CEES Alumnus Cites "Learning How to Learn" as Essential to Career Success at NASA

-

Crawler Transporter (CT-1)
inside the Vehicle Assembly Building,
(VAB) HB-2
Jesse Berdis earned a bachelor of science degree in architectural engineering in the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science in 2011 and a master's degree in civil engineering in 2013.

Berdis explains how his OU Engineering experience prepared him for his position as a structural engineer for NASA at the Florida Kennedy Space Center.

Astronaut Training
"The most pronounced skill that OU engineering provided was teaching me to learn how to learn. Of course, OU provided the technical essentials required to receive an engineering degree in structure; how to identify W-sections in the AISC code book, or how to determine the edge thickness of concrete when rebar is present, I learned how to calculate the required pre-tensioned stress and camber in pre-stressed concrete forms, and the recommended ratio of concrete mixtures in different applications. I had the foundation of structural engineering down. But, the most important skill: learning to learn, empowered cross-coordination between multiple disciplines, almost always, beyond my structural engineering foundation…an opportunity which is inevitable for every engineer (especially working at NASA).

Perspective from the Top of the Mobile Launcher
I currently collaborate with electrical, cryogenics, mechanical, aerospace, chemical, and rocket engineers to develop infrastructure for the next big flagship in space exploration, the Space Launch System (SLS). OU taught me how to use information available to locate problems in unfamiliar textbooks, research and find, calculate, and problem solve. Without OU’s provided foundation of structural engineering essentials combined with the power to problem solve…problems, I would never be where I am today. Thank you OU Engineering!"

Popular posts from this blog

OU Engineering Students Shine in Community Projects

-
Image
At the University of Oklahoma, a transformative course called Pathways to Engineering Thinking is leaving a mark on OU students and the community. In the first-year engineering course, over 800 students across 16 sections collaborated to tackle real-world challenges presented by community partners. Their projects ranged from developing prosthetic limbs for injured animals to creating innovative solutions for community gardens and zoos. The course aims to guide students through the engineering design process, emphasizing collaborative teamwork and problem-solving skills.  This semester’s projects reached many areas of the community. Partnerships with the OU Food Pantry, OU Community Garden, Oklahoma City Zoo, OU Engineering K-12 Outreach, a local dog rescue and the City of Norman provided students with real-world challenges to address. Each team delved into issues presented by the partners, working toward delivering functional design solutions by the semester’s end. The heart of the cou
Read more

OU Students Take on Habitat Challenge: Sooners Without Borders Constructs Ramp, More in Iowa

-
Image
In early January, six students from Sooners Without Borders at the University of Oklahoma headed to Des Moines, Iowa, teaming up with Habitat for Humanity. Their goal: construct an accessibility ramp for a local family. Their mission was part of Habitat’s Collegiate Challenge program, providing year-round volunteer opportunities for college students. The students, all from the Gallogly College of Engineering at OU, embraced the challenge. Formerly Engineers Without Borders, Sooners Without Borders had changed its name to be more inclusive of all majors at OU, says Lisa Morales, the group's staff adviser. “A lot of projects used to focus on clean water and students had the opportunity to travel abroad. Once Covid happened, we had to shift the focus of Sooner Without Borders,” Morales said.  In Des Moines, the project expanded beyond the ramp, involving tasks like installing kitchen cabinets and flooring for a new home. Morales says she was impressed with the student’s adeptness with
Read more

OU Engineering Welcomes 14 New Faculty Members for 2023-24

-
Image
OU Engineering has welcomed 14 new faculty members for the 2023-24 academic year. This marks a milestone in the college's growth journey, with faculty numbers increasing from just over 100 in 2017 to 175 in 2023. OU Engineering is committed to expanding its faculty ranks, aiming for over 200 faculty members by the 2025-26 academic year, says OU Engineering Dean John Klier. To achieve this goal, the college has initiated more than 20 faculty searches. The State of Oklahoma continues to acknowledge the need for more engineers. They recently responded to OU Engineering’s request for additional recurring funding. The funding will play a crucial role in offering undergraduate student tuition waivers, supporting graduate students and helping recruit new faculty and staff. These positions will be phased in over the next three years. "OU Engineering extends its gratitude for the ongoing support from the State of Oklahoma as it continues to address the growing demand for engineers,&quo
Read more