Welcome to Michelle's AE Senior Thesis e-Portfolio
About Michelle Benoit
Michelle attended Osseo-Fairchild High School in Osseo, WI. As a senior project Michelle was asked to design her dream home; this is ultimately what helped her decide on her course of studies in college. Upon graduating from high school in 2001 she moved to Pennsylvania with her family. To combine her math skills with her interest in art and design she decided to major in Architectural Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University with a focus in structural engineering. She is currently in her 10th semester of the five year ABET accredited program and was accepted into the integrated masters program in the fall of 2005. Michelle is planning to graduate in December 2007 with a Bachelors and Masters of Architectural Engineering.
Through her studies at Penn State Michelle has gained a solid understanding of the design of wood, concrete and steel structures, as well as skills in computer programs such as AutoCAD, Risa 3D, Ram BEAM and Enercalc. Michelle has utilized these skills through internships with Javan & Walter as an AutoCAD drafter and with Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt where she expanded her design abilities. She is looking forward to working at an innovative Architectural Engineering or consulting firm after graduation.
This summer Michelle's plans are to stay in State College. Over the past year she has worked diligently on the structural design for Penn State's Solar Decathlon house. With the competition this October the team is working towards the completion of drawings. This summer Michelle will be helping to construct the house.
Outside of school Michelle pursues her interest in horses. She currently works at a thoroughbred farm in State College. Her duties at the farm, besides general barn help, include working with and breaking yearlings to be sent to the track to be trained as racehorses. This summer she is looking forward to having her own horse, a 5 year old warmblood, with her to begin his training. Future plans include showing him in dressage, jumpers, and eventing.
