Clubs & Activities

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)

2023-2024

President: Victor Lorenzo lorenzovm@appstate.edu

Vice President: Regan Smith

Treasurer: Esme Hernandez-Alvarez

Secretary: Jakin Arnold

Building Coordinator: Diogo Zuniga-Villanuev

Advisor: Reza Foroughi, foroughir@appstate.edu

American Institute of Architects - Student (AIAS)

2023-2024

President: Paige Smith smithpa7@appstate.edu

Advisor: Dinah Miller millerdb4@appstate.edu

Meeting Location and Time: Every other Wednesday at 6:00 pm in KHH 178

Description/Purpose: The purpose of this Club (AIAS) is to assist students in gaining knowledge of the architectural design field. The student-led club will offer a team-building environment while immersing students in architecture experience. The focus of this club is to help students form relationships with outside companies and possible employers within the field of architecture, as well as gain personal experience in team-building exercises, lectures, and reviews.

ASU-Sustainable Energy Society (ASUSES) aka Solar Club

President:  Ransom Cope (coperw@appstate.edu)

Advisor: Jeremy Ferrell (ferrelljc@appstate.edu)

Meeting Location and Time:  Thursdays in Katherine Harper Hall Rm 178 at 5:15 pm

Description/Purpose: Students in ASUSES are engaged in a variety of outreach, education, and service activities, including video screenings, the annual Boone Solar Christmas Tree Lighting Event, and many other activities. For students interested in the range of sustainable energy activities. For more information, please go to asuses.appstate.edu

Habitat for Humanity - Student Chapter

President: 

Vice President: 

Advisor: 

Meeting Location and Time:  

Description/Purpose:  The Appalachian State campus chapter partners with the Watauga Habitat for Humanity affiliate to support the international organization through fundraising activities and community service. The club actively works to achieve the goal of Habitat for Humanity which is to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Professional Construction Estimators of America (PCEA)

2023-2024

President: Victor Lorenzo lorenzovm@appstate.edu

Vice President: Regan Smith

Treasurer: Esme Hernandez-Alvarez

Secretary: Jakin Arnold

Building Coordinator: Diogo Zuniga-Villanuev

Advisor: Reza Foroughi, foroughir@appstate.edu 

Meeting Location and Time: 

Description/Purpose: Appalachian State University’s Student Chapter of the Professional Construction Estimators of America (PCEA) is the first Student Chapter in the organizations history. It was chartered on December 3. 2013. The club brings a commercial focus to the Building Science Program’s student clubs complementing the Student Builders Association. The PCEA mission is to provide educational speakers, field trip opportunities, OSHA 10 Safety Training, and of course fellowship to its members.

 

United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Student Chapter

2023-2024

President: Ryan Lampe, lampery@appstate.edu

Social Media: Hector Chavez-Lugo, chavezlugoh@appstate.edu

Advisor: Arezou Sadoughi, arezou@appstate.edu

Meeting Location and Time: Every other Wednesday in KH 178 from 5-6pm

Description/Purpose: The Student Chapter of the United States Green Building Council exists to educate students on green and sustainable building practices. USGBC operates LEED which is the world's most widely used green building system with more than 100,000 buildings participating, including our very own Plemmons Student Union. The Student Chapter has weekly meetings with speakers from local construction firms and faculty from App State. This is not only an education opportunity but an opportunity to network with members of the construction industry.  All students are welcome to come. 

 

Student Builders Association (SBA)

2023-2024

President: Victor Lorenzo lorenzovm@appstate.edu

Vice President: Regan Smith

Treasurer: Esme Hernandez-Alvarez

Secretary: Jakin Arnold

Building Coordinator: Diogo Zuniga-Villanuev

Advisor: Reza Foroughi, foroughir@appstate.edu 

Meeting Location and Time: 

Description/Purpose: The Student Builders Association is an organization with an emphasis on education and networking in the construction industry. The club welcomes students from every major and background, especially those from the Department of Sustainability and the Built Environment. Club meetings are held weekly and host representatives from the industry to talk about their career, company, and experiences, as well as providing a chance to network together for internships and job opportunities.

There are annual club dues and food and refreshments are also provided at every meeting.

Sunergy - Solar Vehicle Team

2022-2023

President: Kyla Willoughby, willoughbyka@appstate.edu

Advisor: Chris Tolbert, tolbertcl@appstate.edu

Meeting Location and Time:  TBA

Team Sunergy is comprised of students, faculty, and staff from various campus units, spread across Appalachian State University, working together for one common goal: to research and develop solar-powered race cars. Due to their unique location in the heartland of racing, Team Sunergy uses the platform of solar-powered racing to drive innovation in renewable energy technology for sustainable transportation. 

Team Sunergy has seen continued growth and success since they first drove their solar car, Apperion, in the 2016 American Solar Challenge.  In 2018, Team Sunergy designed and built their first solar car, ROSE (Racing on Solar Energy) from the ground up. As a cruiser class vehicle, ROSE was designed to incorporate the comfort and practicality of an everyday vehicle while still getting all of its power from the sun.  Team Sunergy raced ROSE in the 2018 Formula Sun Grand Prix: a three day track race that took place in Hastings, Nebraska. ROSE managed to secure third place in the cruiser class, driving almost 400 miles on a closed track, and qualify for the American Solar Challenge. For the 2018 American Solar Challenge, Team Sunergy drove ROSE nearly 1,800 miles from Omaha, NE to Bend, OR along parts of the Oregon Trail.  After eight days of hard racing on the open highway, Team Sunergy managed to tie for second place with the University of Minnesota. 

With over 2,000 miles of competing under their belt, Team Sunergy is looking to make a huge impact at the 2020 American Solar Challenge.  Team Sunergy plans to use the next year to modify ROSE to make it the most competitive solar car on the road. Modifications will include, redesigning all of the electrical systems, optimizing steering and suspension for weight and performance, and working on the interior to boost ROSE’s practicality.  This unique project provides numerous opportunities for hands-on learning and professional development. 

To learn more, visit the team's website at https://sunergy.appstate.edu/  To donate, please visit www.alumni.appstate.edu/solarvehicleteam

Women of Appropriate Technology Sustainability (WATS)

Currently Inactive, if interested please contact Dr. Sohad

President

Advisor:  Dr. Sohad Abu-Elzait (abuelzaits@appstate.edu)

Meeting Location and Time:  

Description/Purpose

Women of Appropriate Technology and Sustainability (WATS) is a club for any individual interested in sustainable technology and sustainability. It is not just for women or just for AT/ST students. WATS participates in educational opportunities to learn more about sustainable technologies and sustainability, connects with women in the industry, and focuses to make a positive impact within the department and community through educational outreach and service projects related to sustainable technology and sustainability.