MAY 2025
THIS IS CIVIL
CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3................................................. From the Chair 4................................................. Faculty Spotlight 8................................................. Research 9................................................. Ongoing Research 10............................................... Awards and Accomplishments 11................................................. Out of the Classroom 12................................................. Student Spotlights 14................................................. Student Awards and Achievements 16................................................. New Traditions 17................................................. Student Pitch Competition 18................................................. Graduate Recognition and Awards 19................................................. Student Organizations 26................................................. Life in the Lab 27................................................. E-DAY 28................................................. Outstanding Alumni 28................................................. CEE Advisory Board 29................................................. Events 29................................................. Giving Cover Photo: Caleb Fleming holding Concrete AU. Photo Courtesy: Samuel Ginn College of Engineering TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTO: North Endzone Site Tour Photo Courtesy: dr. michael perez
Editors: Mary Beth Sayre Dr. Benjamin Bowers ceenews@eng.auburn.edu 238 Harbert Engineering Center Auburn, AL 36849
FROM THE CHAIR DR. DAVID TIMM, P.E.
Department Chair
As we share this issue of the Civil and Environmental Engineering newsletter, I find myself filled with pride and optimism. This publication is a celebration of the accomplishments, innovation, and dedication demonstrated daily by our faculty, students, alumni, and staff. It provides a vivid snapshot of the transformative work being done across our department—and the energy driving us forward. In the past year, our department has continued to lead impactful research addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges. From Dr. Jeffrey LaMondia’s nationally recognized work on long-distance travel data to Dr. Frances O’Donnell’s use of satellite technology to study wetlands, and Dr. Nick Zou’s Department of Defensefunded PFAS remediation project, the scope of our faculty’s contributions spans infrastructure, environmental health, and sustainable engineering practices. We were excited to welcome Dr. Jillian Maxcy-Brown to our department last fall. Her leadership of the WATERS research group reflects a powerful commitment to equity and access in water and wastewater infrastructure. Likewise, the feature on Dr. J. Brian Anderson highlights his exceptional legacy in geotechnical engineering and his continued mentorship of the next generation of engineers. Our students have been nothing short of extraordinary. From the Gulf Coast Symposium where Auburn’s ASCE chapter placed first overall—winning multiple national competitions—to a long list of awards and scholarships across our student organizations, our students continue to distinguish themselves as scholars, leaders, and community builders. We were especially proud to introduce the new Hard Hat Ceremony, welcoming students into the curriculum in a symbolic and meaningful way. We’ve also launched our first-ever Student Organization Pitch Competition, where student groups like Chi Epsilon, WESA, and Engineers Without Borders presented compelling projects to a panel of CEE Advisory Board members. The generous funding they received from our board members enables them to expand outreach programs, support peer development, and even improve water systems in remote communities abroad. These efforts reflect the kind of forward-thinking and service-driven spirit we strive to cultivate. Our alumni remain engaged and impactful, with notable recognitions such as Dr. Greg Carr’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and Anna Quinn being named ACI Houston’s Young Engineer of the Year. We’re proud to have alumni Sean Irby, Frank McFadden, and David Stejskal now serving on the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering Alumni Council. Inside our laboratories, as featured with the Advanced Structural Engineering Laboratory, groundbreaking research continues with many active projects underway in this state-of-the-art space, advancing knowledge in steel structures, concrete innovation, timber resilience, and more. This issue of the newsletter is more than just an update—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, the pursuit of excellence, and the Auburn spirit that drives everything we do. Thank you to our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends for your continued support and involvement. Together, we are shaping the future of Civil and Environmental Engineering. War Eagle,
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FACULTY
SPOTLIGHT J. BRIAN ANDERSON PROFESSOR
(GEOTECHNICAL)
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, University of Florida
Dr. J. Brian Anderson is a Professor, Graduate Program Officer, and Associate Chair for Research in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Auburn University. A native of Morganton, North Carolina, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University, followed by both his Master of Engineering and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida. He has been a licensed professional civil engineer since 2005. With over 23 years of faculty experience— including his tenure at Auburn since 2010— Dr. Anderson’s research spans a wide range of topics within geotechnical engineering, including foundation engineering, earth retention, soil behavior, pavement geotechnics, infrastructure monitoring, soil erosion, and public policy. His work has secured more than $10 million in external funding, resulting in over 40 peerreviewed journal and conference publications as well as numerous technical reports. Dr. Anderson is the creator of the ECS Geotechnical Chamber, a specialized facility now central to the Advanced Structural Engineering Laboratory, where he served as Interim Director from 2021 to 2022. “I consider myself an engineer first and a scientist second,” says Anderson. He is known for his ability to secure resources and develop strategic solutions to complex engineering problems. His focus on applied research has attracted substantial funding from agencies that prioritize practical outcomes. Recently, he has been a vital contributor to interdisciplinary teams, particularly through his expertise in instrumentation and field monitoring.
He has also mentored many outstanding students, stating, “We have worked shoulder to shoulder in the field, and I have challenged them to publish their work.” In recognition of his mentorship, he received Auburn’s Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award in 2024. At Auburn, Dr. Anderson maintains a demanding teaching load, guided by a straightforward philosophy: prepare engineers and support the department’s mission. “I genuinely believe I have made an impact by producing students who are advancing in their engineering careers,” he says. “More and more of my former students are becoming licensed professional engineers.” He has enhanced the undergraduate geotechnical engineering curriculum by integrating modern lab strength tests and the cone penetration test (CPT). Since 2018, he has advised Auburn’s award-winning chapter of Chi Epsilon, the Civil Engineering Honor Society. Dr. Anderson has played a consistent leadership role in the Auburn University Senate since 2018, serving as a senator and later as a member of the Senate Steering Committee.
5 Dr. Anderson with his wife, Libby Anderson, at the Auburn Univesity Graduate Awards. photo courtesy: AU Graduate School
Dr. Anderson and Aubie at the University Senate Orientation. Photo Courtesy: Dr. J. Brian Anderson
Nationally, he has contributed extensively to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Geo-Institute through its Deep Foundations Technical Committee. Over more than a decade of service, he advanced from secretary to serving multiple terms as committee chair, organizing international congresses in 2009 and 2015. He also co-organized the Second International Conference on the Flat Dilatometer in 2006 in Washington, D.C. His commitment to professional education is further reflected in his teaching roles at the Professors’ Driven Pile Institute at Utah State University and his organization of short courses on insitu testing and foundation engineering, hosted by the Virginia Geo-Institute in 2022 and 2023.
Dr. Anderson and post doctoral researcher, Chukwuma Okafor connecting sensors for a corrugated metal culvert load test in Anniston, AL. Photo Courtesy: Dr. J. Brian Anderson
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Jillian Maxcy-Brown
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (ENVIRONMENTAL)
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, University of Alabama
Meet Dr. Jillian Maxcy-Brown, the newest addition to the environmental group, and the leader of the WATERS: Water and the Environment’s Resiliency and Sustainability research group. After growing up in Houston, Texas, she continued her academic journey by earning a B.S. in Engineering with a Civil Engineering concentration at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas. Her desire to use her engineering skills to help bring solutions to low-resourced communities with complex water and wastewater problems led her to explore graduate training opportunities. While her initial primary interest was in international infrastructure development, she decided to pivot her focus to domestic infrastructure development once she became aware of how thousands of Americans suffer from lack of access to functioning and affordable water and wastewater services. She originally came to Alabama to develop solutions for wastewater issues in the Black Belt region while earning a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Alabama, but has since fallen in love with the beauty of this state and is thrilled to have joined Auburn University to continue having an impact on improving the livelihoods of residents in this state and across the country.
physically, environmentally, socially, and economically. Her research interests include addressing the impacts of inequitable access to safely managed water and wastewater treatment, evaluating the affordability of access for utility customers and users of onsite systems (septic tanks and private drinking water wells), and analyzing the implementation of appropriate treatment technologies for small community contexts. This work requires interdisciplinary approaches to account for the environmental, social, political, and economic complexities that our society is built upon. Her research work is enhanced by statewide collaborations through Consortium for Alabama Rural Water and Wastewater (CARWW), a partnership of stakeholders from universities, nonprofits, community leaders, government agencies, and legislative offices to enable a variety of water solutions throughout rural Alabama.
As a graduate student, she was honored with the Excellence in Community-Engaged Scholarship Award for Engaged Scholarship by the University of Alabama’s Council on Community-Based Partnerships and looks forward to continuing these partnerships and expanding her collaborations to address water-related challenges in more communities. She is involved with several professional societies and currently serves as the Dr. Maxcy-Brown’s research group focuses on vice chair of the Emerging Professionals Committee developing long-term sustainable and affordable of the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling approaches to improve communities’ health Association (NOWRA). This committee is dedicated
7 to workforce development, recruitment, and advocacy on behalf of the young and early career professionals in the onsite wastewater sector. She joined the committee out of her interest in participating in the education and awareness of engineers and the public about decentralized systems. These systems serve millions of residents in the U.S. but are often overlooked in infrastructure discussions and decisions. Her career vision is to leverage her commitment to improving equitable access to safely managed drinking water and wastewater services, along with her role as a faculty mentor, to inspire the next generation of scholars. She aims to ignite their passion for developing innovative approaches to tackle the engineering challenges that they will encounter throughout their lives.
Advanced Onsite Wastewater Treatment System. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Jillian Maxcy-Brown
(Left) Dr. Maxcy-Brown’s research group aims to use a suite of approaches to address ongoing environmental and public health concerns in low-resourced communities in the U.S. and improve access to affordable, reliable sanitation and water services. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Jillian Maxcy-Brown
(Right) Households with unaffordable wastewater expenses in Alabama. The percentage of households in each geographical area that have annual expenses for sewer bills or onsite wastewater treatment systems that are greater than 2.5% of the household’s annual income are shown. Onsite wastewater treatment system costs are represented as an annual loan payment (the sum of annual mortgage payments on a 30-year mortgage at the US average interest rate of 7.75%) and the annualized cost of pumping the system every 5 years. Photo Courtesy: ASCE Library
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R E S E A R C H
Tracking the Journey: Innovative Approaches to Long-Distance Travel and Tourism Data Collection By: Dr. Jeffrey LaMondia Dr. Jeffrey LaMondia is a leading authority on long-distance travel research in the United States and currently serves as chair of the Long Distance and Intercity Travel Subcommittee of the Transportation Research Board. His expertise plays a pivotal role in the ongoing project, Improving Long-Distance Travel and Tourism Data Collection and Analysis, which aims to enhance how data is gathered and interpreted in this critical area of transportation. The project also reunites Dr. LaMondia with his former Ph.D. student, Mitch Fisher (MacroSys), fostering continued collaboration in advancing the field. This project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Office of International Transportation and Trade (OST-X20), in partnership with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). Their work will lay the foundation for a future Long-Distance Travel and Tourism Data Program (TTDP). The program they develop is critical because it will enhance U.S. economic growth and global competitiveness by improving the collection, analysis, and accessibility of longdistance travel and tourism data. It will provide advanced analytics, valuable resources, and tools to support more effective stakeholder collaboration. Dr. LaMondia and his team recently completed the first phase of the project, which identified the data and decision-making needs of the travel and tourism industry. This was achieved through engagement with stakeholders, including 10 virtual workshop sessions that allowed participants to share their priorities, highlight current practices, identify data gaps, suggest needed datasets, and discuss key challenges and barriers. Stakeholders included representatives from many federal agencies, private agencies, transportation providers, state DOTs as well as other researchers. The team is now developing a comprehensive implementation roadmap and detailed work plan for the Travel and Tourism Data Program (TTDP). Key initiatives include the revival and modernization of the American Travel Survey, which has not been conducted since 1995. As the project moves forward, continued input from a diverse range of travel and tourism stakeholders will be critical to ensuring its success and longterm impact. (Right) Dr. Jeffrey LaMondia and CEE Alumnus, Mitch Fisher, in Portugal for a conference on Long Distance Travel Surveys. (Below) Dr. Jeffrey LaMondia on a webinar on Long Distance Travel. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Jeffrey LaMondia
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ongoing
Research
DR. LAUREN BECKINGHAM is co-PI on a new collaborative grant with Chemical Engineering and the Federal Transportation Authority titled, “Zero Emission Bus Material Efficiency Optimization,” where they seek to increase understanding of the energy efficiency of construction materials used in zero emission buses. DR. JEFF LAMONDIA’S work in the CDC’s High Obesity Program (HOP) was featured as part of HOP’s 10th Anniversary calling special attention to important initiatives combatting high obesity rates in communities. His efforts, in partnership with the Barbour County Extension Office, Youth Leadership Barbour County, and the City of Eufaula to redesign a downtown intersection led to a decrease in unsafe movements by vehicles and pedestrians, and an increase in the volume of individuals riding bicycles in the area. DRS. MIKE PEREZ AND JORGE RUEDA were awarded a grant from FHWA to create a stormwater installer training program that will use the AU Stormwater Research Facility and partner with the Alabama Construction Workforce Alliance. AUBURN UNIVERSITY - STORMWATER RESEARCH FACILITY received a $50,000 donation from Faircloth Skimmer. This contribution will support the construction of a new building at their testing facility, with the wet lab named the “Warren Faircloth Laboratory for Stormwater Innovation and Discovery”. We are honored that Mr. Faircloth has pledged additional $25k to the Stormwater facility. DR. FRANCES O’DONNELL has received a research grant from NASA titled, “Application of SWOT to Understanding Water Storage and Hydroperiod within Geographically Isolated Wetlands” where her team will be accessing data from the Surface and Water Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite that launched in 2022. DR. NICK ZOU was awarded a project through the DOD Strategic Environmental Research & Development Program (SERDP) to investigate PFAS pollution. The project focuses on using electricity to regenerate granular activated carbon (GAC), which has been used to remove PFAS from water.
Dr. O’Donnell and her research team study geographically isolated wetlands (GIWs) and their impact. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Frances O’Donnell
Thank you to Mr. Faircloth and Faircloth Skimmer for this wonderful gift. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Michael Perez
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AWARDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Faculty and Staff
Dr. Anton Schindler receiving the ACI Foundation’s “Building the Future” Award from ACI President, Mr. Michael J. Paul. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Anton Schindler
Dr. David Timm, Dr. J. Brian Anderson and Dr. Robert Barnes at the 2025 AU Involvement Awards. Photo Courtesy: Libby Anderson
DR. J. BRIAN ANDERSON was a finalist for the Corey M. Edwards Organization Advisor of the Year award at the Annual AU Involvement Awards. Civil Engineering (BCE) is one of this year’s recipients of the Provost’s Excellence in Assessment Award. The annual award honors academic programs that demonstrate exemplary practices in assessment, as determined through a rigorous peer-review process led by a faculty fellow and assessment professionals in the Office of Academic Insight (OAI). Provost Vini Nathan and the Office of Academic Insight acknowledged the dedication and leadership of DR. ROBBIE BARNES (BCE) who coordinates the assessment for the Civil Engineering program. DR. ROBBIE BARNES has been named the Feagin Chair of Civil & Environmental Engineering. DR. BENJAMIN BOWERS was selected for a 2025 Auburn University Spirit of Sustainability Award. DR. JILLIAN MAXCY-BROWN, in coordination with faculty in CADC, was the first recipient of the 2024 research prize from the SOM Foundation, on the proposal “Imaging Underground: Illustrating Wastewater Challenges and Opportunities to Inform and Empower Alabama’s Black Belt Communities.” DR. JIM DAVIDSON led and directed the 6th International Conference on Protective Structures (ICPS6). The “Auburn Issue” of the International Journal of Protective Structures has been published, making it the final piece of the conference. DR. MARY HUGHES received the Outstanding Department Alumni Award. AUBURN STORMWATER , under the leadership of DR. MICHAEL PEREZ, was selected for a 2025 Auburn University Spirit of Sustainability Award. DR. DAVID ROUECHE has been named the Gottlieb Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering. DR. ANTON SCHINDLER was reappointed to a second three-year term as the Chair of TRB Standing Committee AKM50, Advanced Concrete Materials and Characterization. DR. ANTON SCHINDLER recieved the ACI Foundation’s “Building the Future” Award at the 2025 ACI Convention in Toronto, Canada. DR. JOSE VASCONCELOS recieved the Outstanding Departmental Faculty Award in Civil Engineering. DR. NICK ZOU has been selected as the recipient of the William F. Walker Merit Teaching Award.
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OUT
of the
CLASSROOM Dr. Barnes’ Reinforced Concrete Design Class toured the AU STEM + Ag Sciences Complex construction site in January. Thank you to alumnus David Johnson for arranging the tour.
Photo Courtesy: Dr. Robert Barnes
Photo Courtesy: Anthony Matthews
When you find yourself in the field and up a creek. Graduate Students, Anthony Matthews and Murilo Tarozzo, get creative getting power to their installation.
Dr. Gerald John took his class on a field trip across the Auburn University campus to show different stormwater green infrastructure. Special thanks to Adam Newby from AU Water Resources Center for guiding the tour and sharing valuable insights on the purpose and working principles behind each installation. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Gerald John
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Student SPOTLIG Amber Askew UNDERGRADUATE
Raised in Huntsville, Alabama, Amber Askew’s Auburn roots run deep. After her father retired from the U.S. Air Force, her family settled in Alabama, and with both parents and many relatives being Auburn alumni, the phrase “bleed orange and blue” takes on a personal meaning. Auburn football games, family ties, and growing up surrounded by the Auburn Creed made the university feel like home long before she enrolled.
Photo Courtesy: Amber Askew
From a young age, Amber was drawn to building and design. Encouraged by her engineer parents and a love for working with Legos and Lincoln Logs, she initially considered architecture before finding her true calling in civil engineering. Her interest solidified after taking an Intro to Civil Engineering course at Auburn, where a presentation from the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) left a lasting impression. Though
it didn’t immediately shape her plans, that lecture resurfaced during a career fair, ultimately leading her to a part-time position at NCAT in her junior year. That experience sparked a passion for asphalt research, inspiring her to pursue a Master’s degree in Pavements and Materials under Dr. Bowers’ guidance. Amber’s Auburn experience has also been shaped by her involvement with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). What started as a casual meeting invite during her sophomore year quickly became a central part of her life. Drawn to the Concrete Canoe team, she committed weekly hours to the Structures Lab and eventually took on leadership roles. Now serving as both ASCE Safety Chair and Concrete Canoe captain, she’s found a community of peers and mentors who share her dedication and enthusiasm. Amber’s journey reflects the spirit of the Auburn Creed—believing in hard work, education, and the Auburn family. With plans for graduate study and continued involvement in ASCE, she’s well on her way to building a future rooted in passion, purpose, and pavement.
Photo Courtesy: Amber Askew
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GHTS Aidan Bosman GRADUATE
Aidan Bosman, a native of Centennial, Colorado, earned his undergraduate degree in Environmental Engineering from Iowa State University in 2024. Now a first-year master’s student in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Auburn University, Aidan is conducting vital environmental research under the guidance of Dr. Michael Perez at the Auburn University Stormwater Research Facility. "I am working on an EPA funded research project with the purpose of removing phosphorus and nitrogen from stormwater. These excess nutrients eventually find their way into our natural waterways and can lead to eutrophication and harmful algal blooms. Tests are being conducted on stormwater control measures through the implementation of modified geotextiles in order to adsorb the nutrients. "
(Left) Lab scale infiltration trench testing nutrient removal using modified geotextiles. (Below) Iron dosing onto recycled carpet and aspen wood fibers as alternative materials to geotextile. Photo Courtesy: Aidan Bosman
Photo Courtesy: Aidan Bosman
According to Aidan, testing is also being conducted on other common stormwater control media, modified with iron, including coconut coir and aspen excelsior for possible sustainable alternatives to the geotextile. A secondary goal of this project is to recover the removed phosphorus captured in the geotextile for potential reuse and to serve as an alternative source of phosphorus for use in industries such as agriculture. Aidan’s contributions are supported through the Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship, a testament to his dedication and potential.
He credits his progress to the exceptional faculty in the Auburn Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and the collaborative environment at the Stormwater Research Facility. With a strong foundation in environmental engineering and a passion for sustainability, Aidan is committed to advancing practical solutions for water quality improvement. As he continues his graduate studies, he looks forward to building on his research and contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future.
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AWARDS & Student ACHIEVEM
STANTON FREEMAN was awarded a 2025-2026 Tribute to the Founders Fellowship from the American Concrete Intitute (ACI). AVRY PREWITT was selected to represent the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering as Undergraduate Graduation Marshal during Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremonies. CAROLINA TRIBONI was selected to represent the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering as Undergraduate Graduation Marshal during Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies. CAROLINA TRIBONI is the 2025 Outstanding Student in Civil Engineering recipient. CAROLINA TRIBONI has been named the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering’s recipient of the 2025 Presidents Award. CAROLINA TRIBONI was a Student of the Year Finalist at the AU Involvement Awards. JACK LAWS received a student scholarship from SEI - Structural Engineering Institute to attend the 2025 Carolina Triboni as the SGCoE Undergraduate Structures Congress in Phoenix, AZ. Marshal for the Spring 2025 commencement. MASON BELCHER and INDIA WARREN were selected Photo Courtesy: Carolina Triboni, LinkedIn to receive the 2025 Jeff and Linda Stone Leadership Award in Civil and Environmental Engineering. ALINE BERNEGOSSI (environmental) and JULIANA WOOD (pavements and materials) were selected to receive the 100+ Women Strong Departmental Annual Graduate Award. ASHMITA POUDEL was selected as one of Auburn University’s Outstanding Master’s Students. ELAINA FIFE received the 2025 Charles E. Alexander Memorial Transportation Engineering Scholarship Award. Members of the AU Institute of Transportation Engineers (AUITE) received awards from the Southern District ITE (SDITE). MATTHEW PRITCHETT and JOHN PAUL received first place in the SDITE Undergraduate Student Paper category, for their paper “Assessing the Impact of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons on Pedestrian Behavior and Vehicle Yielding at Crosswalks: A Case Study in an College Town”. TONGHUI LI and MD MAHMUD HOSSAIN are the SDITE Graduate Student Paper runners-up for their paper, “Development of Severity Distribution Table for Wrong-Way Driving Crashes”. NSONG ERNEST ASIEDU and MD ROKNUZZAMAN placed first for the SDITE Graduate Student Paper Award with their paper, “Evaluating the Impact of Geometric Features on Driving Yielding Behavior at Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Equipped Crosswalks”. MORGAN WATSIC was awarded the Fred and Mary Lou Birdsong Study Abroad Scholarship. CHI EPSILON was awarded the Auburn Alumni Engineering Council Award for Outstanding Student Organization. LOGAN CLOSE, BRADY PATTERSON, and COLE TIGNOR were awarded the Charlotte & Ed Rodgers Scholarship by the Alabama Road Builders Association (ARBA).
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& MENTS
The Annual AU Involvment Awards: ASCE STUDENT CHAPTER was awarded the Excellence in Communication and Marketing Award. ASCE STUDENT CHAPTER was a finalist for the Excellence in Career Readiness Award. ASCE FALL 2024 CEE CAREER FAIR was a finalist for the Most Excellent Campus Event. ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS was a finalist for both the Fred & Charlene Kam “Human Touch” Service Award and the Outstanding Cultural Impact Award. ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS - THE WATER CYCLE Event was a finalist for the Most Excellent Campus Event for Spring 2024. DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING was a finalist for the Student Organization Supporter of the Year Award.
Auburn CEE Students and Faculy attend the 2025 AU Involvement Awards Ceremony. Photo Courtesy: Libby Anderson
At the International Erosion Control Association annual conference: BRIAN ROCHE was awarded the Paper of the Year Award. Auburn swept the student poster competition: 1st Place - MEGAN ARMSTRONG, 2nd Place JANNELL CLAMPITT, and 3rd Place - PAIGE MCDONALD.
(L to R) Chris Jones (Ozark Striping Company, Scholarship Committee, and BCE AU Class ‘99), Logan Close, Brady Patterson, Cole Tignor, Mike Terrell (Scott Bridge Company and Chair of Scholarship Committee), and Dr. David Timm (Professor and Department Chair for AU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering). Photo Courtesy: Alabama Road Builders Association LinkedIn
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NEW TRADITIONS Hard Hat Ceremony
By: Dr. David Timm
Fall 2024 saw the beginning of a new tradition in CEE. For the first time, students completing the undergraduate surveying course (CIVL 2010) were officially welcomed into the program with the presentation of an Auburn – CEE hard hat in a ceremony held on the steps of Langdon Hall. Surveying is the first CIVL course taken by our students in the fall of their sophomore year and is the gateway into the into our curriculum. The ceremony began with a message from the department chair (see below) and the student names were called one-by-one to receive their hard hat and an official welcome to the curriculum by the attending faculty. While a symbol of entry into our program, the hard hat will also be used extensively by our students in their future classes, co-ops, and internships during their undergraduate careers at Auburn.
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STUDENT PITCH competition
By: Dr. David Timm CEE held its first-ever Student Organization Pitch Competition in November 2024. This exciting initiative was conceived by the CEE Advisory Board Development Committee, chaired by Linda Figg. The event aimed to encourage innovative ideas from student organizations and provide them with the support needed to bring those ideas to life. During the competition, each team was given 10 minutes to present their proposals to a distinguished judging panel, which included Linda Figg, Angela Fannéy, Derrick Vincent, and Ben Carmichael. Following their presentations, teams engaged in a five-minute Q&A session with the judges, offering clarity and further insights into their initiatives. Seven student organizations participated in the competition: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Chi Epsilon (XE), Water and Environment Student Association (WESA), American Railway Engineering and Maintenanceof-Way Association (AREMA), Engineers Without Borders (EWB), American Concrete Institute (ACI), and Institute of Emilia Clavijo and Segun Osibodu pitch for ACI. Transportation Engineers (ITE). The judges were thoroughly Photo Courtesy: Dr. David Timm impressed by the quality and creativity displayed by all participants. However, three teams emerged as winners. Each was awarded $1,872 to support their respective initiatives, with funding generously provided by the CEE Advisory Board members. The winning teams included XE, WESA, and EWB. XE used their funds to support their Spring 2025 student initiation and honorary initiation of Dr. Molly Hughes, and supported FE review sessions. WESA plans to develop an outreach program featuring a water tower design-build activity for public school children. EWB directed their award toward acquiring materials to build a drinking water distribution system in a Guatemalan community. The winning teams presented updates on their progress to the CEE Advisory Board at their May 2025 meeting. With such a successful debut, hopes are high to make the competition an annual tradition. Anyone interested in providing financial support to this program can make a contribution in any amount to the Civil Engineering Pitch Competition.
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Tonghui Li pitches for ITE. Photo Courtesy: Dr. David Timm
Excie Guillot and Natalie Macaluso pitch for WESA. Photo Courtesy: Dr. David Timm
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GRADUATES RECOGNITION AND AWARDS BANQUET By: Dr. David Timm
Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and Students gathered on November 21st to celebrate the Fall 2024 CEE Graduates in the Brown-Kopel Grand Hall. Special guests included Aubie and many birds from the AU Raptor Center. This graduating class included 34 students earning BCE degrees, 5 earning MCE degrees, 8 MSCE degrees, and 7 doctoral degrees. Students were recognized for their many academic and extracurricular accomplishments in CEE student organizations. Mr. Chris Kramer, AU Civil Engineering Class of 1994 and Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Brasfield & Gorrie, was the alumni speaker and shared fond memories of his time at Auburn, a few candid photos, and pearls of wisdom from his distinguished career. Once again, graduating students were presented with AU-CEE safety vests as a graduation gift generously provided by the ASCE student chapter. Many thanks to Chi Epsilon for helping to organize the event Stone Building LLC for supporting this bi-annual tradition.
Top Left: Aubie and the Raptor center joined in on the festivities. Bottom Left: Some of our CEE Advisory Board Members celebrate our graduating students. Top Right: The Graduates line up on the stairs of BrownKopel. Bottom Right : Alumni, Facutly, Staff and Students attend the banquet honoring the CEE Grdauating Students. Photo Courtesy: Ashley Winfree and Mary Beth Sayre
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE CEE GRADUATES RECOGNITION AND AWARDS BANQUET PLEASE CONTACT DR. MICHAEL PEREZ AT MAP0032@AUBURN.EDU
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STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
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ASCE
By: Cecelia Cotton Spring semester was an exciting and successful one for ASCE Auburn! We returned from the Gulf Coast Regional Symposium, where our team placed first overall for the third time in four years—an incredible achievement that reflects our members’ dedication and hard work. In addition to our competition success, we’ve had a fantastic year of professional development and networking. Our fall and spring career fairs were major highlights, with the fall fair setting a record attendance of 369 students and 72 companies. We continued to host our weekly career lunch series, providing members valuable opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
ASCE holds General Body Meetings (GBM) that covers an array of topics. Photo Courtesy: Cecelia Cotton
Our general body meetings have been engaging and fun, featuring events like the chili cookoff and the battle of the specialties. To wrap up spring semester we hosted events including a lasagna cookoff and our end-of-year wrap-up, which was catered by Irritable Bao! We’ve also held elections and look forward to transitioning into a new executive board that will continue to grow and strengthen our chapter. Thank you to all our members and the faculty for making this year such a success. We hope to see everyone soon!
(Middle Left) Students attend the ASCE Career Fair. (Bottom Left) ASCE doesn’t spend all their lake time in the concrete canoe. They also enjoy the ASCE Fishing Tournament. (Bottom Right) Carolina Triboni works hard during the GBM Battle of the Specialties. Photo Courtesy: Cecelia Cotton
GULF COAST SYMPOSIUM
(Left) The Timber Strong Design-Build Team. (Above) Steel Bridge Team. (Right) Sustainable Solutions. Photo Courtesy: Michael Perez
The Auburn University Chapter of ASCE had a tremendous performance at the 2025 Gulf Coast Symposium held in Starkville, MS. Competing amongst 400 students from 15 different universities, Auburn brought the largest delegation - 50 students - and participated in 22 competitions. For the third time in the last four years, Auburn finished 1st Overall. National Competitions: Steel Bridge - 1st Sustainable Solutions – 1st Timber-Strong Design-Build – 1st Paper Competition – 1st Concrete Canoe – 2nd Surveying – 2nd Construction – 2nd Regional Competitions: Water Resources and Environmental Eng. – 1st Prestressed Beam – 2nd Transportation – 2nd Outreach Video – 3rd Spirit Competitions: Tug of War – 1st T-Shirt – 1st Free Throw Challenge – 1st Leadership – 3rd
(Top Left) This year’s concrete canoe in action. (Top Right) The AU ASCE Chapter’s winning Tug of War Team. (Above) Our chapter displaying all of their outstanding awards. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Michael Perez and Cecelia Cotton
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ACI By: Emilia Clavijo The ACI (American Concrete Institute) Student Chapter at Auburn University promotes interest in concrete within the University and the surrounding community. As part of a professional organization uniting experts in design, construction, and education, we connect students with industry professionals through educational lunch-andlearns and national ACI conventions. In the 2024-2025 school year, AU ACI hosted 12 lunchand-learns featuring companies showcasing projects and providing networking opportunities for internships, co-ops, and full-time jobs. Six students attended the 2024 Fall ACI Convention in Philadelphia, where they networked with peers, professors, and industry professionals, attended presentations and educational sessions, and explored the city. Notably, Andrea Students enjoy hearing from companies during the ACI Kouamé presented her doctoral research, Emilia Clavijo Lunch-and-Learns. collaborated in committee ACI 445-A, and Segun Osibodu Photo Courtesy: Emilia Clavijo received the prestigious ACI Fellowship. Through these activities, AU ACI continues to foster student growth, industry connections, and technical excellence in concrete engineering. War Eagle!
Carolina Triboni, Ethan Lynde and Jack Patty stand with their concrete bowling ball prototypes made with their 3D-printed mold. Photo Courtesy: Emilia Clavijo
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Photo Courtesy: Dr. Anton Schindler
Photo Courtesy: Dr. Anton Schindler
AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE 2025 CONVENTION The Auburn University Student Chapter of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) showcased its talent and dedication at the 2025 ACI Convention, held in Toronto, Canada. Competing among over 50 top universities, the chapter made an impressive mark across multiple categories. The chapter’s bowling team demonstrated their competitive edge by securing 8th place, highlighting both their technical precision and team spirit. Graduate student Bess Murrah delivered an outstanding academic presentation, earning 1st place in the student presentation category—a testament to Auburn’s academic excellence and research focus. Further elevating the university’s recognition, Auburn University was named an American Concrete Institute Excellent University. In addition, chapter advisor Dr. Anton Schindler was honored with the prestigious AU Faculty and Students attend the ACI 2025 Convention. ACI “Building the Future” Award, acknowledging his Photo Courtesy: Bess Murrah leadership and commitment to shaping the next generation of concrete industry professionals.
AU ACI's Concrete Bowling Balls. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Robert Barnes
Members of the AU Bowling Ball Team (L to R) Ethan Lynde, Jack Patty, Carolina Triboni, and Josh Daniel. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Anton Schindler
Bess Murrah discussing her award winning poster. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Robert Barnes
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CHI EPSILON By: Emily Walker
In order to further its pillars of scholarship, character, practicality, and sociability, the Auburn University chapter of Chi Epsilon has taken on several initiatives. As of this year, upper class members of the chapter have begun volunteering their time to a new program called “Civil Chats”, designed to offer guidance to underclassman on Auburn and Civil and Environmental Engineering based on our own experiences. The chapter members have also continued to represent the Civil and Environmental Engineering department by volunteering at E-Day and assisting with the senior banquet. Throughout the initiation process, initiates were tasked with 3D printing and designing their transits in the Makerspace, an opportunity to both showcase their skills and bond with other members of the incoming class. In order to encourage participation, a semester raffle with entries for event attendance has been implemented. During Fall semester, a coffee tab was provided to all Chi Epsilon members during final weeks at a local coffee shop, a great study break for members to enjoy together was planned for spring semester as well. We held a benefit night for members at Hey Day, one of Auburn’s dining halls, to contribute towards funds within the organization. Following New Member Initiation, dinner was provided to all who attended the ceremony. This is a great way to practice sociability and honor all the new initiates. We enjoyed celebrating Dr. Mary Hughes alongside our new initiates at the spring inititation as Dr. Hughes was inducted as a Chapter Honor Member. The chapter also had the chance to represent Auburn beyond its campus by hosting the Chi Epsilon Virtual National Conference last year. These involvements and many more within the chapter are preparing members to become well rounded civil engineers within society.
(Top) Chi Epsilon member volunteers their time to E-Day! (Bottom) Chi Epsilon initiation Fall 2024. Photo Courtesy: Emily Walker
GEOTECHNICAL SOCIETY The Geotechnical Society at Auburn (GSA) creates professional development and networking opportunities for Auburn University students and alumni interested in geotechnical engineering. By organizing community outreach, research presentations, and networking events, GSA helps members build their professional profile and make valuable connections within academia and industry. Whether students are looking to enhance their resumes or alumni want to advance their careers, GSA provides a platform to showcase their expertise. Members gain exposure to the latest geotechnical research through presentations hosted by GSA. This academic year, GSA hosted Dr. Ning Lu and Kiewit Foundations. Members of AU GSA attended Geotechnical Frontiers 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky! At the conference they were able to engage in discussions about research work being conducted at Auburn and other universites. During Spring semester, The Geotechnical Society had a blast hosting a group of middle school students. The students learned how embankment dams help store water for irrigation and recreation while protecting downstream communities from floods. They even got to build and test their own mini dams using modeling clay. This was made possible with a partnership with GEAR UP Achieve and the Auburn Outreach Center for Educational Outreach and Engagement. Ultimately, The Geotechnical Society at Auburn has had a fantastic year and cannot wait to gear back up in the Fall.
Kiewit gave a lecture to the AU Geotechnical Society this Spring. Photo Courtesy: Murilo Tarozzo
Members of GSA at the Geotechnical Frontiers 2025 conference. Photo Courtesy: The Geotehnical Society at Auburn LinkedIn
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LIFE in the
LAB
THE ADVANCED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY The Advanced Structural Engineering Laboratory (ASEL) is hitting its stride. Since opening in 2021, more than 20 research projects have come through the facility. These projects have varied topics, including research on structural steel connections, ultra-high-performance concrete, and crosslaminated timber panels. The geotechnical chamber has been active with testing on a mechanically stabilized earth restraining wall and drilled shaft foundations. Currently, there is research using timber for blastresistant structures and several full-scale bridge tests.
By the
S
ER B M U N
42,000
sq ft of lab space
20+ PROJECTS GEOTECHNICAL TESTING CHAMBER
4700
CUBIC FEET
Photo Courtesy: Dr. Matthew Yarnold and Dr. J. Brian Anderson
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E-Day at Auburn University is an annual open house hosted by the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. The event offers 7th–12th graders a hands-on introduction to engineering through interactive exhibits, lab tours, and opportunities to engage with students and faculty. E-Day provides an immersive experience to inspire the next generation of engineers.
E-Day Photo Courtesy: Corie McConnell
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING GRADUATE PROGRAM VISIT AUB.IE/CEEGRAD OR USE THE QR CODE BELOW
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OUTSTANDING
ALUMNI
DR. GREG CARR, ‘85 civil engineering, was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. DANNY NOCHARLI (Project Manager, Brasfield and Gorrie) was welcomed into the Auburn Engineering Young Alumni Council (YAC). ANNA QUINN, PE ‘17 and ‘19 civil engineering, was named ACI Houston’s 2025 Young Engineer of the Year. HU “OLIVER” ZHAO, ‘21 BCE and 2021 Stone Leadership Award winner, was featured in an article by the Auburn University Honors College. The Auburn Alumni Engineering Council inducted new members during its annual spring meeting, including: SEAN IRBY, '82 civil engineering, vice president of global operations and supply chain, Printronix. FRANK MCFADDEN, ‘81 and ‘84 civil engineering, president of McFadden Engineering and founder and CEO of Water Reclamation Systems LLC, dba Oxyshark. DAVID STEJSKAL, ‘00 and ‘02 civil engineering, vice president and director of operations for South Atlantic Water at Jacobs.
Anna Quinn, ‘17 and ‘19 civil engineering, is ACI Houston’s 2025 Young Engineer of the Year. Photo Courtesy: Anna Quinn
CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
ADVISORY BOARD
Edward Austin Alabama Department of Transportation Auburn ‘91 Ben Carmichael Nuclear Development Southern Nuclear Operating Company Auburn ‘00 Jonathan F. Childs Director -State and Local Government Client Center Senior Vice President BARGE Design Solutions Auburn ‘94, ‘96 Brad Christopher President LBYD, Inc Auburn ‘91, ‘93 Jim Cooper President Cooper Construction Auburn ‘81 Kaye C. Davis Bureau of Materials and Tests Alabama Department of Transportation Auburn ‘94, ‘96 Joe Downey Managing Principal ARDURRA Auburn ‘85, ‘88
Linda Figg President/CEO Figg Bridge Group Auburn ‘81 Alison Frazier City Engineer (Auburn) Engineering Services Auburn ‘95 Christopher Kramer Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC Auburn ‘94 Charles A. Marsh Territory Manager ACIPCO Auburn ‘01 Justin S. McDonald Coastal Resiliency Program Manager USACE, Mobile District Auburn ‘05, ‘07
Casey Robinson Troutman Georgia Power Auburn ‘00, ‘04 Jordan Ross Senior Preconstruction Manager Hoar Construction Auburn ‘09, ‘12 Haley Sistrunk Brasfield and Gorrie Auburn ‘10 David Stejskal JACOBS Auburn ‘00, ‘02 Jeff Stone (Emeritus) Brasfield and Gorrie, LLC Auburn ‘79 Donald W. Vaughn (Emeritus) Auburn ‘71
Frank McFadden McFadden Engineering, Inc. Auburn ‘81, ‘84
Derrick D. Vincent JACOBS Auburn ‘99
George McGlamery Senior Commercial Consultant ExxonMobil Global Services Company Auburn ‘86
Jordan Watkins CEO PTAC Consulting Engineers Auburn ‘12
Guy O’Connor (Emeritus) Auburn ‘85
Dale York (Emeritus) Auburn ‘76, ‘78
upcoming
LET’S GET SOCIAL
EVENTS
AUGUST 9, 2025
Summer Commencement
AUGUST 18, 2025
Fall Classes Begin
OCTOBER 16, 2025
29th Annual AU Civil and Environmental Engineering Golf Tournament
NOVEMBER 13, 2025
Fall Graduates Recognition and Awards Banquet
NOVEMBER 14, 2025
CEE Advisory Board Meeting
If you have an article, award or upcoming event that you would like to feature in future issues of the CEE Newsletter please contact ceenews@eng.auburn.edu
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