Virginia Tech Myers-Lawson School of Construction

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Virginia Tech Myers-Lawson School of Construction

Virginia Tech's Myers-Lawson School of Construction

09/03/2026

As tennis fans around the world tune in to the US Open Tennis Championships, construction engineering and management senior Jonathan Matthews knows firsthand what it takes to prepare for one of the sport's biggest stages.

This summer, Jonathan interned with AECOM Tishman in Queens, New York, where he helped support the final push toward project turnover ahead of the US Open. He managed punch list and NCR closeout efforts, evaluated ADA stair compliance, coordinated subcontractors, reviewed RFIs and submittals, tracked turnover activities, and contributed to two temporary certificates of occupancy before inspections.

"The experience gave me a much better understanding of what it takes to deliver a project in the field under a fixed deadline," Matthews said. "I especially appreciated how willing everyone was to teach, answer questions, and give me opportunities to take on real responsibility."

His advice for students pursuing internships, "Be proactive and be a sponge. Ask questions, look for ways to help before you're asked. Pay attention to how experienced people communicate and make decisions, and take ownership when opportunities come your way."

09/02/2026

Meet Tripp Shealy, the new Vecellio Construction and Engineering Management Program coordinator and professor in Virginia Tech Civil & Environmental Engineering and affiliate faculty with the Virginia Tech Myers-Lawson School of Construction. Tripp Shealy trains engineers to challenge the status quo.

Shealy's research sits at the intersection of engineering, behavioral science, and sustainability. He studies how engineers make decisions and develops new ways to help them rethink challenges related to resilience, disaster recovery, and the built environment.

Driven by a commitment to meaningful impact, Shealy encourages students and professionals alike to question assumptions and explore better solutions for a changing world. "The future doesn't look like the past. We're designing for a world that no longer exists. And that's not very rational."

Read more about Tripp Shealy's work ⬇️
https://news.vt.edu/articles/2026/08/coe-shealy-WHY2026.html

08/31/2026

We're packing up some Hokie spirit and heading south. Come join us for an afternoon of great conversations, familiar faces, and a chance to connect with the Virginia Tech Myers-Lawson School of Construction community in the Queen City.

Friday, September 25 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Monday Night Brewing in Charlotte, NC

Register today ⬇️
https://aimsbbis.vt.edu/mlsoc-charlotte-social

08/28/2026

Happy birthday to John Lawson, one of the visionary founders of the Virginia Tech Myers-Lawson School of Construction.

John Lawson's leadership, generosity, and commitment to advancing construction education helped shape the school we know today. We celebrate his lasting impact on our students, faculty, alumni, and friends.

Join us in celebrating Mr. Lawson today! 🎂

08/26/2026

Last Friday, we welcomed new students for an afternoon of connection, exploration, and discovery.

The newest members of our community met students active in student organizations and competition teams, toured the BuildLAB, explored surveying demonstrations, and enjoyed fresh smoothies while learning about opportunities to get involved.

We loved seeing new and returning students explore soon to be familiar spaces and connect with their peers and faculty. We look forward to a successful year ahead!

08/25/2026

Last week, we welcomed new and returning graduate students for a series of events focused on connection, collaboration, and community.

Graduate students kicked off the semester with orientation, breakout sessions, and a lunch where they met fellow students, faculty, and staff. During a closing team activity, they collaborated to design and build creative LEGO projects, putting communication, problem-solving, and teamwork into action. The week culminated with a graduate student picnic on Saturday, giving students another opportunity to build relationships and strengthen the supportive community that defines the MLSoC experience.

We are excited to welcome this talented group of future construction leaders and look forward to seeing the impact they make in our industry and beyond.

08/24/2026

First day of classes in the books 🧡

08/21/2026

Large-scale construction projects demand strong communication, technical knowledge, and teamwork across various stakeholder groups. This summer, building construction senior Michael Dobbs developed those skills as a Field Engineering Intern with Skanska USA Civil Southeast at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

While supporting the Repair Berths 40 and 41 project, Michael gained experience in project management, field coordination, scheduling, quality control, RFIs, submittals, and documentation. The internship provided valuable insight into how complex construction projects operate from both the field and office perspectives. One of the most rewarding aspects of the experience involved coordinating with crews, subcontractors, the general contractor, and Navy representatives to help maintain project momentum and strong stakeholder relationships.

Reflecting on the internship, Michael encourages students to seek hands-on opportunities and invest time in learning from those around them. "Ask questions, learn how the project is actually being built, and build relationships with the superintendent, project engineers, subcontractors, and owner because those people will teach you more than just completing assigned tasks."

08/20/2026

Building construction junior Michael Monasterio Redelick spent the summer gaining firsthand experience as a Project Engineer Intern with DPR Construction's Special Services Group. Throughout the internship, Michael contributed to projects across the great Washington, DC region. His responsibilities included managing RFIs, coordinating with clients and subcontractors, reviewing submittals, and compiling closeout documentation.

"The single best thing about my internship experience has been the exposure," Michael said. "Seeing multiple different projects at various stages, meeting and working with incredibly talented professionals on different teams, and working in a high-traffic area has been an incredibly valuable experience."

Michael also competed in DPR's intern case competition, where he and his teammates earned third place among interns from the Baltimore, Richmond, and Washington, D.C., offices. Great job, Michael!

Address

1385 Perry Street
Blacksburg, VA
24061

Website

http://www.mlsoc.vt.edu/

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