More than 20 Vanderbilt University engineering students recently traveled to Italy for spring break and not only saw some iconic structures, but also learned about the engineering behind the Pantheon and Venice’s sophisticated locks. They were able to apply the knowledge to their own engineering projects in the future.
Students pose in front of the Pantheon in Rome. (Vanderbilt University)
The trip was part of the first class taught this semester in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The aim was to give 22 students a deeper understanding of the engineering behind some of Italy’s structures, such as the ancient Pantheon and the MOSE project, designed to protect the city of Venice from flooding. did. The MOSE project is an integrated system consisting of a bank of mobile gates that uses air pressure to maintain water levels.
As part of their class assignments, students worked in groups to design a sluice gate and build and test a concrete dome prototype based on their research on how the Pantheon was built. Initially, her class had a capacity of 15 students, but the number increased due to the instructor’s interest.
“We wanted to help students understand the history and beauty of structural engineering. They could work better with architects to create beautiful, structurally sound buildings for their future careers.” We hope to be able to do this in the future,” said Lori Troxell, professor of the practice of civil engineering. Instructor of environmental engineering and classes.
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Recent excursions led by Troxell to Italy and Israel exemplify Vanderbilt’s efforts to incorporate experiential learning into the student experience.
Some students on both trips, led by Troxell, used their spring break trips to participate in an experiential learning opportunity with degree requirements called Immersion Vanderbilt.
Immersion Vanderbilt was founded to provide new ways for students to develop better critical thinking skills and stronger abilities to navigate a changing world. The program introduced students to travel opportunities while allowing Troxell to teach outside of the traditional classroom walls.
“At Immersion Vanderbilt, we encourage our faculty to take students out into the world and see firsthand the impact of engineering design. This is a reminder that Vanderbilt values experiences outside of the classroom. ,” Troxell said.
“Vanderbilt Immersion helps reinforce the idea that experiential education greatly benefits the theory and design learned in the classroom,” she added.
For example, students who traveled to Italy with Troxel gained first-hand knowledge that will help them in their future careers. Several students on the trip aim to become civil engineers and will design protection for cities that must adapt to climate change. Some students incorporated their time in Italy into their senior design projects.
Troxell said seeing MOSE’s flood protection in Venice helped students understand not only the importance of protecting a city, but also how difficult it is. Students who traveled to Israel saw first-hand how a country with little water resources was able to obtain an abundance of water through desalination and water reuse, she said.
“The immersive experience helps students realize that they can use their creativity and engineering skills to provide a better life for people around the world,” Troxell said.
/Open to the public. This material from the original organization/author may be of a contemporary nature and has been edited for clarity, style, and length. Mirage.News does not take any institutional stance or position, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are those of the authors alone. Read the full text here.
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