Spring 2011: UAA engineering students host regional conference March 31-April 2

The UAA student chapter of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) will host the 2011 ASCE Pacific Northwest Regional Conference March 31-April 2. Students from 17 universities in the northwest region will travel to Anchorage to participate in a variety of events to engage in engineering activities and networking opportunities.

Members of UAA's ASCE Student Chapter compete in the concrete canoe and steel bridge competitions at the 2010 ASCE Pacific Northwest Conference in Pullman, Washington.

Engineering student and UAA ASCE member Brittany Barkshire said that the chapter looks forward to participating in the regional conference every year. This involves preparing a technical paper and presentation, and steel bridge and concrete canoe competitions. "Alaska usually has the additional challenge of travel," Brittany said. "Most schools can drive to the conference; instead we pack our bridge in 50 pound bundles as checked baggage, ship our canoe for a large expense and fundraise to buy airplane tickets." But this year, UAA ASCE has the advantage of hosting the regional conference at home.

UAA ASCE has been working diligently to raise funds, organize activities, arrange facilities and coordinate with participating schools. Visiting schools include: University of Alaska Fairbanks; Boise State University; Carrol College; Gonzaga University; Idaho State University; University of Idaho; Montana State University- Bozeman; Montana Tech; University of Montana; Oregon Institute of Technology; Oregon State University; Portland State University; University of Portland; Saint Martin's University; Seattle University; Washington State University; and University of Washington.

"Besides the convenience of being at home, hosting this event means a lot to UAA ASCE," Brittany said. "While planning a conference is not an easy (or inexpensive) challenge, the opportunity to showcase Alaska, UAA's campus, and the talent of UAA students is one our chapter did not want to pass up."

The conference takes place concurrently with the National Society of Professional Engineers Western and Pacific Region Annual Meeting, also hosted in Anchorage, allowing students the opportunity to network with professionals.

Tentative Schedule:

• Thursday, March 31: Registration, Bridge Practice, Captains Meeting, Ice Breaker/Social
• Friday, April 1: Steel Bridge Competition, Technical Paper Competition, Career Fair, Asphalt Competition
• Saturday, April 2: Concrete Bonspiel (Curling), Orienteering, Environmental Event, Business Meeting, Awards/Closing Banquet

For more information about UAA ASCE and the upcoming conference, contact Rachel Kidwell, Conference Coordinator, at asce.uaa@gmail.com or visit http://asce-uaa.com.