More Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental news

Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering hosts inaugural golf tournament

The department hosted it's first-ever alumni & friends golf tournament—which brought together graduates, industry partners, faculty, staff and students! Thanks to the leadership of our board and alumni, the generous support of our sponsors, and the enthusiasm of our participants and volunteers, the day was filled with connection, support and fun.

Highlights 

• Over 100 participants came out for the tournament, sharing stories, networking and supporting our students.

• More than 26 sponsors stepped up to support the event—enabling us to invest more in student activities, scholarships and departmental initiatives.

• Special recognition goes to the core leadership team whose work made it happen: Zack Daniel, Matthew J. McBride, David K.

• A heartfelt shout-out to our student volunteers, whose energy, professionalism and support kept the day running smoothly. Your contribution made a difference.

• We also want to offer deep gratitude to all our sponsors, participants, alumni and friends for supporting our department and our students.

Sponser List: Revival Restore, Flintco, Turner Construction, W&T Contracting Corporation, Black & Veatch, LDA Engineering, Gresham Smith, Gephart Electric, SITECH Tri-Rivers, Allworld Project Management, Allen and Hoshall, Guthrie & Sons, Rose Construction, Ensafe, Fisher & Arnold, Thompson Machinery Escrow, Kimley Horn, DuroTerra

Herff professors attend the 2025 SSA conference

Dr. Shahram Pezeshk, professor of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at the University of Memphis, attended the 2025 Seismological Society of America (SSA) Annual Conference in St. Louis.

He was joined by postdoctoral researcher Dr. Mehran Davatgari and Ph.D. students Najme Alidadi and Shima Pakniat, who each presented original research during the event. Together, the team delivered two oral presentations and two poster sessions, highlighting innovative developments in earthquake engineering and seismic modeling.

Dr. Pezeshk also organized a technical session on “Ground Motion Models for Coastal Plain,” underscoring the department’s leadership in advancing earthquake resilience in the Central and Eastern United States. Both Alidadi and Pakniat were awarded travel scholarships in recognition of their academic excellence and research contributions.

“Our team’s participation in the SSA conference demonstrates the University of Memphis’s growing impact in seismic hazard research,” said Dr. Pezeshk. “By integrating new data and advanced modeling techniques, we’re helping improve earthquake preparedness and infrastructure safety across the Mid-South and beyond.”

Dr. Pezeshk’s research continues to gain national recognition, including the adoption of his work on long-period transition in response spectra by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE 7-22) — the national building code for design loads and standards. His ongoing projects are supported by agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA).

Dr. Mishra was recognized for excellence at the UofM basketball game

Dr. Sabyasachee Mishra, Director of C-TIER at the University of Memphis, was recently honored through the Ascend to Excellence program at a Memphis Tigers basketball game (2/23/2025). Recognized by the university president, Dr. Mishra’s contributions to transportation research and innovation continue to advance mobility solutions and infrastructure development at the national level. His leadership in the field underscores the department’s commitment to research-driven solutions that enhance road safety, transit efficiency, and urban development. The recognition at the FedExForum highlights the impact of UofM faculty members in shaping the future through engineering research and community engagement. Congratulations to Dr. Mishra on this well-deserved honor!

Tornado Alley is Shifting - Is the Mid-South Ready?

As tornado activity expands into the Mid-South, cities must prepare for new risks. Dr. Rouzbeh Nazari, Chair of the Department of Civil, Construction, & Environmental Engineering at the University of Memphis, recently discussed this issue on FOX13 Memphis, highlighting the growing threat and the importance of resilience planning.

What’s Changing? Tornadoes are moving beyond  traditional hotspots.

Why It Matters: Cities must adapt to growing storm threats.

What’s Next? Engineering solutions can help protect lives and infrastructure.

Dr. Stephanie Ivey awarded grant to support STEM scholarships and outreach 

 The University of Memphis Civil, Construction, & Environmental Engineering Department is excited to announce that Dr. Stephanie Ivey has been awarded a prestigious NSF grant to expand STEM education through scholarships, mentorship, and outreach. This initiative will provide financial support and networking opportunities to help students thrive in STEM fields.

As part of the NSF S-STEM program, the grant focuses on increasing student retention and graduation rates, ensuring that those with financial need have access to the resources necessary for success. By strengthening STEM identity and fostering career development, this initiative supports the next generation of scientists and engineers.

This grant is part of a broader effort to enhance STEM education and workforce development in Tennessee. Congressman Steve Cohen praised the funding as a significant step in expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in science and technology. Learn more about how this grant will support students at the University of Memphis.

Advancing Transportation Research & Innovation

Dr. Sabya Mishra, Director of C-TIER, is leading groundbreaking research in mobility, transit solutions, and traffic safety, securing major grants to improve transportation infrastructure. His work focuses on public transit innovation, freight mobility, and safety initiatives to reduce impaired and distracted driving.

 Major Grants & Research Initiatives

NSF CIVIC Grant – Developing Rural transit Solutions for Blue Oval City

NSF IUCRC CEAT Grant – 1) Advancing electrified and automated trucking for sustainable logisticsTennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) Grant – 2) Researching alcohol-impaired and distracted driving solutions Tennessee Economic & Community Development (TN-ECD) Grant – 3) Connecting underserved communities to job opportunities USDOT Freight Truck Trajectory Data Initiative – Establishing a national freight mobility database.

University of Memphis Researchers Awarded Prestigious NIH Grant for Innovative Wearable Health Monitoring Device

Dr. Maryam Karimi, associate professor in the School of Public Health, and Dr. Rouzbeh Nazari, chair and professor in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, were awarded a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant, which will support the development of the groundbreaking device that checks environmental exposure and gauges respiratory response, specifically targeting patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). 

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ASCE student chapter wins 1st place at Tennessee Engineers' Conference

The University of Memphis ASCE Student Chapter has achieved an outstanding accomplishment, securing first place in the student competition at the Tennessee Engineers’ Conference. This recognition highlights the hard work, technical expertise, and leadership of our students in advancing the field of Civil,Construction, & Environmental Engineering.

Congratulations to Connor Caskey, Anna Nguyen, and James Hudson for their exceptional performance. Their success is a testament to the strength of our Civil,Construction, & Environmental Engineering program and the dedication of our students. A special thank you to Dr. Roger Meier, ASCE Student Chapter faculty advisor, for his invaluable mentorship and support in guiding the team.

The ASCE Student Chapter provides students with hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and professional development to prepare them for careers in engineering. To learn more about ASCE Memphis and its impact on the profession, visit the ASCE Memphis Section. Students interested in joining the award-winning UofM ASCE Chapter can sign up here.

Dr. Farhad Jazaei awarded more than $500K for project

Dr. Farhad Jazaei, assistant professor in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering in the Herff College of Engineering at the University of Memphis, was recently awarded a $537,625 National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award for his project entitled, "CAREER: Determining the mechanism and significance of microplastic pollution impacts on soil hydrology." This substantial funding boost will help Dr. Frhad Jazaei enhance his Microplastic Research Laboratory, enabling it to delve deeper into the study of emerging microplastic pollution in the soil environment and its potential impacts on soil-water-plant dynamics. As part of the grant, his laboratory will conduct impactful research, provide hands-on learning experiences, and improve outreach efforts related to microplastic pollution. The project will provide valuable training and experiences for many undergraduate and graduate students to tackle growing microplastic pollution issues.

"… I am absolutely thrilled and grateful for the awarded grant. This is a game-changer for my Microplastic Research Laboratory. I am genuinely excited about the possibilities this funding opens up. It's not just a project; it's an opportunity to make significant breakthroughs in understanding microplastic pollution and uncovering its impact on the environment we live in and rely on. I am so hopeful that, with the support and engagement of students, my lab can make a real impact on understanding and addressing this new environmental challenge."

Advancing Urban Flood Resilience 

Dr. Claudio I. Meier has received a $249,680 USGS grant to enhance the Hydrologic-Connectivity-Based Index of Urbanization (HCIU), refining how urbanization impacts flood response. This research will develop new metrics, test hydrologic trends, and streamline StreamStats for broader application. The findings will contribute to improved watershed modeling, regional planning, and water quality assessments.

Enhancing Stormwater Management Through Hydrologic Innovation

Dr. Claudio I. Meier has secured a $300,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Environmental and Conservation – State Revolving Funds to develop a strategic framework for optimizing stormwater control measures (SCMs) in urban watersheds. This research leverages the Hydrologic-Connectivity-Based Index of Urbanization (HCIU) to prioritize SCM placement, reducing hydrologic impacts and enhancing flood resilience.

The project will assess candidate SCM locations in the Nonconnah Creek watershed, Shelby County, Tennessee, using a spatially explicit, hydrologically informed approach to improve water management. The findings will aid in stormwater planning, urban flood mitigation, and long-term sustainability efforts.

UofM Awarded $963,237 USDA Grant to Strengthen Urban Agriculture

The University of Memphis has been awarded a $963,237 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to advance urban agriculture and improve community food access. The project is led by Dr. Rouzbeh Nazari, Chair of the Department of Civil Construction,& Environmental Engineering at UofM, in collaboration with Dr. Maryam Karimi of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Key objectives include: 

• Assessing urban agriculture markets to determine food production potential.
• Utilizing technology to identify viable agricultural sites and monitor food system efficiency.
• Strengthening community networks by fostering partnerships among farmers, policymakers, and local organizations.
• Developing policies that promote equitable and sustainable urban food systems.

Building a Sustainable Urban Food System

This initiative aims to enhance local food networks by identifying optimal urban agricultural sites, improving food accessibility, and developing policies to support sustainable, community-driven agriculture. The project will utilize geospatial data, drone and satellite imagery, and economic assessments to better integrate urban farming into local economies. By combining research, policy development, and community engagement, this effort will drive economic growth, enhance food security, and create lasting opportunities for urban farmers and local food producers.