Message from the Chair

Welcome Back, USC!

As we navigate through the new school year, I would like to thank the faculty, students, and staff for continuing to adapt, work, and thrive despite the COVID-19 outbreak and other hardships of 2020. This semester, the pandemic has continued to alter our traditional methods of learning, teaching and researching. Online classes and new research precautions, among a slew of substantial shifts, have brought about unique trials and tribulations. Yet while the COVID-19 outbreak continues to influence our lives, the Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has taken these challenges in stride, with every member of this community truly embodying the spirit of resilience.

Although we could not congratulate our graduating students in person, this year saw the department�s first virtual graduation ceremony; 35 bachelor�s, 116 master�s and 13 PhD students were honored, and I wish them all well in their career paths ahead. I would also like to recognize the recent promotions within our faculty. Drs. Adam Smith, Kelly Sanders and George Ban Weiss have all received Associate Professorships with tenure. I speak on behalf of the department in honoring our exemplary faculty, who continue to guide the field towards promising grounds.

Even in the face of these unprecedented times, I am proud of the heights that this department has continued to achieve. The Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering continues to pioneer the engineering of a better and brighter world. I wish health, happiness and success to everyone and their families for the rest of this semester and beyond.

Lucio Soibelman, Ph.D.