CEE News

Wastewater surveillance hit the big time during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when officials started using this technique to monitor local virus levels.

Katy Foss has a broader outlook these days on how to achieve sustainability. She graduated from Michigan State University in April 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering and a minor in sustainable agriculture and food systems. While in the classroom, she learned the technicalities of her major and the bigger lesson of valuing distinct viewpoints.

The environmental virology lab work being done by Irene Xagoraraki at Michigan State University is currently featured in the national news source, The Conversation. The professor of civil and environmental engineering explores why monitoring local virus levels helps officials make public health decisions.

Venkatesh Kodur was recently quoted on the impact of recent fire hydrant thefts in Los Angeles County, California. The University Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering explained to the Los Angeles Times that the best opportunity to knock down a fire is the first 5 to 10 minutes, so any delay in fighting fires is crucial for fire safety in communities.

Five staff members retired from the Michigan State University College of Engineering in 2023. Additionally, 11 others have been honored for many years of service tos Michigan State. Engineering Dean Leo Kempel thanked each Spartan Engineer for their contributions and dedication.

Michigan State University Research Foundation Professor Peter Savolainen has been named the chairperson of the MSU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, effective May 16, 2024. He has served as interim chair since Jan. 1, 2023. Engineering Dean Leo Kempel said he is pleased that Savolainen will continue to serve in a key leadership role in the college.

The Michigan State University College of Engineering Graduate Student Awards Ceremony and Graduate Research Symposium showcased nearly 200 students. The annual events, created by the college in 2012, give participants ranging from first-year graduates to those nearing completion of their Ph.D. the opportunity to share their work and network with faculty, staff and industry partners.

Ranjan Mukherjee has been named associate dean for faculty and administrative affairs at the Michigan State University College of Engineering. He is the Martin J. Vanderploeg Endowed Chair and a professor of Mechanical Engineering in MSU Engineering.