From the Classroom to the Field, Construction Management Grad Takes a Hands-on Approach to Education

BRISTOL, R.I. – Senior Christina Marra describes herself as a “hands-on person,” and it’s not difficult to picture the Construction Management major from Danbury, Conn., on a construction site with a hard hat.

“I like walking the site with the superintendent, watching the laborers do their work, matching the drawings to what’s being put out into the field, and making sure everything’s right,” Marra said.

After graduation, Marra will be moving to North Carolina to take a job with PC Construction where she will work in the field at a wastewater treatment plant – a natural next step for someone who has taken full advantage of experiential learning opportunities at RWU.

In November 2023, Marra was part of a team that placed third in the Commercial category at the 34th annual Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 1 Student Competition and Conference. Over the course of the weekend competition, the team created construction and design solutions in response to a hypothetical problem, including estimates and safety plans.

“It allowed me to bring the content that I learned in class and use that knowledge toward the work that we had to deliver in the competition,” Marra said. “It’s a great experience. You’re on a time crunch, which is stressful, but that’s kind of what the industry always is.”

Over the past three summers, Marra has worked for global engineering firm Arcadis on projects in New York City. The experience helped her figure out her next steps, confirmed that she enjoys working in the field rather than behind a desk, and helped her apply her classroom lessons on reading construction drawings and specifications, she said.

Marra has also delved into more theoretical work. She served as a research assistant to Jon Gomes ’19, M’20, a lecturer in the Construction Management program, and Professor of Construction Management Amine Ghanem, helping to prepare a presentation on the changing perceptions of construction trade school that was presented at the Associated Schools of Construction International Conference in Alabama in April. Based on a review of current literature and a survey of hundreds of industry professionals, Marra and other student researchers found that perceptions are more positive than in the past, though Marra said she would like that to change further.

“I see vocational education as a super positive thing, especially because not everyone enjoys the reading, sitting down type of stuff. They learn better with their hands,” Marra said. “I’m definitely like that in some aspects, too.”

Marra is also a double minor in Business and Sustainability Studies, both of which she said will help her in her future career as companies move toward more sustainable practices.

Outside of the Construction Management program, Marra served as vice president of the RWU chapter of Habitat for Humanity, spending spring break building with the organization. She said volunteering with the organization has been a “nice break” from the rigors of her major, while also allowing her to build and give back to the community.

Marra’s interest in building and practical experience dates back well before her time at RWU. “It really started when I was younger; I always was fascinated by construction, the construction process, and everything like that,” Marra recalled. “Growing up with three older brothers, I was always hands on. We were always doing makeshift stuff at home, and we would always help my dad build stuff for the house and work on our shed.”

Now, with the knowledge she has gained in the Construction Management program, Marra said she is equipped to head into the field with confidence.