As I look outside my window and see the spring colors returning to campus, I am filled with a sense of joy for what the new year will bring. It is ironic, though; spring also means that the end of the school year is rapidly approaching.

Like any proud educator, I look forward to hearing about the successes of our newest soon-to-be civil engineering graduates. At the same time, it is always a little bittersweet seeing all the students I have made connections with over the years leave us.

But our loss is certainly the world’s gain. Whether they choose to further their education or to enter the working world in the public or private sector, our graduates are highly sought after because our students receive the best education and research opportunities available. This reputation we and our alumni have earned is well-deserved. Each year, our students, faculty and staff strive to improve, influence and innovate the civil engineering field.

In this edition of IMPACT, we will share a few concrete examples of what the Lyles School of Civil Engineering is undertaking to ensure that our undergraduate students receive the very best education and hands-on research experience possible.

We have students assisting in researching nano-clay, which could prove to be crucial in designing more resilient structures at the soil level. Students are also researching the potential impact that autonomous vehicles will have on the environment. And they are joining faculty on a Purdue-led, worldwide research effort to study poverty challenges around the world.

Also in this issue, we will detail the additions and improvements we have made both to our building and to our curriculum. We have started one-credit courses aimed at offering students — those enrolled and those not enrolled in civil engineering — a diverse, interactive overview of the many disciplines within our school. We have completed the first phase of renovations for Hampton Hall, which includes several new labs and a student lounge.

These are just a handful of examples that illustrate how the Lyles School of Civil Engineering is working to create a fulfilling educational experience for our undergraduates. We will continue to innovate how we educate. If you have recommendations, be sure to share them with me. I am always interested in hearing about ways to better our program.

All the best,

Rao S. Govindaraju
Bowen Engineering Head of Civil Engineering and
The Christopher B. and Susan S. Burke Professor of Civil Engineering