Top Eight Senior Thesis
The following seniors garnered top honors in their class
when they presented their senior projects to a jury of industry professionals
at the Nittany Lion Inn on April 29, 2005:
Matthew I. Alleman chose the Ford Center for Environmental and Conservation Education located in Royal Oak Michigan as his senior thesis building. His thesis focused on redesigning the lighting for five spaces including studio classroom spaces where he created four different environmental settings in addition to a classroom setting. He will be graduating in December of 2005 with a Master of Architectural Engineering (M.A.E.) degree.
Diane M. Emert completed her senior thesis on Broadway Plaza, a 29-story apartment and retail center in downtown, Rochester, MN. Her project focused on the redesign of lighting for six areas including the exterior façade, apartment lobby, skyway, conference room, function room, and pool. Additionally, an alternate electrical power distribution method was designed and analyzed for possible implementation. Following graduation, Diane has accepted a position as an electrical engineer for James Posey Associates in Baltimore, MD.
Dustin M. Eplee invented a system involving solar reactivated desiccant dehumidification and humidification coupled with ocean source cooling, radiant slabs, and thermal hot water storage. This invention was applied through a thesis project to the Institute of Contemporary Art, located in Boston, MA. The system highlights include an 82% reduction in annual energy costs and a 16% reduction in the first cost of the HVAC equipment. Following graduation, he accepted a position at Burt Hill located in Butler, PA.
Bryan W. Franz conducted his thesis research on the Global Vision Integration Center in Suffolk, VA. By understanding the owner's expectations and potential project risks, he proposed implementing 3-D modeling software during preconstruction to control cost and schedule escalation. To improve the quality of the building, he considered the feasibility of structural precast modules to replace the existing tilt-up concrete façade. The quality of the auditorium acoustics were also assessed to ensure that the space conformed to guidelines for superior speech intelligibility. Pending graduation, Bryan will launch his career with James G. Davis Construction in McLean, Virginia.
Patrick L. Hopple focused his thesis study on the Hyatt Center, a 50-story 1.7 million-square-foot commercial office high-rise, located in the heart of the Chicago business district. His study examined lateral system redesigns utilizing composite steel columns with extensive use of outrigger trusses to control the building dynamics of the slender high-rise. Redesigning from a concrete core to an all-steel structure resulted in studies on suitable infill-wall assemblies for fire and acoustics performance as well as construction management impacts on the project. Future plans include completing a summer internship with DeSimone Consulting Structural Engineers in New York City and returning to Penn State to complete his integrated B.A.E/M.A.E degree upon graduating in December 2005.
Jason M. Jones's senior thesis project focused on the three-story, 160,000-square-foot Multipurpose Activity Center, located on the campus of Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ. The original building design can not be built due to the university's power constraints. Therefore, the redesign involves adding a combined heat and power system including micro-generators, absorption chiller, thermal storage tank, and enthalpy wheels, to provide a possible solution for the building to be built. His future plans include working with GRG in Maitland, FL.
Traci L. Peterson's thesis project focused on the Del Monte Center at the North Shore, located in Pittsburgh, PA. Currently under construction, the Del Monte Center is a six story, 265,000-square-foot building which houses Del Monte's corporate office space on the upper floors and retail/restaurant space on the lower floors. Traci's structural redesign is centered on the building's lateral bracing. After graduation, Traci plans to begin her career with Atlantic Engineering Services of Pittsburgh.
Kara E. Prince focused her senior thesis project on 191 National Business Park, an office building with light testing and secure facilities. The elevated floor system was re-designed to allow acceptable vibration and still provide the required STC 45 rating to prevent sound attenuation. The duct was also re-designed on one area of the first floor. This was to allow proper air flow and account for security measures necessary for construction of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF). Her research focused on understanding construction in secure environments and strategies that may be implemented to manage security. Kara's future plans include beginning her career at Bovis Lend Lease in Bethesda, MD, and continuing her education.