Building Construction & Technology Series 2026

These lectures and free and open to the public, however, registration and payment of fee is required if you want WMAIA to record the learning units.
All programs will be from 4:00-5:15PM|Hybrid – ZOOM or in person at 170 Design Building UMass|

For more information and to register visit here

Applied Construction Fundamentals
Monday February 9, 2026| 4:00-5:15PM|Hybrid – ZOOM or in person at 170 Design Building UMass|1HSW Approval Pending
This program covers applied construction fundamentals, using specific operational areas and project examples. Topics include an overview of the Arch Energy project at UMass, as well as the integration of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, the application of mass timber construction, and the work of their Virtual Design and Construction team. Presenters Thomas Duszlak, Senior Project Superintendent, and Scott Drumm, Project Manager, of Consigli Construction will provide an insightful discussion covering the firm’s engagement in various industry sectors and the unique aspects of their roles within the company.

Construction Challenges and Solutions in Polar Environments
Monday March 30, 2026| 4:00-5:15PM|Hybrid – ZOOM or in person at 170 Design Building UMass|1HSW Approval Pending
This lecture will feature David Malpas, a construction manager currently working in Antarctica. Mr. Malpas will detail the unique challenges and innovative solutions involved in polar construction environments. He will provide an overview of the Antarctic Infrastructure and Modernization for Science (AIMS) Lodging project, a 285-bed dormitory designed to house station workers for the next 50-75 years. This structure, the tallest occupied building on the continent of Antarctica, required specific engineering considerations to withstand extreme temperatures as low as -30°F with windchills dropping below -60°F.

Curiosity, Collaboration, and Carbon-Conscious Thinking
Monday April 6, 2026| 4:00-5:15PM|Hybrid – ZOOM or in person at 170 Design Building UMass|1HSW Approval Pending
Michael Gryniuk, P.E., founder and principal of CORA Structural, will discuss state-of-the-art structural engineering and sustainability. Mr. Gryniuk will share his wealth of structural engineering expertise and experience, and extensive contributions to the rapidly developing concept of embodied carbon tracking of structural systems.

Tools of the Trade for Building Diagnostics
Monday April 27, 2026| 4:00-5:15PM|Hybrid – ZOOM or in person at 170 Design Building UMass|1HSW Approval Pending
How do you go about diagnosing a sick, leaky, dripping, humid, dry, or uncomfortable building? Join Mr. Ueno for an overview of the tools that he commonly uses in his diagnostic work on building enclosures and mechanical systems. Everything from the air side (blower doors, airflow meters, flow sensors) to the moisture side (spray testing, moisture meters, hygrometers) to the heat side (infrared cameras, temperature meters) will be discussed. We will use multiple case studies to demonstrate how these measurements provided actionable results in solving problems.