Jason Merendino ’23, an architectural design + technology major with a concentration in construction management, has strengthened his industry skills through multiple internships throughout his time at UHart.
Merendino landed an internship at Amenta Emma after his study abroad experience in Florence Italy, and as a previous intern with ATC Architects, Merendino has strengthened his industry skills in conducting field measurements, meeting with clients, and working to create renderings of projects on SketchUp and AutoCAD, design software he has utilized in his classes.
Merendino is pursuing a degree in architecture because he always wanted to be in the field of construction, but eventually developed an eye for design. “Architecture was the major for me as it would allow me to pursue both of these passions.”
When asked how UHart helped prepare him for the internship, Merendino says without a doubt it goes back to his studio and digital design courses. “These architecture-specific courses have prepared me for my internship with ATC Architects because I am working on the same programs that the professionals are using in industry,” he says. “It has been such a rewarding experience to be able to apply the skills I have gained so far at UHart.”
A conversation with Jim Fuller, chair of the Department of Architecture and program director for the undergraduate program, played a major factor in Merendino’s decision to attend UHart. He was selected to attend UHart’s scholarship day in the spring of 2019, where he was able to meet with Fuller and various architecture faculty.
Jason Merendino ’23, architectural design + technologyAfter looking at the many schools with accredited architecture programs, UHart stood out from the rest because of its passionate faculty and staff. They showed me that this campus was truly about the success of its students, and that influenced my decision.
Merendino was not disappointed, after one of his first-year faculty members made an impression on him. Adjunct faculty member Julie Chen played a pivotal role in his success. “Professor Chen helped me develop my eye for design and drafting skills,” he says. “I also want to give a shout-out to Professor Fuller for always having an open mind and allowing us students to get involved inside and outside of school.”
It was important to Merendino to get involved on campus early on. Since his first year, he has been involved in various organizations, including UHart’s Student Government Association as the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA) Senator; Residential Hall Association as the chief of staff, social media chair, and hall council member; UHart’s American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) UHart chapter as this upcoming academic year’s secretary; Freedom by Design, a sector of AIAS, as the public relations manager; UHart’s National Organization of Minority Architecture Students UHart chapter as the sophomore class representative; a CETA Leadership Society Student Ambassador; and department of architecture studio representative. Along with membership in those organizations, Merendino is also employed on campus as a student safety ambassador.
When asked what advice he would pass on to incoming students, Merendino says to get involved and do not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone! “College is a time to have a fresh start and truly become your own person, take your time, and really think about what you want to do in the next four to five years, and beyond!”