Researchers from Purdue University are spending a week aboard a scientific vessel in Lake Michigan, tracking a fluorescent plume of dyed water to study how currents transport contaminants and aquatic life.

On May 20, 2013, engineering students from five universities vied for the sturdiest bridge design at the Seventh National Seismic Conference on Bridges & Highways (7NSC) in Oakland, California. The K'NEX Bridge Competition required the undergraduate teams to create designs for a bridge slated for inclusion in a new San Francisco Bay Area highway system.

The Indiana Society of Professional Engineers presented the first Thomas A. Morris Engineering Leadership Award to Vincent P. Drnevich, P.E., Ph.D., in recognition of his outstanding engineering leadership and ability to exhibit the highest level of integrity and ethics in all conduct, and his continuous demonstration of breadth and depth of engineering knowledge.

Panagiota Karava, assistant professor of civil engineering, is among the Purdue researchers exploring ways to significantly reduce energy consumption by incorporating innovative strategies into the design and operation of new buildings, optimally linked with smart grids.

Congratulations to Larry Nies on receiving the 2013 Dean Marion B. Scott Outstanding Professor Award, presented by the Purdue chapter of Tau Beta Pi.

This award recognizes excellence in both research and service to the school, college and the university community.

Congratulations to Fernando Dri on receiving the Certificate of Excellence Award from the Purdue Office of Interdisciplinary Graduate Program for his work on multiscale modeling of nanocellulose.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2012-2013 CE Alumni Achievement Awards: James Bonta, C. Michael Byers, Frederick Herget, Scott Rouse, and Huel-Sheng Tsay.

It's not uncommon for civil engineers today, often pushing the boundaries of their own expertise, to look to nature for a better design. Two among Purdue's ranks include John Haddock and Pablo Zavattieri.

Cover Story - "Engineering Efficiency: Researchers in architectural engineering look for sustainability in design."

Makarand Hastak, Professor of Civil Engineering and Head of Construction Engineering & Management, was among 50 fellows selected nationwide this year by the American Council on Education.

Prof. Antonio Bobet has been elected as the new president of the American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA) by its Board of Directors for the period 2013-2015. The appointment will start in June 2013 after the Association's annual Symposium.

Congratulations to Prof. Fred Mannering on being named a recipient of the 2013 Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award.