Join us in Welcoming our New Department Chair – Dr. Tong Qiu

Dear colleagues and friends of the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah,

I’m pleased to share that after an extensive national search, Dr. Tong Qiu has accepted our offer to lead as our department chair, beginning July 1. Dr. Qiu is currently a professor of Civil Engineering at Penn State University where he has risen through the ranks since 2010. Professor Qiu boasts an impressive array of professional achievements, both in academia and industry. An ASCE Fellow, he possesses the precise blend of skills, personality, and vision needed to elevate our department’s atmosphere and foster excellence in both education and research. We are excited to welcome and support him as he steps into this important leadership role.

Dr. Qiu’s doctoral studies in Civil Engineering were completed at the University of California – Los Angeles. He is a very active researcher who incorporates leading technology which results in real engineering products. His research spans a broad spectrum, from theoretical explorations to hands-on experimentation, encompassing soil dynamics, fluid mechanics in porous materials, and the modeling of geological systems. Dr. Qiu also harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to address various geotechnical engineering challenges. His work receives support from a diverse range of funding sources, including federal agencies like NSF, FHWA, DOS, FRA, and SERDP, state entities such as PennDOT and the State Police, as well as private sector partners like Google, Tensar International Corporation, Alpine Equipment LLC, and Mission Critical Solutions, in addition to backing from DOT University Transportation Centers. The University of Utah is the perfect fit for his continued career growth.

It’s been my honor to serve as Department Chair for the past 11 years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support over that time. Just a few of my privileges have included recruiting a number of excellent faculty members and seeing the growth of our department, both in the quality of education we provide our students as well as the caliber and capability of our excellent faculty and staff. I look forward to continuing as a professor in the department striving to contribute to our collective success, including offering support to Dr. Qiu as he steers our department forward.

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Qiu and in providing him with our unwavering support as he assumes leadership.

Warm regards,

Dr. Michael Barber

More News From Our Department

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 […]

$1M DOE Grant for Advanced Nuclear Energy Research

Posted: April 22, 2024

Dr. Peter Zhu’s team Plays Key Role in Securing $1M DOE Grant for Advanced Nuclear Energy Research We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Peter Zhu, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and his lab have been collaborating with a team at the University of Illinois on a proposal that has just been awarded […]

Research at the U is Building Better Utah Infrastructure

Posted: March 1, 2024

Dr. Pedro Romero Honored with Friend of Industry Award at the 2024 Utah Asphalt Conference The Utah Asphalt Paving Association—the driving force behind our road infrastructure—recently hosted the 2024 Utah Asphalt Conference from February 27 to 28. Recognized as the premier asphalt-related event in the state, the conference brought together the industry’s best minds, including […]

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 […]

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 new civil engineers will face in designing resilient structures for the future and predicting the changes Utah cities will undergo in the next 50 years. Scholarships were awarded based on participants’ proposal to addressing these challenges.

In her response, Mina outlined a vision for the future of civil and construction engineering, emphasizing the necessity for resilient and sustainable infrastructure to combat the impacts of climate change and accommodate population growth—two predominant issues Utah will face in the future. She highlighted key challenges, including preparing for extreme weather events, managing limited water resources, building smart cities, and integrating new technologies.

Specifically, she underscored the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing smart city operations. Mina outlined her intention to specialize in leveraging AI and big data to model urban systems, predict infrastructure failures, and enhance city management.

Furthermore, Mina emphasized the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary engagement in addressing Utah’s growth challenges. She advocated for engineers to work alongside economists, ecologists, public health experts, and marginalized communities to develop holistic and multifunctional infrastructure solutions.

Mina’s forward-thinking response earned her the second-place award in the ASCE Utah Younger Member Forum Scholarship program, accompanied by a $1,000 scholarship. She will be honored at the ASCE Utah Section Annual Meeting on Friday, June 28th, 2024. The achievement reflects the dedication and innovation of our students in tackling pressing civil engineering challenges.

Mina is among the passionate individuals in our diverse Construction Engineering cohort, which proudly includes significant female representation, all committed to building a better future. Women make up a higher percentage in construction engineering than any other engineering field, making it a unique opportunity for women to thrive. The field also allows women to assume more leadership positions compared to other engineering disciplines, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a dynamic and inclusive career path.

Join us in congratulating Mina Golazad on this remarkable accomplishment. We look forward to witnessing her contributions to the advancement of construction engineering and its future in Utah.

Dr. Peter Zhu’s team Plays Key Role in Securing $1M DOE Grant for Advanced Nuclear Energy Research

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Peter Zhu, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and his lab have been collaborating with a team at the University of Illinois on a proposal that has just been awarded a $1 million grant by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP). This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Zhu’s contributions to the field of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and its advancement to nuclear energy research and development, showcasing the team’s broad expertise in engineering research.

NEUP, a vital initiative for fostering innovation and maintaining U.S. leadership in nuclear research, supports university-led projects across the nation. In its latest round of funding, NEUP has selected 25 projects from 22 states, providing top science and engineering faculty and their students with opportunities to pioneer groundbreaking technologies and solutions in civil nuclear capabilities.

The project, titled “Local resonance-based linear and nonlinear NDE techniques for repaired DSC wall structures,” represents a significant step forward for safer and more efficient nuclear energy solutions. Collaborating with the University of Illinois, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Dr. Zhu and the team will focus on developing novel linear and nonlinear ultrasound techniques. These techniques aim to characterize and quantify the structural integrity of repaired dry storage canisters (DSCs) used for long-term spent nuclear fuel storage and management.

Dry storage canisters are vital for safe storage and management of spent nuclear fuel. However, over time, these structures may undergo wear and tear, necessitating repairs to maintain their integrity. The project’s main goal will seek to enhance the inspection and monitoring of repaired DSC wall structures, ensuring their long-term reliability and safety.

By harnessing the power of advanced NDE methods, the research aims to provide nuclear industry stakeholders with invaluable insights into the condition of DSCs, facilitating proactive maintenance strategies and mitigating potential risks associated with structural degradation.

We are excited about the potential impact of Dr. Zhu’s collaborative efforts and look forward to the advancements this project will bring to the nuclear energy sector.

The U’s ASCE Student Chapter Shines Bright at Symposium

Every year, the ASCE Student Symposium brings the ingenuity and passion of engineering students together for camaraderie, competition, and shared learning. We’re pleased to report that our student chapter came back from this year’s Symposium with some well-earned accolades, including 2024’s Distinguished Chapter Award and their second Certificate of Commendation.

Utah State University hosted the ASCE Student Symposium in Logan, UT from April 11 – 13th, drawing students from across the Intermountain Southwest Conference Region. For the U’s ASCE chapter, this event served as a platform to demonstrate their recent hard work and dedication.

Amidst the spirited symposium atmosphere, the U’s ASCE chapter distinguished itself with remarkable achievements:

• 2nd Place in the Paper Competition: Erik Bond’s eloquent presentation on ethics captivated the audience, earning accolades and recognition for the chapter’s insightful contributions.
• 2nd Place in the Construction Institute Competition: Led by Evan Blass, Sarah Neves, Kyle Wineteer, and Szymon Zeliszcak, the chapter excelled in tackling real-world construction challenges, showcasing their expertise and professionalism.

Leadership in Action

Congratulations to ASCE for another successful year! President Kamryn Cupal has led with dedication, fostering a sense of collegiality while striving for every member’s success. As Evan Blass steps into the presidency next year, the chapter looks forward to continuing its momentum.

Behind the scenes, Dr. Christine Pomeroy has been a guiding force in her role as faculty advisor, nurturing a culture of excellence and innovation within the chapter.

“I am so proud of our ASCE student chapter,” said Dr. Pomeroy. “Our membership is comprised of future industry leaders. They are a group of bright, hardworking, and enthusiastic students.”

Dr. Pomeroy, faculty advisor for ASCE for 7 years, has been instrumental in the chapter’s growth and success. Under her guidance, the chapter was recognized for its commitment to excellence and innovation by receiving the Distinguished Chapter Award, which is only given to one out of the 36 student chapters in the Intermountain Southwest Conference Region.

Additionally, thanks to Dr. Pomeroy’s efforts, the chapter has received two Certificates of Commendation (2024, 2024) for its outstanding activities as recorded in the ASCE’s Chapter Annual Report. This is a distinction earned by only the top 5% of all student chapters worldwide.

Standing as a testament to the power of mentorship and the potential of passionate engineering students, the chapter is poised to continue its legacy of excellence at future symposiums and within the engineering community.

Dr. Peter Zhu’s Rail Engineering Proposal Secures Funding for Innovative Research

Dr. Peter Zhu, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah, recently secured funding to enhance railroad infrastructure safety, resilience, and efficiency. Crafted in collaboration with the University of Illinois, his research proposal has been accepted for funding by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) as part of their 2024 Grand Challenges in Railroad Engineering.

Managed in partnership with MxV Rail, the AAR’s call for proposals received nearly 40 submissions vying for limited funding slots. Titled “Improvements on Machine Learning – Rail Neutral Temperature Predictive Tool,” Dr. Zhu’s innovative approach to addressing critical issues within the railway industry ultimately secured the funding to move forward with his project.

One of the most pressing challenges faced by the railway sector is the risk of rail thermal buckling, a leading cause of train derailments. Further, with the rising average temperatures and increasing occurrences of extreme heat events, the risk of thermal buckling now poses significant challenges to the reliability of rail networks.

To mitigate this risk, Dr. Zhu’s research will work to engineer superior load and stress measurement techniques in railroads by using machine learning algorithms and cutting-edge technologies. By utilizing contactless measurement techniques and machine learning models, the team aims to enable real-time anomaly detection of thermal stress at a network level.

Leveraging this funding from MxV Rail and AAR and existing fully instrumented test site on the UTA’s Frontrunner track, Dr. Zhu‘s team will work to pioneer advancements in detecting thermal stress anomalies with in-motion sensing technology to make significant contributions towards enhancing rail infrastructure safety, resilience, and efficiency.

We look forward to seeing the power of interdisciplinary research, collaborative partnerships, and engineering excellence in Dr. Zhu’s work on this project!

Engineering Students Spend a Day with Dunn Associates, Inc.

Hands-on experience is key to shaping the engineers of tomorrow. Recently, 22 students from the senior course 4900 got that chance to take a site visit to view seismic testing and soil borings. This project, focusing on building expansion and site improvements with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices, offered students a glimpse into the real-world applications of their studies.

Partnering with Dunn Associates, Inc., a trusted local Consulting Structural Engineers company, our students had the privilege of witnessing professionals in action. They observed Dunn engineers conducting seismic testing and soil borings, gaining invaluable insights into industry practices and standards.

During the visit, the parking lot buzzed with activity as Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) and Standard Penetration Testing (SPT) were conducted to analyze soil conditions. This data is instrumental in designing safe and stable structures, highlighting the practical applications of classroom knowledge.

This field trip was just one aspect of the Professional Practice & Design course sequence (4900 and 4910), where Civil and Construction Engineering students engage with real clients to engineer integrated design solutions. This capstone experience has been a pivotal component of our BSCE program since 2003, providing students with real-world design experience before graduation. Empowering them to address community challenges in Civil and Construction Engineering, this sequence ensures that our students are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in their field.

We extend our sincere thanks to Dunn Associates, Inc. for their partnership on this capstone project, as well as to Applied Geotechnical Engineering Consultants Inc. (AGEC) for their support. The collaboration between academia and industry is crucial in preparing students for their future careers. Together, we’re building a brighter future, one project at a time.

At the University of Utah’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, we are committed to providing our students with the tools and experiences they need to succeed in the ever-evolving field of engineering. Through partnerships with industry leaders like Dunn Associates, Inc., we ensure that our students are equipped to tackle the engineering challenges of tomorrow with confidence.

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One Engineering Student’s Impact on Utah’s Asphalt Industry

Beatriz Fieldkircher, an engineering PhD candidate at the U, has long been passionate about making a meaningful impact on the world around her. She’s now doing exactly that, though in an unexpected way—by creating better solutions for asphalt pavements.

But how did such a broad desire to create a better world get chiseled down to the very specific and intricate field of asphalt and pavement research?

When she started studying Civil Engineering at the University of Santa Catarina in Brazil, Beatriz realized that by creating more sustainable and enduring infrastructure, she would be creating a more sustainable and enduring environment and society.

Specifically, while studying asphalt pavements, her interest piqued when she learned that pavements are, intriguingly, designed to fail within certain parameters. Which is what brought her to Utah.

In 2022, Beatriz sought an internship in the asphalt materials lab at the University of Utah under the guidance of Dr. Pedro Romero, an esteemed professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering whose research on asphalt pavements has been instrumental for the state of Utah. Initially driven by the desire to design enduring pavements, Beatriz’s research began to hone in on asphalt’s behavior under varying temperature conditions.

While in Utah, she watched the challenge of the temperature’s extreme variation affect the pavements.

“I saw that the studies conducted by Dr. Romero’s group addressing temperature conditions on asphalt benefit not just the contractors and agencies, but also society. And this sense of purpose increased my desire to be in academia, producing scientific knowledge.”

Now a PhD student with Dr. Romero, Beatriz recently earned recognition at the Utah Asphalt Conference, where she was awarded The Utah Asphalt Pavement Association’s $1,500 One-Time Annual Scholarship—a distinct and prestigious recognition in the state’s engineering and transportation industry.

Beatriz’s research continues to focus on asphalt mixtures and their behavior in varying temperatures. She will continue to pursue creating materials that can better endure climate change with increased temperature differentials leading to accelerated infrastructure deterioration, specifically by looking at thermal cracking. Determined to make a difference, she aims to utilize her expertise in asphalt materials, pavement design, and climate prediction to develop solutions capable of withstanding Utah’s extreme temperatures.

While balancing a full-time job as a research assistant with her graduate studies, Beatriz still makes time for her physical and mental health by taking daily workouts, having regular conversations with her family back home, and indulging in the rhythmic delights of samba, a cherished part of her Brazilian heritage.

On weekends, one can find Beatriz immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of a samba school in Salt Lake City, where she dances with joy and passion, finding solace and inspiration amidst the rhythms of her culture.

As Beatriz Fieldkircher navigates the challenges of academia and the complexities of asphalt research, she remains passionate about her pursuit of knowledge, driven by a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact on the world around her.

Dr. Pedro Romero Honored with Friend of Industry Award at the 2024 Utah Asphalt Conference

The Utah Asphalt Paving Association—the driving force behind our road infrastructure—recently hosted the 2024 Utah Asphalt Conference from February 27 to 28. Recognized as the premier asphalt-related event in the state, the conference brought together the industry’s best minds, including Dr. Pedro Romero, an integral member of our Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering for over 20 years.

On the first day of the conference, Dr. Romero received the prestigious Friend of Industry award from the Utah Asphalt Paving Association. This honor is given to individuals who exemplify and champion the spirit of public-private collaboration. The recipients work diligently to elevate infrastructure standards in the State of Utah via the asphalt pavement sector. These awardees are at the forefront of advocating for policies and initiatives that foster a secure and innovative environment for the asphalt pavement industry. They work towards reducing operational costs while upholding principles of responsibility, safety, and ethical conduct.

Receiving this award proves that the research produced from Dr. Romero’s group is not confined to theoretical realms; rather, it is actively applied by the industry to enhance transportation infrastructure, benefiting the well-being of Utah residents.

This is aligned with University president Randall’s commitment to expand the university’s learning and knowledge enterprise beyond campus borders. The goal is to improve lives and make a global impact, a mission that Dr. Romero’s research actively supports.

Receiving the Friend of Industry award is a true honor as it affirms that the work undertaken at the University of Utah is positively impacting the world we live in—Dr. Romero’s efforts are playing a vital role in actively improving the overall quality of Utah’s infrastructure. Congratulations, Dr. Romero!

Congratulations, Dr. Romero!

Faster and Smarter Nuclear Forensics

The University of Utah’s Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP) recently made waves with its study published in the Nuclear Science and Engineering Journal. The research, led by PhD student Ted Goodell, focuses on improving the efficiency of nuclear forensics through rapid image analysis.

Ted and UNEP professors tackled the challenge of precisely analyzing particle morphology in electron microscope images of uranium oxides. Typically, this requires a great deal of manual labor to analyze large datasets using a program called Morphological Analysis of Materials (MAMA) from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). They modified MAMA to rapidly segment and quantify the morphology of massive image databases without human interaction.  By employing parallelization strategies in a high-performance computing (HPC) environment, they achieved an efficient approach, showcasing an Amdahl fraction of 0.985 and a rapid image processing rate of approximately 0.251 seconds per image.

This success not only contributes to our understanding of nuclear materials but also sets the stage for automating interactive image segmentation on a large scale. With support from LANL and the U.S. Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration, this study reinforces UNEP’s commitment to pioneering research in nuclear science and engineering.

Congratulations to Ted and team for their significant step forward in advancing nuclear forensics!

The output of MAMA’s hierarchical watershed segmentation system. The original (left) is processed by MAMA to produce green outlines of the particles it segmented (right).

Speedup curves for each parallelization method on one node and curves created with the fitted Amdahl fractions.

Joe Davies: Engineering Major and Elite Skier

Engineering majors often have a lot on their plate due to the demanding curriculum. And then there’s Joe Davies, who’s (somehow) successfully balancing his studies with a career as a competitive cross-country skier and a key member of the University of Utah Ski team.

In addition to staying on top of coursework, Joe is currently gearing up for the U23 World Championship this February, and next month, he’ll be defending his title as Individual Champion at the NCAA Championships in Steamboat, Colorado (no pressure).

A third-year student at the University of Utah’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Joe’s journey in the world of competitive cross-country skiing began at the age of 10. After years of persistence and dedication, he’s now a proud member of the Division I University of Utah Ski team, while also taking his talents to the international stage by racing in the World Cup.

Having completed his first two years at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and skiing across the globe, Joe could have chosen any path for his competitive spirit and high educational pursuits. But with its perfect blend of academic excellence and unparalleled access to the mountains, there’s no place quite like the U.

Beyond skiing, Joe’s ambitions at the U are deep-rooted. “Ever since I was a child I knew I wanted to pursue some sort of career in the environmental sector, I just didn’t know exactly what type of job that would be,” said Joe. After a gap year dedicated to full-time skiing, he decided that Civil Engineering would allow him to make the most positive impact in the environment.

Having completed his first semester at the U in the Fall, Joe has particularly enjoyed working with Dr. Lenart in his Technical Communications class as well as Professor Brockmann in his Engineering Economics class, and he looks forward to focusing more on Environmental Engineering in the coming years.

Being both a student-athlete and an engineering major presents its challenges, but for Joe, it’s a journey worth making sacrifices for. Balancing schoolwork with a rigorous racing schedule taught him the importance of time management and goal-oriented work ethic.

Outside the classroom, Joe enjoys backcountry skiing in the winter, mountain biking in the summer, brewing specialty coffee, and enjoying his vinyl collection.

Joe Davies exemplifies the dedication of an engineering student at the University of Utah. As Joe carves his way through both engineering challenges and snowy slopes, his story epitomizes the unique and vibrant culture fostered at the U, where academic excellence and a love for outdoor adventure are aplenty.

Join us in wishing Joe the best of luck with both this season and semester!

“I chose to come to the University of Utah for the large level of support it provides its student-athletes, as well as the opportunity to train with one of the strongest teams in the country.” – Joe Davies