UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The construction industry is being reshaped by robotics, labor shortages and new business realities — and Penn State students got a front-row seat to that transformation in Pittsburgh.
Through the Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation’s “Constructing Tomorrow: Penn State Student Summit,” students from a wide range of disciplines — including architecture, mechanical engineering, material science and engineering, and information sciences and technology — stepped beyond the classroom to explore how the construction industry is evolving and what it will demand from the next generation of professionals.
“Experiences like this are powerful because they help students connect the full picture — from emerging technologies to the business, workforce and regulatory realities that shape whether those innovations succeed,” said Scarlett Miller, director of the Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation and Paul Morrow Professor of Engineering Design and Manufacturing. “At the same time, these moments can be transformative — helping students expand their networks, clarify their goals and see where they can make an impact.”
The event began at Advanced Construction Robotics in Allison Park, hosted by Penn State computer engineering alumni Patrick Weber. Students saw firsthand at how robotics are being deployed on active construction sites and learned about the complexities of implementation, including working with labor unions, navigating government regulations and integrating innovation into existing construction workflows.
Students then visited the Franco Harris Pittsburgh Center at Penn State, located in Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District within the LEED Platinum-certified Energy Innovation Center. There, they heard directly from industry leaders about the broader forces shaping the future of construction. A panel discussion featured Bob Breisinger of Mascaro Construction Company, Matt Virgin of SunCap Property Group and Pat Weber of Advanced Construction Robotics, who offered general contractor, end-user and technology perspectives.
The day concluded with a networking session that functioned as an informal career fair, alllowing students to connect directly with industry leaders, explore internship opportunities and learn more about potential career paths.
Lindsay Baer, a junior in architectural engineering, was among the attendees.
“I especially enjoyed learning more about the business development side of construction and how critical it is to build strong relationships for success in the industry,” Baer said. “I also valued networking with the Master Builders’ Association and some of the companies that make up this great organization. Being able to make these connections is great for developing students' communication skills and making connections within the Pittsburgh construction market. “
The trip was made possible through a recently established endowment from the Master Builders’ Association (MBA) of Western Pennsylvania, a trade association of contractors, construction managers, and companies supporting the commercial construction industry. The MBA’s support of the Cocoziello Institute is rooted in a shared interest in workforce development and fostering student interest at the intersection of real estate and construction. Through experiences like this summit, the endowment helps connect students with industry leaders, expand career exploration opportunities and strengthen the future talent pipeline for the built environment.
“Supporting student-focused events like the recent trip is especially important to us because they offer invaluable hands-on or in the field learning opportunities,” said Dave Daquelente, executive director at the MBA of Western Pennsylvania. “By helping students explore careers in construction, architecture, and the built environment — and connecting them with established professionals — we’re investing in the long-term vitality of our field. We see these activities as a way to inspire, educate and create lasting relationships that benefit both students and our members.”
As the first of many opportunities supported by the endowment, Miller said the summit showcased the value of connecting education, industry and innovation to prepare the next generation of leaders in the built environment.
The Penn State Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation is dedicated to advancing research and collaboration across disciplines to address the challenges facing the real estate industry. Engagement with trade organizations, philanthropists and commercial investors is critical to the Cocoziello institute’s mission of developing solutions benefitting the real estate industry.
Visit the Cocoziello Institute website to learn more about partnership opportunities.