User Note:
Note: While great efforts have been taken to provide accurate and complete information on the pages of CPEP, please be aware that the information contained herewith is considered a work-in-progress for this thesis project. Modifications and changes related to the original building designs and construction methodologies for this senior thesis project are solely the interpretation of Katherine Jenkins. Changes and discrepancies in no way imply that the original design contained errors or was flawed. Differing assumptions, code references, requirements, and methodologies have been incorporated into this thesis project; therefore, investigation results may vary from the original design. |
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ABET Survey
AE481W/482 Reflection
The courses AE481W/ 482 included a yearlong senior thesis project. The Architectural Engineering Senior Thesis project is the senior capstone project completed in the 5th year of Architectural Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University. The first semester course, AE481W, is focused on analyzing the building that was chosen for the senior project. As a construction management student within the Architectural Engineering Program, I focused on cost estimating, scheduling, site logistics planning, primary systems review, project team organization and delivery method, and client specifications for the building. This semester was very time intensive; however, I learned so much about my building. I had worked as an intern on the building project so I was surprised how much more I learned during the first semester of senior thesis.
The second semester, AE482, focused on proposing possible solutions and researching critical construction industry issues that dealt with my building. This semester was very challenging yet very exciting. Throughout the semester, I surprised myself with how much I had learned over the past five years in the Architectural Engineering Program. In this semester, each student was challenged with developing possible problems and solutions for the building. Over the past five years, most of the projects completed within the Architectural Engineering Program were group projects; therefore, the senior thesis project gave us students a chance to show our true capability and hard work as individuals. |
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Overall, I was impressed with how much I have learned and retained over the past five years. My senior thesis project not only pushed me to work hard, but it was gave me a chance to work and interact with many students in different options. I am excited to use all of my knowledge and new ideas in my new career within the construction industry.
Discussion Board Reflection
The dicussion board was a tool used to allow students to ask industry members questions. Within the discussion board, there were 4 forums set up, one for each option. The discussion board was fairly useful throughout the last semester of senior thesis. The industry members were able to provide quick feedback on our questions. It was difficult to get some feedback from a few of the message boards. Overall, I found the dicussion boards to be helpful. |
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