Building Leaders in Construction

February 20, 2025

U of U Professors Present at the Utah Asphalt Conference

The Utah Asphalt Conference (UAC) is the premier asphalt industry event in the state, bringing together top professionals for a world-class trade show and over twenty-eight educational seminars. Held on February 19-20, 2025, in Sandy, Utah, the conference provided a platform for experts to share insights, including Dr. Christian Brockmann and Dr. Pedro Romero from the University of Utah’s Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering.

Dr. Christian Brockmann, a leading professor in Construction Engineering, presented on the critical topic of Leadership in Heavy Civil Construction and Its Implications for Education. His presentation not only highlighted the evolving demands of leadership in civil construction but also served as an opportunity to introduce a new department initiative—an Online MS in Construction Engineering.

Unlike traditional MS degrees, which often lack industry-specific leadership training, and MBAs, which focus on generalized business principles, this program is designed to cultivate construction-focused leaders who can bridge the gap between technical expertise and management acumen.

Dr. Christian Brockmann at the 2023 Senior Capstone Gala.

A Degree Designed for the Industry

The construction industry requires professionals who can tackle complex, large-scale projects while leading teams with confidence. The Online MS in Construction Engineering at the U is tailored to meet this need by emphasizing:

  • Construction-Focused Management – A specialized alternative to the MBA, equipping engineers with leadership skills essential for the industry.
  • Complex Problem-Solving – Advanced techniques to handle the engineering challenges of large-scale projects.
  • Heavy Civil Engineering – A comprehensive approach into infrastructure development and large civil construction.

 

This program is more than just a degree—it’s a strategic advantage for engineers looking to elevate their careers. With a curriculum designed to integrate advanced engineering with leadership development, graduates will be uniquely positioned to lead in the evolving construction landscape.

 

Recognizing Excellence in Construction Engineering

Dr. Brockmann, who joined the University of Utah in 2022 to spearhead the Construction Engineering program, has been instrumental in shaping its direction. His experience in both academia and industry makes him a vital leader in preparing the next generation of construction engineers. Under his direction, our Construction Engineering Bachelor’s degree has been tailored to fit industry trends, and in 2022 it become the first ABET-accredited program of its kind in Utah.

Additionally, Dr. Pedro Romero, another distinguished faculty member, also presented at UAC. His session, Basics of Mix Design: Superpave, Marshall, & Beyond, showcased his expertise in asphalt materials and construction methodologies, further demonstrating the University of Utah’s commitment to advancing the field.

The Utah Asphalt Conference was an outstanding opportunity to not only share expertise but also introduce our department’s new goal of increasing the quality of construction engineering education. With the launch of the Online MS in Construction Engineering, the University of Utah is setting a new standard for industry-focused graduate education.

Dr. Pedro Romero (right) receiving an award at the 2024 Utah Asphalt Conference.

Construction Engineering at the University of Utah

The rapidly growing economy in Utah and many parts of the country requires construction of new roads, houses, and commercial buildings. Construction Engineers are needed to build these projects.

Construction Engineering at the University of Utah is a hybrid program that will prepare you to enter this exciting field: you will learn to plan, design, and build commercial and residential buildings.

 

More news from our department:

Alumni Spotlight:

Posted: February 10, 2025

Wooyoung Kim’s Journey in Transportation Engineering Meet Wooyoung Kim, a recent graduate from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, who is now making an impact in the field of Transportation Engineering. With a blend of early exposure to civil engineering and hands-on academic experience, Kim is launching his transportation engineering career at Horrocks Engineers, […]

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Hosts Dr. Tianfu Xu at Inaugural Distinguished Seminar Series

Posted: February 9, 2025

Pictured above: Drs. Brian McPherson (left) and Tiafu Xu (right) answer questions in Layton Auditorium after Xu’s Seminar. On February 6, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah launched its inaugural Distinguished Seminar Series, inviting leading experts to share cutting-edge research and advancements in the field. Dr. Brian McPherson, USTAR […]

Nuclear Detective: U of U Professor’s Research is Enhancing National Security

Posted: February 5, 2025

Quantum Science and AI Meet Nuclear Forensics Detecting and analyzing nuclear materials is a critical challenge in global security, yet current methods often struggle with accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. One of the biggest gaps in nuclear forensics is the lack of advanced materials capable of reliably sensing radiation and providing clear, identifiable signals. Dr. Ed […]

University of Utah ASCE Students Gain Leadership Insights at 2025 WSCL Conference

Posted: January 28, 2025

  The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) hosted the 2025 Regions 8 & 9 Workshop for Student Chapter Leaders (WSCL) and Practitioner and Faculty Advisor Training Workshop from January 17–18 in San Diego, California. This annual event brings together student chapter leaders, ASCE younger members, and regional professionals for networking, leadership development, and insights […]