AISC Student Steel Bridge Competition; How Engineering Competitions Shape Identity in the Engineering Community 6 views

What does it mean to become an engineer? Is engineering identity shaped primarily in classrooms, or in the pressurized, collaborative environments of design competitions? And how do the values emphasized in these spaces translate into the broader engineering profession? These questions frame my undergraduate thesis, which examines engineering not only as a technical discipline but as a sociotechnical practice shaped by both design work and the cultures in which that work occurs. My technical project focused on the design and fabrication of a steel bridge model for the 2026 American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Steel Bridge Competition. Working as part of a team, I contributed to optimizing the bridge for strength, weight, constructability, and speed of assembly under competition constraints. This process required applying principles of structural analysis and manufacturing while also navigating time limitations and fabrication tolerances. The project ultimately reflects the integration of theoretical engineering knowledge with hands-on work such as welding, grinding, cutting, and milling. My STS research paper examines how engineering competitions like the AISC Steel Bridge Competition shape participants’ engineering identities, values, and professional cultures. Drawing on engineering identity theory, I analyze how competition team dynamics and performance criteria construct what defines a “good” or “true” engineer. Additionally, using concepts from communities of practice, I explore how participation in these competitions socializes students into shared norms and behaviors. My position as both a researcher and a participant provides a unique lens, allowing me to reflect on how these sociotechnical dynamics appeared in my own technical work. Together, these projects demonstrate that engineering is not solely about technical problem solving, but about the social structures and cultural values that define what it means to be an engineer.

BS (Bachelor of Science)

student competitions; steel; bridge design; engineering identity

School of Engineering and Applied Science Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering Technical Advisor: Jose Gomez STS Advisor: Coleen Carrigan Technical Team Members: Taran Gupta, Annie Seltzer, Mario Lamas, Casey Marraccino, Trey Alexander

English

All rights reserved by the author (no additional license for public reuse)

2026-05-07