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Research

Why 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 wastewater treatment plants, envisioning more secure dams, troubleshooting and repairing bridges and increasing the efficiency of the nation’s rail system. 

Civil Engineering research at the University of Kentucky seeks to provide solutions to the complex challenges facing humanity such as aging infrastructure, increasing climate variability, dwindling resources, and increasing urbanization. In response to these challenges, research in the Department of Civil Engineering supports the planning, designing, and building of a resilient and sustainable world.

Research News

Faculty Awards

The annual College of Engineering Faculty Awards ceremony was held on April 27 at Malone's Prime and Events. Awards were given in the areas of research, service and graduate studies.

A research team in the College of Engineering is leading the charge on utilizing recycled human hair to help repair bridges and buildings across Kentucky and beyond.

Kelly Pennell alongside Anna Hoover collaborated with researchers at Purdue University and Ohio State University on a recent publication titled: “Bystander Chemical Exposures and Injuries Associated with Nearby Plastic Sewer Pipe Manufacture: Public Health Practice and Lessons”.

Isaac Oluk, a graduate student in the Department of Civil Engineering, was awarded the Dr. Rengao Song Water Research Scholarship at the KY/TN Water Professionals Conference.

Ariel Gold-McCoy, a graduate student in the Department of Civil Engineering, has received a University of Kentucky W.L. Matthews, Jr. Fellowship.

The Transportation Research Board is a division of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, formerly the National Research Council of the United States.

The UK Superfund Research Center’s Research Experience and Training Coordination Core hosted a one-day ‘Science Visualization’ workshop.

Makram Bou Hatoum and Alyssa Donawa

The program provides professional development and networking opportunities for current doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers who are considering careers in higher education.

Abheetha Peiris (left) and Issam Harik (right) holding a roll of CatStrong carbon-fiber panels

The award recognizes advanced concepts and techniques applied to a specific design project.

UK scientists, including professor and KWRRI director Lindell Ormsbee, are partnering with Beam Suntory to study water sustainability.

Gregory Erhardt, assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, is the PI for UK.

The purpose of the Early Career Award is to initiate a relationship with young researchers who will bring a new focus into the ELECTRI “research family.”