They Came, They Saw, They Learned
Matt Linneman and Stephanie Weigel heard about the North Dakota Department of Transportation Support Center (DOTSC) in their North Dakota State University classes. The two seniors are pleased they did. Their work led directly to the jobs they'll begin after graduating in May.
They will both work for the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), Linneman in Fargo and Weigel in Bismarck. Last fall the NDDOT interviewed students on campus. With their DOTSC experience and excellent work records they were offered positions. They were, as Linneman says, "locked in early."
They both view the experience at DOTSC as valuable. Learning how to do things the right way, they agree, is the best. Ron Henke, who is their daily mentor, guide and teacher, stresses that they must follow DOT standards down to the final detail.
Learning the software is a real benefit. As seniors, they know they can help the rookies coming into the Hastings Hall office - something they like to do. The rule, they say, is try to figure something out, then talk to Henke.
The collaborative atmosphere is something they both appreciate. Henke, who Weigel says, has at least half the specification, code and standard books memorized, encourages students to research and ask questions. He also supports teamwork, helping each other find the best way to complete a project.
Henke also led both of them to the Order of the Engineer. In December when he graduated with his degree, he received the stainless steel ring he wears on the fifth finger of his working hand. Both Linneman and Weigel intend to show their pride in engineering by wearing their own rings.
The ring symbolizes acceptance of the obligations of an engineer to the public and to the profession. Only those who graduate or are close to graduation from an ABET-accredited engineering program or hold a professional engineer license are eligible.
Henke leads by example at the Center. His encouragement of professionalism in every engineering aspect for students and staff has a visible symbol in his ring - and in the rings of those to come.
MPC-X Meets Niche Needs
MPC-X, a new series on TEL8, overlaps the expertise of Mountain-Plains Consortium (MPC) researchers and TEL8 network expertise to disseminate topics from MPC research. These are focused topics, meeting niche information needs.
MPC-X is an ongoing series of discussions and presentations. In addition to including complete MPC research, the series would like to include projects getting underway. This makes it possible for others in the MPC and Departments of Transportation to serve as a sounding board for research projects.
Mark Berwick, who most recently talked about the "Logistics of the North Dakota Potato Industry," said his experience with the MPC-X course was good. He appreciated the opportunity for immediate interaction with those most interested in the topic. Berwick, an associate research fellow at the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, said the feedback from his presentation was especially valuable because of ongoing research using the same model. Corn was the first logistical study and wheat will be the next in the research series.
Getting input at the beginning of a project through MPC-X can help clarify points, offer guidance toward conclusions and assure the fully completed, on-the-shelf research is both appropriate and available.
TEL8 is the communication channel between university research and DOT practitioners. The MPC, one of 10 competitively selected University Transportation Centers, is a national resource and focal point supporting research and training. TEL8 is an interactive telecommunications network that links several universities and DOTs in the western United States.
For information on upcoming classes, contact julie.rodriguez@ndsu.edu. For technical information on TEL8, contact mitch.hoffart@ndsu.edu.
