Spring 2022
“We’re seeing a reduction of sand delivery to the coast. At the same time, we are seeing an increase in the rate at which sand is being washed away from the coast. And that’s bad news for beaches,” said Brett Sanders, professor of civil and environmental engineering.
Chair's Message
Spring has arrived on the UCI campus, along with students, professors and staff who are returning to fully in person instruction for the first time since Spring 2020. The start of this spring quarter is looking a lot more “normal.” Ring Road is once again filled with hurried footsteps as students rush to their next class. A group of CEE faculty has recently completed the move to the new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (ISEB), one of the tallest building on campus and one of the largest interdisciplinary science and engineering buildings in the west. CEE continues to adapt forward-thinking approaches to global problems and leading the systemic changes to make the world more just, sustainable and beautiful. I am pleased to share with you the many achievements of our faculty and students. After serving as department chair for nearly five years, I am especially proud of what we have been able to accomplish despite various challenges. Finally, before we know it, commencement will be here, and the plan is for us to celebrate in person.

Sincerely,
Sunny Jiang
Professor and Chair
National Academy of Engineering Names Naeim as New Member
UCI faculty member Farzad Naeim has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional distinctions accorded to those pursuing research, education and applications in engineering and technical fields.
NSF Recognizes Banerjee with CAREER Award
Tirtha Banerjee, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, has earned a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation's Division of Atmospheric & Geospace Sciences and the Directorate For Geosciences.
American Meteorological Society Honors Sorooshian
The American Meteorological Society has awarded Honorary Membership to UCI’s Soroosh Sorooshian at the society’s annual meeting held virtually Jan. 23-27, 2022.
Saphores Receives REMADE Award for Circular Economy Research
UCI engineering researcher Jean-Daniel Saphores has received a REMADE Institute award for his project that would help the country move toward a circular economy, which focuses on making, using, reusing, remanufacturing and recycling.
Water Environment Federation Grants Scholarship to Doctoral Student Sun
Yian (Anne) Sun, a civil and environmental engineering doctoral student, was awarded the Canham Graduate Studies Scholarship ($25,000) from the Water Environment Federation at its annual WEF Technical Exhibition and Conference in the fall. 
Jenelle King Drives Herself Towards an Autonomous Future
Once a thing of science fiction now creeping onto roadways across the U.S., autonomous vehicles are incorporating into driving norms.
Students Shine with American Society of Civil Engineers Scholarships
When the Orange County branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers held its 2021 History and Heritage/Student Scholarship Night, it awarded nine of the 15 available scholarships to UCI students.
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering | (949) 824-5333 | cee@uci.edu | Website