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 into the Society’s resources.

Students from the University of Utah’s ASCE student chapter had the incredible opportunity to attend this year’s WSCL conference, where they connected with peers from other universities, ASCE Younger Member Forum (YMF) members, and seasoned professionals. The conference provided a platform for student leaders to build their networks, share experiences, and learn from the successes of other ASCE chapters.

A key highlight of the event was the leadership of Dr. Christine Pomeroy, faculty advisor of the University of Utah’s ASCE student chapter and professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CvEEN). As the workshop host, Dr. Pomeroy facilitated both the opening and closing sessions, setting the tone for the conference and guiding attendees in reflecting on key takeaways. She also presented on student chapter annual reports, providing valuable insights on best practices and reporting strategies. Additionally, Dr. Pomeroy led an overview of ASCE student chapter resources and facilitated a session on the ethical use of AI, equipping student leaders with tools to enhance their chapters’ effectiveness and professional integrity.

The 2025 WSCL conference was an invaluable experience for student leaders, equipping them with leadership skills and knowledge to strengthen their ASCE chapter at the University of Utah. With new insights and connections, they are excited to apply what they’ve learned to enhance their chapter’s activities and impact in the coming year.

ASCE students with Dr. Christine Pomeroy (center).

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Ambient Vibrations: A New Frontier in Earthquake-Resilient Infrastructure

Posted: November 21, 2024

Harnessing ambient seismic noise for advanced seismic hazard analysis Accurately predicting variations in ground motion characteristics is essential for reliable seismic hazard analysis and the design of resilient infrastructure. Traditional site response assessments rely on earthquake recordings or controlled field experiments, but these approaches are constrained by the infrequency of seismic events and the limited […]

University of Utah Secures $35 Million to Transform Utah’s Carbon Storage Landscape

Posted: November 13, 2024

Civil and Environmental Engineering faculty expands research into commercial-scale carbon storage across Utah to tackle climate change and revitalize local economies Pictured above: The Utah Iron mine looking over one of the future CarbonSAFE sites. What if Utah could lead the charge in addressing climate change by capturing millions of tons of carbon emissions? What […]

Fighting Forever Chemicals

Posted: September 3, 2024

Dr. Ramesh Goel Leads $1.6M EPA Research on PFAS Known as “forever chemicals,” per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products, such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and firefighting foams. Their resistance to degradation combined with their potential to accumulate in […]

U Grad Breaking Boundaries in Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted: July 30, 2024

Innovative Alzheimer’s Treatment Developed at the U Featured in Journal of Nuclear Medicine Alzheimer’s disease, a debilitating brain disorder with limited treatment options, has long challenged researchers. Specifically, researchers have struggled with slowing the buildup of amyloid beta plaques, harmful clumps in the brain that exacerbate the disease by damaging brain cells and causing memory […]

The Utah Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP) is proud to announce that research by Dr. Tara Mastren and former Ph.D. student Dr. Connor Holiski has been featured by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Their work explores advanced isotope separation techniques with potential applications in cancer treatment, specifically in improving the production of medical isotopes like terbium-161.

This recognition by the DOE underscores the significance of UNEP’s contributions to nuclear medicine and isotope science. Their research could play a key role in enhancing the availability of isotopes used for both imaging and therapy in cancer treatment.

To learn more about this groundbreaking work, read the full feature on the DOE website.

Drs. Tara Mastren and Connor Holiski

About the Researchers

Mastren is currently is an Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Utah. Her teaching and research interests are in nuclear medicine, which targets radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer and Alzheimer’s, lanthanide and actinide chemistry, and isotope production. Holiski, who earned his Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the U in 2024, is a Radiochemistry Postdoctoral Fellow at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He is currently working on various separations with new elements, collaborating with some of the brightest minds to tackle emerging challenges and driving groundbreaking discoveries.

Nuclear Engineering at the University of Utah

The Utah Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP) is responsible for educating the next generation workforce in critical nuclear engineering fields and developing innovative procedures and technologies for the advancement of nuclear applications.

Our curriculum is designed for engineers and scientists involved in the nuclear power and radioactive waste industries, nuclear medicine, homeland security, radiation safety, and nuclear materials detection. We offer an undergraduate minor and two graduate degrees (M.S. non-thesis and Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering). 

Explore Nuclear Engineering→

More news from our department:

New Nuclear Methods

Posted: July 28, 2024

University of Utah Research is Improving Radiation Detection Congratulations to Taylor Kimball, A PhD student in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Utah, whose research has been published in the prestigious Nuclear Technology journal! Kimball’s innovative work introduces a new method to create calibration standards for use in radiation detectors at radioxenon measurement labs, which […]

Nanobubbles: Tiny Powerhouses with Huge Potential

Posted: June 20, 2024

University of Utah Environmental Engineering Professor is at the Forefront of New Nanobubble Technology Peculiarly powerful, nanobubbles have opened a new frontier in science and engineering, creating promising environmental and medical applications. But what exactly is a nanobubble? Imagine a tiny water bubble that’s 2,500 times smaller than a single grain of salt. Then imagine […]

U’s Nuclear Engineering Program Shines at 2024 ANS Annual Conference

Posted: June 7, 2024

PhD Candidate Taylor Kimball’s Introduces New Reactor Efficiencies The 2024 American Nuclear Society (ANS) Annual Conference, a leading event for nuclear science and engineering professionals, took place in Las Vegas, NV from June 16-19, 2024. This year’s theme, “All In on Nuclear Deployment: The Stakes Have Never Been Higher,” emphasized the critical importance of nuclear […]

Dr. Cathy Liu Earns Prestigious Educator Award

Posted: November 6, 2023

CvEEN Professor Earns 2023 Outstanding Educator Award The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) is a global organization dedicated to improving transportation systems and creating smarter, more livable communities. Within this vast network, the Mountain District ITE represents the U.S.’s mountain states and recognizes outstanding educators in the field. Dr. Cathy Liu has been honored with […]

Pictured above: Dr. Chris Pantelides Presents to the Structural Engineers Association of Utah (SEAU) in Layton Auditorium.

Civil and Environmental Engineering (CvEEN) professor Dr. Chris Pantelides was recently invited by the Structural Engineers Association of Utah (SEAU) to present his cutting-edge research on mass timber buildings. The presentation, titled “Mass Timber Frame with Buckling Restrained Braces,” took place on Tuesday, January 14.

A professor of structural engineering at the U for over 30 years, Pantelides’s work highlights the potential of mass timber as a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials. By using engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL), his research addresses challenges in seismic performance and structural resilience. These advancements not only improve safety but also promote environmentally friendly construction by reducing reliance on steel and concrete, which have a higher carbon footprint.

SEAU, established in 1980, is a premier organization dedicated to advancing structural engineering through collaboration, education, and public awareness. Dr. Pantelides’s invitation to speak underscores the significance of his contributions to the field and their potential impact on sustainable construction practices.

Chris Pantelides Presents to SEAU

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Ambient Vibrations: A New Frontier in Earthquake-Resilient Infrastructure

Posted: November 21, 2024

Harnessing ambient seismic noise for advanced seismic hazard analysis Accurately predicting variations in ground motion characteristics is essential for reliable seismic hazard analysis and the design of resilient infrastructure. Traditional site response assessments rely on earthquake recordings or controlled field experiments, but these approaches are constrained by the infrequency of seismic events and the limited […]

University of Utah Secures $35 Million to Transform Utah’s Carbon Storage Landscape

Posted: November 13, 2024

Civil and Environmental Engineering faculty expands research into commercial-scale carbon storage across Utah to tackle climate change and revitalize local economies Pictured above: The Utah Iron mine looking over one of the future CarbonSAFE sites. What if Utah could lead the charge in addressing climate change by capturing millions of tons of carbon emissions? What […]

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Posted: September 3, 2024

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U Grad Breaking Boundaries in Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted: July 30, 2024

Innovative Alzheimer’s Treatment Developed at the U Featured in Journal of Nuclear Medicine Alzheimer’s disease, a debilitating brain disorder with limited treatment options, has long challenged researchers. Specifically, researchers have struggled with slowing the buildup of amyloid beta plaques, harmful clumps in the brain that exacerbate the disease by damaging brain cells and causing memory […]

Pictured above, left to right:  Ph.D. student Fengze Yang and CvEEN Faculty Members Dr. Dylan Liu, Dr. Chris Pantelides, Dr. Cathy Liu, and Dr. Peter Zhu, and former CvEEN faculty Dr. Terry Yang.

From January 5–9, 2025, several faculty members and PhD students from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CvEEN) attended the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting in Washington, DC.

The TRB Annual Meeting is a leading global platform for transportation innovation, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to exchange evidence-based insights across all modes of transportation.

Notably, Dr. Cathy Liu presented groundbreaking research on optimizing Electric Bus Fleet Planning, Scheduling, and Charging and using machine learning to enhance traffic mobility analysis. Dr. Chris Pantelides also shared his important work on Understanding and Advancing the Seismic Resilience of Highway Bridges. Ph.D. student Fengze and Drs. Cathy Liu and Dylan Liu also presented their co-authored paper titled “Independent Mobility GPT (IDM-GPT): A Self-Supervised LLM Framework for Customized Traffic Mobility Analysis Using Machine Learning Models.”

We are proud of our faculty and students for contributing to one of the premier transportation research events. Their work highlights CvEEN’s commitment to advancing innovation and excellence in the field of transportation engineering.

Dr. Dylan Liu Presenting His Research at TRB.

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Ambient Vibrations: A New Frontier in Earthquake-Resilient Infrastructure

Posted: November 21, 2024

Harnessing ambient seismic noise for advanced seismic hazard analysis Accurately predicting variations in ground motion characteristics is essential for reliable seismic hazard analysis and the design of resilient infrastructure. Traditional site response assessments rely on earthquake recordings or controlled field experiments, but these approaches are constrained by the infrequency of seismic events and the limited […]

University of Utah Secures $35 Million to Transform Utah’s Carbon Storage Landscape

Posted: November 13, 2024

Civil and Environmental Engineering faculty expands research into commercial-scale carbon storage across Utah to tackle climate change and revitalize local economies Pictured above: The Utah Iron mine looking over one of the future CarbonSAFE sites. What if Utah could lead the charge in addressing climate change by capturing millions of tons of carbon emissions? What […]

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U Grad Breaking Boundaries in Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted: July 30, 2024

Innovative Alzheimer’s Treatment Developed at the U Featured in Journal of Nuclear Medicine Alzheimer’s disease, a debilitating brain disorder with limited treatment options, has long challenged researchers. Specifically, researchers have struggled with slowing the buildup of amyloid beta plaques, harmful clumps in the brain that exacerbate the disease by damaging brain cells and causing memory […]

From Fracture Mechanics to Traffic Flow: CvEEN Undergraduates Push Boundaries in Engineering Research

Pictured above: Dr. Shahrzad Roshankhah with two students in her lab.

Each semester, the University of Utah’s Office of Undergraduate Research hosts the Undergraduate Research Symposium, a platform where students from across disciplines showcase their innovative projects. This event allows students to present their work in a scholarly setting, fostering collaboration and highlighting the incredible diversity of research happening at the U.

At this year’s symposium, held on Friday, December 6, 2024, we are proud to recognize two outstanding students from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CvEEN) who presented their research:

Sunghyun Kim: Analyzing Hydraulic Fracture Behavior Using 2D Digital Image Correlation

Mentor: Dr. Shahrzad Roshankhah

Sunghyun Kim’s research explores hydraulic fracture behavior using 2D Digital Image Correlation (2D-DIC), a technique that enables precise analysis of fracture patterns in transparent PMMA specimens. By utilizing a high-resolution 47MP camera system, Kim identified horizontal strain patterns and symmetrical stress redistribution, providing new insights into fracture mechanics. These findings offer a valuable foundation for studying the complexities of resource extraction and hydraulic fracturing.

View the Presentation→

Wooyoung Kim: Network Effects of Disruptive Traffic Events

Mentor: Dr. Juan Medina

Wooyoung Kim investigated how traffic disruptions, such as accidents or road closures, impact traffic flow. Using data from the Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures (ATSPM) system and police accident records, Kim analyzed the relationship between traffic volume changes and accident occurrences. While no definitive correlation was found, the study highlighted the challenges of data inconsistencies and external factors like weather and special events. Future research will incorporate advanced machine learning techniques to refine predictions and better understand how accidents disrupt traffic patterns, aiming to enhance traffic management strategies.

View the Presentation→

The exceptional research presented by Sunghyun Kim and Wooyoung Kim would not have been possible without the guidance of their faculty mentors, Dr. Shahrzad Roshankhah and Dr. Juan Medina. Their commitment to fostering a positive research environment for undergraduate students exemplifies the vital role faculty play in advancing high-impact learning experiences at the University of Utah.

Congratulations to these talented CvEEN students for their remarkable achievements! Their work underscores the department’s dedication to innovation and excellence in research.

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Peaks, Plans, and Paper Trails:

Posted: December 9, 2024

How a U Alum Became a Pro Athlete, Engineer, and Entrepreneur As a student-athlete at the University of Utah, Grayson Murphy excelled on the track and in the classroom. Now, as a professional athlete and emerging engineer, she’s taking her U experience to extraordinary heights—literally. As a professional mountain runner, she’s a two-time World Champion […]

Ambient Vibrations: A New Frontier in Earthquake-Resilient Infrastructure

Posted: November 21, 2024

Harnessing ambient seismic noise for advanced seismic hazard analysis Accurately predicting variations in ground motion characteristics is essential for reliable seismic hazard analysis and the design of resilient infrastructure. Traditional site response assessments rely on earthquake recordings or controlled field experiments, but these approaches are constrained by the infrequency of seismic events and the limited […]

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Posted: November 13, 2024

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Posted: July 30, 2024

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How a U Alum Became a Pro Athlete, Engineer, and Entrepreneur

As a student-athlete at the University of Utah, Grayson Murphy excelled on the track and in the classroom. Now, as a professional athlete and emerging engineer, she’s taking her U experience to extraordinary heights—literally. As a professional mountain runner, she’s a two-time World Champion and five-time U.S. Champion. Most recently, her victory in July 2024 secured her a spot on Team USA for the World Championships in October 2025.

A 2018 graduate with a B.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering from the U, success to Grayson is finding synergy in her passions—athleticism, entrepreneurship, and engineering—while thriving in each.

Grayson Murphy Finishing First in The Mountain Running World Championship.

Discovering Her Path at the U

Grayson’s path to engineering began with a childhood curiosity that fueled her desire to understand how things worked. “I constantly asked questions as a kid—probably to the annoyance of my parents,” she laughs. By high school, her love for math and science led her to STEM classes, but her love for arts and languages developed a strong creative urge in her. She began to consider how she could blend her creativity with her aptitude for math.

The answer came when she discovered engineering. At the University of Utah, she found the perfect blend of analytical problem-solving and creative thinking. “I loved my classes and realized that engineering was not only a practical degree with great career prospects, but also a way to make a positive impact on the world.”

Balancing Athletics and Academics

As a student-athlete, Grayson excelled both academically and athletically. A five-time All-American in cross-country and track, she credits the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department for their unwavering support. “They understood that my sport was just as important as my degree, and that balancing the two was crucial.”

Grayson Murphy Running for the University of Utah.

Juggling the demands of being a student-athlete with a rigorous engineering curriculum was a pivotal experience for Grayson, helping her develop the discipline and time management skills that she would later need to combine her passions for athletics, entrepreneurship, and engineering.

Sustaining a Dual Career

After graduating, Grayson’s journey took a unique turn. While most professional athletes focus solely on training, Grayson found a way to incorporate her engineering education into her life. She began working part-time for engineering firms, including Four Corners (Arizona) and the Tarr Group (Indiana), specializing in LiDAR sensing, GIS, and CAD design. The flexibility of these roles enabled her to prioritize her rigorous training schedule while staying connected to her passion for engineering.

At the same time, Grayson continued to evolve as an athlete. She discovered mountain running after graduation and quickly rose to the top of the sport, achieving global recognition as a champion.

Grayson’s drive to make a positive impact extends beyond running and engineering. She’s currently finishing her master’s degree in Natural Resources at Oregon State University. Her thesis focuses on a life cycle analysis for Recap, a company that produces biochar, a sustainable material used in eco-friendly construction. Grayson’s work aligns with her long-term passion for sustainability and green building practices. She plans to join Recap part-time after defending her thesis in March 2025.

A Creative Entrepreneur

Even with her packed schedule, Grayson found time to nurture her entrepreneurial spirit. In 2018, she created a personal training log and planner, which blossomed into a thriving business: Wild Strides Paper Co.

“I’ve always loved stationery, and Wild Strides allows me to combine my creative side with my connection to the endurance community,” she shares.

The business now offers a variety of products tailored to athletes, reflecting the same blend of creativity and practicality that defines Grayson’s life.

Looking Ahead

Grayson Murphy’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and balance. Whether scaling mountain peaks, designing sustainable solutions, or building a business, she continues to push boundaries. For Grayson, the future is wide open—a testament to the power of curiosity, hard work, and a passion for making a difference.

Grayson Murphy Mountain Running in the Himalayas.

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Ambient Vibrations: A New Frontier in Earthquake-Resilient Infrastructure

Posted: November 21, 2024

Harnessing ambient seismic noise for advanced seismic hazard analysis Accurately predicting variations in ground motion characteristics is essential for reliable seismic hazard analysis and the design of resilient infrastructure. Traditional site response assessments rely on earthquake recordings or controlled field experiments, but these approaches are constrained by the infrequency of seismic events and the limited […]

University of Utah Secures $35 Million to Transform Utah’s Carbon Storage Landscape

Posted: November 13, 2024

Civil and Environmental Engineering faculty expands research into commercial-scale carbon storage across Utah to tackle climate change and revitalize local economies Pictured above: The Utah Iron mine looking over one of the future CarbonSAFE sites. What if Utah could lead the charge in addressing climate change by capturing millions of tons of carbon emissions? What […]

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Posted: September 3, 2024

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U Grad Breaking Boundaries in Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted: July 30, 2024

Innovative Alzheimer’s Treatment Developed at the U Featured in Journal of Nuclear Medicine Alzheimer’s disease, a debilitating brain disorder with limited treatment options, has long challenged researchers. Specifically, researchers have struggled with slowing the buildup of amyloid beta plaques, harmful clumps in the brain that exacerbate the disease by damaging brain cells and causing memory […]

How Granular Soil Insights Lead to a Lower Carbon Footprint

What if the key to stronger, more sustainable infrastructure lies not just in traditional construction methods, but in understanding the movement of individual soil particles? Dr. Tong Qiu, Professor and Department Chair of Civil & Environmental Engineering, is exploring this idea through his innovative research on soil compaction.

Supported by a newly awarded National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, Dr. Qiu’s work is set to transform the critical process of soil compaction—a cornerstone of civil infrastructure.

Soil compaction is essential for stabilizing infrastructure foundations, yet current practices often rely on mere experience and intuition rather than quantifiable data, leading to inefficiencies like under- or over-compaction. Dr. Qiu’s research introduces a data-driven approach to address these issues. By using sensors to study how soil particles move (kinematics) during compaction, the research aims to create more efficient and sustainable construction practices.

The innovation of this research is the hypothesis that particle kinematics—rather than surface settlement—can provide a more accurate measure of soil compaction. Dr. Qiu’s team will test this by using advanced sensors like geophones, accelerometers, and SmartRocks to track soil particle behavior during compaction. The data will then help refine computer models, making simulations of real-world conditions with vibratory rollers more accurate.

One of the key benefits of this research is its potential to reduce the carbon footprint of construction. Over- or under-compaction can lead to wasted time, materials, and energy, as additional work may be needed to correct issues. By accurately measuring soil particle movement during compaction, the research optimizes construction by minimizing the need for rework, reducing the use of heavy machinery (which emits CO2) and lowering overall energy and material consumption, all of which contribute to a lower environmental impact.

Comparison of a real gravel particle and a SmartRock

In collaboration with co-principal investigator Dr. Shihui Shen of Penn State Altoona, the project will also provide valuable hands-on research experiences for undergraduate students. These students will gain exposure to cutting-edge geotechnical engineering technologies, enriching their academic experience and enhancing the curriculum at both institutions

Awarded approximately $450,000 and set to run through 2027, this project provides a pathway to more efficient construction practices. Dr. Qiu’s work has the potential to revolutionize soil compaction techniques, making infrastructure development both more efficient and more sustainable.

Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Utah

Explore Geotechnical Engineering→

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Ambient Vibrations: A New Frontier in Earthquake-Resilient Infrastructure

Posted: November 21, 2024

Harnessing ambient seismic noise for advanced seismic hazard analysis Accurately predicting variations in ground motion characteristics is essential for reliable seismic hazard analysis and the design of resilient infrastructure. Traditional site response assessments rely on earthquake recordings or controlled field experiments, but these approaches are constrained by the infrequency of seismic events and the limited […]

University of Utah Secures $35 Million to Transform Utah’s Carbon Storage Landscape

Posted: November 13, 2024

Civil and Environmental Engineering faculty expands research into commercial-scale carbon storage across Utah to tackle climate change and revitalize local economies Pictured above: The Utah Iron mine looking over one of the future CarbonSAFE sites. What if Utah could lead the charge in addressing climate change by capturing millions of tons of carbon emissions? What […]

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Posted: July 30, 2024

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Harnessing ambient seismic noise for advanced seismic hazard analysis

Accurately predicting variations in ground motion characteristics is essential for reliable seismic hazard analysis and the design of resilient infrastructure. Traditional site response assessments rely on earthquake recordings or controlled field experiments, but these approaches are constrained by the infrequency of seismic events and the limited coverage of monitoring networks. Dr. Kami Mohammadi’s research offers a transformative alternative: leveraging ambient vibrations – naturally occurring seismic noise generated by environmental and human activities – as a cost-effective and readily available resource for seismic hazard analysis.

In collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Dr. Mohammadi’s work focuses on using ambient noise data and 3D physics-based seismic wave propagation modeling to address the challenges of seismic hazard assessment in data-scarce regions. By investigating the physical and statistical relationships between wavefields generated by earthquakes and those from ambient sources, this research aims to establish a robust foundation for site response analysis, particularly in areas with limited strong motion data.

“Spectral amplifications from ambient vibrations can reveal critical site characteristics,” explains Dr. Mohammadi. “Our goal is to link ambient vibrations to earthquake-induced wavefields, enabling more accurate seismic hazard assessments across diverse geological regions.”

The study builds on preliminary findings that demonstrate how ambient noise data can capture fundamental site characteristics, paving the way for a deeper understanding of wave scattering mechanisms. By developing physics-based and data-informed models, this research seeks to bridge the knowledge gap between ambient noise and earthquake wavefields, making seismic hazard analysis more precise and cost-effective even with sparse earthquake data.

The implications of this work extend far beyond LANL, offering a more accessible, accurate, and cost-effective approach to seismic hazard assessment. This advancement not only enhances our ability to predict and mitigate the impacts of seismic events but also supports infrastructure planning and earthquake preparedness on a global scale.

Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Utah

Explore Geotechnical Engineering→

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Dr. Shahrzad Roshankhah Awarded Department of Energy Grant to Advance Research on Enhanced Geothermal Systems

Posted: November 4, 2024

Geothermal energy offers a sustainable way to power homes and industries by harnessing the Earth’s heat. However, extracting this energy from deep, hot dry rock layers presents unique challenges, such as maintaining permeable channels—or fractures—within high-temperature, high-pressure, high-stress environments. The fractures in geothermal reservoirs allow fluids to flow through the reservoir and carry the heat […]

University of Utah Celebrates 100 Years of the ASCE Student Chapter

Posted: September 29, 2024

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the nation’s oldest engineering society, has been supporting Civil & Environmental Engineering students at the University of Utah since 1924. For a century, the ASCE Student Chapter has been providing students with invaluable opportunities outside the classroom, preparing them for successful professional careers. On Thursday, September 16, 2024, […]

Enhancing Construction Engineering Education with AI-Driven Mobile App

Posted: September 9, 2024

Dr. Abbas Rashidi’s Role in Groundbreaking NSF Research  The intersection of technology and education is creating new possibilities for learning, and at the forefront of this transformation is a project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Abbas Rashidi, an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, is playing a key […]

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Civil and Environmental Engineering faculty expands research into commercial-scale carbon storage across Utah to tackle climate change and revitalize local economies

Pictured above: The Utah Iron mine looking over one of the future CarbonSAFE sites.

What if Utah could lead the charge in addressing climate change by capturing millions of tons of carbon emissions? What if we could boost local economies and transform rural communities in the process? Thanks to a transformative $35 million in new grants from the Department of Energy (DOE), University of Utah researchers are bringing this vision to life.

Three major grants secured by faculty in Price Engineering’s Civil and Environmental Engineering (CvEEN) Department will contribute to the DOE’s carbon emission reduction initiative, an effort focused on managing carbon emissions in Utah and throughout the United States.

The three principal investigators—Drs. Ting Xiao, Nathan Moodie, and Eric Edelman—are members of the Carbon Science and Engineering Research group at the University of Utah’s Energy & Geoscience Institute (EGI). These DOE grants will enable them to deepen their understand of carbon emissions’ effects on local communities and accelerate the development of commercial-scale CO₂ storage solutions, positioning Utah as a leader in sustainable industry and economic transformation.

Beyond reducing atmospheric carbon and promoting a healthier environment, these projects will create high-skilled jobs across geoscience, engineering, environmental management, and data analysis. Engaging local communities—particularly in regions historically reliant on fossil fuels—ensures that they can take part in these emerging sustainable career paths.

By establishing Utah as a hub for carbon management infrastructure, each project will attract further investments from sustainability-focused industries. Regional companies, such as Fervo Energy and Utah Iron, have already committed to using these facilities, forming a network of industries united by their reliance on carbon capture and storage for greener operations. This momentum promises long-term economic benefits and could bring environmentally conscious businesses to the area.

Overview of the Projects

Two years ago, Dr. Ting Xiao, with the EGI and CvEEN teams, received a $10 million grant from the Department of Energy (DOE) to assess the feasibility of a large-scale CO₂ storage complex in the Uinta Basin as part of CarbonSAFE Phase II. By examining geological, social, environmental, and economic factors, this initial research laid the groundwork for the team’s plan to safely sequester up to 50 million metric tons of CO₂ over 30 years. The team has now received three more grants to extend the scope of this project and explore carbon sequestration in two new regions within the state:

• Expanding the Uinta-Piceance Basin Project: Recently, Dr. Xiao secured an additional $5 million DOE grant to build a collaborative carbon management strategy across eastern Utah and western Colorado. This funding will support equitable, environmentally responsible carbon management efforts, including regulatory guidance, data analysis, and an educational program to prepare the future carbon capture workforce.
• Basin and Range Project in Southwest Utah: Dr. Nathan Moodie $10 million from the DOE for his Phase II CarbonSAFE project. His work will assess the feasibility of CO₂ storage in Utah’s Basin and Range region, with industry partners Fervo Energy and Utah Iron contributing direct air capture hubs and green iron processing facilities to the effort. This project supports the goal of establishing the first “green” iron plant in the U.S.
• Rocky Mountain Project in Central Utah: Dr. Eric Edelman is leading the Rocky Mountain CarbonSAFE project with $11 million in funding to establish a CO₂ sequestration hub in central Utah. This initiative involves gathering geological and geophysical data for the region and drilling a characterization well to evaluate the long-term CO₂ storage potential and associated risks. Emphasizing community engagement and new opportunities, the project aims to support sustainable economic growth in the region while significantly reducing carbon emissions.

A Unified Vision for Sustainable Carbon Capture

Members of the CvEEN and EGI groups looking at a Navajo outcrop near Cedar City, UT.

Together, these projects represent $35 million in dedicated research toward a scalable carbon storage infrastructure in Utah. By advancing the University of Utah’s mission to combat climate change, the CarbonSAFE initiative positions the state as a leader in carbon sequestration, aligning with state and national goals for emission reductions and a sustainable energy future.

“I am proud to have served as these stellar scientists’ Ph.D. advisor and co-PI on these four grants totaling $35 million,” said Dr. Brian McPherson, director of the Carbon Science and Engineering Research group and Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering. “Their research has the potential to create lasting environmental and economic impacts.”

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Mentor and Innovator: Chris Pantelides

Posted: November 13, 2024

Blending Visionary Research with Student Success in Structural Engineering Dr. Chris Pantelides has served as a structural engineering professor at the University of Utah for 33 years. In that time, he has built a state-of-the-art structural engineering lab in the Layton Engineering Building, received numerous honors and distinctions from leading engineering societies, and graduated 20 […]

Dr. Shahrzad Roshankhah Awarded Department of Energy Grant to Advance Research on Enhanced Geothermal Systems

Posted: November 4, 2024

Geothermal energy offers a sustainable way to power homes and industries by harnessing the Earth’s heat. However, extracting this energy from deep, hot dry rock layers presents unique challenges, such as maintaining permeable channels—or fractures—within high-temperature, high-pressure, high-stress environments. The fractures in geothermal reservoirs allow fluids to flow through the reservoir and carry the heat […]

Enhancing Construction Engineering Education with AI-Driven Mobile App

Posted: September 9, 2024

Dr. Abbas Rashidi’s Role in Groundbreaking NSF Research  The intersection of technology and education is creating new possibilities for learning, and at the forefront of this transformation is a project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Abbas Rashidi, an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, is playing a key […]

Fighting Forever Chemicals

Posted: September 3, 2024

Dr. Ramesh Goel Leads $1.6M EPA Research on PFAS Known as “forever chemicals,” per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products, such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and firefighting foams. Their resistance to degradation combined with their potential to accumulate in […]

Blending Visionary Research with Student Success in Structural Engineering

Dr. Chris Pantelides has served as a structural engineering professor at the University of Utah for 33 years. In that time, he has built a state-of-the-art structural engineering lab in the Layton Engineering Building, received numerous honors and distinctions from leading engineering societies, and graduated 20 Ph.D. students. Additionally, Pantelides has consistently been a leader in driving groundbreaking research in structural engineering, seismic retrofit with fiber reinforced polymer composites, accelerated bridge construction, and mass timber construction.

Notably, Pantelides’ research is focused on building a better future by increasing the resilience and sustainability of future infrastructure, reducing environment impacts of construction, and improving user safety in an increasingly climate-impacted world.

Yet above all his achievements, Pantelides is deeply committed to mentoring his graduate students, dedicating extensive time to guiding them through hands-on research in the structure’s lab. This commitment recently culminated in four co-authored publications with different Ph.D. students in four prestigious journals, all since July 2024:

Recent Co-authored Publications

• Journal of Structural Engineering
  • “Nonlinear Models of Multistory Timber Frames with Timber Buckling-Restrained Braces” with former Ph.D. student Dr. Emily Williamson. This study develops a seismic-resistant mass timber model, using the OpenSees framework to simulate an eight-story braced frame under earthquake loads, advancing mass timber as a primary building material in structural engineering. Read more.
• Journal of Bridge Engineering
  • “Seismic Performance of Self-Centering Post-Tensioned Concrete Columns Reinforced with Steel–GFRP Bars and GFRP Spirals” with Ph.D. student Duc Q. Tran. This research introduces a hybrid bridge column reinforcement using steel and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars to enhance seismic resilience and longevity, especially in corrosive environments. Read more.
• Engineering Structures
  • “Hybrid Bridge Bent Using Stretch Length Anchors with Post-Tensioning and Shear Key Alternatives” with Suman Neupane, current Ph.D. student. This paper presents self-centering bridge bents using post-tensioning and stretch length anchors, which improve seismic performance by reducing residual drift and maxim
    

    Chris Pantelides in his office with a piece of mass timber.

    izing energy dissipation. Read more.

• ACI Structural Journal
  • “Seismic Performance of Corroded Precast Reinforced Concrete Columns with Intentional Debonding” with Ph.D. student Sayal Shrestha. This study examines corrosion’s impact on the seismic resilience of reinforced concrete bridge columns, providing insights crucial for bridge construction in seismic regions. Read more.

From innovative hybrid materials and self-centering bridge designs to new modeling techniques for mass timber structures, the work produced by Dr. Pantelides and his students will contribute to safer, more durable construction in seismic regions, paving the way for accelerated construction practices and environmentally friendly building solutions.

Beyond his role as a mentor, Dr. Pantelides is a recognized leader in structural earthquake engineering, particularly for advancing mass timber construction. In July 2024, he shared his expertise at the World Conference on Earthquake Engineering in Milan, Italy, presenting two papers that underscore his commitment to both student development and the future of structural engineering. Through his leadership, Dr. Pantelides not only drives innovation in structural engineering but also inspires and empowers the next generation of engineers to never stop creating a more resilient future.

More news from our department:

Dr. Shahrzad Roshankhah Awarded Department of Energy Grant to Advance Research on Enhanced Geothermal Systems

Posted: November 4, 2024

Geothermal energy offers a sustainable way to power homes and industries by harnessing the Earth’s heat. However, extracting this energy from deep, hot dry rock layers presents unique challenges, such as maintaining permeable channels—or fractures—within high-temperature, high-pressure, high-stress environments. The fractures in geothermal reservoirs allow fluids to flow through the reservoir and carry the heat […]

University of Utah Celebrates 100 Years of the ASCE Student Chapter

Posted: September 29, 2024

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the nation’s oldest engineering society, has been supporting Civil & Environmental Engineering students at the University of Utah since 1924. For a century, the ASCE Student Chapter has been providing students with invaluable opportunities outside the classroom, preparing them for successful professional careers. On Thursday, September 16, 2024, […]

Enhancing Construction Engineering Education with AI-Driven Mobile App

Posted: September 9, 2024

Dr. Abbas Rashidi’s Role in Groundbreaking NSF Research  The intersection of technology and education is creating new possibilities for learning, and at the forefront of this transformation is a project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Abbas Rashidi, an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, is playing a key […]

Fighting Forever Chemicals

Posted: September 3, 2024

Dr. Ramesh Goel Leads $1.6M EPA Research on PFAS Known as “forever chemicals,” per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products, such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and firefighting foams. Their resistance to degradation combined with their potential to accumulate in […]