It’s not necessary to wait for graduate school to participate in cutting-edge research. Interested undergraduate students may take an active role in hands-on research experiences under the supervision of faculty. Challenging investigations will put your classroom knowledge into practice as you solve real-world problems. Civil engineering students and faculty have taken part in constructing waste water treatment plants, envisioning more secure dams, troubleshooting and repairing bridges across the country and increasing the efficiency of the nation’s rail system.

Kentucky Transportation Center

The department of civil engineering has a long-standing, collaborative partnership with the Kentucky Transportation Center, one of the nation’s premier centers for the study of transportation issues. Faculty and students in transportation engineering maintain close ties with the center, conducting research projects of mutual interest and teaching professional development programs. The physical materials used by civil engineers have long been a major focus of research in the center. Emerging research concerns ways to strengthen transportation infrastructure and security.