Meet the chair of the University of Memphis Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
A Message from Chair Dr. Rouzbeh Nazari
Welcome to the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at the University of Memphis.
Thank you for your interest in our department. Whether you are a prospective student, current student, alumnus, industry partner, researcher, or community member, I am delighted to welcome you to one of the University's premier research and educational departments. We are committed to advancing engineering education, conducting impactful research, and developing innovative solutions that strengthen infrastructure, protect the environment, and improve communities throughout our region and beyond.
Civil, construction, and environmental engineers are uniquely positioned to address many of society's most pressing challenges, from resilient infrastructure and sustainable construction to water resources, transportation, environmental stewardship, artificial intelligence, smart cities, and climate resilience. Our mission is to educate engineers who possess not only exceptional technical expertise but also the leadership, creativity, ethical responsibility, and entrepreneurial mindset necessary to solve complex global challenges.
Our greatest strength is our outstanding faculty. The department is home to internationally recognized scholars, accomplished educators, and experienced industry professionals whose expertise spans every major area of civil, construction, and environmental engineering. Their dedication to excellence in teaching, research, and mentorship creates an environment where students are encouraged to innovate, collaborate, and become leaders in their profession.
Today, our department is recognized as one of the most research-active departments at the University of Memphis. Our faculty lead multidisciplinary research programs supported by competitive funding from federal, state, local, and industry partners, addressing critical challenges in resilient infrastructure, disaster recovery, environmental sustainability, transportation systems, construction innovation, public health, and emerging technologies. These efforts provide our students with exceptional opportunities to participate in meaningful research while preparing them for successful careers in academia, industry, and government.
The department also serves as a hub for interdisciplinary innovation through several nationally recognized research centers and initiatives, including the Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research (CAESER), Center for Disaster Recovery and Resiliency (CDRR), Center for Transportation Innovations, Education, and Research (C-TIER), Southeast Transportation Workforce Center (SETWC), Resilient Smart Cities Innovation Center (ReSInC), and the Center for Electrification and Automation Technologies (CEAT). Together, these centers foster collaboration among faculty, students, government agencies, and industry partners to develop transformative solutions that create lasting societal impact.
Our close partnerships with industry are fundamental to our success. Through an engaged Advisory Board and collaborations with engineering firms, contractors, public agencies, and community organizations, we continuously align our academic programs with the profession's evolving needs. These partnerships provide students with outstanding opportunities for internships, research, mentorship, and career placement while ensuring our graduates are prepared to lead from day one.
As our department continues to grow, we remain committed to expanding academic opportunities through innovative undergraduate and graduate programs, flexible learning options, and interdisciplinary research initiatives that prepare engineers for the rapidly changing future workforce.
As Chair, my vision is to establish the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering as a nationally recognized leader in engineering education, research, innovation, and industry engagement. By fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and service, we are preparing the next generation of engineers to build stronger, smarter, more sustainable, and more resilient communities.
I invite you to explore our programs, meet our exceptional faculty and students, and discover the many opportunities available within our department. Whether you are seeking an outstanding engineering education, pursuing research collaborations, or partnering with us to shape the future of the profession, we welcome you to join our community.
Sincerely,
Rouzbeh R. Nazari, Ph.D