OU Structural Engineering Institute Named National Graduate Chapter of the Year

From left, SEI managing director Laura Champion, OU graduate students Richard Campos, Omar Yadak, Jacob Choate, and SEI president Don Scott. 

University of Oklahoma’s Structural Engineering Institute was awarded the prestigious title of SEI Graduate Student Chapter of the Year by the American Society of Civil Engineers on May 6. The recognition comes almost four years after doctoral student Jake Choate was inspired to establish the institute following his attendance at Structures Congress 2019.

Under Choate’s leadership, the SEI has sought to create a new standard in student organizations. He and his classmates had three goals: eliminating hierarchical officer positions, forging partnerships with a wide range of student organizations beyond engineering clubs and dispelling the common misconception that engineers lack communication skills.

The hard work and dedication of Choate and his classmates paid off, culminating in the recent award announcement at Structures Congress 2023 in New Orleans.

Richard Campos, a third-year Ph.D. student and one of the three leaders of the SEI Graduate Student Chapter at OU, likened the competition’s application process to creating an annual report. The submission summarized various activities, including social events, technical sessions, alumni presentations and sponsored initiatives.

Suzanne Fisher, senior manager of the Structural Engineering Institute, commended OU’s Graduate Student Chapter for its commitment to enhancing the education of students pursuing careers in structural engineering. She also praised their efforts in engaging students and facilitating a smooth transition from college to the professional realm. 

The institute specifically recognized the chapter’s focus on organizing events that centered on post-graduation life, student recruitment and outreach programs. Notably, the chapter hosted a K-12 activity at the Oklahoma Science Museum to encourage younger students’ interest in engineering.

Breaking stereotypes associated with engineering, the SEI members embraced a fun approach to their initiatives. They organized activities such as chili cook-offs, movie nights and game nights. One particularly notable event occurred in December when the chapter collaborated with the Oklahoma Structural Engineers Association and the Wallace Design Collective to sponsor a gingerbread house shake-table holiday party.

Participants in the event constructed two-story gingerbread houses, which were then subjected to the Gallogly College of Engineering's earthquake simulator – an apparatus that replicates seismic forces. Overseeing the simulator’s operation was P. Scott Harvey, Ph.D., an associate professor in the OU School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Studies. Jeffery Volz, Ph.D., professor and director of the Donald G. Fears Structural Engineering Laboratory, serves as the group's adviser. 

The three leaders of the SEI Graduate Student Chapter, Campos, Choate and Omar Yadak are now approaching graduation. Campos and Choate each will earn a doctorate in civil engineering, while Yadak will earn a master’s degree in civil engineering. 

Choate emphasized the chapter’s commitment to involving undergraduates and ensuring a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate studies. Their intention in launching the Structural Engineering Institute at OU was to foster progress among students and student organizations, exemplifying the adage, “A rising tide lifts all boats,’” Choate said.

For additional information on the Structural Engineering Institute, contact Volz at volz@ou.edu.

About the Gallogly College of Engineering: Engineering has been part of the University of Oklahoma since 1908. Today, the Gallogly College of Engineering is organized into seven schools and is one of the largest colleges on the Norman campus. 

By Lorene A. Roberson, Gallogly College of Engineering