Fall 2023 - CEE Insights

CEE INSIGHTS CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING - CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

Fall 2023

NEW PATHWAYS New Graduate Program Launched to Reflect an Evolving Field and Future

As we’re faced with the impacts of global climate change and the need to future-proof engineering solutions, CEE continues to evolve in new directions that help students chart pathways that lead them to consider and implement innovative and equitable change.

We’ve always touted the importance of interdisciplinary research, understanding that positive change comes through the convergence of multiple perspectives. Last year, several faculty came together and reimagined pathways for graduate studies. We are excited to announce four exciting pathways for graduate studies. You can read more about them in this newsletter.

We are also excited to launch our first-ever Industry Partnership Program with the goal of building connections between faculty, students, and industry. This partnership also gives us an opportunity to co-imagine, co-design, and co-invest in the future of civil and environmental engineering. I am looking forward to sharing with you the impact that this partnership will create in the future.

BURCU AKINCI The Paul Christiano University Professor and Department Head

Our department has always incorporated systems thinking into our educational and research activities. In this newsletter, you will read about several examples of these; Professor Sarah Fakhreddine’s work to enhance aquifer recharge practices and safeguard water quality across the United States; Professors Amit Acharya and Jerry Wang’s algorithm that identifies topological defects in liquid crystals; Professor Greg Lowry’s technology that delivers therapeutic nanoparticles that remain active within a plant for at least 15 days; and Professor Pingbo Tang’s AI tools for safer aircraft control.

Our students continue their visionary thinking—from Min Hwang’s use of Digital Twins to develop fault diagnosis for life support systems in space missions to Lindsay Graff’s comprehensive cost assessment of multimodal travel.

Working to combat the impacts of climate change, Zia Lyle delved into the concerns of drinking water managers across the country. At the same time, Andrew Jones examined the impact of rising temperatures on vulnerable groups. Additionally, Aeryn Anderson put her mark on Pittsburgh’s future as an engineering intern for the city’s new international airport, set to open in 2025.

CEE NEWS - Fall 2023

As we continue to talk about change, one thing remains consistent. That’s the dedication of our students to giving back. During Spring Break, CEE students helped others via Habitat for Humanity. Their work connected them with people whose homes and lives had been impacted by climate change.

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Change is a necessity and responsibility that resonates across our department. I hope you’ll agree that these changes are a great opportunity to showcase CEE’s future thinking, attract top-notch student talent, and help our students shine in a continuously evolving world.

CEE FAST FACTS

30%

SPONSORED RESEARCH EXPENDITURES

Increase Over FY22

TOP 3 FUNDING SOURCES

14 CEE INDUSTRY PARTNERS See Page 8 for More Info

National Science Foundation Alfred P Sloan Foundation Federal Railroad Administration

TOP 3 INDUSTRY SUPPORTERS Chevron Corporation BASF Corooration Fujitsu Lab Limitied

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEW DIRECTIONS

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New graduate program aligns with sustainability, equity, and societal needs.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

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A quick survey of some of the research projects happening in CEE

ENHANCING AQUIFER RECHARGE

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Professor Sarah Fakhreddine leads project to enhance aquifer recharge and water quality.

42% of BS Graduates Continue their Education 20% of MS Student Continue to PhD Program First Destination Salary $79K Average ($60-165K)

103

Undergraduate

222

Graduate

45 Male 57 Female 1 Non-binary

126 Male 96 Female

of CEE students are women

Class of 2022 - 84% Reporting

LIQUID CRYSTALS AND THE HUNT FOR DEFECTS

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Researchers develop efficient liquid crystal defect detection method.

CEE’S INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE

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How our partnership program is expanding opportunities for CEE students.

EXTERNAL STUDENT AWARDS AY 22-23

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COMPETITIVE ACHIEVEMENTS

Air & Waste Management Association | Forbes Magazine | RemTEC & Emerging Contaminants Summit | Thrill Design Invitational

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FELLOWSHIPS & SCHOLARSHIPS

National Science Foundation | US Department of Defense | Higher Education Climate Consortium | ASCE | Air & Waste Management Association | U.S. Department of Transportation | American Nuclear Society | Construction Management Association of America | Tau Beta Pi | National Academy of Construction | International Leadership Foundation | Alpha Chi Omega

BUILDING THE FOUNDATION 24 Aeryn Anderson’s Internship at Pittsburgh’s Future Airport

DRIVING CHANGE

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Matthew Battifarano’s CEE experience fuels impactful software engineering career at Aurora

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NEW DIRECTIONS Graduate Program Changes Reflect an Evolving Field and Future

As our society and infrastructure face the complex consequences of climate change, urbanization, and long-standing inequities, the Carnegie Mellon CEE faculty is leading the way to a new future. They’re developing innovative, equitable solutions through interdisciplinary research and industry partnerships—and educating the next generation of engineers to do the same.

As part of this work, CEE faculty have proposed a restructuring of our programs into four new areas of focus aligned with our departmental research, faculty expertise, and societal needs: Intelligent, Engineered Systems, and Society (IESS) Climate Resilient Environmental Systems and Technologies (CREST)

CEE NEWS - Fall 2023

Sustainable Energy and Transportation Systems (SETS)

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Mechanics, Chemistry and Materials (MCM) “These areas have immense societal importance and position our students to tackle the world’s most pressing problems, while also reflecting our faculty research and our educational focus,” says CEE Department Head Burcu Akinci. “Hence, these areas inform what we teach in our programs and empower our students in becoming socially conscious problem solvers who will lead the world to a sustainable, resilient, equitable, and inclusive future.”

In our Master of Science program, students

how to use emerging technology to design,

are able to choose to concentrate on any one

construct, and manage infrastructure

of these four areas.

systems. Courses will prepare students

For each area, they can pick from a set of relevant courses recommended by our faculty, aligning their studies to their interests and goals. For maximum flexibility, MS students also

for enabling our built, natural, and digital environments to autonomously analyze and adapt to an uncertain, fast-changing future.

Across their work, students will examine how to improve infrastructure performance,

have the option to fully chart their course from start to finish, supplementing classes from CEE with others from across the university.

“These areas have immense societal importance and position our students to tackle the world’s most pressing problems, while also reflecting our faculty research and our educational focus.”

Whether students prefer to take a predesigned pathway or blaze a new trail, they will work closely with a faculty mentor to create an academic plan that equips them to drive progress in their chosen field and society as a whole.

resilience, sustainability, and accessibility.

Where civil and environmental engineers once focused heavily on individual infrastructure components, today’s work necessitates an interconnected and

“The MS program offers our graduate

multidisciplinary approach. Our IESS pathway

students flexibility in choosing exactly what

emphasizes the intricate interaction and

they want to study, with no predefined

complexity of infrastructure systems as

course requirements, and in co-designing

interdependent cyber-physical-social

their curriculum with their faculty advisors,”

systems, and what this implies for their

says Akinci. “At the same time, we ensure

design, construction, and operation. Along

that every CEE student receives a strong

the way, students will gain expertise in

foundation in important concepts like

systems theory, information theory, decision

systems thinking, sustainability, and social

theory, and artificial intelligence.

justice.”

As part of its focus on autonomous decision-

Pathway One: Intelligent, Engineered Systems, and Society (IESS)

making, the IESS pathway examines

In the IESS pathway, students will explore

promote responsible technology and data

how automation can cause inequity and bias—and discusses strategies to combat these concerns. IESS courses also 5

Pathway Three: Sustainable Energy and Transportation Systems (SETS) As the energy and transportation sectors evolve, our communities need forwardthinking engineers to devise equitable and innovative infrastructure solutions. Our new SETS pathway equips graduate students with advanced interdisciplinary knowledge management that respects individual privacy and fosters community trust.

Pathway Two: Climate Resilient Environmental Systems and Technologies (CREST) For students passionate about developing

of emerging trends and technology in these areas. Using new modeling and simulation techniques for buildings, transportation systems, and more, SETS students will tackle how to optimize both infrastructure efficiency and management.

SETS students will gain the problem-solving and technical

sustainable and equitable environmental

abilities to become

solutions for our future, the CREST pathway

leaders in smart

is the perfect fit. The CREST pathway helps

mobility and

students build an advanced understanding

energy systems. In

of complex natural and engineered

mobility, students

environmental and water systems. In their

will learn about

studies, CREST students will work to develop

public transit

solutions to manage water resources and

network analysis,

addressing environmental issues and dive

shared mobility,

into topics like water reuse, stormwater

and transportation

management, and glaciers. Once students

modeling. They’ll

build knowledge and skills in these areas,

also discuss policy

they’ll practice applying innovative models and environmental technologies to engineer climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

and decisionSimulated vehicle flows during 5-7pm

making around autonomous

The CREST pathway features interdisciplinary

and electric vehicles and climate-resilient

courses and opportunities for cutting-edge

transportation systems.

On the energy side, students will delve into

CEE NEWS - Fall 2023

research at every scale, from nano to global.

Student work will leverage experimental,

Across the curriculum, students will also build

management, and sustainable autonomous

strengths in risk assessment, data analytics,

building design. Students will also establish

machine learning, artificial intelligence,

skills in uncertainty analysis, spatial analysis,

environmental justice, and cyber-physical-

data analytics, control systems, and

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social systems.

probability and estimation methods.

field, and computational approaches.

the challenges of energy poverty, sustainable energy transitions, building energy

Pathway Four: Mechanics, Chemistry and Materials (MCM)

A New Future

The MCM pathway prepares future

work as agents of positive change for local

In every program, CEE strives to prepare engineers with the skills and mindset to

engineers to be experts on the complex

and global communities.

behaviors of both synthetic and natural

“An important thread in our planning

materials, including deformation, flow, reaction, and transformation.

Across the program, MCM courses emphasize how to apply scientific knowledge to needs around climate change, water and food scarcity, natural disasters, clean energy, sustainable materials, and

was the idea of socially just, equitable solutions,” shares CEE Professor Greg Lowry, who worked on developing the new pathways alongside faculty in each area. “We need to be thinking about a future that is more just and equitable, and that starts with our civil infrastructure systems. That is a core concept we want to come through in what we

resilient urban

teach.”

systems.

The impact of these new

The MCM

directions for CEE will go beyond

pathway starts with a foundation in programming, numerical methods, probability, and estimation. From there, students will gain a deep understanding of material behavior, structural integrity, and the mechanics underlying various engineering systems. They’ll also explore

the master’s degree. They will inform everything from PhD topics to undergraduate research.

Students at all levels will learn about the cutting-edge applications and research occurring in the department and across the disciplines. In these ways, CEE faculty will continue equipping students to be change-makers and leaders who redefine the boundaries of civil and

the chemistry of air quality, water

environmental engineering.

resources, and wastewater treatment.

“We don’t conform to the very traditional

These courses equip students to analyze,

disciplinary approach,” says Lowry. “We

mitigate, and manage key chemical processes that impact environmental systems. By the time they graduate, MCM students will be ready to solve complex engineering problems utilizing experience in advanced modeling, high-performance scientific computing, and lab and field experimentation.

offer forward-looking, interdisciplinary innovation. Our students are at the edge of technology and will learn how to bring new technologies and advancements into the field and the practice. Where others may have been trained to keep doing what the field has always done, our students will reinvent how we do things to make the world better.”

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Research Highlights

Deep Space Exploration Hwang Utilizes Digital Twins and Fault Diagnosis for NASA Research PhD student Min Hwang is using Digital Twins to develop fault diagnosis and response systems for environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) in space missions. Their research for the NASA HOME project looks to quickly identify and address faults, potentially saving lives during deep space exploration.

Project PI/Advisors: Burcu Akinci and Mario Bergés

Optimizing Urban Mobility Graff Assesses Full Cost of Multimodal Travel PhD candidate Lindsay Graff’s research delves into the comprehensive cost assessment of multimodal travel, highlighting the often-overlooked expenses associated for people relying on various means of transportation.

While prior studies focused on single transportation modes, Graff’s work stands out by examining trips that involve multiple modes of travel. She developed a multimodal network modeling framework that factors in various CEE NEWS - Fall 2023

costs, such as travel time, monetary expenses, reliability, safety

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risks, and discomfort, and evaluated accessibility by time of day, making it a valuable tool for policymakers and planners as cities embrace new mobility options.

Project PI/Advisors: Katherine Flanigan and Sean Qian

Understanding Climate Change Risks to Water System Reliability PhD candidate Zia Lyle’s recent research investigates the concerns and preparedness of drinking water managers across the U.S. regarding the impact of climate change on water infrastructure. Her findings reveal regional variations in awareness and concern, with some managers overlooking the potential risks to their water systems, especially in regions with abundant water resources.

Lyle’s work emphasizes the need for increased education, resources, and comprehensive climate adaptation plans to ensure the reliability of drinking water systems in the face of climate change.

Project PI/Advisors: Jeanne VanBriesen and Costa Samaras

Examining Inequities How Rising Temperatures Exacerbate Vulnerability in Elderly and Low-Income Groups PhD student Andrew Jones’ research examines the impact of rising temperatures on vulnerable groups such as low-income, elderly, and minority populations.

Collaborating with a research team, he used smartmeter data from Phoenix, Arizona, to analyze household cooling behavior in response to increasing temperatures. The study revealed that low-income and elderly households face disproportionate cooling challenges, highlighting the need for interventions like air conditioning efficiency upgrades to alleviate the financial burden and combat climate change-related inequalities.

Research collaboration with advisors Destenie Nock and Costa Samaras as well as the University of Maryland’s Yueming (Lucy) Qiu and Bo Xing from the Salt River Project.

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CEE NEWS - Fall 2023

Enhancing Aquifer Recharge

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FAKHREDDINE’S BOLD AGENDA

I

n a newly funded research initiative,

Guidance for Safe EAR Implementation: The

CEE professor Sarah Fakhreddine, with

team is translating their findings into actionable

researchers fromUT Austin, UC Davis,

EAR project planning, design, and operations

and the Groundwater Protection Council,

guidelines. Their insights are expected to play a

spearheads efforts to enhance aquifer

pivotal role in ensuring the preservation of water

recharge practices and safeguard water quality across the United States. The team is looking to increase the adoption of Enhanced Aquifer Recharge (EAR) by shedding light on potential contaminant mobilization in crucial aquifers. This project can potentially reshape water resource management by focusing on geogenic and anthropogenic contaminants like metal(loid)s, nutrients, salts, and pesticides.

quality.

Leveraging a wealth of publicly available data, including resources from the EPA, USGS, and state databases, Professor Fakhreddine and her team are assessing the ambient geochemical conditions in productive aquifers nationwide.

By integrating data on source water and groundwater quality, they are in the process of developing a geochemical compatibility score.

This score will provide critical information

The project is part of nearly $8 million in

regarding the safety of EAR implementation,

funding across four institutions to research

particularly concerning contaminants such as

the use and risks of enhanced aquifer

arsenic, nitrate, manganese, and uranium.

recharge (EAR) to improve groundwater availability and quality.

This research endeavor promises to deliver quantitative insights into the risks associated

“As climate change and increasing demand

with EAR, considering the influence of regional

diminishes groundwater availability,

constraints and aquifer characteristics.

identifying innovative solutions for EAR is

Anticipated deliverables include a

an important step in protecting our water

comprehensive technical report and guidance

resources,” said Chris Frey, Assistant

document enriched with illustrative case

Administrator of EPA’s Office of Research

studies. These resources will be invaluable for

and Development. “This research will provide

water managers, regulatory authorities, and

the knowledge needed to help improve

stakeholders. Additionally, the project envisions

water supplies for communities experiencing

the creation of an interactive web-map tool for

increased intensity, frequency, and duration

easy accessibility. Professor Fakhreddine and her

of drought and extreme heat.”

collaborators are committed to actively engaging

Fakhreddine and her research collaborators are pursuing two primary objectives: Geochemical Compatibility Assessment: A nationwide study is underway to evaluate the compatibility of diverse water sources, including excess surface water and treated wastewater, with co-located aquifers. This innovative approach aims to minimize the risk of contaminant mobilization during EAR.

with the academic community and stakeholders to ensure their findings catalyze sustainable water resource management practices.

Professor Fakhreddine’s leadership and research, in collaboration with researchers at UT Austin, UC Davis, and the Groundwater Protection Council, is poised to drive transformative change in the field of aquifer management, securing the nation’s groundwater resources for future generations.

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Research Highlights

CMU Partners with UCLA on Center of Excellence on New Mobility and Automated Initiative CMU is a key partner with UCLA in establishing the Mobility Center of Excellence, which recently received a $7.5 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration to research the impact of emerging mobility technologies and automated vehicles on transportation.

Professor Sean Qian will lead a team of CMU researchers at CEE, ECE, Robotics Institute, Metro21 Institute, and Mobility Data Analytics Center, to advance our understanding of social impacts on mobility, sustainability, and equity, with the development of emerging mobility options and vehicle technologies.

This initiative aims to revolutionize and enhance efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility, focusing on addressing potential negative consequences and disparities in mobility services, all supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The ability to

Immunizing Plants Against Climate Stress with Nanoparticles

for that long

CEE Professor Greg Lowry’s nanoparticle (NP) technology has

immunize a plant with just one

spray could yield CEE NEWS - Fall 2023

massive savings

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for agriculturists, reaped in time,

materials, and a better crop.

reached a significant milestone by delivering therapeutic NPs that remain active within a plant for at least 15 days, a crucial breakthrough for the agricultural industry. This achievement offers farmers a valuable tool to protect crops from extreme heat, disease, and other environmental conditions, providing a two-week buffer to safeguard against potential disasters.

Lowry’s long-term vision is to develop NPs that can protect plants throughout the entire growing season, offering substantial savings and addressing environmental threats such as citrus greening disease, which poses a significant risk to the citrus industry in the United States.

How Sustainable is Online Grocery Delivery?

CEE researchers found that grocery delivery services do not significantly reduce energy usage or emissions compared to people going to the store, as most individuals already optimize their grocery trips. The study suggests reduced congestion can be achieved by encouraging off-peak delivery times, bulk orders, and nearby delivery locations, providing valuable insights for long-term transportation planning and sustainability efforts.

CEE Researchers: Destenie Nock, Corey Harper, Greg Lowry, and PhD student Matteo Samudio

AI for Aviation Professor Pingbo Tang and his team are creating AI tools for safer aircraft control. Using techniques like transfer and reinforcement learning, they can predict and prevent instances where aircraft get too close, aiming to enhance aviation safety as part of a NASA initiative.

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LIQUID CRYSTALS AND THE HUNT FOR DEFECTS Though the term may be unfamiliar, you’ve probably seen liquid crystals CEE NEWS - Fall 2023

at work. From liquid crystal displays (LCDs) to the color-changing abilities

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of a chameleon, the structure of liquid crystals is responsible for many engineered and natural phenomena.

CEE PhD student Saptarshi Saha in collaboration with CEE faculty members Amit Acharya and Gerald Wang have made a significant contribution to the study of defects in these materials.

Liquid crystals share commonalities with both

room, rather than investigating every little thing on

liquids and with crystalline solids. Under the right

the inside,” said Wang.

conditions, their molecules can orient along a plane to create one large pattern of alignment.

But not every pattern is perfect: liquid crystals are prone to the formation of topological defects.

Each defect is a zone of conflict, in which the directional orientation of one group of molecules is incompatible with that of its neighbors.

“It’s akin to learning about the presence of something in the middle of a room just by walking around the perimeter of the room.”

This is more efficient than prior methods and more accurate when faced with limited information on the system in question. The team has termed their algorithm TADA, for Topology Accommodating Direction Assignment. It works by assigning a directionality to each known molecule. Once assigned, it can follow any discontinuity between

Wang compares this

two alignments of molecules, tracking the

to the pattern of a

topological defect to its source.

fingerprint. Look at your own thumb, and you’ll most likely find that at some point on your inner thumb, there’s a point where one pattern of ridges meets another.

Identifying topological defects like these in liquid

crystals can be difficult, but it’s key to unlocking their properties.

Old methods for finding topological defects required extensive information on the whole

In a head-to-head comparison, TADA was able to identify defects more efficiently and with less data than pre-existing means. This could prove a crucial tool for materials scientists and engineers working to improve LCD technology. Liquid crystals are also being studied in biological systems, like in chameleon skin.

Researchers across the world are exploring potential applications of liquid crystals in areas ranging from data storage to optical lenses.

Whatever their area of inquiry, TADA can provide them with an invaluable tool.

grouping of particles, measuring the directional order in the system, and using concentrations of disorder to estimate where a topological defect might be found. The team’s method, on the other hand, does not require extensive information about the area of the defect itself. Instead, their method searches for a topological signal that can be used to infer the location of the defect.

“It’s akin to learning about the presence of something in the middle of a room just by walking around the perimeter of the

Results from the TADA method (top) versus results from traditional methods (bottom)

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Industry Partnership

CEE’S INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE Shaping Tomorrow’s Engineers As we work to transform civil and

“This program helps our students to

environmental engineering through

engage with and find jobs at leading

innovative education and research, CEE

companies. It also provides an opportunity

is committed to driving the development

for us to get together at least once a year

and implementation of globally impactful

to define and shape the future of civil and

solutions. Implementing these impactful

environmental engineering.”

solutions can only occur through close collaboration with forward-thinking companies and industry leaders. Our new CEE Industry Partnership Program is helping to build and strengthen

CEE NEWS - Fall 2023

these connections between our faculty,

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In announcing the launch of the program CEE welcomed 35 engineers from local companies for an open house in spring 2023. The event provided an excellent platform for students to showcase course

students, and industry.

projects and present research posters. In

“With our highly qualified students and

feedback and insights, engaged in

cutting-edge faculty research, many

thought-provoking discussions, and paved

companies have a strong desire to partner

the way for future collaborations.

and collaborate with our department.

We are excited to launch the Industry Partnership Program as a way to establish more formal, long-lasting, and deep relationships with excellent companies,” says CEE Department Head Burcu Akinci.

doing so, the students acquired valuable

Industry participants also interacted with CEE faculty during a panel session that sparked an energizing discussion on the future of civil and environmental engineering.

This example is just one of the ways that members of our Industry Partnership Program will be able to interact with our talented students and faculty.

To learn more about the

During the fall semester, we

visit cmu.edu/cee/industry.

hosted an exclusive career expo, where 11 industry partner companies met with more than 140 students. Prior to the event, our partners received advance access to the CEE Resume Book, containing attendees’ resumes.

“This program gives engineering leaders the chance to have firsthand experience with the latest research in the department,” Akinci says. “Additionally, it allows organizations to not only get to know and recruit CEE’s world-class students but also add to their education by sharing real-world expertise and lessons learned. It’s a win for everyone involved.”

Industry Partnership Program,

PARTNER PERKS Invitations to CEE Partner Career Expo and Industry Day Access to the CEE Resume Book Specialized recruitment postings on Handshake, our career recruitment website Day-in-the-Department lounge events to directly connect with students The chance to invite and host students for a Day-in-Your-Office program Inclusion in an annual industry think-tank event In addition to these exclusive opportunities, partners may choose to engage with and support a wide variety of departmental research and course projects.

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Faculty News

Akinci and Lowry Named University Professors CEE Professors Burcu Akinci and Greg Lowry have been elevated to the rank of University Professor, the highest distinction a faculty member can receive at Carnegie Mellon. University Professors are distinguished by international recognition and for their contributions to education and/or research and exemplify a high level of achievement and commitment to the university and the broader academic communities.

ASCE New Faculty Excellence Award Recognizes Wang’s Teaching Achievements Assistant Professor Jerry Wang has been honored with the prestigious ASCE Civil Engineering Education New Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award, recognizing his exceptional teaching, dedication to inclusive education, and innovative pedagogy.

Akinci Receives ASCE Peurifoy Construction Research Award Burcu Akinci, Professor and Head of CEE, was honored with the ASCE Peurifoy Construction Research Award for her groundbreaking work on digital twins and context-aware AI in construction and infrastructure management. She is the first engineer from CMU to receive this prestigious award.

Destenie Nock: Recipient of the 2023 George Tallman Ladd Research Award Professor Destenie Nock received the George Tallman Ladd Research Award from the College of Engineering for her exceptional contributions to energy transition and justice. Her well-funded research and impactful publications, especially on global energy equity, have redefined energy poverty, illuminating the challenges faced by impoverished households.

CEE NEWS - Fall 2023

Burcu Akinci Receives Outstanding Mentoring Award

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In recognition of her exceptional dedication to mentoring, Professor Burcu Akinci has been awarded the prestigious Outstanding Mentoring Award from the College of Engineering. Having guided and inspired numerous students and junior faculty members, her impact extends far beyond academia, making her a example of mentorship excellence.

Akinci Named ASCE Fellow Professor and Department Head Burcu Akinci has been named an ASCE Fellow. This esteemed recognition is a testament to her remarkable contributions and innovative solutions in the field of civil engineering, which have positively impacted lives globally. ASCE fellows represent only 3% of its members, making this honor a true mark of distinction.

Hendrickson Awarded 2023 James Laurie Prize Professor Emeritus Chris Hendrickson, a distinguished figure in transportation engineering, is the recipient of the 2023 James Laurie Prize from the ASCE Transportation and Development Institute. His transformative contributions in research, education, and practice mark an illustrious career that includes election to the National Academy of Engineering.

Bergés Joins Amazon Scholars: Driving Sustainability Solutions Professor Mario Bergés has become an Amazon Scholar, part of an elite group collaborating with Amazon to address large-scale challenges. Bergés, works part-time with Amazon’s Devices and Services Organization, focusing on energy and sustainability solutions. Amazon Scholars, experts in applied sciences, contribute to Amazon’s scientific roadmap while fostering academia-industry connections.

Samaras Named Director of Scott Institute Professor Costa Samaras, currently at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, will become the Director of the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation, leveraging his expertise in energy systems and policy to lead the institute’s global energy transition efforts. Dean Bill Sanders highlights Samaras’ unique technical and policy skills, and he will collaborate with colleagues to advance sustainable energy innovations.

Dzombak Named ASCE Life Member Dave Dzombak has been named an ASCE Life Member, recognizing his lifelong commitment to ASCE and civil engineering. His outstanding contributions to education and influential work in various engineering fields, such as water quality, energy-environment, and sustainability, highlight his significant impact on the profession. Initiatives in climate change adaptation and the establishment of a PhD fellowship program at CMU demonstrate his commitment to advancing engineering education and practice.

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Student News

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

CMU Students Make a Difference Over Spring Break, three Carnegie Mellon University teams participated in Habitat for Humanity service trips to Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. Led by Brett Gold, CMU’s Habitat for Humanity Chapter president, these trips not only assisted disadvantaged communities but also facilitated personal growth and the application of CMU-acquired skills. In Thibodaux, Louisiana, Gold’s team aided hurricane-ravaged areas, rebuilding a sense of community and offering financial literacy education.

Despite supply shortages, the teams engaged in various community projects. Gold, now at Michael Baker Corporation, remains committed to public service, envisioning a community built around volunteerism and addressing housing insecurity.insecurity.

UN WEEKEND INSPIRES GEETHA’S SUSTAINABILITY VISION Ishwrya Achuthan Geetha’s commitment to sustainability was invigorated during a trip to the United Nations (UN). As part of CMU’s Sustainability Initiative, she joined a delegation at the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Action Weekend in New York City, just before the UN General Assembly and SDG Summit. Geetha and her peers engaged in discussions, met professionals, and connected with students from across the globe, realizing the shared challenges and goals in sustainability. This experience inspires her to integrate sustainability into her civil engineering studies and contribute to CMU’s sustainability initiatives, emphasizing the broader movement of fairness and inclusion.

CEE NEWS - Fall 2023

etha

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huthan Ge Ishwrya Ac

Commencement: Class of 2023 ASCE Outstanding Civil Engineering Student Diana Warren

Lawrence G. Cartwright Distinguished Service Madeleine Timko and Asha-Anne Tyagi

H. A. Thomas, Sr. Scholarship Grayce Henderson

Civil & Environmental Engineering Research Emerson Collins

James P. Romualdi Civil & Environmental Engineering Lauren Familetti

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award Pengkun Liu and Nicolas Gratius

Paul P. Christiano Distinguished Service Award Preom Sarkar

Mao Yisheng Outstanding Dissertation Award Mina Karimi

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Janicke Awarded NSF Fellowship Recent undergraduate student Lauren Janicke, has been awarded an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship to pursue a PhD with Professor Destenie Nock. Her research will focus on using statistical methods to investigate energy equity consumption behaviors and assistance. The NSF GRFP supports outstanding graduate students and promotes diversity in science and engineering.

Harrison and Kochanek Named Andrew Carnegie Scholars CEE proudly announces that seniors Hikari Harrison (BXA) and Sophie Kochanek (EnvE/EPP) have been honored as Andrew Carnegie Scholars for their exceptional academic achievements, volunteerism, leadership, and university activities. This prestigious honor is awarded annually to exceptional undergraduate seniors at CMU.

Marissa Webber: 2023 Freeman Fellowship (ASCE) Marissa Webber was awarded the 2023 Freeman Fellowship for her outstanding work in climate change adaptation for urban infrastructure, with a focus on mitigating stormwater flooding, which highlights her dedication to sustainable solutions for urban areas.

CEE NEWS - Fall 2023

PhD Advisor: Costa Samaras

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Lindsay Graff: Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship (DoT) Lindsay Graff has been awarded an Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Graff’s research optimizes mobility subsidies and network investments in multi-modal transportation networks, meeting the demand for sustainable urban mobility.

PhD Advisors: Katherine Flanigan and Sean Qian

Mira Khadka: IPCC Scholarship Mira Khadka awarded the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Scholarship for PhD Research on remote sensing and modeling of mountain glaciers leading to valuable insights into glacier melt patterns.

Khadka has actively engaged in discussions on cryosphere science-policy at United Nations forums.

PhD Advisor: David Rounce

Rory Oden: Wayne A. Crew Scholarship (NAC) Rory Oden, junior in CivE/EPP, was awarded the Wayne A. Crew NAC Scholarship by the National Academy of Construction. Inspired by climate change and infrastructure issues, she plans to work on communityoriented projects in Pittsburgh after obtaining her PE license.

Pratapaditya Ghosh: Air Quality Research & Study Scholarship Pratapaditya Ghosh has been awarded the Air Quality Research and Study scholarship from the Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA). Ghosh’s research looks to understand how aerosol particles activate to form fog and cloud droplets. His work is associated with improving low-level clouds’ representation in a climate model’s regional configuration.

PhD Advisor: Hamish Gordon

Kevin Freymiller: Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship (DoT) PhD studcent Kevin Freymiller received the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship from the U.S. Department of Transportation. His research centers on the energy-transportation relationship, with a focus on morning commute electric vehicle usage and the impact of solar energy, aiming to develop strategic policies to ease financial burdens.

PhD Advisor: Sean Qian

Hatice Gökçen Güner: Fan Favorite (YinzOR Competiton) Hatice Gökçen Güner was named the Fan Favorite at the YinzOR competiton. Güner’s research focuses on optimizing soft material designs to achieve desired mechanical behaviors for applications in soft robots and energy-absorbing prosthetics.

PhD Advisors: Kaushik Dayal and Alexandra Ion (SCS/HCII) 23

BUILDING THE FOUNDATION Aeryn Anderson’s Internship

at Pittsburgh’s Future Airport Undergraduate student Aeryn Anderson gained valuable insights into Pittsburgh’s upcoming international airport during her 12-week summer internship with S&B USA Construction, one of CEE’s Industry Partners. The airport, scheduled to open in 2025, offered Anderson a unique

aimed at enhancing safety

opportunity to explore construction

protocols.

management, a departure from her usual design focus.

Anderson also conducted safety walk-throughs for the Allegheny County

During her internship, Anderson was involved in

Airport Authority, fostering collaboration

various aspects of the project, including creating

with engineers and employees from various

roadways, four small bridges, and a large terminal

organizations.

bridge.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the

She handled tasks such as assembling packets

construction processes, Anderson voluntarily

of drawings, materials lists, roadway plans, and

worked night shifts. One notable moment was

erosion control plans, often requiring close

witnessing her team pouring concrete for the

collaboration with foremen and supervisors to

terminal’s large exterior bridge on the second level.

secure necessary materials.

Anderson credited her organizational skills, honed

Adapting to the extensive job site, which spanned

in her classes, as well as her coursework on

five miles of roads, presented a significant

reading drawings, for her success in the internship.

challenge. However, Anderson’s training at CEE

She intends to pursue a design internship in the

prepared her to problem-solve independently.

following summer to explore a different aspect of

CEE NEWS - Fall 2023

the field. She believes internships are invaluable

24

She emphasized the importance of self-reliance,

for students, as they offer a chance to try new roles

stating that they were provided with the tools but

and encourage open-mindedness toward diverse

expected to figure things out themselves, a skill she

job opportunities.

found crucial when starting her job on-site.

Reflecting on her experience, she concluded, Safety was a top priority at the construction site,

“I didn’t envision myself taking an internship in

and Anderson actively contributed to it. She

construction management, and I really liked it. Next

conducted safety walks for S&B USA, gathering

summer, I will try design and figure out which one

feedback from field personnel to create reports

fits best for me.”

CEE Student Team Shines at WEFTEC Competition with Innovative Wastewater Solution

L to R: Fiza Jalees, Megan Johnston, Victoria Kurker, and Labdhi Kagd

CEE master’s

disrupting microorganism-dependent treatment.

students placed

The team analyzed ALCOSAN’s data, consulted

5th in the WEFTEC

experts, and devised cost-effective treatment

design competition.

system adjustments. Their project modeled inputs,

The team’s project

explored new food sources, and reimagined facility

began in Professor

protocols, crucial for ALCOSAN’s expansion from 250

Joe Moore’s

MGD to 600 MGD while preserving microorganism

Biological Wastewater

population and F/M balance. By using Life Cycle

Treatment course,

Assessment (LCA) to assess environmental impact

they partnered with

and costs, the team innovatively addressed this

ALCOSAN to address a

wastewater challenge.

crucial issue: heavy rainfall causing waste dilution,

RECENT THESES

KEVIN LOGRANDE - Interpretable Dimension Reduction Procedures for Dynamical Systems Advisor: Kaushik Dayal

ABHISHEK ARORA - A Study of Nonlinear Deformations and Defects in the Actuation of

KIANA NAGHIBZADEH - Multiscale Models of Growth

Soft Membranes, Rupture Dynamics, and

in Solid Materials: Microstructure Evolution & Mechanics

Mesoscale Plasticity

of Surface Growth

Advisor: Amit Acharya

Advisor: Kaushik Dayal

ARNAV CHOUDHRY - Understanding and Measuring

VASIKAN VIJAYASHANTHAR - Assessment of Temporal

the Performance of Mixed Mode Urban Freight Delivery

and Geographic Variability in Lead in Drinking Water

Systems Using Large Scale Mobility Data

for a System Under Different Compliance Conditions

Advisor: Sean Qian

Advisors: Jeanne VanBriesen; Mitchell Small

JANEL CHUA - Phase-Field Modeling of Defect

YANYU WANG - Proactive Improvements of Civil

Dynamics: Interplay between Inertia and Viscous Stress

Infrastructure Operations Based on Data-Driven

Advisor: Kaushik Dayal

Simultion and Optimization Advisor: Pingbo Tnng

PABLO GUARDA - Inferring Demand and Supply Characteristics of Large-scale Transportation Networks

WEIRAN YAO - Predictive Real-Time Traffic Management

Through Multi-source System-level Data

in Large-Scale Transportation Networks

Advisor: Sean Qian

Advisor: Sean Qian

YUANHAO LI - Rigorously Quantifying Uncertainties

PENGJI ZHANG - Understanding transportation network

for Transport Phenomena in Molecular Simulations

flow patterns with high-dimensional multi-source data

Advisor: Jerry Wang

Advisor: Sean Qian

25

Alumni News

Matthew Battifarano (MS ‘19, PhD ‘22)

DRIVING CHANGE

Engineering Transportation Solutions Matthew Battifarano’s time at CEE left an

Battifarano also discovered that his mathematical

indelible mark on his career as a software engineer

acumen, honed during his undergraduate years,

at Aurora, a self-driving vehicle technology

bore remarkable relevance to his engineering

company based in Pittsburgh. where he harnesses

pursuits. Both domains operated within model

mathematical models and machine learning

spaces, compelling a deep consideration of what

to tackle intricate real-world challenges in

couldn’t be overlooked. This alignment made him

transportation and urban systems.

feel right at home in the engineering sphere.

Selecting CEE was a deliberate choice for

Under the guidance of his PhD advisor Professor

Battifarano, affording him the unique opportunity

Sean Qian, delved into “Behavioral inference from

to earn a Master’s degree and pursue a PhD while

non-stationary policies,” uncovering a notable shift

immersing himself in advanced infrastructure

in ride-hailing driver preferences to food delivery

systems and machine learning. During his time

during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

at CMU, he delved into new and emerging

His research illuminated the real-time application of

technologies in transportation and their impact

statistical testing, providing critical insights as data

on mobility systems. His research involved the

was collected.

application of statistics, machine learning, and game-theoretic network equilibrium theory to study the consequences of shared mobility, connected,

way for his current role at Aurora, where he is focused on the Aurora Services Platform. This

systems.

platform facilitates the seamless integration of

CEE NEWS - Fall 2023

and autonomous vehicles on transportation

Battifarano’s research breakthroughs paved the

CEE instilled in Battifarano a comprehensive

customers’ logistics services, ensuring the efficient

engineering perspective, emphasizing the interplay

movement of goods via the highway system.

26

the broader framework.

of all components in achieving a successful outcome. His education cultivated a system-level thinking approach, consistently reminding him of the pivotal role each technical detail plays within

the Aurora Driver (autonomous vehicles) into

Battifarano’s work serves as a testament to the enduring impact of his journey through CEE, merging mathematical rigor and engineering ingenuity to tackle real-world complexities.

Daniel P. Gilmour: O. T. Zimmerman Founder’s Award (AACE) Daniel P. Gilmour (CivE ‘07) has been honored with the O. T. Zimmerman Founder’s Award by the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) for his 16 years of exemplary contributions to the construction industry. As Director of Planning and Scheduling at Brasfield & Gorrie, he manages construction projects worth nearly five billion dollars, specializing in CPM scheduling, time impact analysis, and resolving construction disputes. The award recognizes his decade-long active involvement in AACE and his continuous efforts to advance total cost management and AACE International’s policies and practices.

Bobuchi Ken-Opurum: 30 Under 30 (Forbes) Bobuchi Ken-Opurum (AECM ‘22) has been named one of Forbes Magazine’s 2023 30-Under-30 in Energy. Her research addresses the climate change disparity affecting vulnerable communities. She created the Re-HOUSED Climate Decision Support Toolkit, tailored for individuals in tropical regions of the Southern Hemisphere. Bobuchi, inspired by grassroots initiatives, also serves as the Director of Research at the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute, investigating energy burden and efficiency for lower-income households.

2023 ALUMNI AWARDS & BUGGY BREAKFAST

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI Martin Fertal (BS ‘83, MS ‘84) American Society of Civil Engineers, COO

OUTSTANDING ALUMNI SERVICE Dan Streyle (BS ‘75) Arizona Cardinals, Director of Construction

LT. COL. CHRISTOPHER K. RAIBLE DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE Carly Jerla (BS ‘02) Bureau of Reclamation, Senior Water Resource Program Manager

RECENT ALUMNI Alejandro Gomez Rivera (MS ‘13) binni, Co-founder

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Presorted First Class Mail U.S. Postage PAID Pittsburgh, PAPermit #251

5000 Forbes Ave 119 Porter Hall Pittsburgh, PA 15243

cmu.edu/cee

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