civil engineering

This 2020 Marshall Scholar wants to fix the big transportation problems in the US

The scholarship will allow Michael Tormey to study transportation for the next two years in the U.K. He dreams of creating urban systems that will ease congestion, reduce pollution, and save lives.

by Molly Callahan and Ian Thomsen December 9, 2019

He wants to introduce you to the bacteria in your tap water

Deciphering the type and amount of bacteria in filtered water is extremely expensive and complex. To simplify that process, Northeastern professor Ameet Pinto’s lab is developing a low-cost microscope and easy-to-follow procedures that will help regulate how water quality is monitored.

by Emily Arntsen September 27, 2019

After two major earthquakes rocked the state, is California ready for ‘the Big One’?

Two powerful earthquakes shook Southern California in back-to-back days last week, stoking fear among residents that a major earthquake isn’t far off. Jerome F. Hajjar, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northeastern, says it’s not a matter of if California will experience a huge, devastating earthquake, but when. And only some of the buildings in the state are prepared to withstand such a quake, he says.

by Molly Callahan July 9, 2019

Here’s what Boston looked like after a deadly wave of molasses swallowed the North End

Tuesday marks the 100th anniversary of the Great Molasses Flood, which killed 21 people in Boston’s North End when a storage tank ruptured and…

by Gregory Grinnell and January 15, 2019

A new Boston landmark arises

The largest piece of the Northeastern University Pedestrian Crossing was put in place Sunday, a key component of the university’s vision to join the Boston neighborhoods of Roxbury and Fenway, and reimagine Columbus Avenue.

by Laura Castañón October 14, 2018

Have your quake and eat it, too

by News@Northeastern December 9, 2016

Researchers work to ‘predict’ the future of transit

Through work with London’s transit system, professor Haris Koutsopoulos and a doctoral student are developing real-time predictive models to forecast the ebbs and flows of transit activity. The tools could aid transit operators with real-time system management and help commuters avoid crowded stations or trains.

by Greg St. Martin August 24, 2016

Miniature flying robots automatically inspect, analyze, and assess damage to infrastructure

Northeastern’s Jerome Hajjar and colleagues are developing a sophisticated system that uses autonomous small flying robots coupled with 3-D imaging and state-of-the art planning, modeling, and analysis to inspect structures from bridges to buildings and automatically identify problems, track their progress, and assess the need for follow-up.

by Thea Singer July 1, 2016

Northeastern senior wins award as national engineering Co-op Student of the Year

Kelly O’Connell, E’16, came to college with interests in environmental issues and climate change. Today she credits Northeastern’s co-op program, backed by rigorous engineering courses, with guiding her toward her career goals.

by Thea Singer February 4, 2016

And the gingerbread houses came crumbling down

"Build not to fail" is a lesson all civil engineers are taught. But failure was the only option at the annual student-run gingerbread house competition and oh was it sweet fun!

by Joe O'Connell December 4, 2014