Laura Hernandez- Cancelado, a senior at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, pursuing civil engineering, was a recipient of our 2023 Simpson Strong-Tie scholarship. She traces her journey from childhood curiosity to her path into civil engineering. Lara reflects on her scholarship trip visit this summer, highlighting the educational significance of being able to visit our testing lab. She delves into Simpson Strong-Tie’s engineering innovation and the opportunity for networking among professionals and students that the trip provided.

Hello, everyone! I’m Laura, an upcoming senior student pursuing civil engineering at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. You might be curious about why I chose to embark on the journey of becoming a civil engineer. Looking back, it all began when I was a curious seven-year-old, surrounded by my dad’s chemistry equipment, including beakers and Erlenmeyer flasks scattered throughout our home. I used to pretend to be a scientist right in my own room. Those early experiences ignited my fascination for the world of science. As I progressed through high school, I stumbled upon civil engineering, which struck me as the perfect blend of my two passions: design and engineering. The prospect of being able to contribute to society through innovative infrastructure projects while exploring the scientific principles behind them captivated me instantly.

I learned about Simpson Strong-Tie thanks to one of my professors, Dr. Travis Welt. He sent an email inviting students to apply for their Student Scholarship program, which piqued my interest. The scholarship is specifically designed for full-time architecture, construction management, civil, and structural engineering students who are in their junior or senior years. It offers $2,000 towards your degree, and as a first-time recipient, I was also thrilled to be selected for an all-expenses-paid trip to the company’s headquarters in California. It was not only a great honor to win the scholarship but also an exciting prospect to travel to California for the first time.

Before the trip, I had no specific expectations, but it turned out to be an incredible and unforgettable experience — a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The visit to Simpson Strong-Tie’s headquarters proved to be both educational and a pleasant adventure. It provided me with an intimate look into the inner workings of the company, where I witnessed firsthand the passion of its employees and their commitment to delivering high-quality products and services.

The trip was filled with a diverse range of activities. We visited their Pleasanton office and the manufacturing facility, explored iconic locations like Alcatraz and San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Furthermore, we had the opportunity to connect with other scholarship recipients and staff through fun activities like axe-throwing and bocce ball.

During the tour of the manufacturing facility in Stockton, one of the highlights was our visit to the Tyrell Gilb research lab. Here we had the opportunity to see cutting-edge equipment used to test structural components, including the seismic shake table and cyclic/static test frame.

The seismic shake table was particularly fascinating, as it simulates the ground movements experienced during seismic events like earthquakes. The cyclic/static test frame demonstrates how lateral forces are applied to the walls of the structures, giving us insight into the comprehensive evaluation process. We were fortunate to have the research lab director personally guide us through the facility. The detailed explanations shed light on the immense effort and logistical considerations involved in designing and developing these sophisticated engineering tests and tools. 

The journey reinforced the significance of upholding stringent standards of quality in every aspect of engineering production. As professionals dedicated to serving the public, we bear the responsibility of ensuring their safety. At Simpson Strong-Tie, they adhere to rigorous processes for product development, consistently striving to innovate and create state-of-the-art solutions. As an engineering student, I found it very motivating to witness the dedication of the people who had chosen to pursue this career.

The scholarship expedition provided a valuable opportunity to connect with professional engineers and students from diverse regions of the country. Undoubtedly, this was the most rewarding aspect of the trip — engaging in meaningful conversations and hearing unique life stories. Overall, the camaraderie and the genuine support we received, even from our fellow students, were incredibly inspiring.