Seismic Testing Success!

This past week, my club at UT, UT Seismic Design, ran a full round of testing on the tower you can see in the image above. It was genuinely rewarding to watch the structure I helped design hold up through all kinds of stress tests. Seeing months of planning and late nights actually translate into something that works is a feeling that is hard to describe. I am really proud of the work everyone in the org has put in to get to this point.

This is my first year in the club, and one thing that has stood out to me is how much more organized we are compared to previous years. We are building full-scale prototype models, using PhD-level research equipment, and actually getting to see our designs perform in real conditions. For an undergrad, that kind of access is pretty rare, and I do not take it for granted. It has also been cool getting to learn from older members who have been through this process before and know what it takes to compete at a high level.

Balancing all of this alongside a heavy course load has not always been easy, but moments like this week make it worth it. There is something really cool about having meaningful things happening outside the classroom, even when it stretches you thin. I have found that the weeks where I am the busiest are often the ones where I feel the most alive, which is a strange thing to admit but I think a lot of you can probably relate. This semester has genuinely made me appreciate how much I am capable of doing. And somehow, at the same time, it has me more ready than ever to be done with school. Only two more years to go.

Until next week—I'm praying for you,
James

What's one important project that you’ve worked on that has left a lasting impact on you?