In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Lauren Maggi, a third-year architectural engineering student at Penn State University, who is currently interning on the exciting Beaver Stadium renovation project.

Lauren shares her journey into the field of construction management, highlighting her unique minor in engineering leadership development, which emphasizes the importance of interpersonal skills in engineering roles. As a project engineer intern with Alexander Building Construction, she discusses her responsibilities, including working on submittal documentation, creating RFIs, and participating in quality control and meetings.

The conversation delves into the competitive nature of securing internships in construction, with Lauren expressing her excitement upon learning she would be working on the high-profile Beaver Stadium project. She reflects on how her experience has changed her perspective on the stadium, allowing her to see it through a more critical lens as she recognizes her contributions to the project.

Lauren also emphasizes the value of hands-on experience in education, noting how her internship has enhanced her understanding of technical concepts learned in the classroom. As she looks ahead, she plans to continue her internship and is excited about the opportunity to study abroad in Rome next summer, further enriching her architectural education.

Overall, this episode provides a fresh perspective on the construction industry through the eyes of a future leader, showcasing the importance of internships and real-world experience in shaping the next generation of professionals.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin dive into an engaging discussion about safety education in the construction industry with special guest Tracey Cekada, the chair of the Safety Sciences and Environmental Engineering Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).

We kick off the episode with a light-hearted introduction, where Chris and Jon share their excitement about the topic and the importance of safety in construction. Jon highlights the Keystone Contractors Association's scholarship program, which recently awarded its first scholarship to Mackenzie Daniel, a student in IUP's safety program. This sets the stage for our conversation about the significance of safety education and the opportunities available for students in this field.

Tracey Cekada joins the conversation to provide insights into IUP's safety program, which offers a Bachelor of Science in Safety, Health, and Environmental Applied Sciences, as well as a Master's and PhD in Safety Sciences. Tracey explains the recent merger of two departments into one, emphasizing the growing importance of safety education in various industries, including construction, oil and gas, and even sports.

Throughout the episode, we discuss the common questions incoming students and their parents have about the job market and career prospects in safety. Tracey reassures listeners that the demand for safety professionals is high, with many medium to large companies employing safety experts. She shares inspiring stories of graduates who have found success in diverse fields, including a student working for Fox Sports, overseeing safety at major events.

As we delve deeper into the educational experience at IUP, Tracey outlines what first-year students can expect, including foundational courses and hands-on laboratory experiences. She emphasizes the importance of internships and co-op opportunities, which are integral to the program, ensuring that students graduate with real-world experience.

We also touch on the significance of communication skills for safety professionals, as Tracey explains how effective communication can make a difference in promoting safety culture within organizations. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the resources available for those looking to enter the safety field, including certification options and the potential for an associate's degree aimed at smaller contractors.

Overall, this episode is a valuable resource for anyone interested in pursuing a career in safety, particularly within the construction industry. Tracey's insights and the experiences shared by Jon and Chris highlight the importance of safety education and the myriad of opportunities available for students in this vital field. Tune in to learn more about how safety professionals are making a difference and how you can get involved!

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Kara McCaffrey, a construction industry rock star and chief wellness officer at Houck Group. Kara shares her journey from healthcare IT back to construction, driven by her passion for mental health and suicide prevention, especially after losing her brother to suicide.

The conversation delves into the importance of mental health awareness in the construction industry, highlighting the progress made over the years and the need to transition from awareness to actionable solutions. Kara emphasizes the significance of toolbox talks focused on mental health, training programs like Mental Health First Aid, and the role of resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and the national 988 crisis hotline.

Kara discusses her involvement with various organizations, including the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention and Construction Suicide Prevention Week, which aim to provide resources and support for mental health in the industry. She also shares insights on how to approach conversations about mental health with colleagues, stressing the importance of showing care and understanding.

As the episode wraps up, Kara reflects on the incremental progress being made in the industry, noting that while suicide rates remain a concern, more individuals are seeking help and utilizing available resources. The hosts express their gratitude for Kara's contributions and the vital work being done to foster a supportive environment in construction.

Join us for this enlightening discussion that underscores the importance of mental health awareness and the collective efforts to create a healthier construction industry.