ELECTRICAL TEAM
MICHAEL J. KOLVEK
In May 2016, Michael J. Kolvek will have completed the integrated M.A.E./B.A.E. Architectural Engineering program at the Pennsylvania State University. With a focus in Electrical and Lighting design, Michael has developed a compelling skill set in exercising his passions for architecture and technical problem solving. Michael spent two summers as well as 3 semesters with the Office of Physical Plant (OPP) on campus, working as an intern in the Facility Asset Management team. With this job, he spent countless hours working with as-built documents and visiting utility spaces in campus buildings. This experience has extensively familiarized him with mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Michael also studied architecture in Rome at the Pantheon Institute, which effectively completed his Architecture minor. Beginning this June, Michael plans to begin work as an Electrical Designer for Architectural Engineers Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. This position will assist his development and continue to expand his expertise beyond exclusively electrical systems to become a well-rounded building systems engineer. The AE experience has required Michael to collaborate with groups frequently; the AEI team thesis is his proudest example. Michael has had an extremely enlightening experience at Penn State, and he is excited to see how he can make impacts on the modern building industry as a new professional.
JENNIFER GONG
Jennifer Gong largely appreciates and invests her interests in opportunities to heighten her knowledge and diversify her experiences. Currently a fifth year student Lighting/Electrical option at The Pennsylvania State University’s Architectural Engineering program, she has combined her artistic talents and technical aptitude to make an impact in the rapidly growing and prevalent field of lighting design. Her interests expand to electrical design, architecture, interior design, and graphic design in which she hopes get her masters in architecture following graduation. Her experiences include being a student assistant to the College of Engineering dean and academic advisors at Penn State, being an EDSGN 130 TA for two years, and working as Lewis Lighting Design’s first intern in Boston. During her internship with LLD, she was exposed to and heavily involved in all aspects of lighting and daylight design. Next summer, Jennifer will be working for Horten Lees Brodgen Lighting Design in New York City. In her spring 2015 semester, she participated in the Interdisciplinary Collaborative Design Studio in which her group, ATELIER 6, won best in final design and collaboration. The experience has made a huge impact on what she desires to pursue in the future with an IPD architectural engineering firm. Her AEI thesis goals are to reach above and beyond interdisciplinary engineered design with a competitive drive, as well as pursue more knowledge and experience in educational psychology constructs about successful teamwork/innovation and the development of one’s identity as an engineer. One day she hopes to pass her findings and experiences to future generations as a university teacher.