Trimble Inc. Extends Support for LMU’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Students

Trimble Inc., a global technology company that serves industries like construction, geospatial, and transportation, continues to support Loyola Marymount University (LMU) Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering students through the Trimble Technology Lab and the college's summer research program.

Recently, Trimble generously donated subscriptions for their architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) software to the LMU Trimble Technology Lab through a multi-year agreement. LMU's Trimble Technology Lab opened in spring 2020 and gives engineering students exclusive access to hands-on training with 3-D laser scanning, mapping, and imaging systems used by civil engineers, surveyors, and construction professionals in their day-to-day jobs. For example, the lab features Trimble SketchUp 3-D design software, Trimble Tekla structural BIM software, Trimble Business Center surveying and mapping software and more.

"Starting in their first year, LMU students are learning how to use these state-of-the-art tools, which career professionals in civil engineering and related fields use to do their work," said Michael Manoogian, professor of civil and environmental engineering at LMU, who teaches undergraduate and graduate courses using LMU's Trimble Technology Lab.

"In our classes, students are creating elevation contour maps of spaces around campus using the Trimble SX12 3-D scanner and pulling the scans into Trimble Business Center, which can render them into a 360-degree point cloud map," Manoogian said.

"Students use Trimble SketchUp to learn how to work with 3-D design software, create designs for multiple engineering disciplines, and use AI rendering for their designs," Manoogian said. "They also use Tekla software to perform structural design and management tasks."

With access to Trimble software, undergraduates can learn basic drawing techniques and features in a 3-D environment, as well as mapping and design tasks, which are essential skills for future careers in architecture, engineering, and construction.

LMU students are learning these critical engineering skills thanks to LMU civil engineering alum Chris Stern '93, who helped spearhead the relationship between his alma mater and Trimble. "As a proud LMU alum, I am excited that current and future LMU students have access to the most advanced technology to help prepare them for a successful career," said Stern, vice president and managing director of Trimble Ventures. Stern also serves as a member of LMU's Board of Regents and chair of Seaver College's Executive Advisory Board.

Continuing its commitment to Seaver College, the Trimble Foundation Fund - a philanthropic donor-advised fund - granted $25,000 to the LMU Seaver Summer Opportunities for Advanced Research (SOAR) program. These generous funds aim to help inspire the next generation of students to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, and construction by providing the latest tools and industry-ready skills. Over the course of a six-week summer research program, undergraduate researchers will use Trimble technology to support projects that may address global challenges, including areas such as sustainable infrastructure.

Through this hands-on summer research program, Seaver students can sharpen their technical, problem-solving, and project management skills while working on a team. The experience also helps foster confidence and critical thinking skills to help students thrive at LMU and beyond.

"We are proud to continue to invest in career learning pathways for LMU students and help inspire and train the next generation of civil and environmental engineering professionals through the Trimble Technology Lab," said Amy Northcutt, director of education and outreach at Trimble. "We are excited to see how LMU students will transform the industry with these technologies and resources."