Civil engineering students receive awards at CH2M Hill seminar

The Department of Civil Engineering hosted its second annual CH2M Hill and Samuel Ginn College of Engineering Seminar and student awards ceremony in Harbert Hall Wednesday, April 27.

The awards ceremony recognizes outstanding students for their academic and service achievements in environmental engineering. Presented with awards were civil engineering students Dustin Harris and Feng He.

Harris received a CH2M fellowship award for most outstanding master's student and was recognized for his numerous service contributions to the Department of Civil Engineering. His research focused on the two-dimensional modeling a tool for creating a more economical design of bridge foundations.

Feng He received a CH2M Hill fellowship award for most outstanding PhD student. Feng's research, recently published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, has focused on the dechlorination of organic pollutants using bimetallic nanoparticles.

The keynote lecture was presented by Glen Daigger, the senior vice president and chief technology officer for CH2M Hill. Daigger spoke on the historical perspective of wastewater treatment needs and how they have changed from simply meeting specified requirements to the development of innovative treatment options that fit into sustainable water management systems. CH2M Hill vice president Blake Jeffcoat also attended the meeting.

"The Department of Civil Engineering is grateful to CH2M Hill for its continued support of our educational activities," said Willie Harper, civil engineering faculty member and CH2M Hill Liaison Officer. "Our partnership has greatly enhanced our program, and we look forward to more success in the years to come."