Building Bridges to the Future
for Engineering Students
Building & Earth's Commitment to Educational Outreach
“The problem is clear to many leaders in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry: There simply are not enough engineers to do all the infrastructure work planned or underway in the U.S., says Robert Reid, senior editor and features manager of Civil Engineering Magazine.
Building & Earth is helping to bridge that gap with a strong commitment to fostering the growth of future engineering professionals through partnerships with several universities, including the Civil Engineering Departments of Auburn University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
As part of this commitment, this spring, Joey Jones, PE, Building & Earth Regional Vice President, shared his expertise with UAB’s senior civil design class. And last fall, Auburn Branch Manager, Aaron Roy, PE, brought his geotechnical engineering experience – and a large drill rig – directly to the Auburn University Engineering School campus.
University of Alabama at Birmingham Outreach
The UAB Senior Design students were immersed in a bridge design project, utilizing real-world specifications provided by ALDOT (Alabama Department of Transportation). Working in teams, they navigated the complexities of structural design, grading, roadway design, and foundation design, simulating the challenges and collaborations inherent in the field.
Jones’ contribution was to further explain to the students how geotechnical engineering practices could assist them with their projects and provide a general overview regarding the discipline. Recognizing that exposure to Geotechnical engineering is minimal in most undergraduate programs,” Jones aimed to provide a foundational understanding of the field. His presentation covered the day-to-day realities of geotechnical work, from site investigation and soil sampling to the crucial process of generating engineering reports.
To make the concepts more tangible, Jones even brought in physical samples. “I took the sampling spoon and some rock cores and passed them around the class while I was there.” Jones addressed the students’ specific questions related to the geotechnical aspects of their bridge designs, bridging the gap between classroom theory and practical application.
Jones believes it’s good practice to pass on his knowledge to students that may not have had much exposure to geotechnical engineering. For select students, there is a unique appeal to geotechnical engineering. As he jokes, “We get paid to play in the dirt.” Building & Earth’s connection with UAB is a long-standing one, extending to numerous projects over the years, including recent projects like the UAB Science and Engineering Complex. It’s natural that Building & Earth would extend outreach to such a valuable partner like UAB. Looking to the future, Jones believes that Building & Earth’s involvement with UAB’s engineering department is set to deepen.
Auburn University Demonstrations
Last fall, Branch Manager Aaron Roy, PE, led a team of professionals in conducting a drill rig demonstration at the Auburn University Community Garden, giving engineering students hands-on exposure to essential field techniques and soil testing methods. “It was a great opportunity to give back to my alma mater, and I was honored to help,” says Roy.
The demonstration, designed for engineering students, provided crucial exposure to field investigation techniques that form the foundation of geotechnical work. Students learned how the hammer drop test provides soil density data and yields physical soil samples for further analysis and classification.
Roy took time to show students various soil samples yielded that day, demonstrating ASTM-approved classification techniques and explaining how the collected data translates into practical applications for clients and contractors. Together with Roy’s guidance, students completed sample Building & Earth boring logs, gaining exposure to practical documentation practices. The demonstration day ended with a crowd of students buzzing around, comparing notes and quizzing Roy about data they were recording and the nature of the soil samples. As they say in Auburn, it was a great day on the loveliest village on the plains. Roy is already planning for next year’s demonstration. “I am grateful for this collaboration.”
Building & Earth Internships: From Educational Enhancement to Employment
Building & Earth’s commitment extends to providing hands-on experience through internships. “We have a number of UAB interns that worked with us last semester working with us now,” Jones noted. These internships often lead to permanent positions for the students who fit the company culture — in fact, Jones recently hired two UAB interns, both of whom were part of the senior design class he spoke to.
Jackson Weems, one of the UAB interns who will be joining Building & Earth full-time this fall, shared his positive experience with the company. He discovered Building & Earth at a career fair and was drawn to the opportunity to work “around dirt work” while focusing on the academic side of geotechnical consulting. Weems’ internship solidified his passion for the field. He noted the company’s supportive environment, stating, “I feel like they truly value their employees here, and really just make you feel at home.” He also appreciated the responsibility and mentorship given to him, which he felt was unique compared to other intern experiences he has had before.
Weems also highlighted the variety of experiences he gained during his internship. “I got to work with the engineers exploring subsurface conditions with a drill rig, but I also got a little bit of mix of the CMT side too,” he said. This overall positive experience further solidified his decision to start his career at Building & Earth. “I can’t wait to go to work for Building & Earth,” he said.
Former Auburn intern Landon Howell, who was on hand for the Auburn demonstration seemed to echo that sentiment: “From the time I started on day one, I felt like my job and role was important, and I got to learn a lot, and stayed in the field on an active job site every day throughout the summer.”
Get Information About our Internship Programs & Educational Partnerships
As the demand for skilled engineers continues to grow, Building & Earth remains dedicated to fostering the next generation of talent. If you’d like to learn more about our internship program or how we can partner for educational enhancement, contact Joey Jones at 205-836-6300.
