The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the nation’s oldest engineering society, has been supporting Civil & Environmental Engineering students at the University of Utah since 1924. For a century, the ASCE Student Chapter has been providing students with invaluable opportunities outside the classroom, preparing them for successful professional careers.

On Thursday, September 16, 2024, the chapter celebrated its 100th anniversary by hosting a banquet with distinguished guests, including Feniosky Peña Mora, ASCE national president-elect, and Larry Magura, ASCE Region 8 director. Several notable department alumni also attended, including Blaine Leonard, former chapter president and ASCE past president, as well as Anna Lisonbee and Austin White, who revitalized the chapter in 2017. Easton Hopkins, who continued their legacy, was also present.

Dr. Christine Pomeroy, Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering and the chapter’s faculty advisor since 2015, shared insights into the chapter’s history during the event. She reflected on the chapter’s beginnings in 1924, just 21 years after the Civil Engineering Department was founded. Despite changes over the decades, the chapter has remained committed to advancing civil engineering and fostering professional growth.

Throughout its history, the chapter has achieved numerous accolades. From 1995 to 1997, the U dominated the Rocky Mountain Region’s concrete canoe competition, earning top awards in subsequent years. The chapter has consistently been recognized as one of the top 5% of ASCE student chapters, particularly during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. They also excelled in steel bridge competitions, with first-place finishes from 1999 to 2001 and third place in 2016.

“As we reflect on our history, we feel a deep sense of pride in the accomplishments of our members,” said Dr. Pomeroy at the banquet. “As civil engineers, we have the unique opportunity to shape the world around us,” continued Dr. Pomeroy. “Our work has the power to improve lives, build communities, and create a sustainable future.”

Recent achievements include winning the Timber Strong competition in 2022, marking the first year of ASCE’s new student conferences. The chapter also took second place in this year’s Construction Competition and student Erik Bond secured second place in the Ethics Paper Contest. Additionally, Summer Stevens won the prestigious Mead Paper contest in 2022.

This year, the chapter was honored with the Region 8 Outstanding Student Chapter award, a recognition they’ve strived for since 2018. As the ASCE Student Chapter celebrates this remarkable milestone, it does so with pride in its past and optimism for its future.

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Civil Engineering Student Sayal Shrestha Earns Honors at National Symposium

In early 2024, Ph.D. student Sayal Shrestha was awarded funding by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Intermountain Chapter to further his research in concrete and structural engineering. The funds supported his participation in the TriDurLE Annual Symposium 2024, held at the Texas A&M Hotel & Conference Center, College Station, TX. The symposium, themed “Advancements in Transportation Infrastructure: Durability, Sustainability, and Resilience,” brought together leading industry professionals and academics.

At the symposium, Sayal presented his research through a poster titled “Experimental Performance and Analysis of Corroded Precast Concrete Columns Repaired with CFRP Shell and Headed Steel Bars.” His work focuses on investigating the repair of corroded concrete columns using advanced materials, contributing to innovations in concrete rehabilitation techniques. His poster earned him one of the prizes in the “Poster and Student Solutions Driven Competitions” category.

“The symposium was an invaluable opportunity to engage with experts in the field of concrete durability and structural engineering,” Sayal shared.

Sayal, under the mentorship of Civil & Environmental Engineering Associate Professor Dr. Chris Pantelides, continues to push the boundaries of structural engineering research by improving concrete resilience.

Structural Engineering at the University of Utah

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Dr. Abbas Rashidi’s Role in Groundbreaking NSF Research 

The intersection of technology and education is creating new possibilities for learning, and at the forefront of this transformation is a project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Abbas Rashidi, an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, is playing a key role in a $900,000 collaborative research initiative titled “An AI-Enhanced System to Integrate Unstructured Observations with Formal Engineering Education.” 

Supplementing Learning with AI 

 A joint effort with Stevens Institute of Technology and Mississippi State University, the project aims to bridge the gap between real-world observations and formal engineering education. Civil and construction engineering students often encounter various components—such as structural elements, materials, and equipment—in their everyday environments. These spontaneous observations have the potential to enhance learning, but without expert guidance, students may struggle to connect these real-world experiences with their academic knowledge. 

Dr. Rashidi and his collaborators are addressing this challenge by developing an AI-driven mobile app designed to act as an on-demand educator. This application will allow students to use their smartphones to analyze and learn from construction projects they encounter in their daily lives or during site visits. 

The app will use Enhanced Observation Guidance to directs students’ attention to key construction components and provide real-time explanations of what they’re seeing. 

It will then link these observations to the students’ formal coursework and educational materials available on web-based platforms. Additionally, the app-to-web interface system will be able to generate detailed reports on students’ observations and performance, offering instructors valuable insights to tailor course activities. 

Innovative Technology at Work 

The AI-enhanced learning system will be built on Activity Learning Theory, which emphasizes the role of sensory, mental, and physical activities in the learning process. Dr. Rashidi’s critical role in creating the platform will be the development of the novel hybrid image-audio processing system, which will integrate imagery and audio data to recognize and classify construction components with greater accuracy. 

The innovative audio processing and signal source separation algorithms will eliminate the need for multiple microphones by enabling a single smartphone to capture and analyze audio signals from up to 100 feet away. 

By harnessing the power of AI, this research involved in this project aims to provide students with a more interactive and effective learning experience, ultimately preparing them for the complexities of the modern engineering landscape. 

Broad Implications for Education 

The impact of this AI-enhanced learning platform extends beyond construction engineering. While the initial focus is on this field, the methods and technologies developed can be adapted for use in other disciplines.  

Specifically, researchers on this project are designing the app with accessibility in mind, featuring color palettes for users with color vision deficiency, subtitles and audio narrations to ensure an inclusive learning experience—foundations which will be key to the development of similar AI-driven education tools in other fields of study. 

We look forward to seeing the transformative impact of this project and the continued contributions of Dr. Rashidi and his collaborators to the future of engineering education.  

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Incorporating physical principles into machine learning models unlocks new levels of precision in landslide prediction 

Landslides pose a significant natural hazard, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and loss of life. Traditional methods for predicting landslides often fall short due to the complex nature of terrain and the uneven distribution of landslide data. 

To tackle these challenges, researchers have utilized the Physics-Guided Machine Learning (PGML) framework. This innovative method, recently published in Acta Geotechnica by Dr. Tong Qiu, Professor and Department Chair of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah, and Dr. Te Pei, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at the City University of New York, enhances the accuracy and reliability of machine learning (ML) models for landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM). 

ML models typically rely on large datasets to identify patterns and make accurate predictions. However, when data is scarce or unevenly distributed, traditional ML models can yield inconsistent results that don’t align with physical laws or established knowledge of landslide behavior. The PGML framework addresses this issue by integrating physical principles—specifically, knowledge of landslide mechanics—into the ML models, resulting in predictions that are both data-driven and physically consistent. 

The study tested the PGML framework using data from over a thousand debris flows triggered by a storm event in Colorado’s Front Range. Researchers employed the “infinite slope model,” a standard method in landslide analysis, to calculate the factor of safety—a measure of a slope’s likelihood to fail. This factor was then used to guide the ML model’s predictions, ensuring they remained grounded in physical reality. 

The PGML framework’s performance was evaluated across different geographic regions with varying ecological and terrain characteristics. The results showed that while traditional ML models often produced unrealistic predictions, the PGML approach significantly improved the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of predictions across diverse regions. 

By integrating physical laws into machine learning models, the PGML framework not only enhances our ability to predict landslides more reliably but also sets a new standard for how machine learning can be applied elsewhere in geotechnical engineering research, as well as other complex geological systems. 

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Dr. Ramesh Goel Leads $1.6M EPA Research on PFAS

Known as “forever chemicals,” per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products, such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and firefighting foams. Their resistance to degradation combined with their potential to accumulate in living organisms has raised significant concerns about their impact on human health and the environment. While significant progress has been made in understanding PFAS, we are still unraveling the dangers they pose, including their environmental impact.

As PFAS contamination through land applied biosolids and their plant uptake continues to escalate risks to both environmental and public health, Dr. Ramesh Goel‘s groundbreaking research will be tackling this critical issue head-on, supported by a nearly $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

This project — one of ten grants awarded nationwide to address the PFAS crisis in agricultural, rural, and tribal communities — underscores the University of Utah’s dedication to tackling critical challenges that affect the region.

 An Urgent Concern 

PFAS chemicals in municipal wastewater has become a pressing environmental issue. Current treatment methods at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are largely ineffective at removing or fully degrading PFAS, leading to their presence in biosolids. Biosolids, the nutrient-rich organic material generated from sewage treatment, are commonly used as fertilizers in agriculture. It is estimated that between 2,749 to 3,450 kilograms of total PFAS are present in the biosolids produced in the U.S., with half of these chemicals entering agricultural soils. In 2019, approximately 4.5 million dry tons of biosolids were generated by municipal WWTPs in the U.S., and around 2.44 million dry metric tons were applied to land.

This recent set of EPA grants is focused on developing a better understanding of “bioaccumulation,” or how pollutants like PFAS can become more concentrated in plants and animals that grow or graze on polluted ground.

A Comprehensive Approach

To address the diverse range of expertise needed and the extensive methodologies, Goel’s project brings together six researchers from different institutions, alongside industrial partners and agricultural stakeholders, to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to combatting this critical environmental issue.

The project’s collaborative action plan will lead investigations into how PFAS behave during wastewater treatment and ultimately accumulate in biosolids. By understanding these processes, Dr. Goel’s project aims to develop effective strategies to minimize the risks associated with PFAS in agricultural environments, protecting both the food supply and the health of farming communities.

The research will employ a variety of methods, including full-scale WWTP sampling, field experiments to study PFAS uptake in plants under different cover crop scenarios, and lab-scale tests on plant uptake of toxic PFAS. Additionally, the project will explore the use of modified biochar as a potential mitigation strategy.

A robust community engagement plan is also a key component of the project. This plan aims to share knowledge and findings with industrial partners, agricultural extension agents, utilities, and the public, ensuring that the research has a broad impact.

Dr. Ramesh Goel, right, and PhD student Anjan Goswami, left, perform PFAS extraction from soil and biosolids.

Setting the Stage in PFAS Management

The anticipated outcomes of this research include a deeper understanding of the relationship between WWTP processes and PFAS partitioning, the development of standard operating procedures for studying PFAS in agricultural soils and plants, identification of potential mitigation strategies to reduce PFAS contamination in agricultural systems, and educational outreach through workshops and surveys to disseminate knowledge and best practices.

Running through 2027, this groundbreaking research is poised to offer invaluable insights into the behavior of PFAS in the environment and contribute to the development of effective strategies to safeguard public health and the environment. Dr. Goel’s leadership as the Principal Investigator of this project highlights his expertise and commitment to environmental research.

PFAS analytical method development based on EPA 1633.

Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah

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From Airports to Highways: Dr. Markovich’s Impact on Utah’s Infrastructure

The efficiency of our transportation systems is crucial to our increasingly fast-paced world. From ensuring planes land safely to optimizing traffic flow and managing snowstorms, transportation engineering is at the heart of keeping our lives on track.

At the University of Utah, Dr. Nikola Markovich is using cutting-edge data science techniques to innovate and improve a wide array of infrastructure to keep our communities moving smoothly and safely.

Backed by funding from UDOT and in collaboration with fellow Civil & Environmental Engineering Professors, three of his recent projects are optimizing resources, improving efficiencies, and saving the state millions.

Revolutionizing Aircraft Operation Tracking

Conducted with Associate Professor Dr. Abbas Rashidi, one of Dr. Markovich’s key projects addresses a significant issue in airport operations. Many airports, particularly smaller ones, lack proper air traffic control towers, which hinders their ability to accurately track aircraft operations. This deficiency impacts the allocation of funding, as well as the monitoring of emissions and noise pollution.

To combat this, Drs. Markovich and Rashidi developed an innovative solution: an algorithm and hardware system that utilizes cameras to track aircraft, even capturing tail numbers—unique identifiers of individual planes. This system has been implemented at several airports across Utah, including Bountiful, Brigham City Municipal, Spanish Fork, Heber City, and Logan-Cache. When scaled nationally, this technology could revolutionize how airports manage operations and receive funding, leading to more equitable and efficient outcomes.

Enhancing Traffic Flow on I-15

In another UDOT-funded project, Dr. Markovich tackled the challenge of improving traffic monitoring at metered ramps on I-15. Traditional traffic sensors, embedded in the pavement, are costly to replace, prone to failure, and struggle to accurately measure traffic volume during heavy congestion.

Dr. Markovich’s solution, once again developed with Dr. Rashidi, involved repurposing existing traffic cameras and applying advanced computer vision techniques to enhance monitoring accuracy. His team developed a detection model that uses video footage to create bounding boxes around vehicles, allowing for precise estimation of queue lengths and traffic flow per lane. This innovative approach not only improves traffic management but also reduces the need for costly sensor replacements. The principles behind this work, such as queuing theory, python programming, and shockwave theory, are at the center of the curriculum Dr. Markovich delivers to his students.

Optimizing Snowplow Operations

Adverse weather conditions are another challenge for transportation systems, especially in the state of Utah. Dr. Markovich teamed up with fellow Transportation Engineering Professor Dr. Cathy Liu to address the strain on UDOT’s snowplow teams caused by the state’s extreme amount of snowfall.

In a project aimed at improving the efficiency of snowplow operations, his analysis and optimization efforts led to significant cost savings—approximately $4 million annually, or about $161,000 per snowstorm. By analyzing fleet composition, road networks, and truck movements through data visualization and analytics, Dr. Markovich was able to redesign UDOT’s snowplow routes, minimizing time and distance traveled while reducing delays.

These methodologies, including linear programming and vehicle routing algorithms, are also central to the education he provides, equipping students with the tools to address the challenges they’ll face in the workforce.

Engineering a Smarter Future

In addition to his research, Dr. Markovich is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring PhD students in Transportation Engineering. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, guiding the next generation of engineers is integral to his work. Many of his PhD students collaborate with him on projects like those highlighted above, gaining invaluable experience and contributing to innovative solutions in the field.

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Dr. Pedro Romero’s Team Develop New Method to Predict Asphalt Properties, Reducing Testing Time and Improving Design Accuracy

Designing effective pavements—an essential infrastructure component used extensively—requires detailed information about material properties. Unfortunately, gathering this information involves complex, time-consuming tests. As a result, engineers frequently forego these tests and instead rely on average or default values, which might not accurately reflect the properties of the materials used. This can lead to incorrect predictions about pavement performance, making it harder to conduct accurate life-cycle analyses.

The result often leads to less durable pavements or, on the other hand, pavements that are more durable than they need to be: Pavements without having undergone accurate materials testing can either deteriorate more quickly and require more resources to maintain; or they could be designed with more resources than necessary.

Researchers at the University of Utah are pioneering a faster, easier way to obtain inputs for better pavement design, thereby optimizing available resources. Leading this effort is Dr. Pedro Romero, an Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering with over 20 years of research experience in Materials Engineering.

Dr. Romero’s team recently published their findings in collaboration with the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute—a premier research hub for transportation research, education, and outreach. The study, titled “Relation Between Dynamic Modulus of Asphalt Materials and Its Cracking Tolerance,” explored the relation between the elastic properties (dynamic modulus) and cracking performance of nine different asphalt mixtures at various temperatures.

The researchers developed a method to predict the elastic properties of asphalt using a simpler test known as IDEAL CT, which assesses the cracking potential of asphalt. They then compared these approximate values with actual measured values to validate their findings. This new approach significantly reduces the time and effort required to obtain the necessary data, allowing for results in approximately one day.

This research promises to simplify and improve pavement design by providing a more accessible method to predict material properties. As a result, it could lead to more effective and efficient pavement designs, benefitting both industry and the communities that rely on well-designed infrastructure.

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Dr. No’am Dvory’s research contributes to developing reliable and sustainable energy resources

While geothermal energy is a clean and sustainable power source, its integration on a larger scale presents challenges, including the need for advanced technology to manage geothermal reservoirs, mitigate seismic risks, and address site-specific limitations such as resource location and drilling depth. Additionally, the initial investment costs and the complexities of infrastructure development can hinder widespread adoption, making it essential to overcome these barriers to fully harness geothermal energy’s potential.

Dr. No’am Dvory, a Research Assistant Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering, is leading groundbreaking efforts to revolutionize how seismic risks are managed in geothermal energy projects. His latest project is crucial for advancing enhanced geothermal systems globally, offering sustainable and potentially life-saving solutions.

Minimizing Seismic Risks in Energy Development with Machine Learning

Dr. Dvory has recently secured significant funding for an innovative project at the Utah FORGE site, collaborating with experts from the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Calgary, and Tel Aviv University. This $1,021,798 project integrates machine learning, geomechanics, and seismology to develop real-time decision-making tools for geothermal reservoir stimulation.

Geothermal reservoir stimulation—a technique needed to produce geothermal energy more efficiently— can potentially induce felt earthquakes, a challenge observed worldwide. Dr. Dvory’s project aims to mitigate this risk by creating a comprehensive, real-time framework that incorporates advanced scientific tools like earthquake source location, slip hazard estimation, and maximum earthquake magnitude forecasting.

The project will tackle global challenges in geothermal energy and seismic hazard management by:

• Enhancing machine-learning techniques for accurate seismic event location and magnitude estimation.
• Refining fault slip assessments through Bayesian uncertainty analysis.
• Integrating tools for predicting maximum earthquake magnitude.
• Upgrading current models to consider real-time parameter distributions for better damage and nuisance predictions.

The culmination of this work will be an interactive tool that continuously delivers risk assessments, reducing operational risks and enhancing the effectiveness of geothermal reservoir stimulation. While the likelihood of felt seismic events at the Utah FORGE site is low, the advancements from this project are vital for the global development of enhanced geothermal systems.

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Bridging Environmental Justice and Public Health

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NSF Awards $500,000 Collaborative Grant for Innovative Research Led by Jennifer Weidhaas The National Science Foundation has awarded a $500,000 grant for Dr. Jennifer Weidhaas’s latest project, “Collaborative Research: Wastewater exposome as an untapped source for understanding air pollution burden in environmental justice communities.” Dr. Weidhaas, an Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering at the University […]

UofU Professor’s Leadership in Seismic Design and Accelerated Construction Technologies

Dr. Steven Bartlett drives innovation in the design and construction of infrastructure worldwide. Having established himself as a global leader in geotechnical engineering, Dr. Bartlett has 35 years of experience in applied soil dynamics, liquefaction hazard mapping, seismic risk evaluations, and accelerated construction technologies.

In addition to his 25 years as an Assistant and Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah, Dr. Bartlett has contributed to significant projects for the Department of Energy, the Utah Department of Transportation, and numerous consulting firms. Currently, he is coauthoring the updated NAV FAC 7.3, a critical design manual for Geotechnical Earthquake Design used by the Department of Defense. Dr. Bartlett’s work is characterized by its practical application and real-world impact, particularly in rapid construction and green technologies.

Accelerating Construction: A Global Impact

Dr. Bartlett’s research on rapid construction technologies has been pivotal in the design and execution of several high-profile infrastructure projects, including the Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts in Los Angeles, Disney Shanghai, and the Mission Rock Project at the Port of San Francisco.

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art (LMNA)

Scheduled to open in 2025, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is an ambitious project founded by filmmaker George Lucas and businesswoman Mellody Hobson. Dr. Bartlett played a crucial role in the seismic design of the museum’s green roof and car park landscaping, employing geofoam as a lightweight material to create one of the most complex green roofs ever attempted. His oversight and design input ensure the structural integrity and longevity of the museum’s unique architectural features.

Disney Shanghai

In the construction of Disney Shanghai, the design team utilized lightweight geofoam fill to prevent consolidation settlement damage to plazas and elevated structures. Dr. Bartlett’s expertise, backed by construction monitoring data from the University of Utah’s I-15 Reconstruction project, demonstrated the effectiveness of this rapid construction approach. His contributions have helped maintain the integrity and durability of one of the world’s most visited theme parks.

Mission Rock Project, Port of San Francisco

Mission Rock represents a transformative development for San Francisco’s southern waterfront, born from a decade of community engagement and meticulous planning. Dr. Bartlett led a team of design experts in reviewing the use of Lightweight Cellular Concrete (LCC) fill at the site. His research into LCC, known for being a lightweight, strong, durable, and cost-effective fill material, has been instrumental in ensuring the success of this landmark project. This technology is also being researched through contracts with the Mountain Plains Consortium and TriDurLE National Transportation Centers.

Mapping Seismic Hazards: Protecting Utah Communities

Closer to home, Dr. Bartlett and his graduate students have spearheaded a multi-year project to map the liquefaction hazards in Salt Lake, Weber, Davis, and Utah Counties. The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP), the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER), and the Departments of Transportation from Utah, California, and Oregon supported this probabilistic-based mapping initiative. Dr. Bartlett’s work in this area is crucial for mitigating seismic risks and enhancing the resilience of Utah’s infrastructure in the face of potential earthquakes.

Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Utah

Geotechnical Engineering applies Civil Engineering technology to earth materials, such as soil and rock, typically found on or near the surface. Geotechnical Engineers design and analyze a wide range of infrastructure and natural geologic formations, addressing challenges related to foundations, slopes, retaining walls, tunnels, dams, embankments, earthquakes, ground contamination, and more.

Explore Geotechnical Engineering→

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Nanobubbles: Tiny Powerhouses with Huge Potential

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From Detector Development to Neutron Source Facilities: Dr. Edward Cazalas and Team Are Advancing Nuclear Engineering

Dr. Edward Cazalas, an Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering in the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Utah, is at the forefront of advancing our understanding of nuclear and radiation interactions.

At the helm of the Cazalas Group of Radiation Detection, Effects, and Dosimetry, (CAZ-RAD), Dr. Cazalas is dedicated to exploring the intricate physics and engineering behind these interactions. The group’s work spans the development of cutting-edge tools and instruments for radiation detection, the advancement of dosimetry, and the study of radiation effects, all of which play a critical role in various fields such as nuclear engineering, nuclear physics, nuclear security, and the durability of electronics in radiation environments.

A Collaborative Hub for Innovation

The CAZ-RAD group is committed to fostering collaboration across a broad spectrum of disciplines and industries. Dr. Cazalas and his team actively invite potential collaborators from universities, industry, national laboratories, and government agencies to join forces in pushing the boundaries of nuclear engineering research.

By inviting a collaborative approach to their elaborate facilities, they aim to develop innovative solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges in the field.

State-of-the-Art Research Facilities

The CAZ-RAD group operates three specialized laboratories, each designed to support different aspects of their research:

• East Lab: Focused on radiation detection, electronics, and technology development. This lab is equipped with high-quality oscilloscopes, detector material storage, power supplies, ADCs, signal analysis software packages, and SiPM systems, making it a hub for cutting-edge detector research and development.
• West Lab: Dedicated to radiation and irradiated sample testing, located within the University of Utah Reactor (UUTR) lab space. The West Lab is capable of handling radioactive and activated materials and offers access to the UUTR and radioactive sources, probe-station testing, sample analysis, and radiation counting facilities.
• Computational ‘Lab’: Specializes in simulations and modeling, providing the computational backbone for the group’s experimental work. This lab plays a critical role in predicting and analyzing radiation interactions, helping to refine experiments and interpret results.

Facilities and Future Developments

The CAZ-RAD group benefits from the extensive facility support available at the University of Utah, including the UU Nanofab Labs and the UU TRIGA Reactor (UUTR). These facilities enhance the group’s ability to conduct high-impact research. Looking ahead, the group is planning to develop a neutron source irradiation facility, further expanding their research capabilities and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries.

A Distinguished Career in Nuclear Research

Dr. Cazalas brings a wealth of experience to the University of Utah, having worked at prestigious institutions such as Sandia National Laboratories, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Penn State University, Oregon State University, the Air Force Institute of Technology, and the RAND Corporation. His diverse background and expertise in nuclear engineering and policy research have positioned him as a leading figure in the field, driving innovation and inspiring the next generation of nuclear engineers.

Join the CAZ-RAD Group

Whether you are interested in exploring radiation effects in electronics, advancing nuclear security, or developing new radiation detection technologies, the CAZ-RAD group offers a unique environment to pursue cutting-edge research. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Dr. Cazalas to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.

Nuclear Engineering at the University of Utah

With a commitment to innovation and excellence, the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP) aims to push the boundaries of multidisciplinary nuclear-related fields. UNEP’s overarching goal is to continually make strides in the advancement of multidisciplinary nuclear-related fields such as actinide synthesis, electronics nesting, energy, and more.

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