My research involves working to utilize the finite element method to create computational representations of geometry useful in design, analysis, and manufacturing applications through C++ and CAE applications. Current methods for transferring a geometry made in CAD software to an analysis software involve meshing, which has proven to be time-intensive and problematic for certain geometries (like those with overlapping faces, small protrusions, etc.).
Rather than continuing to approximate the intended geometry, like these current methods do, I am working with a few other research assistants to create a more robust method for representing geometries for analysis purposes. Recently, I have been working with the Rhino CAD interface and updating code to accommodate geometries with trimmed portions (holes or patches) so they work properly when run through an analysis software like LS-DYNA.
The results of an analysis can be seen in the video, which shows a modal analysis run on a trimmed bracket. Continued updates will eventually make it possible to convert the original CAD geometry into a new, single-surface geometry suitable for analysis.
Sabrina Lem is from Canada and received her undergraduate degree there at York University in Toronto. She’s currently in her second year of a 3 year Architectural Graduate program at University of Illinois in Chicago. She didn’t grow up wanting to be an architect, but her passion for travel and observing sustainable designs drove her toward architecture and urban planning. She’s also working on obtaining her Leed’s Certification.
The architecture program at Illinois is the oldest program in the country at a public university, and is consistently ranked among the top 20 programs nationally. It is recognized as one of two programs in the nation best at preparing students for the architecture profession.
Congratulations to Sabrina and as we invest in her future and the future of all of our scholarship winners, we look forward to watching her grow.
The 840-foot long, 64-foot wide vehicle bridge spans an area where, in 2017, a Fort Hood Soldier was swept away in flood waters after driving around temporary barriers at the low-water crossing here. The Soldier’s body was never recovered, and a rescue/recover diver also lost her life In 2022, the $18 million construction project of a bridge over Clear Creek on Turkey Run Road is nearing completion. The Turkey Runs Road Bridge is just part of Fort Hood’s ongoing efforts to eventually eliminate all low-water crossing areas on paved roads throughout the installation.
Deanna Ho is a recipient of the 2022-2023 David. W. Lakamp Scholarship. She is working this summar as an intern with the US Army Corp of Engineers on the Ft. Hood Bridge project.
“I am the Project Engineer, COR (Contracting Officer’s Representative) managing active components of the construction during all phases. Providing direction and assisting in developing and executing the construction of the bridge, collaborating with all levels of the project team (Client, contractor, subcontractor, and project/program manager). As a Project Engineer, I have been incorporating risk management principles to analyze safety concerns that may have a critical impact to the constructability of the project. Implementation and enforcing those risk management plans are strategic to effectively increase risk mitigation throughout the project.
The flooding at the low-water crossing had caused a Fort Hood Soldier to be swept away along with a rescuer lost her life during recovery operations. The bridge was engineered and designed to effectively reduce risk from flooding on the low-water crossing, constantly used by tactical vehicles.“
Meet Rebecca Rasmussen our a/e ProNet 2022 ACEC Scholarship Recipient. In an interview with Executive Director Lynda Colucci of a/e ProNet, Rebecca tells us she is following in the footsteps of her Civil Engineer Dad. She had an ‘ah ha’ moment when she saw not only could he build and design the deck on the back of their house he could also build and design commercial buildings of grand scale.
Rebecca will be entering her senior year at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. She loves calculus and is applying all those theories toward her Civil Engineering degree with a lot of focus on Structural. With her degree in hand, she’s hoping to work on those grand scale commercial structures, maybe bridge or roadway, but a residential home too.
Rebecca was born and raised in Utah and she and her Medical School student husband are juggling classes and internships. Congratulations Rebecca. We are proud to invest in your education and future. And, we look forward to following your projects this Fall once school is back underway.
a/e ProNet has officially announced our two recipients for the 2022-2023 David. W. Lakamp Scholarship.
Initially launched in 1990, the scholarship was renamed after a/e ProNet’s Founder, David W. Lakamp in 1999. Lakamp was a trusted advisor to the profession and left behind a legacy of professionalism and integrity that set new standards in the field of insurance services.
We award two $5,000 scholarships in Lakamp’s name every year to the two students who best demonstrate strong interest in practice and risk management.
Jennifer Stieben
One of the two 2022-2023 scholarship recipients is Jennifer Stieben. Jennifer, born and raised in Kentucky is working toward her Master’s in Architecture at the University of Kentucky. She comes from a family who are – “in the trade”. Her grandfather is an Architect, and her father is an Engineer. Jennifer likes the idea of combining the Art and the Science together on a design/build project. She’s currently working on the restoration of a church that recently flooded. The candidates were asked what Risk Management meant to them. Jennifer put her focus on Communication particularly noting how the pandemic changed the way we communicate with each other – in the office, with your coworkers, with the clients and the public. Jennifer notes “Being comfortable with management and coworkers aids in better production because it allows for transparency and better communication. This also relates to employee retention. No trust in management or coworkers causes poor communication which causes poorly executed projects. Good relationships within the company can also result in good relationships with clients.”
Deanna Ho
The second scholarship recipient is Deanna Ho. Deanna took a drafting class in high school and got hooked! Deanna received her undergraduate degree in Architectural Engineering at North Carolina A&T State and is working toward her Master’s in Architecture at Arizona State University. Deanna is also a Veteran serving in the US Army. While working on her Master’s she is also working as an Architectural Associate for the US Army Corp of Engineers. Deanna noted her military experience provided her the foundation of her Leadership skills. She learned to perform duties outside of her comfort zone while integrating risk management. She states “ I believe that experience, whether in or out of your field of study, will benefit any business that can lead to productivity, quality results, and improve company culture. Architect firms should embrace and adapt to the new technologies.”
We are very proud of both Jennifer and Deanna. Stay tuned for future Blogs as we follow their projects and achievements.
Schola Eburuoh is one of our AIA David Lakamp Scholarship winners in 2021. She is working on her Masters in Architecture at Harvard. She has been working on this project all school year and it is now completed.
“I was tasked with designing a “City Shed” for my Core II Project I, I was interested in investigating the layering within the greater site context –historically and physically, in elevation and in the plan— and I reflect this layering to create a nuanced accumulation of spaces for the community scaled onto our given site. The important views are highlights in the fragment models- they show the views into the main active area (community basketball and tennis courts). This was an exciting project!”
