From Detector Development to Neutron Source Facilities: Dr. Edward Cazalas and Team Are Advancing Nuclear Engineering

Dr. Edward Cazalas, an Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering in the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Utah, is at the forefront of advancing our understanding of nuclear and radiation interactions.

At the helm of the Cazalas Group of Radiation Detection, Effects, and Dosimetry, (CAZ-RAD), Dr. Cazalas is dedicated to exploring the intricate physics and engineering behind these interactions. The group’s work spans the development of cutting-edge tools and instruments for radiation detection, the advancement of dosimetry, and the study of radiation effects, all of which play a critical role in various fields such as nuclear engineering, nuclear physics, nuclear security, and the durability of electronics in radiation environments.

A Collaborative Hub for Innovation

The CAZ-RAD group is committed to fostering collaboration across a broad spectrum of disciplines and industries. Dr. Cazalas and his team actively invite potential collaborators from universities, industry, national laboratories, and government agencies to join forces in pushing the boundaries of nuclear engineering research.

By inviting a collaborative approach to their elaborate facilities, they aim to develop innovative solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges in the field.

State-of-the-Art Research Facilities

The CAZ-RAD group operates three specialized laboratories, each designed to support different aspects of their research:

• East Lab: Focused on radiation detection, electronics, and technology development. This lab is equipped with high-quality oscilloscopes, detector material storage, power supplies, ADCs, signal analysis software packages, and SiPM systems, making it a hub for cutting-edge detector research and development.
• West Lab: Dedicated to radiation and irradiated sample testing, located within the University of Utah Reactor (UUTR) lab space. The West Lab is capable of handling radioactive and activated materials and offers access to the UUTR and radioactive sources, probe-station testing, sample analysis, and radiation counting facilities.
• Computational ‘Lab’: Specializes in simulations and modeling, providing the computational backbone for the group’s experimental work. This lab plays a critical role in predicting and analyzing radiation interactions, helping to refine experiments and interpret results.

Facilities and Future Developments

The CAZ-RAD group benefits from the extensive facility support available at the University of Utah, including the UU Nanofab Labs and the UU TRIGA Reactor (UUTR). These facilities enhance the group’s ability to conduct high-impact research. Looking ahead, the group is planning to develop a neutron source irradiation facility, further expanding their research capabilities and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries.

A Distinguished Career in Nuclear Research

Dr. Cazalas brings a wealth of experience to the University of Utah, having worked at prestigious institutions such as Sandia National Laboratories, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Penn State University, Oregon State University, the Air Force Institute of Technology, and the RAND Corporation. His diverse background and expertise in nuclear engineering and policy research have positioned him as a leading figure in the field, driving innovation and inspiring the next generation of nuclear engineers.

Join the CAZ-RAD Group

Whether you are interested in exploring radiation effects in electronics, advancing nuclear security, or developing new radiation detection technologies, the CAZ-RAD group offers a unique environment to pursue cutting-edge research. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Dr. Cazalas to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.

Nuclear Engineering at the University of Utah

With a commitment to innovation and excellence, the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP) aims to push the boundaries of multidisciplinary nuclear-related fields. UNEP’s overarching goal is to continually make strides in the advancement of multidisciplinary nuclear-related fields such as actinide synthesis, electronics nesting, energy, and more.

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Revolutionizing Maintenance Data Collection for Better Planning

Civil & Environmental Engineering faculty member Dr. Juan Medina’s work is optimizing Utah’s transportation infrastructure through in-depth cost analysis. His team’s research emphasizes the importance of considering long-term maintenance costs alongside initial construction and installation expenses.

In partnership with the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Dr. Medina’s recent work offers practical solutions that balance upfront construction costs with long-term maintenance needs, ultimately paving the way for more efficient statewide transportation planning.

The report, published by the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, presents a comprehensive review of ten years’ worth of barrier-related work order data and transactional expenses and provides the foundation for a big-picture analysis of barrier systems. The case study provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in maintenance data collection and asset cost tracking over time. These findings are crucial for conducting comprehensive life-cycle cost analyses and evaluating alternative design options.

Dr. Medina’s research not only contributes to a deeper understanding of infrastructure maintenance and cost management but also offers practical solutions to enhance data collection practices. These improvements are vital for the accurate evaluation of design alternatives, ensuring that planners can make informed decisions that balance upfront costs with long-term sustainability.

Dr. Richard Porter, a former faculty member of the University of Utah, also played a significant role in this study. Their combined efforts are paving the way for more efficient and cost-effective transportation infrastructure design, ultimately benefiting the entire state of Utah. Read the abstract here.

Transportation Engineering at the University of Utah

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Bringing Together Passions for Nature and Architecture Through Civil Engineering

Meet Spencer Krueger, a sophomore Civil & Environmental Engineering student who is passionate about merging nature and architecture to shape the world through engineering. In only his second year at the University of Utah, Spencer’s goal is clear: to pursue a career that positively impacts the community by integrating infrastructure with the natural environment.

Discovering a Passion for Civil Engineering

Spencer’s interest in civil engineering stems from a deep appreciation for both architecture and nature—two elements he’s admired since childhood. “I started to notice the architecture of buildings, as well as my love for nature that I have had since I was young,” Spencer shares. By choosing civil engineering, he’s able to combine these passions, working on projects that blend infrastructure with the natural world. Further, studying civil engineering creates a pathway that will allow Spencer to create the eco-friendly and sustainable structures of our future cities.

Balancing Athletics and Academics

Spencer’s ambitious goals of designing and building a better world aren’t his only focus at the U—he’s also a dedicated member of the university’s competitive Lacrosse team.

As a student-athlete, Spencer faces unique challenges, but these experiences have taught valuable life skills. “As many know, being a student-athlete has its challenges. You learn very quickly how to properly manage your time and when you need to sacrifice things to complete your necessary tasks in a timely manner,” he explains. These skills have been essential in balancing the demands of both athletics and a rigorous engineering curriculum.

Embracing Utah’s Natural Beauty

When not immersed in studies or athletic commitments, Spencer takes full advantage of Utah’s outdoor offerings. Skiing, fishing, hiking, and exploring the state’s natural beauty are among his favorite pastimes. These activities not only provide a break from the academic grind but also reinforce his love for the environment—a passion that continues to drive his educational and career goals.

As Spencer continues his journey at the University of Utah, this sophomore looks forward to making meaningful contributions to the field of civil engineering and to the community.

Spencer Krueger, Civil Engineering student and Lacrosse Athlete at the University of Utah

Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah

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NSF Awards $500,000 Collaborative Grant for Innovative Research Led by Jennifer Weidhaas

The National Science Foundation has awarded a $500,000 grant for Dr. Jennifer Weidhaas’s latest project, “Collaborative Research: Wastewater exposome as an untapped source for understanding air pollution burden in environmental justice communities.” Dr. Weidhaas, an Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah, will lead the project, with Dr. Randal Martin, a Professor at Utah State University.

The research, which will continue into 2027, aims to uncover the environmental burdens faced by disadvantaged communities by offering a non-invasive method to verify air pollution exposure to toxic effects on humans through wastewater analysis.

A New Frontier in Disease Surveillance: Using Wastewater to Track Air Pollution Exposure

Chronic diseases, a major cause of preventable deaths in the U.S., are often linked to air pollution, which is known to exacerbate asthma, respiratory diseases, and other health issues. Dr. Weidhaas’s research is pioneering preventative solutions to mitigate these preventable deaths.

By analyzing air pollution metabolites found in urine, researchers can directly confirm human exposure to pollutants and the magnitude of health effects. This innovative project aims to explore the impact of air pollution on environmental justice communities by correlating air pollution levels, urine markers of exposure, and wastewater data. The findings may extend beyond air pollution to monitor other diseases, including cancer and mental health disorders.

Bridging Environmental Justice and Public Health

Investment in preventing non-communicable diseases has a high return on investment and paves the way for earlier, targeted public health interventions. This project will develop disease surveillance tools using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) methods, which will demonstrate that wastewater can reflect community exposure to air pollution. By focusing on socioeconomically disadvantaged communities with high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), the project will use extracellular microRNA monitoring and mass spectroscopy detection of PAH metabolites in wastewater, alongside indoor and outdoor air sampling.

Engaging Title 1 schools and community members in sample collection and result dissemination through community meetings, this project aims to co-generate knowledge with environmental justice communities. While primarily focusing on air pollution exposure, this WBE approach has the potential to investigate a wide variety of non-communicable diseases associated with environmental exposures.

The project not only enhances our understanding of environmental justice issues but also presents new innovative public health solutions.

Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah

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Welcome to the U, Dr. Liu!

Transportation Engineering at the University of Utah

Researchers in Transportation Engineering use state-of-the-art technology such as AI and machine-learning to make innovative advancements in the planning, design, operations, maintenance, and assessment of transportation systems.

Our exceptional faculty who specialize in Transportation Engineering conduct cutting-edge research in transportation system design and modeling.

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PhD Student Proposes Vision for the Future of Engineering in Utah

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Welcome (back) to the Department, Dr. Johnson!

Dr. Ryan Johnson joins the University of Utah from the Alabama Water Institute at the University of Alabama, where he helped jump-start the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology, or CIROH.

A PhD graduate from our Department at the U, he brings back with him to the University of Utah several NOAA and USGS awards targeting improvements and utility of the National Water Model. His research leverages the power of machine learning and AI to advance the modeling of snow distribution in mountainous catchments and account for the impacts of water resources infrastructure on water supply forecasting.

As an Assistant Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Dr. Johnson’s teaching interests are courses to generate the next generation of water resources scientists and operators, such as Hydraulics.

Dr. Johnson’s research focuses on large-scale methods to advance operational hydrology, such as improving the modeling of snow-driven hydrological systems critical to forecasting western US water supply and developing novel applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning to guide water resources management decision-making to droughts, floods, and a changing climate. He encourages all Civil and Environmental Engineering students to learn a coding language and build long-lasting collaborative relationships.

Welcome (back) to the Department, Dr. Johnson!

Water Resources Engineering at the University of Utah

The work being done by water resources engineers has a far-reaching impact, from influencing policy decisions to driving innovation in industry. We collaborate with governmental agencies, non-profits, and private sector partners to ensure that our research findings translate into real-world applications.

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PhD Student Proposes Vision for the Future of Engineering in Utah

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Dr. Cathy Liu Earns Prestigious Educator Award

Posted: November 6, 2023

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Bakelli’s Participation Propels Him into the Forefront of Carbon Sequestration Research

University of Utah PhD student Omar Bakelli recently participated in the 20th annual Research Experience in Carbon Sequestration (RECS) program, held from July 21-30, 2024, across Colorado and Wyoming. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), RECS 2024 provided an immersive experience for emerging leaders in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and the broader energy transition.

This year’s program featured a mix of interactive content, including site tours, live lectures, a geology field excursion, discussion sessions, and group exercises. Key highlights included:

• Industry Keynotes: Insights from pioneers in the CCUS field.
• CCUS Communication Sessions: Training on effectively communicating complex concepts.
• Geology Field Trip: Exploration of storage and sealing formations’ outcrops.
• Facility Visits: Tours of cutting-edge sites such as Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s Dry Fork Station and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

In addition to these activities, participants had the opportunity to network with the broader RECS community, which boasts over 700 alumni. Building on decades of DOE and industry investment, the CCUS sector is poised to play a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing the clean energy transition. The RECS community continues to lead and influence these efforts both nationally and globally.

For Bakelli, the RECS 2024 experience was transformative, deepening his understanding of CCUS technologies, expanding his network of like-minded young leaders, and empowering him to drive impactful change in the field.

Future CCUS Leadership

Omar Bakelli is a Ph.D. student in Civil & Environmental Engineering and a Graduate Research Assistant at the Energy & Geoscience Institute, working under the guidance of Dr. Brian McPherson and Dr. Ting Xiao. His research, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, focuses on improving numerical simulations of multiphase flow in porous media—a key factor in ensuring the secure long-term storage of CO2 underground. With prior experience as a field engineer with Halliburton, Bakelli brings a blend of practical and academic expertise to his work. He holds dual master’s degrees in petroleum engineering and hydrogeology from the University of North Dakota and Kasdi Merbah Ouargla University in Algeria. He is expected to graduate in August 2027.

Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah

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Nanobubbles: Tiny Powerhouses with Huge Potential

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Dr. Cathy Liu Earns Prestigious Educator Award

Posted: November 6, 2023

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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 loss.

Recently, researchers from the University of Utah’s Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP), in collaboration with Dr. Andrew Roberts of the Department of Chemistry and Drs. Satoshi Minoshima and Donna Cross of the Department of Radiology, have developed a groundbreaking approach to tackle these plaques. Inspired by cancer treatment methods, their innovative technique utilizes tiny particles known as alpha particles to break down chemical bonds in amyloid beta plaques. This method, called Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT), delivers these particles directly to the harmful areas while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Dr. Aidan Bender, a UNEP PhD graduate, spearheaded this pioneering research on Alzheimer’s disease. His remarkable work is being published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine, the premier journal in the field.

Dr. Tara Mastren, an Assistant Professor at UNEP, expressed immense pride in her former student’s significant contributions.

“Aidan excelled in research and developed many skills and techniques needed to tackle this study,” said Dr. Mastren. “The research from his publication is the first step in determining if this treatment method is feasible and has allowed us to move into testing in vivo models.”

Additionally, this research received funding from the University of Utah’s 1U4U initiative, which aims to bring together research and projects from health sciences and the U’s main campus to increase their societal impact. 1U4U’s support of this project underscores the value of Dr. Bender’s contributions.

The Research’s Real-World Impact: A New Hope for Alzheimer’s Patients

To apply this theoretical nuclear medicine to treating the disease, Dr. Bender’s team, under the supervision of Dr. Mastren, started by developing a chemical compound that can latch onto to the harmful amyloid beta plaques, called BiBPy.

Drs. Tara Mastren and Aidan Bender in the Mastren Lab

After developing this new compound, they attached a small amount of a radioactive element, bismuth-213. This makes the compound capable of emitting alpha particles. This new compound, [213Bi]-BiBPy, was applied to the brain tissue of mice that are genetically modified to develop amyloid plaques similar to those in Alzheimer’s patients.

The compound, when combined with bismuth-213, successfully developed properties that made it effective at binding to the amyloid plaques in the mice’s brain tissue.

Measured using two types of tests that check for the presence of amyloid beta, the treated brain tissues showed a significant reduction in amyloid beta concentration. These results suggest that the compound can be effectively applied as a potential Alzheimer’s treatment, paving the way for further tests in live animals and eventually in humans.

Future Directions: Advancing Nuclear Medicine

During his time at the U, Aidan Bender worked in the Mastren Lab developing small-molecule radiopharmaceuticals for applications in cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Upon earning his PhD, he joined the Center for Quantitative Cancer Imaging at Huntsman Cancer Institute as a Research Associate, where he continues this significant work.

Currently, Dr. Bender is working on radiopharmaceutical development for cancer imaging and therapy. By harnessing cyclotron-produced therapeutic radionuclides, auger electron therapy, and PET radiometals, his work is providing powerful tools for detecting, diagnosing, and treating cancer.

Outside of the lab, Aidan enjoys writing speculative fiction and hiking with his wife and dogs.

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→

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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 […]

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 support the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). His research supports the CTBT by providing better tools for detecting nuclear explosions, ensuring more accurate monitoring and compliance with the treaty.

Performed for the Washington State University (WSU) TRIGA reactor, Kimball’s work was supported by funding from Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, and the Energy Solutions Presidential Endowment from the University of Utah.

Nuclear Technology aims to be the leading international publication reporting new information on the practical application of nuclear science for peaceful uses, including reactor design, waste management, and health physics.

Taylor Kimball, set to graduate next May, has been with U of U’s Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP) since August 2022, focusing his research on computational radiation transport. Working with Dr. Glenn Sjoden, Kimball’s work specializes in fuel burnup and depletion calculations, as well as cross section generation. He recently presented his work on new reactor efficiencies at the 2024 American Nuclear Society (ANS) Annual Conference, a leading event for nuclear science and engineering professionals.

Congratulations to Taylor Kimball and Dr. Glenn Sjoden on this remarkable achievement!

About UNEP

UNEP’s TRIGA Nuclear Reactor

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:

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 […]

PhD Student Proposes Vision for the Future of Engineering in Utah

Posted: April 30, 2024

Mina Golazad, Construction Engineering PhD student, has been awarded second place in the ASCE Utah Younger Member Forum Scholarship program for her vision of engineering in the future state. Mina’s response to the prompt, “Be Future Ready,” garnered recognition from the ASCE Utah Younger Member Forum. This year’s prompt challenged participants to envision the challenges […]

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 […]

Dr. Weidhaas Champions Local Solutions for Water Reclamation in Arid Utah

On June 18, 2024, Environmental Engineering Professor Dr. Jennifer Weidhaas shared her insights and experiences with the groundbreaking PureSojo project as part of the Engineering & Public Works Roadshow. This innovative initiative, developed in collaboration with the City of South Jordan, represents a significant leap forward in water sustainability for Utah.

“It has been exciting to see the project come to fruition and provide a roadmap for future reuse projects in Utah,” said Dr. Weidhaas. Her expertise and commitment have been crucial to the project’s development and implementation, ensuring its success and impact.

From Theory to Practice

During her talk at the PureSojo site, Dr. Weidhaas reflected on her teaching journey, noting a significant shift in how she can now approach water reuse topics in her courses. Previously, she had to cite examples from states like Texas or California to illustrate water sustainability projects. However, with PureSojo, she now has a powerful local case study to share with her students, showcasing the potential for water reclamation in Utah’s unique climate.

Having a local example like PureSojo enriches our curriculum and provides tangible proof of what can be achieved in our own backyard.

A Vision for the Future

As Utah’s population continues to grow, the importance of sustainable water management becomes increasingly critical. Initiatives like PureSojo are not just projects; they are essential steps towards building a resilient and sustainable future for our state. By setting new standards for water reuse, PureSojo serves as a model for other communities in Utah and beyond.

About the Project

The Engineering and Public Works Roadshow is the first time America’s engineers and operators have come together to celebrate successful infrastructure investment projects. The Roadshow is a joint project from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the American Public Works Association (APWA), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

Recent stops on the Roadshow this year have included the DC Infrastructure Academy in Washington, DC; the Low Battery Seawall in Charleston, South Carolina; Colman Dock in Seattle, Washington; and the Northwest Valley Infrastructure Project in Phoenix, Arizona. It is exciting that the Roadshow has now stopped at an infrastructure project that Dr. Weidhaas has been a part of, and that Project Sojo’s efforts right here in Utah are being recognized nationally.

The University of Utah is proud to support and be part of such transformative projects, highlighting the intersection of academic research, practical application, and community collaboration.

Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah

Our faculty specializing in Environmental Engineering are dedicated to addressing the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Our cutting-edge research spans across multiple disciplines — from wastewater reclamation to reducing CO² emissions — combining innovative technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration to help build the future more sustainably.

Explore Environmental Engineering at the U→

More news from our department:

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 […]

PhD Student Proposes Vision for the Future of Engineering in Utah

Posted: April 30, 2024

Mina Golazad, Construction Engineering PhD student, has been awarded second place in the ASCE Utah Younger Member Forum Scholarship program for her vision of engineering in the future state. Mina’s response to the prompt, “Be Future Ready,” garnered recognition from the ASCE Utah Younger Member Forum. This year’s prompt challenged participants to envision the challenges […]

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 […]

Searching for a Sustainable Future

Posted: October 26, 2023

Empowering Geoscience and Engineering Education for the Energy Transition. Dr. Rasoul Sorkhabi, a CvEEN Research Professor, and Milind Deo, a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Director of the Energy & Geoscience Institute, are pioneering a transformative approach to geoscience and geoengineering education. Their work, recently featured in the prestigious “Issues in Science and Technology” magazine […]