Message from the Chair

Welcome Back, USC!

As we step into this new school year together, I am so grateful to continue my position as department chair with such an outstanding, driven, and talented group of faculty, staff, and students. I look forward to seeing the growth and success achieved by our department this semester.

The fields of civil and environmental engineering continue to flourish at USC and around the globe. Currently, our program includes 165 undergraduates, 216 master's students, and 68 Ph.D. students. Earlier this year, 165 students received their well-earned degrees from the Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at graduation, many along with formal recognitions for their excellent work at annual award ceremonies. The 2018-2019 year was especially remarkable for our student organizations. The American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter competed at the Pacific Southwest Conference once again, placing fourth for construction and final product, and sixth overall. Our chapter of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists had great turnouts for its career panels and networking events, a sure sign that interest in the field is on the rise.

Our faculty and staff continue to excel in their research with projects that revolutionize the way we think. A major strength of our department is our truly outstanding faculty, many who are in the early stages of their careers and have become some of the brightest stars in the civil and environmental field nationwide. Just this last spring, Dr. Felipe de Barros and Dr. Bora Gencturk were promoted to Associate Professor with tenure, and Dr. Burcin Becerik-Gerber was promoted to Professor. Congratulations to all three.

CEE continues to attract ambitious individuals, both faculty and students, who are dedicated to making real changes in the world.

I hope you share my pride in what we are accomplishing. Working together in education and research, we aim to contribute to the development of a more sustainable economy and environment. We welcome all - students, faculty, industry partners and others - who wish to join us on this journey. You can find out more via the newsfeed on our website.

Lucio Soibelman, Ph.D.