Notes from Engineering
Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Simon Ghanat has been named a 2023 Engineering Unleashed Fellow.
Ghanat was one of 30 instructors from 24 institutions across the United States to receive the designation, which recognizes leadership in undergraduate engineering education. Ghanat, who presented at the 2023 KEEN National Conference, offers seminars on campus on how to establish an entrepreneurial mindset. Engineering Unleashed Fellows are awarded a $10,000 grant that can be used to advance or promote their work.
The School of Engineering hosted a design-thinking workshop for faculty to explore what generative AI is and how it might be used in the classroom. The workshop was co-facilitated by Christina Hnatov from the University of Maryland Academy for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Citadel School of Engineering Dean Andrew Williams. About 15 departments across four schools were represented at the workshop that discussed the hopes and fears regarding generative AI and developed prototypes for use in the classroom. The workshop was made possible by funding from the Kern Family Foundation.
A strategic planning consultant who worked with Georgia Tech led a workshop to craft the school’s vision, mission and messaging development. Participating in the five year-planning were alumni and advisory board members. The plan is being developed to integrate with the Our Mighty Citadel 2026 Strategic Plan.
Thomas Morrison, a civil engineering senior, was one of seven students across the United States to receive an American Institute of Steel Construction scholarship recognizing student achievement in civil engineering, architectural engineering, construction engineering, construction management and architecture. A full-time student, Morrison also works for a structural engineering company specializing in historic restoration and teaches engineering drawing at Trident Technical College.
Omar Tactuck, a veteran student majoring in civil engineering, completed his Summer Undergraduate Research Experience on “Verde Intus Sletee: Innovating Urban Rainwater Management Through Green Wall Technology.” The object of this research was to explore how rainwater runoff can be managed through integrated storage tanks and green walls, combining the benefits of the natural environment and urban infrastructure. Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Nandan Shetty served as his faculty advisor.
Civil engineering senior Cadet Richard Milling completed his research on the “Urban Heat Island Effect: How Empirical Models Can Be Utilized to Predict Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures for Urban Areas.” The objective of his research was to explore strategies to reduce serious heat related health risks in current and future development projects. This research experience was supported by faculty advisors Simon Ghanat and Scott Curtis.
Cadet Louise C. Bonnimond, a construction engineering junior, received regimental recognition for problem-solving skills as a cadet who best showcases the qualities of a future officer, presented by Lt. Gen. Donna Martin, Inspector General USA, Aug. 6, Fort Knox, KY.