Students showcase a 3D-printed OU statue they created during the hands-on workshop
A hands-on workforce development workshop on advanced construction technologies, focusing on 3D concrete printing, recently took place at the Fears Structural Engineering Laboratory. The workshop provided undergraduate students from Civil Engineering (CE), Architectural Engineering (AE), and Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering (AME), ranging from sophomore through senior levels, with a real-world research environment for experiential learning.
Led by Dr. Shreya Vemuganti, tenure-track Assistant Professor in the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science and leader of the IMMeRSE Lab (Innovation in Multi-functional Materials for Resilience and Structural Efficiency), the workshop emphasized experiential learning, enabling participants to engage directly with 3D concrete printing systems. Students explored digital workflows such as toolpath generation, material processing, and layer-by-layer construction.
The printed components reflected iterative design and fabrication cycles, reinforcing understanding of material behavior, structural geometry, and process control. The program integrates education and research, fostering collaboration across disciplines and connecting principles from materials science, structural engineering, and advanced manufacturing. Student involvement in digital modeling, robotic fabrication, and collaborative problem-solving strengthened technical competencies while boosting confidence and practical understanding.
Eight undergraduate students, Jennifer Jaworski, Trent Rogers, Said Al-Gheilani, Graham Strickland, Nathan Vu, Olivia Humphrey, Khlaid Al-Hinaai, and Brandon Vu, participated in the workshop, guided by graduate student mentors Benjamin Abu, Sijan Adhikari, and Mumtaheena Reza. Their contributions demonstrated the program’s commitment to preparing a multidisciplinary STEM workforce ready to tackle careers in advanced infrastructure systems and construction automation.
Watch the workshop in action: Follow students as they design, program, and bring structures to life using 3D concrete printing.
