CEE News March 2021
Dear CEE Community and Friends,
 
I hope this message finds you well and looking forward to the warmer weather as the first day of spring draws near.
 
This month's newsletter shares the impactful collaborative research efforts being pursued by Professors David Des Marais and Benedetto Marelli thanks to the Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab (J-WAFS) seed grant program. Researchers in the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub found that a natural process called carbonation could offset 5 percent of emissions generated from cement used in U.S. pavements. Congratulations to another of our faculty, Jesse Kroll, for being recognized for his commitment and dedication to the well-being and advocacy of student’s needs. Learn more about Assistant Professor Cathy Wu who chased her passion for engineering to solve societal problems in a profile story, highlighting her research and career. Finally, in memoriam, we remember the influential work of Professor Emeritus Peter Eagleson.
 
Sincerely,

Ali Jadbabaie
JR East Professor of Engineering
Department Head, MIT Civil and Environmental Engineering
Core Faculty, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society
NEWS
Seed grant catalyzes further food and water research
J-WAFS seed grant program provides Professors David Des Marais and Benedetto Marelli the opportunity to pursue impactful cross-disciplinary and collaborative approaches to food and water research. Read more
Fiercely supporting student welfare
Professor Jesse Kroll is one of two MIT faculty honored as “Committed to Caring” for their dedication to students’ well-being and futures and their ardent advocacy for student needs. Read more
RESEARCH
Unravelling carbon uptake in concrete pavements
MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub research finds natural carbon uptake in concrete could offset 5 percent of U.S. pavement cement production emissions. Read more
CEE PROFILES
Examining the world through signals and systems
Assistant Professor Cathy Wu aims to help autonomous vehicles fulfill their promise by better understanding how to integrate them into the transportation system.  Read more
IN MEMORIAM
A pioneer in hydrology: Remembering Professor Emeritus Peter Eagleson
Former department head and influential hydrologist who helped revolutionize the field, passed away on Jan. 6. His work and remembrance from his former students live on.  Read more