Exploring Who, Where, And When: A Mixed-Methods Analysis Of A New Study Abroad Program,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Exploring Who, Where, And When: A Mixed-Methods Analysis Of A New Study Abroad Program, Garrett Schoep, Elijah Duane Blake
Construction Management
Study abroad programs can have a significant impact on the lives of college students. These programs create opportunities for students to experience the world, while earning college credit. As Cal Poly is transitioning from the quarter system to the semester system, there is an increase demand for a new study abroad program that is tailored to students’ preferences. Understanding what students want from a study abroad program is extremely important. To better understand student preferences, a survey was created and distributed to Cal Poly students. The goal of the survey was to identify trends amongst students to get a better …
Skip The Grid: Installing Solar Panels Within The Navajo Nation,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Skip The Grid: Installing Solar Panels Within The Navajo Nation, Hayden A. Wanamaker
Construction Management
Skip the Grid is an initiative aimed at providing off-the-grid power, in a sustainable manner, to underserved communities within the Navajo Nation. The Skip the Grid program is led by an interdisciplinary team from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), in collaboration with SOLV Energy and Heart of America (HOA). This ongoing project addresses the lack of electricity for many young families within the Navajo Nation due to a variety of reasons, and the need to remedy this problem to allow for young students within the reservation to succeed. To combat this issue, Skip the Grid in …
Upstander Behaviors To Combat Implicit Bias,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Upstander Behaviors To Combat Implicit Bias, Jakob J. Wilkins
Construction Management
This project investigates how individuals across different experience levels in the construction industry respond to workplace bias, exclusion, and unfair treatment. Rather than focusing on the often-ambiguous term “ally,” this study explores the role of an “upstander,” someone who takes thoughtful, proactive action to support fairness and inclusion. Using a combination of survey data, industry interviews, academic literature, and a participatory workshop at the 2025 Women in Construction Symposium, the study identifies effective upstander behaviors and evaluates their impact. Survey findings revealed that a majority believe implicit bias influences jobsite dynamics and that intervention can shift workplace culture. The workshop …
Son Care Foundation - Pergola Preconstruction,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Son Care Foundation - Pergola Preconstruction, Samuel J. Peters
Construction Management
This paper discusses the design and preconstruction aspects of a pergola constructed at Thousand Hills Pet Resort, supporting a non-profit organization called the Son Care Foundation. Founded in 1994 by Jack Gould, the foundation is committed to fostering hope through various programs including mentorship for students, service dog training for PTSD victims, basic pet training, vehicle repair and turnaround, and dog daycare and lodging. This project serves Son Care Foundation’s dog daycare and lodging program, called Thousand Hills Pet Resort. The program was established in 2005, and all profits are used to fund the other programs operated by the Son …
Skip The Grid: Empowering Navajo Students Through Solar Energy And Education,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Skip The Grid: Empowering Navajo Students Through Solar Energy And Education, Daniela S. Gonzalez
Construction Management
The Skip the Grid project by our California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) team was more than just installing solar panels. It was about making a real difference in people’s lives. We focused on helping families in Chinle, Arizona, a community where many households do not have access to electricity, clean water, or fresh food. These are basic needs that support students’ ability to learn and succeed. Without lights to do homework or warm meals to stay healthy, it becomes harder for kids to concentrate or dream about going to college. To help address these challenges, our team installed solar …
Assessing The Impact Of The Women In Construction Leadership Course And Disc Training On The Construction Industry For Students And Recent Graduates,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Assessing The Impact Of The Women In Construction Leadership Course And Disc Training On The Construction Industry For Students And Recent Graduates, Amanda E. Mcdowell
Construction Management
This study examined the impact of the Women in Construction Leadership Course, paired with DISC training, on students transitioning into the construction industry. The DISC instrument classifies behaviors into four personality types (i.e., Dominant, Influencer, Steady, Conscientious) and the training helped students identify each personality type to improve their communication skills. Although technical skills are essential for completing daily tasks, effective leadership and communication are crucial to project success. This research explored how DISC training can improve new hires’ perceptions of their abilities to interact and communicate with their project team members. Through a survey of course participants, the study …
Building Services Engineering May/June 2025,
2025
Technological University Dublin
Building Services Engineering May/June 2025
Building Services Engineering
No abstract provided.
A Survey Of Industry Professionals On The Role Of Ff&E In Sustainability,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
A Survey Of Industry Professionals On The Role Of Ff&E In Sustainability, Caius T. Toy-Grace
Construction Management
This study is designed to explore how professionals in the construction and design industries perceive the role of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) in building sustainability. Although FF&E is often viewed as a minor component of the overall construction process, it has the potential to significantly impact environmental outcomes through material sourcing, durability, and end-of-life recyclability. A survey was distributed to eight professionals in FF&E, construction, and sustainability-related fields. The survey included eight questions, with four multiple choice and four open-ended, designed to gather both quantitative and qualitative insights. Responses were analyzed to determine how often sustainability is considered in …
Students' Evaluations Of Construction Management Curriculum Through A Senior Exit Interview,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Students' Evaluations Of Construction Management Curriculum Through A Senior Exit Interview, Anthony J. Roensch
Construction Management
This project explored student perspectives on the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Construction Management program through a two-phase approach: individual interviews and a large group review session. Ten students with varied career goals and levels of involvement in the program were interviewed to understand their views on curriculum quality, industry engagement, extracurricular opportunities, and departmental support. The goal was to identify patterns in feedback across diverse student experiences. Following the interviews, a refined set of questions was developed and presented to a larger group of students in a structured discussion forum. This session provided further insights into both strengths and …
Building Confidence, Building Careers: An Industry-Informed Evaluation Of A High School Aec Camp,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Building Confidence, Building Careers: An Industry-Informed Evaluation Of A High School Aec Camp, Madisen Berube
Construction Management
This study assesses the effectiveness of the Girls Build Summer Academy, an architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) summer camp for high school girls, and similar programs by gathering and analyzing feedback from industry professionals. The research aims to identify which program elements most successfully inspire interest and build foundational skills for young women considering careers in architecture, engineering, and construction. An anonymous survey was distributed to AEC professionals, some who were familiar with the program. The survey included multiple choice, rankings, and open-ended questions to evaluate areas for improvement and future curriculum development. Findings revealed strong support for interactive learning …
California Polytechnic Design-Build Lab Course,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
California Polytechnic Design-Build Lab Course, Nicho Domine
Construction Management
This paper explores the development and execution of a project-based Design-Build (DB) course implemented at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. The course aimed to replicate real-world DB processes in a controlled academic setting, engaging Construction Management and Architecture students in simulated but immersive industry experience. From Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to Final Presentation and Closeout, the course mirrors a typical DB project lifecycle. Through collaborative exercises, students gained exposure to roles and responsibilities, submittals, cost estimating, procurement strategies, risk analysis, virtual coordination, stakeholder communication, and more. This paper describes how a sequence of weekly assignments was structured to …
Designing And Building A Tomato Storage Shed For Slo City Farm,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Designing And Building A Tomato Storage Shed For Slo City Farm, Mark D. Thielmann, Ryan T. Walther
Construction Management
This paper details the design, budgeting, and construction of a tomato shed built by a student team for City Farm SLO during the Spring 2025 quarter. The project aimed to deliver a practical, affordable, and long-lasting structure to support tomato harvesting and storage operations. The team prioritized a design that balanced functionality with simplicity, all while working within a tight budget. The design phase involved multiple iterations in response to changing site conditions and client input, requiring the team to remain flexible and responsive throughout the process. Key milestones included developing an initial layout, sourcing materials, and modifying features as …
A Review Of Work-Life Balance Among Recent Cal Poly Graduates,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
A Review Of Work-Life Balance Among Recent Cal Poly Graduates, Max Murphy
Construction Management
Work-life balance has been a heavily debated topic in the construction industry, especially post-COVID. Due the popularization of the topic as well as the introduction of “hybrid” work schedules among multiple industries the idea of work-life balance within the construction industry has become prevalent. This paper aims to gather data about work-life balance and stress among the construction management industry. A survey was distributed to recently graduated construction management students from California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo to gather quantitative data regarding work-life balance, commuting, work hours, stress, and mental health. This survey also features a voluntary section …
Preconstruction Services For Land Conservancy San Luis Obispo Deck Replacement,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Preconstruction Services For Land Conservancy San Luis Obispo Deck Replacement, Russell Sprague
Construction Management
This senior project centers around a preconstruction collaboration between Semmes & Co. and the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo (LCSLO) for a new deck at the Santa Rita Ranch house in Templeton, CA. The existing deck was in poor condition and not ADA compliant, prompting the need for a safe, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing replacement. This project supported the nonprofit by providing volunteer-based preconstruction services, including quantity takeoffs, a detailed material list, scope breakdown, labor estimates, scheduling, and logistics planning. Material options and scope variations were presented to LCSLO in a flexible pricing proposal using a Time and Materials …
Skip The Grid: Installing Solar Systems For Residents Of The Navajo Nation In Arizona,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Skip The Grid: Installing Solar Systems For Residents Of The Navajo Nation In Arizona, Joshua Zepeda Montero
Construction Management
An interdisciplinary service-learning program called Skip the Grid provides solar energy systems to Navajo Nation homes without consistent access to electricity. A group of 20 California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) students from different majors that include Construction Management, Mechanical Engineers, Business, and Electrical Engineers traveled to Arizona from March 23rd to 27th, 2025, to install Goal Zero solar energy systems on over 40 homes from the Navajo Nation. This project was made possible through the generous support and collaboration of SOLV Energy, Heart of America (HOA), Goal Zero, Chinle High School, and Cal Poly. These solar systems help give …
Recommendation To Implement An Offsite Design And Construction & Mass Timber Buildings Tech Elective,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Recommendation To Implement An Offsite Design And Construction & Mass Timber Buildings Tech Elective, Dino Kuljancic
Construction Management
This project presents a proposal for a new upper division elective course in the Construction Management program at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. The course would focus on mass timber construction as well as prefabrication and modular construction which are quickly growing areas of the industry known for their sustainability, efficiency, and compatibility with modern construction methods. While mass timber and pre-fabrication content exists in some university programs around the country, Cal Poly’s CM curriculum lacks a course specifically designed to give students practical, construction focused instruction on these topics. To determine student interest, a survey was conducted among current …
Skip The Grid: Solar Installation For Navajo Communities,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Skip The Grid: Solar Installation For Navajo Communities, Emilio Tiziano Cervantes
Construction Management
In March 2025, a group of 20 students from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo took part in Skip the Grid, a hands-on service initiative aimed at expanding access to reliable solar energy in the Navajo Nation. In partnership with SOLV Energy, NextTracker, and the non-profit Heart of America, the team traveled to Chinle, Arizona, where they installed off-grid solar systems in 40 homes across the Chinle School District. Each setup included solar panels, a battery with electrical outlets, lighting, and a refrigerator—providing essential power to families whose homes were previously without it. All of the households served kids …
The Cost And Productivity Impacts That A Tower Crane Has On A Jobsite,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
The Cost And Productivity Impacts That A Tower Crane Has On A Jobsite, Gavin Fraysier
Construction Management
This paper investigates the cost and productivity impacts that a tower crane has on jobsite productivity. From reviewing recent literature, it is clear the stagnating labor productivity of the industry is a major problem. One way that has been proposed to solve this problem is through the implementation of more sophisticated equipment, for the sake of this paper that equipment is tower cranes. This paper performs an analysis of historical records of a mid-sized framing subcontractor located in central California. This company has recently ventured into the crane business which provided an excellent opportunity to collect data. Having just started …
Skip The Grid: Giving The Gift Of Renewable Energy To Children Of Navajo Nation,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Skip The Grid: Giving The Gift Of Renewable Energy To Children Of Navajo Nation, Jack W. Byrne
Construction Management
Skip the Grid is an interdisciplinary service learning project that is aimed at installing solar power as well as lighting and a refrigeration unit at the homes of children on the Navajo Reservation who are without electricity. The project has a large team of players with vital roles in making the effort a successful and rewarding trip. The team this year was comprised of 20 students from California Polytechnic State University representing 4of the university’s colleges, members of the educationally based non-profit Heart of America (HOA), community outreach professionals from the solar contractor SOLV energy, a contingent of representatives from …
How Regulations Impact Contractors In California: Licensing, Insurance, Bonding & Permitting,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
How Regulations Impact Contractors In California: Licensing, Insurance, Bonding & Permitting, Byron Rolando Calderon Cifuentes
Construction Management
This senior project researches the impact of regulatory requirements, specifically licensing, insurance, bonding, and permitting, on contractors in California. The study addresses the question: How do regulations affect contractors’ ability to operate and grow? To examine this, qualitative interviews were conducted with six industry professionals, including general contractors, specialty contractors, and design-build firms. Additionally, 25 survey responses were collected from contractors and construction professionals to gain broader insights. The findings reveal that while licensing, insurance, and bonding are seen as foundational for establishing credibility and legal compliance, the permitting process presents the most significant challenge. Respondents consistently described permitting as …
