2025 Annual Hackathon Redesigning Safety Fall Protection,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
2025 Annual Hackathon Redesigning Safety Fall Protection, Cole Lewis
Construction Management
The Verifying Everyone’s Safety Together (VEST) Hackathon is an annual event organized by construction management and social science students at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Its purpose is to redesign a specific piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) to improve usability, comfort, and inclusivity, with a focus on providing equitable safety for all workers. This hackathon centered on fall protection, specifically safety harnesses, which are essential for protecting workers at height but often lack comfort and user-friendliness. Students, faculty, and industry guests gathered to examine current harness designs and develop practical, worker-informed improvements. The event space was outfitted …
Thousand Hills Pet Resort Cat Condos Installation And Qa/Qc,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Thousand Hills Pet Resort Cat Condos Installation And Qa/Qc, Erik Anders Ruud
Construction Management
This paper discusses the installation and quality assurance/quality control of four cat condos built for the Son Care Foundation at the Thousand Hills Pet Resort in San Luis Obispo. The Son Care Foundation is a nonprofit that provides professional daycare and overnight boarding services for dogs and cats while their owners are away. The cat condos serve cats during the day while their owners are at work or otherwise busy. Because three people were assigned to this project, the project was split into preconstruction, prefabrication, and installation/QA/QC. To meet the two-day installation window, due to active facility use, three cat …
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 …
Assessing Fire Risks In San Luis Obispo: The Impact Of Building Construction And Landscaping On Wildfire Vulnerability,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Assessing Fire Risks In San Luis Obispo: The Impact Of Building Construction And Landscaping On Wildfire Vulnerability, Zachary A. Pollock
Construction Management
As wildfires grow in frequency and intensity across California, understanding and mitigating residential fire risk has become a public safety priority. Communities in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), such as San Luis Obispo, are especially vulnerable due to their proximity to natural vegetation and the prevalence of older housing stock. While state and local agencies have introduced regulations and educational campaigns, there remains a need for accessible, scalable tools that help identify fire risks at the individual home level. This project assessed wildfire vulnerability across 140 homes in San Luis Obispo, California, using a custom visual grading rubric informed by academic …
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 …
R.A.C.E. Matters Precast Concrete Bench Construction,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
R.A.C.E. Matters Precast Concrete Bench Construction, Camryn E. Berger
Construction Management
This paper presents a narrative detailing the design and construction process undertaken by an interdisciplinary team of students from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, representing the Construction Management, Architecture, and Architectural Engineering departments. The team collaborated to design, fabricate, and install three precast concrete benches for the nonprofit organization R.A.C.E. Matters. The project began in Fall 2024 and culminated in the installation of the benches at sites managed by the San Luis Obispo Conservancy: Pismo Preserve, the Octagon Barn, and Kathleen’s Overlook. Each bench will serve as a platform for murals, visually depicting diverse racial experiences. This paper …
Assessment Of Mental Wellbeing Programs In The Construction Industry,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Assessment Of Mental Wellbeing Programs In The Construction Industry, Evan James Olszak
Construction Management
Mental health problems are very prevalent within the construction industry, and there is not enough attention put towards the mental wellbeing of employees in the industry. The construction industry is ranked #2 for deaths by suicide, and #1 when mining and extraction are included (CDC, 2021). Previous research has been done to understand the severity of the issue, and some programs have been started to spread awareness and train employees. The issue arises in a lack of analysis of these programs. The programs that are being used are still in their infancy and require a comprehensive review to understand the …
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: 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 …
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 …
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 …
Preconstruction Management Of The Cat Condos Project At Thousand Hills Pet Resort,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Preconstruction Management Of The Cat Condos Project At Thousand Hills Pet Resort, Aeon Combs
Construction Management
This paper presents the preconstruction phases of the Cat Condos Project at the Thousand Hills Pet Resort, and the many challenges which were necessary to realize its completion. The Son Care Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in San Luis Obispo with many focuses such as outreach for veterans, prison rehabilitation, youth development, and other charitable pursuits. The Thousand Hills Pet Resort is a subsidiary of the Son Care Foundation which provides holistic boarding services to felines and canines alike, all the profits generated by the Thousand Hills Pet Resort are donated to sustain the Son Care Foundations’ charitable endeavors. …
Skip The Grid Bringing Light To The Darkness And Bridging The Educational Gap In Navajo Nation,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Skip The Grid Bringing Light To The Darkness And Bridging The Educational Gap In Navajo Nation, Robert Joseph Byrne
Construction Management
Skip The Grid is a unique project done in collaboration with many groups, including California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) students and faculty members, representatives from Solv Energy, Nextracker, Tribal Liaisons, Heart of America, and members of the Navajo Nation. This group delivered and installed solar panel systems accompanied by batteries, lights, and a small refrigerator. The Navajo Nation faces many problems, including higher poverty and unemployment rates when compared to the rest of the United States. The goal of the Skip The Grid project was to deliver sustainable, safe, and reliable power to homes of school-aged children in the …
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 …
Ace Mentor Program Of America,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Ace Mentor Program Of America, Dayana Flores Reyes
Construction Management
This senior project examines my role and experience as a student mentor in the ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Mentor Program's Central Coast Chapter. This program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world application, utilizes simplified terminology for early learners, and provides structured deliverables tailored to the project at hand. This year, the program targeted students from San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande High School. The project involved designing a new fire station to replace Fire Station No. 4 in San Luis Obispo, which was chosen due to its mixed-use properties. Over the course of nine weeks, the students engaged in the …
Son Care Foundation – Pergola Structure Construction,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Son Care Foundation – Pergola Structure Construction, Jackson Landless
Construction Management
This paper covers the construction process of a pergola structure for the Son Care Foundation in San Luis Obispo, California. The project’s goal in this study is to create a welcoming outdoor space for clients their dogs. Excavating four footings, fabricating custom rebar cages, and pouring concrete using fast-setting mix were all part of the construction efforts. Framing the structure required precise calculations to accommodate for the slope and corner braces. The matching white paint and corrugated PVC roof further achieved the desired aesthetic the client requested. Trial and error, practical experience, and cooperation with local material suppliers and maintenance …
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 …
Discovering The Effective Actions Of Upstanders And Tackling Implicit Bias In The Workplace: Findings From A Workshop,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Discovering The Effective Actions Of Upstanders And Tackling Implicit Bias In The Workplace: Findings From A Workshop, Jacob H. Defreeuw
Construction Management
This project focused on exploring how both university students and construction industry professionals recognize and respond to opportunities to act as upstanders in workplace settings, particularly in support of underrepresented groups. The research aimed to bridge the gap between current industry practices surrounding implicit bias and the practical realities of advocating for inclusiveness on construction sites and in office environments. To achieve this, surveys were distributed to industry professionals, an in-depth literature review of modern upstander and implicit bias training strategies was performed, and a student-centered workshop was held at the Cal Poly Women in Construction Symposium. The workshop featured …
Hawthorne Elementary Stage Set Construction,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Hawthorne Elementary Stage Set Construction, Alejandro Gonzalez, Sergio Daniel Manriquez
Construction Management
The Pirate Ship and Playhouse project, undertaken by California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Cal Poly Construction Management students, aimed to support arts education at Hawthorne Elementary School through the construction of theatrical set pieces for a Peter Pan performance. Initiated by Phil Barlow and guided by Anna Brennen from the school’s staff, the project integrated community service with practical learning in construction management. From initial design and material sourcing to final installation, the team emphasized safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Funding and logistical support from local businesses and Cal Poly facilitated the project’s success. This hands-on endeavor not …
