The spring season has only just begun, yet the spring semester's end is already in sight. For our students, I suspect, both prospects are largely seen as positives as they look forward to what the future holds in store for them.

The College of Engineering's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program provides an action-oriented research experience for undergraduate students to stimulate their interest in advanced education and research careers. Civil engineering staff and faculty have participated since the program’s inception.

A research team, led by Andrew Whelton, professor of civil engineering and environmental and ecological engineering, wanted to study the safety of drinking water in new homes and buildings. However, conducting these tests in inhabited buildings across the country was impossible — so, Whelton’s team aimed to correct that.

In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses migrated to remote work or paused operations entirely unless their services were deemed essential. Meatpacking plants, an essential link in the grocery supply chain, remained in operation. With workers standing in close proximity to one another for long hours often in messy conditions, the industry was among the hardest hit by COVID-19 in terms of infection and mortality rates.

When one thinks of "futuristic research," two of the most common associations made are in the realms of space travel and virtual reality. Mohammad Jahanshahi, associate professor of civil engineering, is conducting research on both topics.

Jamie Shinneman (BSCE '96) is the senior vice president of commercial development at Weihe Engineers in Indianapolis. He joined the company in 2002 and has been a part of many residential, commercial and educational developments throughout the Midwest.

Whether it be networking to create business contacts, engaging in competitions or inspiring Purdue University students to help others, the student groups active in the Lyles School of Civil Engineering are organizations students can be proud to join.