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 …
Evaluating The Barriers To Virtual And Augmented Reality Adoption In The Construction Industry,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Evaluating The Barriers To Virtual And Augmented Reality Adoption In The Construction Industry, Hayden C. Werts
Construction Management
Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies have demonstrated the ability to enhance design coordination, safety training, and field accuracy in the construction industry; however, their utilization remains limited. This study examines and assesses the gap between the capabilities of VR/AR and their actual implementation in the construction industry, utilizing a literature review and an analytical survey of 52 construction professionals. Survey results revealed that only 27% of construction managers have utilized VR/AR in their careers, although those with experience in these technologies rated them highly for their ability to reduce errors and improve coordination. Key barriers to adoption included high …
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 …
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 …
Skip The Grid: Bringing Solar To The Navajo Nation,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Skip The Grid: Bringing Solar To The Navajo Nation, Samuel B. Mcclintock Ii
Construction Management
Skip the Grid is a student-driven, interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to improving access to electricity for families of the Navajo Nation. The project focuses on educational equity by addressing barriers to home study, such as insufficient lighting and energy. These issues stem from the Navajo Nation's remote nature and the families' access to resources. In March of 2025, a group of 24 students and faculty from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), representing six different educational departments, traveled to Arizona to partner with the Chinle Unified School District in addressing educational equity in the Navajo Nation. The effort allowed students to …
Shipping Container Library Project: Preconstruction Strategy And Planning,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Shipping Container Library Project: Preconstruction Strategy And Planning, Chris Lochner
Construction Management
This report outlines the preconstruction planning phase for the development of a shipping container library to be deployed to a community in Sub-Saharan Africa. The library is designed as a modular and sustainable solution for delivering access to educational resources. Preconstruction efforts have focused on finalizing design documentation, procurement planning, trade coordination, permitting considerations, and site logistics. While no construction has begun, two 40-foot high-cube containers have been ordered—one for prototyping and one for shipment. One container is currently staged at Tilden-Coil Constructors’ yard in Riverside, California, and the project is approaching the procurement and mobilization phase. All tracking of …
Creating An Off-Site Construction Course,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Creating An Off-Site Construction Course, Tyler Steven Meehleis
Construction Management
The construction industry is undergoing a transformation as prefabrication and modular methods become more common across project types. From residential homes to large-scale commercial buildings, offsite construction offers faster timelines, improved quality control, and reduced environmental impact of construction. Despite these advantages, off -site construction has historically been underrepresented in the Construction Management (CM) curriculum at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). While students are well-prepared for traditional project delivery in residential, commercial, and heavy civil sectors, they often graduate with limited exposure to more modern building systems and off-site production techniques. This off-site construction course addresses this gap by …
Cal Poly Leaning Pine Arboretum Gazebo,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Cal Poly Leaning Pine Arboretum Gazebo, Tyler Higgins
Construction Management
Located on the north end of California Polytechnic State University’s campus, the Leaning Pine Arboretum gazebo stands as a place of gathering, relaxation, and functionality. Taking the place of a smaller existing structure, this project transforms the area, creating new opportunities and laying a foundation for future growth over the coming years. Along the way, several challenges arose, including design complications, permitting issues, and time constraints. Through this process, it became clear that obstacles were inevitable, and overcoming them taught valuable lessons in teamwork, coordination between multiple parties, relationship building, and project management. From September to December 2024, work continued …
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 …
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 …
Plumbing System Design For Gateway Decathlon,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Plumbing System Design For Gateway Decathlon, Philip Soo
Construction Management
This senior project focuses on the development of a Sustainable and Efficient Plumbing System for the Gateway Decathlon Modular Housing Unit, a Mass Timber construction. As part of an Integrated Project Design delivery, this project involves a collaborative effort among students from various disciplines, including construction management, architecture, and engineering. Over the past year, teams of students have collaborated to develop architectural drawings, including floor plans, elevations, and system layouts. This project includes the careful selection of plumbing fixtures that align with the performance and sustainability goals of the modular housing unit. In addition, the materials were chosen based on …
Skip The Grid: Energizing Navajo Nation,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Skip The Grid: Energizing Navajo Nation, Eiley Q. Eichten
Construction Management
Skip the Grid is an interdisciplinary service project aimed at providing reliable and clean energy to families living in Navajo Nation. Cal Poly partnered with Heart of America, SOLV Energy, and Nextracker to help bring this plan to fruition. Twenty students were selected to contribute to the planning, coordinating, and fundraising for the project. After the preparation was completed, Cal Poly students joined representatives from Heart of America, SOLV Energy, and Nextracker. The trip commenced with a hands-on, productive five day visit to Chinle, Arizona. The first working day commenced with Cal Poly students attending a total of five schools …
How Mass Timber Supports Sustainability During Construction: An Industry-Based Analysis,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
How Mass Timber Supports Sustainability During Construction: An Industry-Based Analysis, Nicholas T. Mayton
Construction Management
As the construction industry explores new ways to reduce environmental impact, mass timber has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional materials. While much of the existing research on mass timber focuses on life-cycle assessments and carbon comparisons, few studies capture insights from professionals directly involved in building with it. This paper analyzes a series of industry interviews with contractors, designers, and sustainability consultants who have experience working on mass timber projects. The aim is to understand how sustainability plays out during the construction phase—not just in theory, but in practice. Using qualitative methods and word pattern analysis, three core …
Prefabrication Of Custom Cat Condos For Son Care Foundation,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Prefabrication Of Custom Cat Condos For Son Care Foundation, Jacob Marano
Construction Management
This senior project involved the design and construction of four custom cat condos for the Son Care Foundation. The goal of the project was to enhance the quality of life for cats by creating safe, functional, and enriching enclosures. The process involved developing a conceptual design, coordinating with daycare center staff, refining the final design and materials list, procuring supplies, and executing the build. The final deliverables included four completed condos with individual and shared spaces for 8 to 12 cats in total. Throughout the project, valuable lessons were learned in planning, budgeting, construction techniques, and working with a real …
Skip The Grid: Empowering The Navajo Nation Through Solar Energy,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Skip The Grid: Empowering The Navajo Nation Through Solar Energy, Gerardo L. Luna
Construction Management
Skip the Grid is an interdisciplinary service project through California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), aimed at providing sustainable energy solutions to underserved communities. In Spring 2025, I participated as a rooftop safety lead and solar installer in Chinle, Arizona, where our team partnered with SOLV Energy, Goal Zero, and Heart of America to bring solar power to 40 off-grid homes across the Navajo Nation. As a member of Red Team #3, I was directly responsible for ensuring safe ladder setup, supervising rooftop work, mounting solar panels, and managing exterior cable routing for 8 successful installations. Beyond …
Design And Playhouse Plan For Girls Build Summer Academy 2025,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Design And Playhouse Plan For Girls Build Summer Academy 2025, Aracely Berber
Construction Management
This project involves the development and execution of a week-long construction camp at Cal Poly aimed at introducing high school girls to the construction industry through the hands-on building of playhouses. This camp is coordinated by a professor in Cal Poly’s Construction Management Department and invites other industry professionals. The initiative not only promotes youth empowerment and gender diversity in the industry but also incorporates a strong educational and technical component. As part of the planning process, a detailed 3D model of the playhouse was created using Autodesk Revit to visualize the structure. Additionally, a materials list was created and …
The Third Annual Hasslein Caed Collaborative,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
The Third Annual Hasslein Caed Collaborative, Marianne Nicole Bishai
Construction Management
This paper details the planning, development, and impact of the third annual Hasslein CAED Collaborative Student Competition. The intention of the Hasslein Cup is to engage the students of the five College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) majors in an industry-like scenario. The five majors, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, City and Regional Planning, Construction Management, and Landscape Architecture, make up the workforce of the construction industry, yet there has been very little opportunity for the students to work together and replicate a professional scenario. The competition began from research conducted by Greta Stout, class of 2022, which explored the benefits …
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 …
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 …
