One of the greatest strengths of a Lehigh education is its connection to real-world experience. Professors of practice embody that connection by bringing industry expertise and professional credentials to university programs.
Jennifer H. Gross, P.E. is a full-time professor of practice and director of the M.Eng. in structural engineering program. She leads the three-course design sequence (Design Project I, II and III) that forms the core of the M.Eng. curriculum. In addition, Professor Gross works with the program’s industry advisory council to identify and develop the group design project for the year. Throughout the 10-month program, she guides students through the group design project and arranges periodic external reviews of each group’s progress.
Depth and breadth of expertise well equip Professor Gross for the diversity of work students explore through their individual projects. Her students also benefit from seminars she frequently organizes with industry leaders to examine contemporary issues in structural engineering practice.
Professor Gross earned a B.S. degree in civil engineering from Lehigh University and an M.S. degree in civil engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. She began her career at Walter P. Moore as a design engineer and was most recently employed by The Harman Group as a senior project engineer. A registered professional engineer (P.E.) in Pennsylvania and Delaware, Professor Gross brings 12 years of industry experience to the M.Eng. degree program. Her notable building projects include:
• Gaylord National Harbor
This 2.5 million sq. ft. convention center and hotel complex in Oxon Hill, Maryland features a glass-roofed and glass-walled atrium supported by steel trusses. The convention center is framed with 60 ’x 60’ bays made of post-tensioned concrete, along with 180’-long span steel joists and trusses at the ballroom roofs. The 2,000-room, 20-story hotel is constructed of post-tensioned concrete.
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia South Tower Project
This 332,000 sq. ft., 10-story, structural steel braced frame addition was built adjacent to and above portions of the existing hospital. The project features transfer trusses at the lower floors, suspended floor framing from roof trusses, and complicated connections to the existing structure. The project also made extensive renovations to the existing steel-framed structure, which remained functional during the construction. Professor Gross co-authored an article on the project for Modern Steel Construction magazine.
• The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa
This is a 4.1 million sq. ft., 44-story, post-tensioned concrete hotel and four-story structural steel casino located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Professor Gross’ responsibilities included the design and coordination of the casino, ballroom, and back-of-house spaces.
• Seuss Landing at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure
Professor Gross was a design engineer on this unique project based on the works of Dr. Seuss in Orlando, Florida. She was responsible for the analysis and design of various structural steel buildings and features, including the steel columns and arches supporting a monorail ride.