Notes

Collaboration makes it happen Sands and Wetzel, who met years ago while they were both pursuing doctorates, think they make a good team, thanks to Sands’ expertise in heat safety and Wetzel’s programming skills. But they say they couldn’t have done it without the help of their CADC colleague Rusty Lay, who designed the device’s housing, and doctoral students Caleb Powell and Muhammad Umer, who assisted with data collection and software development.

They also were supported by two internal CADC grants that helped fund their research and prototyping, and this past year, they received help from the Intellectual Property Exchange (IPX) at Auburn in obtaining a provisional patent for COTVIS. So, what’s next for COTVIS? Sands and Wetzel hope to publish their work and get their new device ready to go on the market.

“The heat safety research was inspired by the roofing industry and my prior work with the Roofing Alliance, but the device definitely was the

We’re tackling some of the biggest challenges in the construction industry, like labor shortages, safety concerns and productivity issues in the CARV Lab. By teaming up with industry partners and different departments here on campus, we’re in a great spot to develop innovative technical solutions that will push our industry forward.”

DAVID HINSON

brainchild of Eric,” Sands said. “We hope to continue innovating for the betterment of the industry and those who work in it.” READ MORE>>

OPPOSITE: COTVIS comfortably attaches to a construction worker’s belt, hard hat, vest or harness. When a worker is too hot or has a dangerously elevated heart rate, COTVIS alerts others on the crew by illuminating with a red LED screen and a warning message.

ABOVE: The CARV Lab is a hub for applied research in many subsets of AI, including machine learning/deep learning, robotics, computer vision and more. When Wetzel (pictured right) established the CARV Lab in 2023, Sands (pictured left) was the first person he asked to join the lab. The two have been friends for years since they met while pursuing their doctorates. // 43

News & Notes // On the Plains // Features // Alumni & Industry // Research

Auburn Researchers Investigate Air Quality Challenges Building Science Assistant Professor Ben Marshall and construction management graduate student Miriam Abikhaled are collaborating with Emily McGlohn, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist at Rural Studio, to examine how cooking fumes affect indoor air quality in homes.

Grant funding from CCIC, McWhorter Fund for Excellence and the College of Architecture, Design

and

Construction

Seed

Grant

programs are supporting a collaborative project to better understand how residents currently use ventilation during cooking.

Cooking emissions are a common source of particulate matter (PM) exposure in homes, and higher PM levels have been linked to adverse health outcomes, especially in lowincome communities. The research team is conducting a post-occupancy assessment of two Rural Studio homes to identify risk factors that can negatively affect occupant health, such as PM and VOC levels as well as stove and fume hood use habits. The goal is to determine barriers to optimal fume hood use, leading to the development of evidencebased interventions. For example, healthier behaviors can be encouraged with education (sensors showing poor air quality), standards (fume hood stays on when stove is on), or products (fume hood stays on when stove sensor detects heat). This project’s focus on enhancing the air quality of homes, while simultaneously

addressing

air

quality’s

inherent effects on health, advances the strategic goal to improve health in the state.

RIGHT: Marshall teaches Construction Methods and Materials, which examines how building systems shape the way people live. That same expertise guides his research into how ventilation use during cooking affects indoor air quality.

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Research // Alumni & Industry // Features // On the Plains // News & Notes

Auburn Faculty Lead Restoration of Historic Alabama School The exterior of a 102-year-old school is back to its former glory after a restoration project by interdisciplinary faculty members from the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC) and the College of Liberal Arts (CLA).

Back in 2022, a team of Auburn faculty members received nearly $500,000 from the National Park Service to restore the exterior of the Tankersley Rosenwald School in Hope Hull, Alabama. Now, after three years of thoughtful planning and careful construction, the rehabilitation of the exterior is complete.

The Rosenwald Schools consist of nearly 400 structures built in Alabama between 1912–32 to serve as educational facilities for African American children. It is uncertain how many of those structures still exist, and some that are still standing have fallen into disrepair.

Architecture faculty Gorham Bird; BSCI faculty Junshan Liu, Hunter McGonagill and Richard Burt; and CLA faculty Elijah Gaddis and Keith Hébert—as well as Danielle Wilkens from the Georgia Institute of Technology—have pooled their knowledge of architecture, history, digital preservation and structural restoration to get the project done.

ABOVE: In its restored condition, the school can again serve as a gathering space for the community.

“The interdisciplinary team has formed organically over the course of the project in response to the particular needs of the building and the community around it,” said Gaddis. “Each of us has brought our own strengths in order to make it much better than it could have been.”

The Tankersley School was at risk of collapsing due to a structural failure until the Auburn team stepped in. The faculty utilized the National Park Service funds to stabilize the building, complete a Historic Structures Report and restore the exterior.

With support from Auburn’s Creative Work and Social Impact Scholarship grant, CADC Seed grants and Tiger Giving Day donors, the plan is to next restore the interior of the Tankersley School so it can eventually be utilized as a community center.

“The Tankersley School has always been the beating heart of the community,” Gaddis said. “In its restored condition, it shows the ABOVE: Students and community members gathered to see the restoration progress.

value it continues to hold.” READ MORE >> // 45

News & Notes // On the Plains // Features // Alumni & Industry // Research

CADC Intramural Grant Programs Support BSCI Faculty Research Five Building Science faculty research projects have received Seed Grant Awards from the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC), and one has been selected for a McWhorter Fund for Excellence.

Seed Grants

McWhorter Fund for Excellence

College-wide, thirteen total projects were

The Earlon McWhorter ’68 and Betty McWhorter Fund for Excellence was established to further

selected for Seed Grants, totaling more

collaboration between the major academic disciplines in CADC, specifically in the area of design-

than $100,000. These projects will be

build. One project was awarded a McWhorter Fund for Excellence Grant for 2026:

completed over the coming year.

Jake Elbrecht and Kiel Moe

The CADC Seed Grant program provides funding

to

support

faculty

research,

scholarship and creative work. These funds serve to advance faculty work that has the potential to secure external funding or yield visibility to the faculty and college through resulting

work,

including

publications,

exhibitions and fellowships.

The 2026 CADC Seed Grant awardees are as follows: Jake Elbrecht Developing an Agentic Artificial Intelligence System for Mass Timber Design and Construction Jeff Kim and Junshan Liu Immersive Digitizing & Visualizing Built Environments in VR/AR — Phase 1: Infrastructure Development Ben Marshall and Alexander Adolf CO2 Concentration in Job Trailers and Decision-Making Implications Ken Sands, Anoop Sattineni and doctoral student Ayodele Fasoyinu Feasibility of Commercially Available Wearables as a Safety Intervention for Construction Workers: A Pilot Investigation Eric Wetzel, Alexander Adolf and doctoral student Caleb Powell Spotting Issues: An autonomous robot companion for punchlist creation

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Exploring Analog and Digital Pedagogy for Mass Timber Installation Training, Phase II

Research // Alumni & Industry // Features // On the Plains // News & Notes

CCIC Announces 2026 Research Awardees Seven research projects led by McWhorter School of Building Science faculty received grants from the Center for Construction Innovation and Collaboration (CCIC).

Alexander Adolf, Ben Marshall and Lauren Redden Coping Strategies and Organizational Mental Health Support in the Construction Industry: Advancing Evidence-Based Policy into Practice BELOW: The punchlist phase of construction is essential for ensuring quality and completeness before project turnover, but current digital platforms utilize inefficient workflows. Associate Professor Eric Wetzel, Lecturer Alexander Adolf and doctoral student Caleb Powell are exploring a human–robot collaboration system that automates punchlist generation, significantly reducing manual input and improving efficiency. The project utilizes BSCI's robotic dog, Mac, pictured here on a construction site.

Junshan Liu, doctoral student Shadi Alathamneh and master's student Imran Jebarah Reality Capture and 3D Mold Fabrication for Historic Ornament Replication: The Comer Hall Case Study Ken Sands, Anoop Sattineni and doctoral student Ayodele Fasoyinu Feasibility of Affordable, Commercially Available Wearables for Fieldworker Safety Interventions Eric Wetzel, Jian Zhang (Kennesaw State University) and undergraduate student Kathryn McEniry Intelligent Agents for Construction: Enhancing Large Language Model Comprehension of Floorplans Eric Wetzel, Alexander Adolf and doctoral student Caleb Powell Spotting Issues: An autonomous robot companion for punchlist creation Amna Salman and master's graduate/industry partner Wasiq Ahmad Standardizing the Modular Construction Supply Chain to Advance Affordable Housing and Subassembly Markets Jake Elbrecht and Wes Collins Developing an Agentic Artificial Intelligence System for Mass Timber Design and Construction

CCIC fosters partnerships that bring about improvements in the construction industry.

Since 2009, it has provided over $1 million in research funding to CADC faculty, resulting in numerous peer-reviewed published works and the issuance of multiple full-utility patents. CCIC projects directly respond to the needs of the construction industry—needs defined by industry leaders themselves.

CCIC research focus areas include: •

Workforce supply, health & safety

•

Information, data & technology

•

Prefabrication, lean practices & sustainability

•

Delivery methods & supply chain

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Auburn University

McWhorter School of Building Science // Quoin vol. 36 (December 2025) Richard Burt / BSCI Head and McWhorter Endowed Chair Madison Champion / CADC Communications Manager + Lead Designer Brandon Clarke / BSCI Administrator of Academic Programs

// Contributors Kate Mazade / writer Kelley Young / writer Audrey Matthews Lowry / designer Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.

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