Invention Convention in Real Life: Civil Engineering

Mr. Brad Williams is the Deputy State Construction Engineer for the Alabama Department of Transportation

The future engineers of Saint James School learned about the field of engineering from a real life civil engineer! Mr. Brad Williams is the Deputy State Construction Engineer for the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) with over 20 years of experience and holds a bachelor’s degree of Civil Engineering from Auburn University. He has over 13 years as a Bridge Designer and 7 years as a Bridge Construction Engineer. In his current role, he assists in the general supervision of all contract construction work of ALDOT’s construction program currently in excess of over 300 active projects at a contract amount of approximately $2 billion dollars.

In addition to his Civil Engineering occupation, Mr. Williams is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Alabama Army National Guard with over 28 years of experience and serves as the Battalion Commander.  He is also a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot with over 2,200 total flight hours and over 650 combat flight hours.

Students tested the weight capacity of their bridges

To put their new knowledge to use, students paired up to compete in a bridge building activity. Using various materials, students designed and crafted trusses, arches, and beams. The bridge that held the most weight won top prize! This was a fun, hands-on activity that applied engineering principles.

Invention Convention bridge building champions

Mrs. Whigham’s Invention Convention class enjoyed hearing from Mr. Williams and asking questions about engineering. This exploratory class is all about problem solving, brainstorming ideas, and learning hands-on. Engineering is one of the many fields these students will explore during the semester. Activities emphasizing the integration of science, technology, engineering, art, and music are included. Invention Convention is one of the many electives offered in middle school.

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