Each year, Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering asks our students engaged in summer research to tell us about themselves, their work and the goals of the research they are working with professors on. This year, the questionnaire was completed by intrepid scientists, mathematicians, engineers and tech experts on campus at Loyola Marymount University — and beyond the bluff!
Paige Teevans ‘28, a civil engineering student whose research was overseen by professor Michael Manoogian, worked with a team to use a civil engineering computer program called SketchUp to create renderings using VR headsets.
Can you describe your research for those outside your field of study?
We are exploring the capabilities of a civil engineering computer program called SketchUp.
What do you think readers will find most interesting about your project?
Using Trimble Connect, we can share the models we make of buildings and other objects to people who don’t have access to SketchUp. This allows non-engineers to provide input and see how our work has come along.
What have you learned about doing research that other students might benefit from?
We’ve learned that your research plan will not always work the first time (or times) you try it, but that’s part of the process and that you just have to keep going. We spent a lot of days trying to get the program and licensing to work properly and though we had to redo a lot of our work when it was deleted, our second attempt was more successful than the first.
In your experience, how does doing research complement coursework?
In the fall, civil engineers will be taking a surveying and mapping class. We will be importing our scans into SketchUp, so I hope that by learning the ins and outs of the program now, we will be able to take on more advanced projects and help others who may struggle learning everything for the first time.
What advice would you give to someone on the fence about doing research?
I would recommend students express their interest about research to their professors early on, it’s a great way to get experience and connect with professors you’ll have throughout your four years. There’s so many great professors who are excited to do research and would love to have passionate students on their team. Their enthusiasm for their projects is really motivating and encouraging when you face challenges.
