2024 Fall News Roundup
UNIVERSITY & DEPARTMENT
DR. REBECCA CUNNINGHAM officially took office July 1 as the 18th President of the University of Minnesota System. “I could not be more excited to join this thriving and passionate University community,” said Cunningham. She was inaugurated on September 18.
THE UMN SYSTEM ranks fifth in US in sustainability impact (Times Higher Ed Impact Rankings). UMN tied for fifth in the US overall and was ranked in the top 10 percent worldwide. Notably, UMN ranked among the top five in the US for its work related to clean water, climate action, zero hunger, and health and well-being.
For the third year in a row UMN is included on Forbes' 2024 Best Employers by State list. Forbes surveyed employees working for US companies with at least 500 employees.
MWRF supports water research and training for the next generation of water experts. That takes resources, and your gift makes a big difference. Organizations, private companies, and individuals can double their giving impact. All philanthropic commitments received by Dec. 31, 2024, for MWRF will be matched dollar for dollar up to the first $25,000. For more information, contact Shannon Wolkerstorfer (University of MN College of Science and Engineering External Relations, [email protected], 612-669-7282).
CSE’s renewed Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Lab Building (a.k.a. Fraser Hall) bonds old and new. Some members of the CEGE PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY BOARD (pictured below) got a behind-the-scenes tour of the construction, which is slated to open fall 2025. The refurbishment preserves much of the old building and incorporates innovative features that will shape the future of chemical education. Every undergraduate in CEGE will take classes in this new building.
FACULTY
WILLIAM ARNOLD and his collaborator FENG XIAO (University of Missouri Columbia) received a $462,750 grant from the NSF in support of their project “ERASE-PFAS: Collaborative Research: Transformation Mechanisms and Products of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances During Chemical Disinfection Processes.” Xiao, the lead investigator, completed his Ph.D. in CEGE with JOHN GULLIVER and MATT SIMCIK.
SEBASTIAN BEHRENS and ANDY ERICKSON were selected as 2024 IonE Fellows and BOYA XIONG was selected as a 2024 IonE Associate by UMN’s Institute on the Environment. These prestigious recognitions are testament to the outstanding work of these researchers and their commitment to a future where people and planet prosper together.
Professor Emeritus STEVEN CROUCH, member of the National Academy of Engineers, and Research Professor SOFIA MOGILEVSKAYA have published a new book, A First Course in Boundary Element Methods. This textbook delves into the theory and practical application of boundary integral equation techniques, focusing on their numerical solution for boundary value problems within potential theory and linear elasticity. Tailored for beginning graduate students, this textbook offers detailed analytical and numerical derivations for isotropic and anisotropic materials, prioritizing simplicity in presentation while progressively advancing towards more intricate mathematical concepts, particularly focusing on two-dimensional problems within potential theory and linear elasticity.
ARDESHIR EBTEHAJ is again making progress in understanding ice covered areas on earth using satellite data. Ebtehaj received a new $500,000 grant from NASA, and he became a science team member of the Soil Moisture Active/ Passive (SMAP) Satellite mission. The project is a collaborative effort between UMN and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The project aims to expand understanding of the arctic lake-ice phenology and methane emissions using satellite data. XUE FENG was selected to receive the Deb Swackhamer Early Career Award, honoring Swakhamer’s commitment to early career scientists and her example of authentic leadership. This award spotlights future leaders in the understanding, management, and care of our water resources. The award will be presented at the 2024 MN Water Resources Conference in October.
JOHN GULLIVER and ANDY ERICKSON are working with WSB and technical advisor Derek Ashe from the City of Maple Grove to assess the effectiveness of pond sediment removal for phosphorus management in stormwater ponds.
QIZHI HE participated in the 16th World Congress on Computational Mechanics in July. He delivered a short course, “Manifold Learning and Data-driven Computing for Nonlinear Solid Mechanics,” and an hour-long lab session. The course discussed reduced-order modeling, physics-constrained data-driven modeling, and the coupling of neural operators with FEM solvers using differentiable programming, with a focus on nonlinear mechanics problems (hyperelasticity, viscoplasticity, etc.). He also presented the recent work of his research group on differentiable neural-integrated meshfree method for inelasticity modeling.
RAYMOND HOZALSKI was appointed to the EPA Science Advisory Board Microbial and Disinfection Byproduct (MDBP) Revisions Review Panel. The MDBP Revisions Review Panel will be reviewing the draft analyses to support EPA’s revisions of the MDBP National Primary Drinking Water rules.
RAYMOND HOZALSKI presented a webcast with colleague Cynthia Hallé, Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and his former Ph.D. student MIKE WAAK, who is now a researcher in Norway. Demonstrating the Effectiveness of Flushing for Reducing the Levels of Legionella in Service Lines and Premise Plumbing is hosted on the Water Research Foundation Website.
As part of his sabbatical, ALIREZA KHANI worked with Maricopa Association of Governments in Phoenix, Arizona, as a Transportation Modeling Associate. He led the development of a regional bicycle travel model for the Phoenix region. He reported the experience was extremely valuable in understanding the needs, priorities, data, and workflow and in addressing their timely need of modeling and promoting sustainable travel modes. Khani gratefully acknowledges his colleagues and collaborators Vladimir Livshits, Arup Dutta, Haidong Zhu, Daehyun You, Lavanya Vallabhaneni, Petya Maneva, and other staff.
MICHAEL LEVIN was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure. Levin came to UMN in 2017 after completing his Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin. Levin specializes in modeling transportation networks, centering his work at the intersection of transportation engineering, operations research, and computer science. He adapts operations research methodologies for transportation problems and uses data structures and algorithms to implement models and solutions in software. Levin is also a well-liked instructor, teaching courses in transportation engineering.
PAIGE NOVAK’s research into energy generation from brewery waste water was again in the news. She was interviewed and WILLIAM ARNOLD was mentioned in the Mpls. St. Paul Magazine story, “Craft Brewing and Carbon Neutrality.” The story appeared in the August issue. Novak’s research into brewery wastewater is important because “each pint of beer created also creates seven pints of wastewater.”
The Institute on the Environment announced 12 IonE Impact Goal grants for high-impact sustainability projects with a total disbursement of $1.94M. Most projects extend 1–2 years and include community engagement, working with partners across Minnesota to overcome a specific sustainability challenge. PAIGE NOVAK is part of the team, “Bacteria-Coated Corncob Bioreactors to Mitigate Nitrate Pollution from Agricultural Drainage and Urban Stormwater."
VAUGHAN VOLLER was recognized for his work with the University of Montenegro on September 13. Prof. Dr. Vladimir BožoviĆ, rector of the university, ceremoniously awarded him the prestigious title of “Honorary Professor” (Professor honoris causa) and expressed his gratitude for Voller’s long-standing collaboration and outstanding contribution to elevating the international reputation of the University of Montenegro through the development of scientific research. Voller is one of the world’s leading experts in the field of numerical modeling of thermal and hydrothermal processes, industrial metal processing, bioengineering, and environmental protection. Voller has been working with Prof. Igor Vusanovic (Mechanical Engineering) and his students for over 15 years. They have been working on the development and application of numerical methods for solving phase change problems with application in materials processing and energy related fields. On his last visit, Voller gave a talk on Modeling Coastal Sediment Transport at the Montenegrin Academy of Science addressing concerns around beach erosion under climate change scenarios.
ALUMNI
MARTHA BURKET (BEnvE 2022) and ABIGAIL RIECKMAN (BCE 2012) and and their colleagues Sarah Nguyen and Katie Becker at Alliant Engineering were featured in a company-produced video for Women in Engineering Day. The video showed how they enhance engineering, working with the public, designing innovative solutions, preventing environmental impacts, and inspiring the next generation.
We were saddened to learn that recent graduate PHOEBE EDALATPOUR (MS 2023) passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024; she was just 28. Edalatpour received her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology (2018) where she was an active member of Engineers Without Borders. She participated in many service projects in Africa, including trips to Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa, and most importantly, Sierra Leone. After graduating from Georgia Tech, Edalatpour was accepted into the Peace Corps and assigned to the village of Tihun in Sierra Leone. She quickly became a member of the community. Upon returning to the United States, Edalatpour started her professional career in construction but decided during the COVID crisis that she wanted to do more meaningful work. She returned to school to study sustainable development. This focus combined her background in engineering and construction with her desire to make a difference in the world, and provided a platform for her to return to Tihun. Edalatpour started Wi Yone Plastik, a non-profit organization run by the women of Tihun that converts plastic waste into building materials, providing environmental, health, and financial benefits. After returning home and graduating with her Master’s degree, Edalatpour started a new role as a Management Analyst for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Phoebe Edalatpour will be remembered most for the relationships she built and valued so dearly through all these phases of her life.
The National Association of County Engineers (NACE) awarded the 2024 David P. Brand Safety Award to JOE GUSTAFSON (BCE 2001), Traffic Engineer for Washington County, Minnesota. The award is given to those who demonstrate the highest standards in public safety over their career. It was presented during the NACE Annual Conference in Riverside County, California, in July. Gustafson is frequently involved in traffic safety research projects with UMN faculty, MnDOT, and the Local Road Research Board.
DAVID E. MILLER (BCE 1955), who earned degrees in Architecture and Structural Engineering at UMN, passed away January 13, 2024. Miller served two years with the Army Corps of Engineers before opening his own architectural firm that specialized in designing churches across the US.
Ten years ago, ALEX MOLLENKAMP (BCE 2014) was in her last semester of college at UMN when she participated in a Resilient Communities Project (RCP) for her class. “RCP helped solidify that municipal engineering is the type of work I wanted to do,” she said. Today, Mollenkamp is the assistant city engineer for the City of Chaska and is leading an RCP project on traffic calming.
ROY OLSON (BCE 1953, MS 1955) passed away August 29, 2024. Olson taught at the University of Illinois and the University of Texas. He established himself as one of the leading international scholars on soil behavior. He was honored with many awards, including the Huber Research Prize, the Croes Medal, the Norman Medal, the Terzaghi Lecture, and the ASTM Hogentogler Award (twice). He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2003.
The CSE Alumni Summer Social presented a casual opportunity to meet Dean Andrew Alleyne and socialize with fellow CSE alumni and friends. JOHN A SIEKMEIER, pictured left, (BCE 1989, MS Geo 1992) showed up with his textbook to get the signature of his structural engineering idol, author, Emeritus Professor, and National Academy of Engineering member, Theodore Galambos. Siekmeier retired this year after a long career with MnDOT.
CSE alumni joined CEGE in May for the College of Science and Engineering’s 50-Year/Golden Medallion Society Reunion, celebrating alumni who graduated 50+ years ago. DANIEL MURPHY (BCE 1974) and ROY VANDERWERF (BCE 1974) volunteered on the Host Committee. RAY HOZALSKI (top right, red tie) shared an entertaining presentation of his research “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly…The Story of Microbes in your Drinking Water.” [composite photo]
EDIE POSTIGLIONE (center front) with the first recipients of the Edith (Edie) and Gary Postiglione Scholarship in Environmental Engineering. Recipients (in alphabetical order) HAILEY BARGMAN, COLIN BARNICLE, LUKE CIENIAWSKI, KATELIN HENRIKSON, KEVIN HURTADO, KAILEY KALTENBRUN, JULIETTE KOSKELA, IMTISAAL NAEEM, and ALEXIS SWANSON.
STUDENTS
The ASCE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS TEAM competed in the 2024 ASCE Civil Engineering Student Championships in Provo, Utah. Their proposal, titled ‘Planting Community: A Revitalized Riverfront for the City of ASCE,’ placed 4th overall, and their technical design proposal received 2nd place. KLARA KONDRAK will be the team captain for 2024-2025.
OLUTOONI AJAYI (Ph.D. 2024) defended her thesis August 19. Her research was on the “Development of a flexible and encapsulated microbial community for the two-stage anaerobic treatment of industrial food and beverage wastewaters.” Ajayi will stay on as a Post Doctoral Researcher with her advisor Paige Novak.
EMIRLAN ASKERBEKOV (MS 2024) defended his master’s thesis on August 14. He was advised by Joseph Labuz and Jia-Liang Le. His thesis explored “Experiments on a quasibrittle material: strength and fracture properties.” He is joining 2H Offshore and will be working on advanced systems engineering for the offshore energy sector.
ROB AXTELL (BCE 2023, MS 2024, advised by Kimberly Hill) defended his Master’s thesis in May. His thesis was titled “Experimental studies of physics-driven segregation patterns on alluvial fans.” In July, he started a new role as a water resources engineer for WSP in the US in the Salt Lake City area.
AKASH BHAT (Ph.D. 2023, advised by William Arnold), a postdoctoral researcher at Colorado State University, received Honorable Mention for 2024’s Jacobs Engineering Best Doctoral Dissertation Award from AEESP. An honor rarely granted for this award by AEESP. His thesis, “Photolysis of fluorochemicals: Tracking fluorine, use of UV-LEDs, and computational insights.”
SOUKAINA BENAICH is a graduate student advised by Judy Yang. Together they co-authored a chapter titled “Impact of Salt on Cohesive Sediment Transport” in the book Sediment Transport Research: Further Recent Advances, published by IntechOpen. Benaich’s chapter delves into the effects of salt on the transport of cohesive sediments, contributing valuable insights to sediment transport research.
MASON BICHANICH (BEnvE 2020) was part of a team of graduate students at the University of New Hampshire that worked with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to design a tidal turbine for data acquisition. The turbine was outfitted with the Modular Ocean Data Acquisition system so it can provide information on strain, power output, and environmental conditions, which will be key for future turbine research.
After completing his Ph.D. with Stefano Gonella in September, MOHAMMAD CHARRA (Ph.D. 2024) started a new position as Postdoctoral Research Associate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he will research the mechanics of metamaterials across different scales using a combination of computational simulations and experiments. His goal is to advance the understanding and application of these novel materials in various fields, such as acoustics, optics, and mechanics.
JINGRU GAO (Ph.D. 2024, advised by Gary Davis) defended his Ph.D. August 26. Gao’s thesis is titled “Surrogate-based transferability of crash modification factors.”
CEGE undergrad SANLEY GUERRIER presented his research at Barr Engineering. His work was supported by the Doug Barr Memorial Student Research Scholarship. He is pictured with Barr CEO Ward Swanson.
Graduate student FRANTZ JOSEPH (advised by Paige Novak and William Arnold) is one of three applicants selected to receive a $3,500 Advanced Degree Scholarship on behalf of the Minnesota Section of the American Water Works Association.
SUPRIO KAMAL (advised by Boya Xiong) received a $15,000 scholarship from the Environmental Research and Education Foundation’s Scholarship Program. Read more at https://erefdn.org/scholar/ suprio-kamal/
ANNA MAHONY (a Ph.D. student, advised by William Arnold) was awarded a UMN Graduate School 2024-2025 Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship. It allows Mahony, one of UMN’s most accomplished Ph.D. candidates, an opportunity to devote full-time effort to her outstanding research project, “Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) in wastewater and the environment: Quantification and Removal.” Mahony, now in her fifth year, has been working on this project since she started graduate school in 2020.
OTHMAN OUDGHIRI-IDRISSI (Ph.D. 2022, advised by Bojan Guzina) started a new position as Assistant Professor of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. UTA is currently ranked 3rd best in the country among the civil engineering programs by US News & World Report. He left UMN for a Postdoctoral Research position in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he developed the next-generation of in-space manufacturable structures integrating metamaterial technologies.
MINGFENG SHANG (Ph.D. 2024, advised by Raphael Stern) defended his Ph.D. thesis, “Enabling the next generation of transportation systems by accounting for heterogeneity in traffic flow: Modeling and control of mixed autonomy traffic,” and began a new position as Assistant Research Professor at the University of Arizona.