48 universities from 10 countries participated.
By Manuel Medina
El Inmobiliario
SANTO DOMINGO.- A team of students from the Pontifical Catholic University Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) managed to position themselves among the top five in the world in a prominent international competition of seismic structural design, facing more than 40 universities from 10 countries, including renowned institutions such as Stanford, Cornell, NYU, the University of Toronto and the University of Southern California.
The competition, focused on the design and simulation of earthquake-resistant buildings, was held this year with a focus on the city of Kobe, Japan, a region historically impacted by seismic events. The Dominican students opted for a rigid structural system, which was evaluated through simulations of more than 15 different earthquakes, obtaining highly positive results in each test.
“We decided to prioritize structural strength without neglecting aesthetics or functionality. Our design incorporated cultural and historical elements from the Japanese context, breaking with traditional symmetries and creating a unique visual dynamic,” the team members explained in an interview with El Inmobiliario.
Beyond the technical aspects, one of the biggest challenges was financial. The students faced difficulties raising the necessary funds for materials, software, technical documentation, travel, and accommodations. "It's often thought that, because we're from PUCMM, we don't need support. The reality is very different," they pointed out. In that regard, they thanked the companies and institutions that trusted in their talent and offered the necessary support to make their participation possible.
The students participated alongside 48 universities from 10 countries. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
The team also stood out for its internal organization as a key factor in its success. Divided into areas such as structure, geotechnics, and architecture, they sought the support of experts and conducted exhaustive research that raised the technical level of their proposal. Preparation included months of workshops, specialized lectures, practical simulations, and detailed analyses.
For the students, achieving this ranking among the world's leading academic institutions represents not only a personal accomplishment, but also a source of pride for the university and the Dominican Republic. "Competing against prestigious universities and demonstrating that, from a small Caribbean island, we can be on par, fills us with satisfaction and hope," they stated.
In addition to highlighting the fundamental role of their professors and mentors, the team affirmed that this experience transformed them both personally and collectively. “We learned that teamwork, listening to each other, and taking responsibility for each role were key. We discovered what we are capable of when passion, knowledge, and purpose are combined.”
Following their success, the students are preparing to share their knowledge with new generations and to continue representing the country in future editions. “This is just the beginning. We want to keep growing, improving, and demonstrating that Dominican talent is world-class.”.
The team
They prioritized structural strength without neglecting aesthetics or functionality. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
The team consisted of Civil Engineering students: Yanell Ccruz, budget analyst; Engel Guevara, team captain; Jasmely Minyette, president; Alan Ventura, structural engineer; José Moreta, geotechnical lead; Gabriel Ortega, construction lead; José González, quality inspector; Cristopher Del Orbe, structural dynamics analyst; and Laysha A. Rodríguez, marketing lead. From Architecture, the team included Laura Fernández, architecture lead; and Isabella García, design lead.
PUCMM has been participating in these calls from the United States Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) since 2017.
