UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Aaron C. Wertman, son of Gary and Patricia Wertman of Danville, Pa., has been named the student marshal for the Penn State College of Arts and Architecture for summer 2015. A student in the integrated Bachelor of Architecture/Master of Architecture program, he will receive both degrees during commencement exercises on Aug. 15.
Wertman’s selection as marshal is the latest accomplishment for a student who has received extensive recognition for his academic achievements and design work. He has presented both locally and nationally about his Apparatus X project, an adaptable tool trailer, mobile design studio and micro living unit designed to transform an empty lot into a workspace in areas affected by natural disaster. Apparatus X has been published in both print and electronic publications, including WIRED.com and the MSNBC website. Recent honors include the College of Arts and Architecture’s Creative Achievement Award, funding for Apparatus X development from the MNE Boeing Innovation Competition and the “Environmental” category winner (for Apparatus X) in the 1000 Pitches competition.
Wertman has held several leadership positions in the Penn State chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and was the student representative to the Department of Architecture Alumni Group in 2013–14. The recipient of several scholarships, he was an undergraduate member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and was also part of Penn State’s Solar Decathlon team in 2009.
Wertman was a graduate research assistant for Penn State’s Energy Efficient Housing Research Group and graduate teaching assistant for Basic Design Studio I and II, both in 2013–14. Since January 2015, he has been a content development manager for Construct-X, a construction management consulting and technology services company based in Houston. He will continue to work for this company as he develops his own work with Apparatus X into a social enterprise focused on grassroots sustainable community development and disaster response. He hopes to launch this venture in early 2016, with a move to New Orleans, La.