UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Shayla Hines was always fascinated by architecture and historic buildings. When she learned that she could combine this interest with her aptitude for math to pursue architectural engineering, she knew that she had found the perfect field of study.
Now a fifth year architectural engineering student at Penn State in the integrated bachelor of architectural engineering and master of architectural engineering program, Hines is not only pursuing architectural engineering but excelling in it, a fact highlighted by her recent recognition as a Thornton Tomasetti Foundation National Scholarship recipient.
The annual scholarship is awarded to “students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership and a strong commitment to advancing the fields of structural engineering, architecture and applied technologies,” according to the foundation. Three students from across the country are selected annually based on academic achievements and demonstrated work ethic.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this scholarship and grateful for the opportunities it provides beyond the financial support,” Hines said. “The connections and experiences that come from opportunities like this can open unexpected doors, help me continue growing as a student and future engineer and allow me to discover and pursue the areas I am most passionate about.”
Hines is conducting research both as a part of her Schreyer Honors College thesis and part of the Building Engineering — Seminal Undergraduate Research Experience (BE-SURE) program in the Department of Architectural Engineering. Her work focuses on applying infrared thermography, aerial drone photography and 3D laser scanning to evaluate the historic Centre Furnace Mansion in State College. Her research investigates potential moisture intrusion, documenting existing building conditions and creating a high-resolution digital model to support the building's long-term preservation.
“By integrating these non-destructive technologies, I demonstrate how modern diagnostic and digital documentation methods can improve the assessment, maintenance and preservation of historic structures while establishing a valuable baseline for future monitoring,” Hines said.
Hines conducts this work in the Heritage3D Lab, which is led by Rebecca Napolitano, associate professor of architectural engineering, who also advises Hines. Napolitano said that she is impressed with work ethic and passion for the field, as well as how Hines excels while balancing numerous commitments, including leadership and involvement in student organizations. Some of these activities include serving as president of the Structural Engineers Association at Penn State (PSSEA), previously serving as president of the Student Society of Architectural Engineers (SSAE) and leading multiple classes as a learning assistant.
“Shayla has demonstrated exceptional dedication to historic building preservation through her research and work in the Heritage3D Lab,” Napolitano said. “Beyond her technical expertiseand strong work ethic, she brings a remarkable level of enthusiasm and positive energy to everything she does! This scholarship is a well-deserved recognition of both her accomplishments and her tremendous potential as a future leader in the field.”
Hines, who recently completed an internship at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger in Washington, D.C., said she plans to work in historic repair and restoration after graduation, with a focus on both building enclosure and structural engineering, to help improve the resilience and preservation of our historic built environment.
“Having already completed my Fundamentals of Engineering exam, I am committed to pursuing my Principles and Practice of Engineering or Structural Engineering license as soon as I am eligible after graduation and continuing to contribute to the preservation of historic structures,” she said. “I have learned that the diverse foundation of an architectural engineering education provides endless career opportunities, not only immediately after graduation but throughout my career with an architectural engineering degree from Penn State.”