Virginia Tech, Class of 2026, Architecture
Tell us about your experience at O&G so far. What are you currently working on?
When I first heard about Pozzotive®, I was excited about the opportunity to work with the product. Pozzotive® is a cement replacement made of post-consumer recycled glass that produces 94% less CO2 than the cement it replaces. To date, Pozzotive® has prevented over 100 million pounds of CO2 emissions in the construction industry – equivalent to removing 10,000 cars from the road for an entire year. As environmental regulations become stricter, the demand for Ground Glass Pozzolans (GGPs) like Pozzotive® will continue to increase. The construction industry is slow to change, but O&G is not.
What inspired you to consider an internship with O&G?
As architects, there is a lot of collaboration with different industries throughout the entire design/build process. Because of this, it is important to get a glimpse into the different realms of my profession. My professors urge all architecture students to work in the construction industry to gain awareness and respect for what it takes to actually build something.
Have you had any other internships? If so, where? What did you do?
Last summer, I had the opportunity to work with Jacobs Engineering on the new Pittsburgh International Airport Landside Terminal. I was tasked with designing offices for Allegiant Airlines.
What inspired you to consider a future career in the construction industry?
Since I was a child, I’ve loved drawing and creating things. It has been fascinating to see the number of people and organizations required to create a sophisticated building that challenges previous perceptions about construction. There’s a quote I like by the American Architect Daniel Burnham that states, “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood.”
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to get my Architecture License and a master’s degree in architecture.
Share something about yourself! I enjoy taking my friends and family out in my grandfather’s antique speedboat from the 1960s.
