RESEARCH
Illuminate
the possibilities
with world-class research
Solutions for a growing population and diminishing resources
As the world’s population continues to grow, so does the impact on our natural and built environment. We can no longer take for granted access to drinkable water, clean air, secure bridges, and resilient communities in the face of increasingly extreme weather due to climate change.
Civil and environmental engineers see these challenges as opportunities to change the world. Our faculty are nationally and internationally renowned for world-class research on the most pressing global issues of our time.
$15.1 million
Research expenditures in FY23
Strategic Research Focus Areas
Our research improves a global society. We contribute through three strategic research focus areas: Environmental and Energy Systems, Infrastructure Systems, and Water Engineering and Science.
- Water system efficiency and resource recovery
- Optimizing alternative energy systems
- Environmental informatics
- Engineered systems for climate change adaptation
- Rational remediation
- Human/environment interface
- Urban infrastructure resilience
- Sustainable infrastructure systems
- Risk-informed decision support
- Integrative solutions for water problems
- Water resources planning and management
- Hydrologic science and ecological systems
- Environmental fluid mechanics
- River mechanics
- Water and international development
- Groundwater engineering
- Water infrastructure
- Agricultural water management
- Urban water management
Our department is home to a number of research centers and institutes, coordinating efforts for our broad research areas.
Our laboratories allow students to receive a hands-on education with the tools and equipment necessary to thrive in research and industry.