Solving the Transportation Problem for Microreactors with Digital Twin

Microreactors are quickly shifting from sci-fi-adjacent prototypes to one of the most promising tools in America’s clean-energy toolkit. Roughly the size of a shipping container, these next-gen nuclear systems can deliver reliable power to remote communities, military bases, disaster zones, or industrial sites—without the massive infrastructure required by traditional nuclear plants.

But there’s one major challenge that needs to be solved before the full extent of this potential can be unlocked: how do you safely move a nuclear reactor down a highway?

It’s a question the nation is racing to answer. Microreactors offer extraordinary opportunities—portable clean energy, rapid deployment, and resilient power—but they also demand new approaches to safety, monitoring, and transportation. Ensuring the public, regulators, and industry have full confidence in this technology means rethinking how engineers track and validate reactor conditions in real time.

That’s where researchers at the University of Utah are making headway.

U Team Wins ARPA-I Ideas and Innovation Challenge Stage 1

A University of Utah Civil & Environmental Engineering team has been named among the Stage 1 winners of the ARPA-I Ideas and Innovation Challenge, a national competition pushing forward transformative transportation technologies.

The U’s winning project, “Energy in Motion: Atoms on Wheels – Safe, Monitored Transportation of Microreactors,” unites an interdisciplinary group led by Assistant Professor Vince Wang, Professor Cathy Liu, and Dr. Ted Goodell, Director of the University of Utah Nuclear Reactor Facility.

This project represents a rare fusion of transportation engineering expertise and nuclear engineering innovation—showcasing the full strength of the CvEEN Department, which includes the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP).

A First-of-Its-Kind Digital Twin for Nuclear Transport

As microreactors move from design labs to highways, the team is developing the nation’s first digital twin built specifically for transporting microreactors by semi-truck. This virtual model integrates real-time sensing, predictive analytics, and secure data flows to enhance public safety and bolster regulatory trust.

The digital twin will track:

• Radiation and shielding performance
• Vessel and environmental temperature
• Weather and road conditions
• Potential hazardous conditions

Instead of relying on static, offline estimates, trainees and operators will be able to access live, interactive, and actionable data during training or transport—while sensitive commercial information remains protected through NDAs and University legal mechanisms.

Over the course of a two-phase development plan—which in sum will occur over 3 years and $320K in funding—key metrics will include reduced operator training time, improved safety insights for drivers, and enhanced monitoring capacity during transport.

By enabling safe, monitored, and scalable microreactor transportation, the project supports U.S. clean-energy goals and advances an emerging nuclear-technology sector.

The team will travel to Washington, D.C. this week to deliver their Phase 2 pitch.

The One-U Responsible Artificial Intelligence Initiative (One-U RAI) at the Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute (SCI) has selected a new cohort of faculty fellows — including Dr. Ryan Johnson from our Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CvEEN).

Johnson was recognized under the “Environment” thematic area for his work combining AI, hydroinformatics, and sustainability in water resources engineering.

Johnson’s research leverages AI to address water-resource challenges in the arid West, focusing on snow mapping, streamflow monitoring, and predictive modeling to inform water management.

“My work is driven by the need to integrate technical innovation with long-term sustainability,” he said. He uses AI-optimized monitoring stations, machine learning, and edge computing—processing data at potentially remote stations, as opposed to the cloud, to allow for real-time analysis.

Holding a PhD in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Utah, Johnson recently developed a hydroinformatics course that covers data science and computing while grounding students in responsible AI. As a fellow, he will develop auditable AI models for the Upper Colorado Basin—incorporating demographic data to prevent social or economic biases in decision-making—and create open-source tools to push his field forward.

With this fellowship, our department reinforces its commitment to sustainable infrastructure and water-resource resilience. We’re proud to support Ryan as he leverages cutting-edge AI to help secure water for communities across the West.

As part of the 2025 cohort of 12 One-U RAI Fellows selected campus-wide, five were from the Price College of Engineering — underscoring the College’s leadership in responsible AI research and application.

Learn more about the full cohort of One-U RAI Fellows across campus.

Ryan Johnson in the Hyrdaulics Lab.

Malekloo Successfully Defends Dissertation and Begins Career in Intelligent Transportation Systems

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering is proud to announce that Arman Malekloo successfully defended his Ph.D. dissertation on November 11^th, 2025, under the mentorship of Professor Cathy Liu.

Arman has already begun the next chapter of his career at Narwhal Group, where he serves as an Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Analyst/Engineer. In this role, he supports the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) on connected and autonomous vehicle deployment projects—work that sits at the forefront of modern mobility and transportation safety. Narwhal, a transportation technology company specializing in both hardware and software development, is rapidly emerging as a leader in advancing smart transportation solutions.

During his graduate studies, Arman worked across a wide range of transportation research areas, gaining experience that shaped both his technical skills and career direction. His projects included driving-behavior analysis, deep learning methods for airport pavement monitoring, and paratransit performance studies for people with disabilities. This diverse portfolio introduced him to multiple facets of transportation systems, from operations and safety to data science and emerging technology.

These experiences led to an internship with the UDOT Technology & Innovation group, where Arman became involved in connected-vehicle (V2X) infrastructure and real-time communication systems. That work ultimately set the stage for his role at Narwhal Group, allowing him to apply his research background directly to statewide V2X deployment and safety applications. Those interested in Utah’s connected-vehicle initiatives can learn more here.

Arman Also distinguished himself through impactful research, technical expertise, and strong professional engagement. His recent recognition as a 2025 Lifesavers Traffic Safety Scholar (TSS) underscores his leadership in the field. He was one of only 29 students nationwide selected through a highly competitive process for this prestigious honor.

“My time at the U was truly formative. I’m grateful for how much it shaped both my technical foundation and my career path. I had the chance to explore many areas of transportation, learn from my advisor who pushed me to grow, and find the parts of the field that truly motivated me. Those experiences prepared me for the work I’m doing now at Narwhal Group, where I support several statewide connected-vehicle initiatives, including contributions to Utah’s SMART Grant efforts and the Connecting the West program, among others. It’s meaningful to see my academic work translate into real deployments that improve safety and mobility across the nation.”

Arman’s achievements, combined with his competitive new position, reflect a promising career trajectory in Intelligent Transportation Systems. His work embodies the department’s commitment to shaping safer, smarter, and more connected transportation networks.

Congratulations to Dr. Malekloo on this exceptional milestone.

Dr. Malekloo, right, recognized as a 2025 Lifesavers Traffic Safety Scholar.

Dr. Michael Darter Returns to the U for Seminar & Recognition Event

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering was honored to welcome Dr. Michael Darter back to campus on November 12 for a special seminar and recognition ceremony celebrating his selection as the 2024 CvEEN Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.

Dr. Darter’s seminar—“An Inspiring Career in Civil Engineering”—gave students, faculty, and alumni a unique, personal look at the experiences that shaped one of the field’s most accomplished pavement engineers. Before the talk, guests attended a lunch and informal meet-and-greet, setting the stage for an engaging afternoon of reflection, storytelling, and celebration.

Dr. Michael Darter and his family at the Nov. 12 event.

Celebrating a Longstanding Connection to the U

Dr. Darter earned both his BS (1966) and MS (1968) in Civil Engineering from the University of Utah, an educational foundation he credits with preparing him for every major step that followed—from graduate studies to national leadership roles.

He spoke warmly about the mentorship he received as a student, especially from Professor and Department Head Grant Borg, who encouraged him through challenging academic, financial, and family moments.

“Whenever I think of my BS and MS degree studies at the University of Utah,” he shared, “I immediately think of how Professor Grant Borg advised and encouraged me to get up and keep going and never give up.”

Those early lessons fueled a career defined by persistence, curiosity, and impact.

Risk, Resilience, and Reinvention

Much of Dr. Darter’s seminar centered on the pivotal decisions that shaped his professional path. He recounted leaving a stable engineering position at UDOT to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin—a leap he described with humor and honesty:

“Driving down I-15 with all of my family and everything we owned, I asked myself, ‘What am I doing? Taking a risk like this—will I even make it?’ But my BS and MS at the U prepared me for success.”

From there, he went on to a decades-long academic career at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign and later co-founded ERES Consultants, leading major national pavement initiatives.

Distinguished Alumni Award Presentation

Prior to beginning the seminar, Department Chair Dr. Tong Qiu and longtime colleague Dr. Pedro Romero presented Dr. Darter with the CvEEN Distinguished Alumni Award plaque, recognizing his outstanding professional achievements and his continued engagement with the department.

The audience applauded as Dr. Darter accepted the award, reflecting the department’s pride in celebrating an alum whose career exemplifies engineering leadership, innovation, and service.

Dr. Tong Qiu, left, and Dr. Pedro Romero, right, award Dr. Michael Darter, center, the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Nominate a Distinguished Alumni

The Distinguished Alumni Award honors graduates who demonstrate exceptional professional achievement and a lasting connection to the department.

Do you know a CvEEN graduate whose leadership, innovation, or service deserves recognition? Nominate a Distinguished Alum.

We are pleased to announce Brandon Squire has been awarded the Civil & Environmental Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award.

With more than three decades of experience in the construction industry, Brandon Squire has built a career grounded in field expertise, strategic growth, and industry-wide leadership. Since becoming President of Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company in 2016, Brandon has helped shape Utah’s built environment through major transportation and infrastructure projects.

His leadership has strengthened RLW’s position as a regional powerhouse in heavy civil construction and alternative project delivery. Known for his commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and relationship building, Brandon continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of construction throughout the Intermountain West.

“Balancing the demands of Dr. Pantelides' or Dr. Lawton’s tough exams along with working on the concrete canoe project and a full-time construction job was a true test of endurance. Those late nights weren’t just about working hard; they were about developing problem-solving skills and mastering time management. This challenging time taught me the value of staying focused under pressure, thinking outside the box, and making the most of every moment. Today, those lessons shape how I tackle complex problems and juggle multiple priorities.”

Nominate a Distinguished Alumni

The Distinguished Alumni Award honors graduates who demonstrate exceptional professional achievement and a lasting connection to the department.

Do you know a CvEEN graduate whose leadership, innovation, or service deserves recognition? Nominate a Distinguished Alum.

Dr. Shahrzad Roshankhah receives NSF CAREER Award to decode the science of rock slope failures

Rock slope failures may seem like remote geologic events, but their impacts are anything but isolated — threatening lives, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting entire economies. Understanding what causes these catastrophic events is a challenge at the heart of geotechnical engineering, and one Shahrzad Roshankhah is tackling head-on.

In June of 2025, Dr. Roshankhah was awarded a National Science Foundation CAREER Award—one of the most competitive and prestigious honors given by the NSF to early-career faculty—to advance her research in rock slope failures.

With $672,212 in funding, Dr. Roshankhah’s research will take on the longstanding challenges in predicting the stability of jointed rock slopes — steep terrains composed of solid rock intersected by natural fractures. These systems are notoriously complex, and traditional models often fall short by oversimplifying how different rock components contribute to failure. This can lead to overly optimistic safety assessments and insufficient risk mitigation strategies.

Dr. Roshankhah’s project aims to change that.

Her work seeks to uncover how the distinct mechanical and hydraulic properties of the rock matrix and natural fractures — along with their rates of strength degradation — affect the likelihood and progression of slope failure. By combining laboratory experiments with advanced numerical modeling, her team will investigate fracture evolution and failure mechanisms across multiple scales.

In a novel experimental setup, 3D-printed rock blocks made from metal-ceramic composites will be assembled into scaled jointed rock slopes. These models will be tested under simulated gravity using strong magnetic fields and monitored using cutting-edge techniques like digital image correlation and acoustic emission measurements. Meanwhile, hybrid numerical models will be developed and validated to simulate real-world failure scenarios, predicting not only if a slope will fail, but also how much material will collapse, how fast it will move, and how far it might travel.

Roshankhah’s research group 3D-prints model rock blocks, which are then subjected to scaled-down forces.

The outcomes of this research are expected to improve predictive models for slope failure, inform infrastructure planning in mountainous regions, and advance the state of the art in rock mechanics and slope stability analysis.

But the impact of this project extends well beyond the lab.

“Understanding how and why rock slopes fail isn’t just about geology — it’s about protecting lives, building safer infrastructure, and inspiring the next generation of engineers.”

True to the spirit of the NSF CAREER program, Dr. Roshankhah is also building an ambitious STEM outreach plan to engage learners of all ages. From hands-on activities with high school students and Youth-in-Custody programs, to educational materials for visitors at natural history museums and national parks, her project aims to make geotechnical engineering more accessible and inspiring. Participating undergraduate and graduate students will gain valuable science communication experience as they design and deliver these educational tools.

These broader efforts will be evaluated not only for their effectiveness in increasing public understanding of engineering, but also for their ability to boost enrollment in regional civil engineering programs and encourage greater participation in STEM fields.

This award reflects NSF’s commitment to advancing both the intellectual merit and broader impacts of engineering research — and we couldn’t be more proud to see Dr. Roshankhah leading that charge.

$1.5M Odometry Lab Positions Utah as a Leader in Safer, Smarter Rail Systems

The University of Utah is taking a leading role in advancing smart mobility and rail safety with the launch of a new $1.5 million Odometry Lab, funded by the Utah Legislature in 2025. Led by CvEEN faculty Drs. Cathy Liu, Xuan (Peter) Zhu, and Chenxi Liu, the lab is a cross-disciplinary collaboration that unites engineering faculty, students, and industry partners in shaping the future of rail transit.

Developed with the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) and Stadler Signaling North America, the Odometry Lab will serve as a testbed for next-generation Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) systems—state-of-the-art signaling designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability. Proof-of-concept demonstrations will take place on UTA’s light rail network using an S70 vehicle equipped with new onboard and wayside sensors, integrated with UTA’s private 5G network, and tested in real-world conditions.

“The Odometry Lab represents a unique opportunity for Utah to lead in advancing rail safety and smart mobility,” said Dr. Cathy Liu. “By working hand-in-hand with UTA and Stadler, we’re not only developing next-generation transit technologies but also preparing our students to become the future leaders of this rapidly evolving field.”

Beyond research and innovation, the Odometry Lab is poised to become a hub for rail excellence and workforce development. By offering hands-on experience with advanced transit technologies, the lab will prepare Utah’s next generation of engineers to lead in a rapidly growing transportation sector.

Dr. Romero inspires future engineers to design with both durability and the environment in mind—ensuring that every mile of progress leaves a lighter footprint.

For more than two decades, Dr. Pedro Romero has been a cornerstone of the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CvEEN). Known for his approachable teaching style and his passion for sustainable construction materials, pavement design, and durable infrastructure, Dr. Romero has helped shape the next generation of engineers while advancing research that directly impacts Utah’s infrastructure.

Bridging Academia and Industry

Dr. Romero’s research focuses on the use of materials in civil engineering applications—including asphalt, concrete, and composites—with a particular interest in how material properties influence the durability of structures. His work doesn’t just remain in the classroom or laboratory; it makes its way onto Utah’s roads.

That connection between theory and practice has been recognized by both construction companies and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), representing his impact across multiple industries. In 2024, Romero was presented the Friend of the Industry Award by the Utah Asphalt Paving Association. The distinction recognized his advancement of policies and initiatives that have not only improved quality and safety but also reduced costs. Additionally, UDOT awarded him the Trailblazer Award in 2017 for his excellence in applicable transportation research.

By actively applying his academic research to the local industrial landscape, Dr. Romero is enhancing transportation infrastructure of communities throughout Utah, making life better for the traveling public.

An Advocate for Sustainability, One Student at a Time

Students can always tell when Dr. Romero is on campus—the giveaway is his bike, parked right outside his office door. His choice to bike to work is more than a habit; it’s a reflection of his commitment to sustainability, a value that extends deeply into his teaching and research.

In his Construction Materials Lab, Dr. Romero mentors his Ph.D. students as they develop innovative materials designed to reduce CO₂ emissions and provide more sustainable alternatives to traditional construction practices. His group is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in environmentally responsible engineering, from developing recycled construction materials and reducing waste in our landfills to working towards the lowest CO₂ footprint possible in modern construction practices.

For Dr. Romero, being environmentally conscious isn’t just a personal lifestyle—it’s a professional mission. By guiding the next generation of engineers toward greener solutions, he ensures that his impact will be felt long after his students leave the classroom.

Beyond his own courses, Dr. Romero has been instrumental in curriculum reform, ensuring that CvEEN students graduate with the most up-to-date education possible. As the department’s Director of Undergraduate Studies, he is constantly looking for ways to help struggling students progress towards their degree. His leadership in maintaining ABET accreditation underscores his commitment to both academic excellence and real-world readiness.

Ask any student, and they’ll tell you Dr. Romero cares deeply about their success. He often reminds students to “find balance in your life”—advice he practices himself.

Recently, Dr. Romero took his own advice to heart. A proud Penn State engineering Ph.D. alum, he traveled across the country to attend the high-stakes Penn State vs. Oregon game—a long-overdue return to the energy of Beaver Stadium. While he soaked in the moment, he was right back in Utah by Monday morning, ready to teach class (with just a little jet lag to show for it).

Leaders from academia, industry, and government gather to chart the future of AI in infrastructure and civil systems

Civil engineers, researchers, and industry leaders from across the country gathered at the University of Utah on September 19, 2025, for the ASCE Center for Technical Advancement (CTA) AI Task Force Workshop. Chaired by Dr. Guohui Zhang and co-hosted locally by University of Utah’s Dr. Chenxi Liu and Dr. Cathy Liu, the workshop focused on building strategies, standards, and ethical frameworks for integrating artificial intelligence into civil engineering.

The CTA AI Task Force was established to address urgent needs in setting strategies, ethical standards, and collaborative frameworks for AI adoption in civil engineering. Held in the Marriott library on campus, the workshop marked an important step in advancing the responsible integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into civil engineering practices. The workshop convened leaders from academia, industry, and government to develop guidelines and best practices that prioritize safety, transparency, and equity while accelerating AI applications in infrastructure, transportation, smart cities, and climate resilience.

Dr. Tong Qiu, CvEEN Department Chair, welcoming members of the task force.

Three Civil & Environmental Engineering (CvEEN) faculty played a key role in hosting the event, with Professors Chenxi Liu and Cathy Liu serving as workshop co-chairs, and CvEEN Department Chair Dr. Tong Qiu as a featured speaker. Other noted speakers included Ms. Eva Lerner-Lam, NAE, Dist.M.ASCE, F.ITE, M.SAE, who presented Creative Thinking in AI Application, and Dr. Yinhai Wang, who closed out the workshop with words of encouragement for the future of the CTA AI Task Force.

In addition to technical sessions, participants enjoyed a campus and CvEEN department tour, highlighting the University of Utah’s leadership in innovation and collaboration. CvEEN is grateful for the support of ASCE, with special thanks to Dustin Yang and Brian Sien, in making the workshop a success.

CvEEN Assistant Professor Chenxi Liu at the AI Task Force Workshop.

Participants touring the CvEEN Department.