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2022

2022

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Alumni’s Projects Enhance Baha Mar’s Destination Status

Aniebo Ebong (MS ’10) lives and works in what most people would call paradise. As the Director of Projects at Baha Mar, a luxury resort destination in Nassau, Bahamas, he manages all of the property’s capital improvement and construction projects.
Monday, December 12, 2022

Tang Awarded Dowd Fellowship to Develop Simulations

Supported by the Dowd Fellowship, Professor Pingbo Tang will integrate data-driven simulation games into two existing courses and one new course for “learning operations by trying” experiences with various civil systems.
Tuesday, December 06, 2022

Sanghavi Volunteers with EWB to Supply Clean Water, Infrastructure

Kavin Sanghavi (BS ‘16), a product manager at Booz Allen Hamilton, uses his engineering and project management experience to help others across the globe. As a member of the Engineers Without Borders (EWB) DC Professionals Chapter, he volunteers to create community-driven solutions that meet basic human needs.
Thursday, December 01, 2022

Frederick’s UN Internship Focused on Preservation, Sustainability

Bradley Frederick hails from outside of Chicago, but he spent his first summer living in a big city during 2022, when he interned in New York City with the United Nations. Frederick focused on planning, design, and construction in the U.N.’s Manhattan campus, which spans six city blocks.
Monday, November 21, 2022

Peng Receives Commendation for Excellence at Thrill Design Invitational

Junior Justin Peng was one of 127 students from 18 university teams who took competed in the Toronto Metropolitan University’s Thrill Design Invitational—presented by Universal Creative™.
Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Gioffre’s Volunteerism Delivers STEM to Kids

Service has always been important to Maddie Gioffre. As an undergraduate at CEE, she served on the student executive board of ASCE, helping to plan and run events within the department. This experience developed her leadership skills and led her to her current position as CEO of S.Y.STEM Coalition, a volunteer-run nonprofit that works to deliver hands-on, community-centered STEM experiences to students, in partnership with industry.
Friday, November 11, 2022

Kulkarni and Karve Marry Education, Life at CEE

Tanay Kulkarni and Devashri Karve are a unique pair at CEE—a married couple going through the program together. Originally from the small town of Amravati in central India, they’ve known each other since childhood.
Tuesday, November 08, 2022

The Rise of Digital Twins

PART THREE: A Space Ripe for Innovation & Industry Collaboration For decades, civil and environmental engineers have relied on digital models to assess and strengthen designs before they enter the physical world. Now, with improved sensing and computing technology, the way engineers use and maintain models is evolving, and a concept called digital twins is taking hold.
Monday, November 07, 2022

The Rise of Digital Twins

PART TWO: A Space Ripe for Innovation & Industry Collaboration  For decades, civil and environmental engineers have relied on digital models to assess and strengthen designs before they enter the physical world. Now, with improved sensing and computing technology, the way engineers use and maintain models is evolving, and a concept called digital twins is taking hold.
The Rise of Digital Twins
Tuesday, November 01, 2022

The Rise of Digital Twins

PART ONE: A Space Ripe for Innovation & Industry Collaboration For decades, civil and environmental engineers have relied on digital models to assess and strengthen designs before they enter the physical world. Now, with improved sensing and computing technology, the way engineers use and maintain models is evolving, and a concept called digital twins is taking hold.
Li Spins Success in Engineering, Table Tennis
Monday, October 31, 2022

Li Spins Success in Engineering, Table Tennis

CEE PhD student Yuanhao Li is putting a spin on integrating engineering with sports. As a table tennis champion, he uses fundamental principles of engineering to continually improve his performance.
Analyzing Waste Pit Contaminants
Monday, October 24, 2022

Analyzing Waste Pit Contaminants

Professor Greg Lowry is using robots to increase both safety and speed in the remediation process. He is working to develop terrestrial robots that can potentially autonomously explore natural environments, select sample locations, extract samples, and analyze the data online without exposing humans to hazardous conditions.
Andrade and Grzybowski Named Andrew Carnegie Scholars
Friday, October 14, 2022

Andrade and Grzybowski Named Andrew Carnegie Scholars

CivE/EPP seniors Carmen Andrade and Matthew Grzybowski have been named as Andrew Carnegie Scholars for the 2022-2023 academic year.
DEI Hackathon Challenges Students to Develop Solutions
Thursday, October 13, 2022

DEI Hackathon Challenges Students to Develop Solutions

CEE’s recent Hackathon challenged students to create Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) focused solutions for problems. Teams focused on developing solutions to issues that they find to be personally fulfilling and winning ideas earned students cash prizes. All participants had the opportunity to network with industry experts as well.
Flanigan Named Wimmer Faculty Fellow
Thursday, October 06, 2022

Flanigan Named Wimmer Faculty Fellow

Flanigan is revising 12-200: CEE Challenges - Design in a Changing World, a sophomore-level design course in Civil & Environmental Engineering in which students are challenged with solving problems related to conventional, cutting-edge, and emerging issues in CEE.
Mixing Engineering, Architecture, and Wooden Coasters
Wednesday, October 05, 2022

Mixing Engineering, Architecture, and Wooden Coasters

Hunter Lawrence (BS ’18) has a fascination for the aesthetics of roller coasters. She grew up riding the coasters at Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh. And she worked at the park as a ride operator for two summers–cementing her interest in the engineering and architecture behind wooden roller coasters.
New Master's Program: AI Engineering in CEE
Thursday, September 29, 2022

New Master's Program: AI Engineering in CEE

Carnegie Mellon University’s new Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Engineering (MS AIE) combines the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning with engineering domain knowledge and culminates in an integrated capstone project — in other words, the rare know-how to develop and apply AI-based solutions within an engineering context.
Kagdi Named HECC Fellow
Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Kagdi Named HECC Fellow

The Higher Education Climate Consortium (HECC) has selected Labdhi Kagdi as one of two fellows to help advance the collaborative Consortium and support its 2022 strategic planning effort.
Wells Named Steinbrenner Institute and Heinz Presidential Fellow
Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Wells Named Steinbrenner Institute and Heinz Presidential Fellow

The Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research at Carnegie Mellon University has selected Albin Wells as a Steinbrenner Research Fellow. The graduate fellowship program provides support to exceptional, second-year Carnegie Mellon students who work on cutting-edge environmental research. The interdisciplinary research projects' topics align with the Institute's strategic focus areas of energy transition strategies, and urban infrastructure and sustainable cities.
Gaining Mentorship, Experience in Summer Internships
Friday, September 23, 2022

Gaining Mentorship, Experience in Summer Internships

CEE Senior Kojo Aduhene spent his summer in Ghana being mentored by structural engineers. He says that his experience showed him the importance of communication and project management—and proved that he could think like an engineer.
Acharya Named Simons Foundation Pivot Fellow
Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Acharya Named Simons Foundation Pivot Fellow

Professor Amit Acharya will be part of the first cohort of fellows for The Simons Foundation Pivot Fellowship. This fellowship supports seven accomplished researchers to apply their expertise in a new field in mathematics or natural sciences.
Nock Awarded Sloan Foundation Grant
Friday, September 02, 2022

Nock Awarded Sloan Foundation Grant

CEE Assistant Professor Destenie Nock was recently awarded funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to conduct a multi-year project to examine how household energy insecurity is experienced by different demographic groups at the state and national levels.
Senchur Steps into CEE Alumni Role
Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Senchur Steps into CEE Alumni Role

Randi Senchur was recently named CEE’s Office and Alumni Relations Administrator. She’s been with the department for four years, most recently as a project coordinator.
Summer Research: Plant Nanotechnology REU
Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Summer Research: Plant Nanotechnology REU

CEE rising senior, Vanessa Manzano studied plant nanotechnology with Professor Greg Lowry this summer.
Alumnus Inducted into National Academy of Construction
Friday, August 12, 2022

Alumnus Inducted into National Academy of Construction

Seth Pearlman (CE BS ‘78, MS ‘79) has been named a new member of the National Academy of Construction in recognition of his leadership in ground improvement, environmental remediation, and soil investigation.
Summer Research: Energy Inequities in Energy Transitions
Tuesday, August 09, 2022

Summer Research: Energy Inequities in Energy Transitions

Sophomore Chloe Brown worked with professor Destenie Nock to study the impacts of energy inequities in the USA.
Rodrigues and Samaras Suggest Drones for Efficient Last-Mile Deliveries
Monday, August 08, 2022

Rodrigues and Samaras Suggest Drones for Efficient Last-Mile Deliveries

Professor Costa Samaras and PhD candidate Thiago Rodrigues researched what they refer to as “an increase in the demand for last-mile delivery while trying to reduce the environmental impacts of the transportation sector.”
New Department Head Burcu Akinci Sets a Path for the Future
Monday, August 08, 2022

New Department Head Burcu Akinci Sets a Path for the Future

Since joining CEE 22 years ago, Akinci has led and contributed to significant progress and growth in the field, including serving as Associate Dean for Research of the College and conducting research on new tools and methods for streamlining construction and facility/infrastructure operations and management processes.
CEE Students Explore the Future in 3D with Mega City 2070
Monday, August 01, 2022

CEE Students Explore the Future in 3D with Mega City 2070

Professor Pingbo Tang’s course teams of students first spent time exploring Mega City 2070 before selecting and analyzing an infrastructure case study in the city and its related technical challenges.
Fethiye Ozis Helps to Organize ASEE’s Annual Conference
Monday, July 25, 2022

Fethiye Ozis Helps to Organize ASEE’s Annual Conference

Recently, Assistant Teaching Professor Fethiye Ozis assisted in coordinating The American Society for Engineering Education’s annual conference. The event brings together engineering educators from across the globe in Minneapolis, MN.
Dzombak Retires After 35 Years of Service
Thursday, July 21, 2022

Dzombak Retires After 35 Years of Service

Dzombak Retires After 35 Years of Service
Understanding Active Matter Unlocks New Material Properties
Friday, July 15, 2022

Understanding Active Matter Unlocks New Material Properties

Assistant professor Jerry Wang is defining the properties of active matter, a category of materials that take stored or ambient energy and convert it into motion.
Fakhreddine Joins CEE as Assistant Professor
Tuesday, July 05, 2022

Fakhreddine Joins CEE as Assistant Professor

Sarah Fakhreddine recently joined CEE as an Assistant Professor, bringing to the department a background in both engineering and earth sciences. Fakhreddine’s area of expertise is focused on developing approaches to improve the resilience of freshwater supplies to climate change and population growth.
Small Retires After 40 Years of Service
Friday, July 01, 2022

Small Retires After 40 Years of Service

Mitchell Small, H. John Heinz III Professor of Environmental Engineering, has retired after 40 years of commitment and service to the departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and Engineering and Public Policy (EPP). Small began a joint appointment in CEE and EPP upon joining the faculty in 1982, and he retires having helped strengthen both departments and their long-standing collaborations in education and research.
Oppenheim Retires After 50 Years of Service
Monday, June 27, 2022

Oppenheim Retires After 50 Years of Service

In 50 years as a joint faculty member in Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and the School of Architecture (SoA), Irving Oppenheim educated many generations of students in both engineering and architecture, engaged in research that spanned the two disciplines, and contributed significantly to the strong relationship between CEE and SoA.
CMU Takes First Place at NASA Aeronautics Competition
Monday, June 13, 2022

CMU Takes First Place at NASA Aeronautics Competition

The Carnegie Mellon University team, with their project titled, Sustainability and Connected Autonomy: A New Era for Aviation, took first place in the inaugural Gateways to Blue Skies Competition. Competing among eight finalist teams who presented their ideas for future airport design updates needed to accommodate climate-friendly aviation advancements, the team earned the top award at the 2022 Blue Skies Forum, hosted at NASA’s Langley Research Center on June 2-3. The Forum was judged by subject matter experts from NASA and industry.
Remembering Tung Au
Thursday, June 02, 2022

Remembering Tung Au

Dr. Tung Au, emeritus professor in the Carnegie Mellon Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy Departments, passed away on May 31, 2022 at 98 years old. Au served on the faculty with great distinction from 1957 until retiring in 1992.
Yuan Presents Tang-Led Project at UTC Conference
Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Yuan Presents Tang-Led Project at UTC Conference

Recently, CEE student Chenyu Yuan presented “Towards Data-Driven and Continuous Safety Inspection of Commercial Trucks and Trailers” at the 7th annual UTC Conference for the Southeastern Region. The project, led by Professor Pingbo Tang and funded by Mobility21, has the goals of enhancing the safety of fleets of commercial trucks and trailers without compromising mobility and operating costs as well as effective use of historical and real-time telematics data for deterioration digital twinning of vehicle fleets for proactive inspection and maintenance.
Building Better Water Infrastructure Across the US
Thursday, May 26, 2022

Building Better Water Infrastructure Across the US

Having grown up in an under-served area, Michael Borrero, PE, (CEE BS ‘97) entered Carnegie Mellon with firsthand knowledge of water infrastructure problems—and a drive to fix them.
Thompson’s First Lecture
Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Thompson’s First Lecture

As a sophomore, Andrew Thompson watched online presentations of “First Lectures,” given by CMU graduating seniors. Inspired by Dr. Randy Pausch’s “Last Lecture,” these talks provide unique insight into what other students learned about themselves at CMU—and what they hoped to pass on to other Tartans.
CEE Updates Mission, Vision, and Values Statements
Thursday, April 21, 2022

CEE Updates Mission, Vision, and Values Statements

The new statements will guide the department in identifying, prioritizing, and continually evaluating activities, according to Professor Burcu Akinci. CEE’s previous strategic plan, completed in 2015, was intended to last for five years.
Real-world Engineering Solutions Exhibited in New Autonomous Infrastructure Systems Lab
Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Real-world Engineering Solutions Exhibited in New Autonomous Infrastructure Systems Lab

“The projects in the Autonomous Infrastructure Systems Lab area gives students a clear understanding of how the theoretical and fundamental knowledge they are learning interfaces with, and enables, real-world engineering solutions,” says Professor Katherine Flanigan. She adds that it highlights the importance of the interdisciplinary skills students are being asked to develop.
Alumni Awards Showcase Graduates’ Successes
Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Alumni Awards Showcase Graduates’ Successes

During Spring Carnival time at CMU, we gathered remotely to applaud CEE alumni who’ve made a positive, noteworthy impact through their research and work. The event, led by Dave Dzombak, Hamerschlag University Professor and CEE department head, connected CEE faculty, graduates, and friends to celebrate the school’s impressive alumni, high rankings, world-class facility, and internationally-recognized research. “Our students and professors are thought leaders, grappling with some of the most complex challenges in infrastructure and environment facing society today,” Dzombak said.
CMU and Fujitsu Collaborate to Develop ‘Social Digital Twin’ Technology for Smart Cities
Wednesday, April 13, 2022

CMU and Fujitsu Collaborate to Develop ‘Social Digital Twin’ Technology for Smart Cities

Carnegie Mellon University researchers recently announced an exciting collaboration with Fujitsu Limited, a leading Japanese information and communication technology company, to develop social digital twin technology, with an emphasis on exploring practical applications for the work.
Mentoring Program Matches Undergrads with CEE Alums
Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Mentoring Program Matches Undergrads with CEE Alums

The Alumni/Undergraduate Mentor Program, which welcomed its first cohort in the fall of 2021, matched 21 student-alumni pairs with the goal to develop deeper connections between participants.
Burcu Akinci Named Head of CEE
Monday, April 11, 2022

Burcu Akinci Named Head of CEE

Burcu Akinci, the Paul Christiano Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has been appointed the new head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), effective July 1, 2022. Akinci will succeed Dave Dzombak, Hamerschlag University Professor of CEE.
Yam’s Global Education Leads to Singapore’s Ministry of Transport
Thursday, April 07, 2022

Yam’s Global Education Leads to Singapore’s Ministry of Transport

Singapore native Denise Yam (CiVE/EPP ’13) longed to explore the world before returning home to build her career. A strong believer in challenging herself and broadening her world view, Yam’s passion for international exploration led her to Carnegie Mellon.
New Scholarship Fund Honors Accomplished Alums DiGioia and Gray
Thursday, March 31, 2022

New Scholarship Fund Honors Accomplished Alums DiGioia and Gray

The scholarship will support CEE undergraduates in pursuing their degrees, as classmates Anthony DiGioia Jr. (BS ‘56, MS ‘57, PhD ‘60) and Richard Gray (BS‘56) attribute much of their own success to the strong academic foundation and relationships forged at Carnegie Tech.
Bram “Rethinks the Rink” for Hockey Player Safety
Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Bram “Rethinks the Rink” for Hockey Player Safety

Rethink the Rink is a collaboration between the Pittsburgh Penguins, Covestro, Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering, PPG, and Athletica Sport Systems. Students worked in teams of four at CMU's TechSpark and had hands-on coaching throughout the process
The Evolution of CEE: Preparing the Next Generation of Engineers and Problem Solvers
Monday, March 21, 2022

The Evolution of CEE: Preparing the Next Generation of Engineers and Problem Solvers

Part Four: CEE Classes Tackle Topics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Engineering CEE undergraduates first encounter the topic of sensing in the first-year project course that introduces them to the domain of civil and environmental engineering. As sophomores, students explore computing and sensing in greater depth in CEE Challenges: Design in a Changing World. 
The Evolution of CEE: Preparing the Next Generation of Engineers and Problem Solvers
Saturday, March 19, 2022

The Evolution of CEE: Preparing the Next Generation of Engineers and Problem Solvers

Part Three: Students Utilize Sensing Technologies in CEE Project Courses CEE undergraduates first encounter the topic of sensing in the first-year project course that introduces them to the domain of civil and environmental engineering. As sophomores, students explore computing and sensing in greater depth in CEE Challenges: Design in a Changing World. 
The Evolution of CEE: Preparing the Next Generation of Engineers and Problem Solvers
Thursday, March 17, 2022

The Evolution of CEE: Preparing the Next Generation of Engineers and Problem Solvers

Part Two: New Labs Prepare CivE Students for Practice & Problem-Solving A new lab course sequence for Civil Engineering undergraduates is underway, designed to bolster students’ understanding of real-world applications and problem-solving. 
The Evolution of CEE: Preparing the Next Generation of Engineers and Problem Solvers
Wednesday, March 16, 2022

The Evolution of CEE: Preparing the Next Generation of Engineers and Problem Solvers

Part One: The Start of a New Era for Environmental Engineering in CEE Environmental engineering has long been a mainstay of CEE’s undergraduate curriculum, and the November 2020 announcement of a new BS in Environmental Engineering (EnvE) program reflected expanded commitment to preparing graduates to make an impact in this critical field. 
Kramer Awarded American Bridge Leadership Award
Friday, February 25, 2022

Kramer Awarded American Bridge Leadership Award

CEE/EPP Senior Kelby Kramer was recently awarded the American Bridge Leadership Award by The Pittsburgh Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in recognition of his leadership accomplishments and community impact.
Kurz Joins CPDC to Guide Student Career Success
Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Kurz Joins CPDC to Guide Student Career Success

Sarah Kurz joins Carnegie Mellon as the new career consultant supporting undergraduate students in CEE, ChemE, BME, and first-year engineering students. Kurz is already meeting and advising students for upcoming internship and post-graduation opportunities.
Choi Awarded Smith Graduate Fellowship
Friday, February 18, 2022

Choi Awarded Smith Graduate Fellowship

PhD student Byeongseong Choi was recently awarded the Bradford and Diane Smith Graduate Fellowship. Choi earned his undergraduate and master's degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Seoul National University, Korea.
Guarda Awarded TCS Presidential Fellowship
Thursday, February 17, 2022

Guarda Awarded TCS Presidential Fellowship

PhD candidate Pablo Guarda has recently been awarded a Tata Consultancy Services Presidential Fellowship.
Micromobility Modes Could Replace 1/5 of Short Car Trips
Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Micromobility Modes Could Replace 1/5 of Short Car Trips

Micromobility modes, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, can potentially replace up to 18% of short, private vehicle trips within urban areas, according to a study led by professor Corey Harper. These modes could help reduce congestion in crowded city corridors but have a limited impact on overall energy use and emissions reduction. A combination of micromobility solutions and broader measures like vehicle electrification and commuter transit is necessary to achieve significant emissions reductions.
Naghibzadeh Awarded Bushnell Fellowship
Thursday, February 10, 2022

Naghibzadeh Awarded Bushnell Fellowship

PhD student Kiana Naghibzadeh was awarded the Neil and Jo Bushnell Fellowship in Engineering. Naghibzadeh earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology, Iran.
Lee Awarded Miller Presidential Fellowship
Wednesday, February 09, 2022

Lee Awarded Miller Presidential Fellowship

PhD candidate Daryn Lee has recently been awarded a Ruth Furman Miller and David H. Miller Presidential Fellowship in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering from the College of Engineering and the University.
Lyle Awarded Fok Presidential Fellowship
Tuesday, February 08, 2022

Lyle Awarded Fok Presidential Fellowship

PhD candidate Zia Lyle has been awarded the Thomas and Maria Fok Presidential Fellowship. Lyle earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering as well as Bachelor of Arts in Plan II, a liberal arts honors program at University of Texas at Austin.
Xiong Awarded Smith Graduate Fellowship
Monday, February 07, 2022

Xiong Awarded Smith Graduate Fellowship

PhD candidate Ruoxin Xiong was recently awarded the Bradford and Diane Smith Graduate Fellowship. Xiong earned his undergraduate Transportation Equipment and Control Engineering from Central South University and a master's degree in Transportation Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Wang Awarded Liang Ji-Dan Fellowship
Friday, February 04, 2022

Wang Awarded Liang Ji-Dan Fellowship

Wang's research is focused on simulating the airport ground operation based on historical data and improving the operational efficiency and safety level through artificial intelligence.
Waldvogel Works on LANL Sustainability and Zero-Carbon Plans
Friday, January 14, 2022

Waldvogel Works on LANL Sustainability and Zero-Carbon Plans

Genna Waldvogel (MS ‘17) took a somewhat non-traditional route to her current position as a sustainability program team leader at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in New Mexico. Prior to earning her master’s degree at CEE, she spent four years teaching high school science. She explains that the skills she gained as a teacher and during her time as a CEE graduate student have given her a unique ability to solve advanced problems.
Junior Projects Experiment Studies Porter Hall Bottleneck
Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Junior Projects Experiment Studies Porter Hall Bottleneck

The project was assigned in the students’ Junior Projects course, and came to life to solve the problem of real-world collision experiences the students had experienced while attempting to navigate the high-traffic area.
Ozis Joins CEE as Assistant Teaching Professor
Friday, January 07, 2022

Ozis Joins CEE as Assistant Teaching Professor

Fethiye Ozis recently joined CEE as an Assistant Teaching Professor. She brings to the department teaching expertise as well as research experience in sustainable cities, biotechnology for air pollution control, and sustainable methods of water treatment.
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