Become an International Development Engineering Student
FAQ
What do you do during your International Field Experience?
Our students work on a wide variety of projects while serving as WaSH engineers with the Peace Corps and other nongovernmental organizations. Additional details about the specific duties performed by are presented elsewhere (Mihelcic, J.R., “Educating the Future’s Water Professional,” Water Environment Technology, 16(9):86-92, 2004). Assignments typically consist of assisting communities on issues related to water supply and treatment, wastewater collection and treatment, water resources management, solid waste management, and public health education. The scale of a project ranges from the village to larger regional scale issues. For example, some students in Panama have designed and constructed gravity-fed water supply systems that are accompanied by installation of double pit compost latrines to improve the health of small village communities. In contrast, another student is engaging a diverse group of stakeholders to develop a sustainable watershed management plan for the Tagabe River in the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu. Projects in Africa can include construction of soak pits to handle gray water, latrine construction, and development of well points and pumps. Students get involved in all aspects of a engineering project, including surveying, financing, design, material selection, scheduling, construction, billing, worker supervision, and issues of operation and maintenance. They work closely with public health professionals, assist in the creation and training of community water boards, and work on broader sustainability issues that impact residents of their host country.
Are you a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer?
Please see our Coverdell Peace Corps Fellows program FAQs for more information.
Is the Peace Corps Safe?
According the Peace Corps, “The safety and security of Peace Corps Volunteers is our highest priority." The Peace Corps devotes significant resources to providing Volunteers with the training, support, and information they need to stay healthy and safe.
Before establishing a program, the Peace Corps makes a thorough assessment of the health and safety conditions of the country. And in choosing sites at which to place Volunteers, we carefully consider factors such as access to medical, banking, postal, and other essential services; availability of communications and transportation, particularly in cases of emergency; existence of suitable housing arrangements; and proximity to other Peace Corps Volunteers.
In every country in which Volunteers serve, the Peace Corps maintains a medical unit staffed by one or more medical providers. They inform Volunteers about local health issues and provide them with the basic medical supplies and vaccinations they need to stay healthy. If a Volunteer becomes ill and cannot be treated properly in the country of service, the Peace Corps will transport the Volunteer to an appropriate facility in a nearby country or to the U.S.”
What does the Peace Corps application process look like?
It starts by applying online through the Peace Corps website one year before your desired departure date. After the application is submitted, you’ll be contacted by your local recruiter to set up an interview. After the interview, you’ll be nominated by the Peace Corps, which basically means they think you’re a good candidate. Then you will be matched with a specific program and country suited for your needs with respect to the Master’s International program and your available departure date and you will then be sent an invitation. Once you receive your invitation, you will be sent a medical packet, with information to be filled out by your physician and dentist. The dental information is valid for one year, and the medical packet is good for two years. If you don’t depart for service within that window, you’ll have to get another checkup, but that usually isn’t a problem. Once you submit the packet with all information filled out, it takes (on average) 3.5 months for the Peace Corps to clear you for service, and you are all set to go on the indicated departure date on your invitation. All that’s left at that point is to pack and prepare for departure for training in country.
What do people do after the this program?
Our graduates are in high demand by traditional U.S. employment sectors that include engineering consulting firms and municipalities. Many also work with the federal government (includes USAID, USEPA, GSA, Indian Health Services, FEMA, Park Services, Fish and Wildlife) and nongovernmental development organizations (e.g., USAID, Oxfam GB, Unicef, CARE, Catholic Relief Services, Action Against Hunger, Norwegian Refugee Council, Cardno Emerging Markets, International Relief and Development).
For those students who want to continue working in the international development sector, Water Sanitation Weekly is one place to look for overseas jobs (http://watsanweekly.squarespace.com/). One of our graduates worked on Capital Hill in policy and is obtained her law degree. Many of our graduates have continued their education for a Ph.D. as well. Returned Peace Corps volunteers have preferential hiring by the U.S. government, therefore this program might be a good fit for engineers who want to work for EPA, Interior Dept, Forest Service, Army Corps, or Indian Health Services. Of course, the International Development Engineering program provides the student not only the Peace Corps experience but also the M.S. degree that is important to our profession.
How can the International Development Engineering program contribute to experience needed to become a professional engineer?
Please see link below for information on how this program can assist in receiving your Professional Engineering license.
Peace Corps Experience for PE Requirements
How long does the program take?
Approximately 3.5 years: one year (two semesters) on campus taking classes, then 27 months (7 semesters, or three months of training and two years of service) abroad with the Peace Corps or a nongovernmental organization conducting research, which your thesis will be based on.
Why International Development Engineering and not traditional graduate school?
The great strength of the International Development ENgineering program is the hands on experience you get working abroad while obtaining your degree. The experience out of the US will not only better prepare you for life and work wherever you wind up, but as employers start to value international experience more and more, your resume will float to the top of the pile. You will also learn language and cultural skills.
Moreover, the overseas development experience opens up tremendous opportunities for service that really makes a difference. Our global partners is all about sustainable development and engaging stakeholders in engineering solutions. The work we do directly results in the betterment of communities wherever we serve. Students also complete a research thesis, which can result in publishable research, is a bonus!
Is Financial aid available?
Some financial aid in the form of research and teaching positions is available on a competitive basis. Decisions on financial aid can not be made until after a student is accepted into the graduate program.
What do I need to do to defend my thesis?
Defending your thesis is the last part of the Master’s degree program at USF. During your initial year on campus, you’ll meet with Dr. Mihelcic on at least a regular basis with the other students in the program to discuss the research experience and prepare you for your Peace Corps service. While on campus you’ll select faculty to serve on your graduate committee – professor’s you’ve gotten to know, who can offer expertise and encouragement during your thesis work. Upon your return from Peace Corps, you’ll finish writing your thesis, and when your graduate advisor determines you’re ready to defend, you will.
What are the deadlines?
Senior Year of Undergraduate degree:
Apply in the fall to USF.
Apply to the Peace Corps in the semester before you would begin classes at USF (i.e. the summer after graduation at your university if you are starting at USF in the fall).
First year of Graduate School:
Informed of placement with the Peace Corps
Enrolled in 24 credits of graduate work
Second & Third Year:
Peace Corps training starts at the beginning of the summer in the country of assignment for 12 weeks. This is followed by two years of volunteer service in the Peace Corps.
Research for USF is conducted while abroad.
After Third Year:
Student completes thesis & defends at USF.
What is the application process?
You must submit the following materials to the USF Graduate School and pay your graduate application fee: 1) official application and 2) official university transcripts. You should have ETS forward your official GRE scores to Graduate Admissions. We suggest you follow up with the USF Graduate School to ensure everything has arrived. They will want to know your name and "U" number you are provided when you apply. The Graduate school will provide you an email that includes contact information.
Once your application has been processed by the graduate school, the CEE department will contact you requesting the following: 1) a CEE department intake form, 2) a brief statement of purpose, 3) a resume, 4) contact information for 2-3 references who will be requested to send letters of recommendation (do NOT have your references send these letters, we will contact them). We recommend that at least 1-2 of the letters come from faculty members who are familiar with you.
Are there minimum requirements and if so what?
We consider all students with an accredited engineering degree in any field. In addition, several students currently in the program do not have a first degree in engineering. We also have students in our traditional graduate programs with previous degrees in non-engineering fields (e.g., math, physics, biology, chemistry, geology, environmental science). These students have to take some "make up" work to ensure that their MS degree meets national accreditation standards. The required "make up" work for non engineers is listed here (http://usfmi.weebly.com/uploads/5/3/9/2/5392099/planofstudy.pdf) It usually means that you would have an additional 1-4 semesters of coursework prior to entering the Peace Corps.
Do I need to have an engineering degree?
Not necessarily. There are two program options at USF: The 30-credit M.S. Degrees in Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering require that you have first degree in engineering that is ABET accredited. The 30-credit Master of Science in Engineering Science – Environmental Engineering is open to any student and does not require make up course work if your first degree is in math or science. Students with a first degree in lets say business, architecture, or the social sciences are welcome but should first speak to Dr. Mihelcic. You might be better suited for the Master's International Global Health program at USF.
Can I incorporate a PhD degree in Environmental or Civil Engineering with the program?
Yes. Talk to Dr. Mihelcic about specific requirements.
What is the difference between the civil and environmental engineering programs?
Environmental engineers integrate knowledge of math, chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science with fundamental engineering principles to assess, manage and design sustainable environmental systems for the protection of human and ecological systems. This means that environmental engineers not only identify environmental problems, but importantly, come up with solutions for problems.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE.org) defines civil engineering as “the profession in which a knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences gained by study, experience, and practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize, economically, the materials and forces of nature for the progressive well-being of humanity in creating, improving and protecting the environment, in providing facilities for community living, industry and transportation, and in providing structures for the use of humanity.”
What if I am more interested in Public Health than engineering?
Much of your service in the Peace Corps and possibility your research will be at the interface of engineering, health, and a social dimension. USF does offers a Master’s International Program in Global Public Health for those more interested in this area.
What if I don’t know a foreign language?
The Peace Corps’ language training is among the best in the world, and during training they’ll teach you what you need to know. However, demand for certain locations is so high that they won’t consider you for placement there if you don’t have a certain background level of proficiency. Some assignments require the student have 2 semesters of university language (Spanish or French) on some transcript so it’s always a good idea to have language under your belt if you’re interested in a certain region, and it will certainly make adjustment that much easier! Think about taking language before you arrive at USF, either at your undergraduate institution or at a community college during the summer.
What Classes do I take at USF to prepare me for my international assignment?
The USF program requires you take three courses to prepare you for your Peace Corps assignment and research project. The courses provide skills you will find useful as a PC volunteer and for your research, they also link appropriate and sustainable solutions with critical health and human dimensions.
Is the research requirement unique?
The USF program requires that engineering student successfully perform a 6-credit research thesis based on their overseas experience. Not to worry, the USF program has great experience advising students on this topic. In fact, many students advised in this program have even published their research in peer reviewed journals.
Is there a graduate certificate I can incorporate into my M.S. degree?
A 16-credit Graduate Certificate in Water, Health and Sustainability can be incorporated into your degree. The certificate is intended for public health professionals, humanitarian aid providers, engineers and other planners, or anyone with an interest in addressing critical shortages and health problems associated with inadequate and unsanitary water throughout the world. The coursework is designed to provide instruction in the testing, treatment, and management of water supplies; the role of water resources within the broader context of the earth's environment, particularly from a sustainability perspective; the role of water as a crucial component to global health; and the cultural dimensions of local and global health. Note that only 12 of the 16 certificate credits can be double counted towards the MS degree.
What else should I know about USF, the MI program, and the CEE department?
The USF International Development Engineeirng program (30 credits), requires 9 credits of coursework in WASH engineering, global public health, and anthropology. There is freedom to specialize since the curriculum includes 15 credits of electives to be suited to your area of interest (i.e., environmental, green engineering/sustainability, GIS, water resources, transportation planning, structural, materials, geotechnical). Students in the program spend one year (two semesters) on campus taking classes, then two years abroad serving as a Peace Corps volunteer doing work related to their specialty, which will fulfill the research requirement for writing their thesis.
The Environmental and Water Resources Engineering (EWRE) group focus areas include water quality engineering, air quality engineering, fate and transport of contaminants in the environment, management of solid and hazardous waste, surface water hydrology and hydraulics, computational fluid dynamics, groundwater hydrology, green engineering, sustainable design and ecological engineering, environmental biotechnology, and global issues of water and sanitation in the developing world.
The Transportation Systems Engineering group covers a wide range of subjects including, but not limited to, the following: sustainable planning, design, and monitoring of transportation infrastructure; traffic operations; systems safety; applications of emerging and advanced technologies in transportation; network optimization; large-scale micro-simulation modeling; and intelligent transportation systems. Finally, the program maintains a close relationship with the large research group housed in the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR).
The Geotechnical group covers a wide range of subjects including subsurface characterization, slope stability, deep and shallow foundations, and geo-environmental site remediation. Frequent interaction with fields such as engineering mechanics, geology, environmental science, chemistry, and mineralogy provides a broad cross-disciplinary quality and promotes strong synergism.
The Structures and Materials group is engaged in a wide variety of research projects related to civil infrastructure. Projects are sponsored by several local, state, and federal agencies and are conducted in various research laboratories. The topics are often inter-disciplinary and include: large-scale testing of structural components, development of computational techniques for civil infrastructure, corrosion and durability of materials, and micro-structural investigation of materials.
Can I stay involved in a professional organization?
USF has active chapters of Engineers without Borders (EWB) and Students for a Sustainable World (ESW).
I’m interested in campus sustainability issues. What can I do?
USF has an Office of Sustainability whose charge is to create a more sustainable campus. Students interested in campus sustainability can work through this office (http://usfweb2.usf.edu/Sustainability/)
Our students work on a wide variety of projects while serving as WaSH engineers with the Peace Corps and other nongovernmental organizations. Additional details about the specific duties performed by are presented elsewhere (Mihelcic, J.R., “Educating the Future’s Water Professional,” Water Environment Technology, 16(9):86-92, 2004). Assignments typically consist of assisting communities on issues related to water supply and treatment, wastewater collection and treatment, water resources management, solid waste management, and public health education. The scale of a project ranges from the village to larger regional scale issues. For example, some students in Panama have designed and constructed gravity-fed water supply systems that are accompanied by installation of double pit compost latrines to improve the health of small village communities. In contrast, another student is engaging a diverse group of stakeholders to develop a sustainable watershed management plan for the Tagabe River in the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu. Projects in Africa can include construction of soak pits to handle gray water, latrine construction, and development of well points and pumps. Students get involved in all aspects of a engineering project, including surveying, financing, design, material selection, scheduling, construction, billing, worker supervision, and issues of operation and maintenance. They work closely with public health professionals, assist in the creation and training of community water boards, and work on broader sustainability issues that impact residents of their host country.
Are you a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer?
Please see our Coverdell Peace Corps Fellows program FAQs for more information.
Is the Peace Corps Safe?
According the Peace Corps, “The safety and security of Peace Corps Volunteers is our highest priority." The Peace Corps devotes significant resources to providing Volunteers with the training, support, and information they need to stay healthy and safe.
Before establishing a program, the Peace Corps makes a thorough assessment of the health and safety conditions of the country. And in choosing sites at which to place Volunteers, we carefully consider factors such as access to medical, banking, postal, and other essential services; availability of communications and transportation, particularly in cases of emergency; existence of suitable housing arrangements; and proximity to other Peace Corps Volunteers.
In every country in which Volunteers serve, the Peace Corps maintains a medical unit staffed by one or more medical providers. They inform Volunteers about local health issues and provide them with the basic medical supplies and vaccinations they need to stay healthy. If a Volunteer becomes ill and cannot be treated properly in the country of service, the Peace Corps will transport the Volunteer to an appropriate facility in a nearby country or to the U.S.”
What does the Peace Corps application process look like?
It starts by applying online through the Peace Corps website one year before your desired departure date. After the application is submitted, you’ll be contacted by your local recruiter to set up an interview. After the interview, you’ll be nominated by the Peace Corps, which basically means they think you’re a good candidate. Then you will be matched with a specific program and country suited for your needs with respect to the Master’s International program and your available departure date and you will then be sent an invitation. Once you receive your invitation, you will be sent a medical packet, with information to be filled out by your physician and dentist. The dental information is valid for one year, and the medical packet is good for two years. If you don’t depart for service within that window, you’ll have to get another checkup, but that usually isn’t a problem. Once you submit the packet with all information filled out, it takes (on average) 3.5 months for the Peace Corps to clear you for service, and you are all set to go on the indicated departure date on your invitation. All that’s left at that point is to pack and prepare for departure for training in country.
What do people do after the this program?
Our graduates are in high demand by traditional U.S. employment sectors that include engineering consulting firms and municipalities. Many also work with the federal government (includes USAID, USEPA, GSA, Indian Health Services, FEMA, Park Services, Fish and Wildlife) and nongovernmental development organizations (e.g., USAID, Oxfam GB, Unicef, CARE, Catholic Relief Services, Action Against Hunger, Norwegian Refugee Council, Cardno Emerging Markets, International Relief and Development).
For those students who want to continue working in the international development sector, Water Sanitation Weekly is one place to look for overseas jobs (http://watsanweekly.squarespace.com/). One of our graduates worked on Capital Hill in policy and is obtained her law degree. Many of our graduates have continued their education for a Ph.D. as well. Returned Peace Corps volunteers have preferential hiring by the U.S. government, therefore this program might be a good fit for engineers who want to work for EPA, Interior Dept, Forest Service, Army Corps, or Indian Health Services. Of course, the International Development Engineering program provides the student not only the Peace Corps experience but also the M.S. degree that is important to our profession.
How can the International Development Engineering program contribute to experience needed to become a professional engineer?
Please see link below for information on how this program can assist in receiving your Professional Engineering license.
Peace Corps Experience for PE Requirements
How long does the program take?
Approximately 3.5 years: one year (two semesters) on campus taking classes, then 27 months (7 semesters, or three months of training and two years of service) abroad with the Peace Corps or a nongovernmental organization conducting research, which your thesis will be based on.
Why International Development Engineering and not traditional graduate school?
The great strength of the International Development ENgineering program is the hands on experience you get working abroad while obtaining your degree. The experience out of the US will not only better prepare you for life and work wherever you wind up, but as employers start to value international experience more and more, your resume will float to the top of the pile. You will also learn language and cultural skills.
Moreover, the overseas development experience opens up tremendous opportunities for service that really makes a difference. Our global partners is all about sustainable development and engaging stakeholders in engineering solutions. The work we do directly results in the betterment of communities wherever we serve. Students also complete a research thesis, which can result in publishable research, is a bonus!
Is Financial aid available?
Some financial aid in the form of research and teaching positions is available on a competitive basis. Decisions on financial aid can not be made until after a student is accepted into the graduate program.
What do I need to do to defend my thesis?
Defending your thesis is the last part of the Master’s degree program at USF. During your initial year on campus, you’ll meet with Dr. Mihelcic on at least a regular basis with the other students in the program to discuss the research experience and prepare you for your Peace Corps service. While on campus you’ll select faculty to serve on your graduate committee – professor’s you’ve gotten to know, who can offer expertise and encouragement during your thesis work. Upon your return from Peace Corps, you’ll finish writing your thesis, and when your graduate advisor determines you’re ready to defend, you will.
What are the deadlines?
Senior Year of Undergraduate degree:
Apply in the fall to USF.
Apply to the Peace Corps in the semester before you would begin classes at USF (i.e. the summer after graduation at your university if you are starting at USF in the fall).
First year of Graduate School:
Informed of placement with the Peace Corps
Enrolled in 24 credits of graduate work
Second & Third Year:
Peace Corps training starts at the beginning of the summer in the country of assignment for 12 weeks. This is followed by two years of volunteer service in the Peace Corps.
Research for USF is conducted while abroad.
After Third Year:
Student completes thesis & defends at USF.
What is the application process?
You must submit the following materials to the USF Graduate School and pay your graduate application fee: 1) official application and 2) official university transcripts. You should have ETS forward your official GRE scores to Graduate Admissions. We suggest you follow up with the USF Graduate School to ensure everything has arrived. They will want to know your name and "U" number you are provided when you apply. The Graduate school will provide you an email that includes contact information.
Once your application has been processed by the graduate school, the CEE department will contact you requesting the following: 1) a CEE department intake form, 2) a brief statement of purpose, 3) a resume, 4) contact information for 2-3 references who will be requested to send letters of recommendation (do NOT have your references send these letters, we will contact them). We recommend that at least 1-2 of the letters come from faculty members who are familiar with you.
Are there minimum requirements and if so what?
We consider all students with an accredited engineering degree in any field. In addition, several students currently in the program do not have a first degree in engineering. We also have students in our traditional graduate programs with previous degrees in non-engineering fields (e.g., math, physics, biology, chemistry, geology, environmental science). These students have to take some "make up" work to ensure that their MS degree meets national accreditation standards. The required "make up" work for non engineers is listed here (http://usfmi.weebly.com/uploads/5/3/9/2/5392099/planofstudy.pdf) It usually means that you would have an additional 1-4 semesters of coursework prior to entering the Peace Corps.
Do I need to have an engineering degree?
Not necessarily. There are two program options at USF: The 30-credit M.S. Degrees in Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering require that you have first degree in engineering that is ABET accredited. The 30-credit Master of Science in Engineering Science – Environmental Engineering is open to any student and does not require make up course work if your first degree is in math or science. Students with a first degree in lets say business, architecture, or the social sciences are welcome but should first speak to Dr. Mihelcic. You might be better suited for the Master's International Global Health program at USF.
Can I incorporate a PhD degree in Environmental or Civil Engineering with the program?
Yes. Talk to Dr. Mihelcic about specific requirements.
What is the difference between the civil and environmental engineering programs?
Environmental engineers integrate knowledge of math, chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science with fundamental engineering principles to assess, manage and design sustainable environmental systems for the protection of human and ecological systems. This means that environmental engineers not only identify environmental problems, but importantly, come up with solutions for problems.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE.org) defines civil engineering as “the profession in which a knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences gained by study, experience, and practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize, economically, the materials and forces of nature for the progressive well-being of humanity in creating, improving and protecting the environment, in providing facilities for community living, industry and transportation, and in providing structures for the use of humanity.”
What if I am more interested in Public Health than engineering?
Much of your service in the Peace Corps and possibility your research will be at the interface of engineering, health, and a social dimension. USF does offers a Master’s International Program in Global Public Health for those more interested in this area.
What if I don’t know a foreign language?
The Peace Corps’ language training is among the best in the world, and during training they’ll teach you what you need to know. However, demand for certain locations is so high that they won’t consider you for placement there if you don’t have a certain background level of proficiency. Some assignments require the student have 2 semesters of university language (Spanish or French) on some transcript so it’s always a good idea to have language under your belt if you’re interested in a certain region, and it will certainly make adjustment that much easier! Think about taking language before you arrive at USF, either at your undergraduate institution or at a community college during the summer.
What Classes do I take at USF to prepare me for my international assignment?
The USF program requires you take three courses to prepare you for your Peace Corps assignment and research project. The courses provide skills you will find useful as a PC volunteer and for your research, they also link appropriate and sustainable solutions with critical health and human dimensions.
- Water, Sanitation, Hygiene (WaSH) Engineering
- Global Health
- Environmental, Medical, or Development Anthropology
Is the research requirement unique?
The USF program requires that engineering student successfully perform a 6-credit research thesis based on their overseas experience. Not to worry, the USF program has great experience advising students on this topic. In fact, many students advised in this program have even published their research in peer reviewed journals.
Is there a graduate certificate I can incorporate into my M.S. degree?
A 16-credit Graduate Certificate in Water, Health and Sustainability can be incorporated into your degree. The certificate is intended for public health professionals, humanitarian aid providers, engineers and other planners, or anyone with an interest in addressing critical shortages and health problems associated with inadequate and unsanitary water throughout the world. The coursework is designed to provide instruction in the testing, treatment, and management of water supplies; the role of water resources within the broader context of the earth's environment, particularly from a sustainability perspective; the role of water as a crucial component to global health; and the cultural dimensions of local and global health. Note that only 12 of the 16 certificate credits can be double counted towards the MS degree.
What else should I know about USF, the MI program, and the CEE department?
The USF International Development Engineeirng program (30 credits), requires 9 credits of coursework in WASH engineering, global public health, and anthropology. There is freedom to specialize since the curriculum includes 15 credits of electives to be suited to your area of interest (i.e., environmental, green engineering/sustainability, GIS, water resources, transportation planning, structural, materials, geotechnical). Students in the program spend one year (two semesters) on campus taking classes, then two years abroad serving as a Peace Corps volunteer doing work related to their specialty, which will fulfill the research requirement for writing their thesis.
The Environmental and Water Resources Engineering (EWRE) group focus areas include water quality engineering, air quality engineering, fate and transport of contaminants in the environment, management of solid and hazardous waste, surface water hydrology and hydraulics, computational fluid dynamics, groundwater hydrology, green engineering, sustainable design and ecological engineering, environmental biotechnology, and global issues of water and sanitation in the developing world.
The Transportation Systems Engineering group covers a wide range of subjects including, but not limited to, the following: sustainable planning, design, and monitoring of transportation infrastructure; traffic operations; systems safety; applications of emerging and advanced technologies in transportation; network optimization; large-scale micro-simulation modeling; and intelligent transportation systems. Finally, the program maintains a close relationship with the large research group housed in the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR).
The Geotechnical group covers a wide range of subjects including subsurface characterization, slope stability, deep and shallow foundations, and geo-environmental site remediation. Frequent interaction with fields such as engineering mechanics, geology, environmental science, chemistry, and mineralogy provides a broad cross-disciplinary quality and promotes strong synergism.
The Structures and Materials group is engaged in a wide variety of research projects related to civil infrastructure. Projects are sponsored by several local, state, and federal agencies and are conducted in various research laboratories. The topics are often inter-disciplinary and include: large-scale testing of structural components, development of computational techniques for civil infrastructure, corrosion and durability of materials, and micro-structural investigation of materials.
Can I stay involved in a professional organization?
USF has active chapters of Engineers without Borders (EWB) and Students for a Sustainable World (ESW).
I’m interested in campus sustainability issues. What can I do?
USF has an Office of Sustainability whose charge is to create a more sustainable campus. Students interested in campus sustainability can work through this office (http://usfweb2.usf.edu/Sustainability/)