SOLAIRE WHEATON

REFLECTION

The Penn State Senior Thesis Project focused on the design and construction methods for the Solaire Wheaton project in Wheaton, MD.

The AE481 & AE 482 courses allowed for growth in both technical and analytical skills. The structure of the course allows students to first understand the project in its entirety prior to making recommendations for improving design and construction. The technical reports in the fall semester challenge students to accurately document aspects of the project such as building systems, construction methods, and design/construction issues through interviews of the project team and technical writing.

Upon completion of the technical reports, a proposal was drafted for areas of analysis to accelerate the schedule while increase safety awareness on the jobsite and minimizing fall exposure. The four areas of study were analyzed in the spring semester and ultimately led to a final report and presentation. While the Senior Thesis Capstone Project challenged my time management and organizational skills, it proved to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic career.