The SEI Pittsburgh Chapter has made a meaningful impact through its use of SEI Futures Fund Small Grant funding, acquiring Mola Structural Kits 1 and 2 to support student and professional engagement. These interactive kits have proven to be powerful tools for demonstrating fundamental structural engineering concepts in a fun and accessible way. They’ve been used to connect with a wide range of audiences, including K-12 students, university engineering students, and practicing professionals.
At the Carnegie Science Center’s SciTech Day, middle and high school students were captivated by the kits, choosing them over larger demonstrations like a wind tunnel. University of Pittsburgh students explored the kits after a dinner presentation with Stephanie Slocum, and professional engineers attending a bridge rehabilitation meeting couldn’t resist testing a bridge model built with the kits. The kits were also shared with the ASCE Pittsburgh Younger Member Forum, who were so impressed they ordered their own.
These activities directly support the goals of the SEI Futures Fund by fostering meaningful interaction between students and professionals, enhancing engineering education, and encouraging continuous involvement in SEI and ASCE. The kits have helped bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice, supporting students in their transition to careers in structural engineering. They’ve also strengthened local and regional collaboration, with multiple groups engaging in shared learning experiences.
The SEI Pittsburgh Chapter has promoted the Futures Fund through stickers on the kit boxes and verbal acknowledgments at events. Looking ahead, the chapter plans to incorporate the kits into a shake table project and hopes to expand its collection with additional Mola configurations, continuing its commitment to educational outreach and professional development.