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Architecture
and Construction Management Students Get Out of the Classroom and into the
"Real World"
The idea behind visiting eight Town of
Islip recreation centers – to provide existing-condition drawings of the
buildings and propose ways to increase their energy efficiency – was the
brainchild of Professor Orla LoPiccolo,
an assistant professor in the architecture and construction management
department. Two goals of the project were to provide the 28 students who
participated in the assignment to work with "real-world" clients and
to give them a project to kick-start their resumes. Based on the response by
Islip's deputy commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation – who
said the drawings would be used for space planning and as the basis for future
construction projects – the exercise was a smashing success.
"Having a learning experience
outside the classroom with a project that benefits a real client is a
marketable skill that is invaluable in the job market," Professor LoPiccolo said. "These students understood the
importance of this project for the Town, for their course grade, and as a
benefit for their resumes and portfolios."
Junior Steven Chiocchio, an
architectural engineering technology major and leader of his team,
echoed Professor LoPiccolo's words.
"The most educational classes for
me are the classes with group or off-campus projects. I understand the concepts
covered in the classroom when we go out into the field and experience
them."
For senior Tonye
Jack, a regular on both the Dean's List and President's List, the importance of
the project went well beyond burnishing her resume.
"I am Nigerian, and there is a
need for improvements in my country's infrastructure," Jack, a
construction management engineering technology major, said. "That is what
drew me to study construction engineering, so that one day I can help make a
difference and improve the quality of infrastructure in my country."
Coming at it from yet another
perspective is Nicolas Comito, who literally grew up
in the construction industry.
"Ever since I was old enough to
hold a hammer I've been building," said Comito,
who is working on a BS in construction management engineering technology.
"After working in the industry for almost 10 years I realized that getting
my degree would be the best way to enhance my career."
And for Lauren Liegmann,
also a construction management engineering technology major, the joy was in the
work itself.
"I really enjoy learning about the
mechanics of buildings and how they work," said Leigmann,
who will graduate in 2016.
Professor LoPiccolo
has been organizing these service learning projects since 2009. Right out of
the gate the project was a big hit, with Professor LoPiccolo's
students' work being used to help kick start a program to refurbish a dozen
veterans' facilities in Islip Town. Other projects in the program have included
work at senior centers and fire stations.
"Professor LoPiccolo
is the only professor I have had that takes you off campus to learn in the
field rather than solely reading the textbook or learning from lectures,"
Chiocchio, a frequent Dean's List student said.
Also a Dean's List student, as well as
a member of the Society of Women in Engineering, Liegmann
enjoys both the work and the notion that she is being somewhat of a trailblazer.
"Being in the construction field, as a woman, I am underrepresented
because of my gender. Here at Farmingdale I plan on leaving my mark as a
success in the field."
The Department of Architecture and
Construction is part of Farmingdale's School of Engineering Technology. More
than 300 students are enrolled in BS degrees in Architectural Engineering
Technology and Construction Management Engineering Technology.
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