Two civil engineering faculty researchers have been awarded a $12,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.

Andrew Braham, associate professor, and Sarah Hernandez, assistant professor, were selected to redefine Civil Engineering undergraduate student's departmental exposure to transportation engineering in the department.

Braham's primary research focus is the advanced characterization of pavement materials, pavement maintenance and rehabilitation products, and sustainability, while Hernandez's involves transportation systems engineering, freight transportation data sources and needs, and intelligent transportation systems.

These funds will allow for the development of new portions of two undergraduate courses. In these courses, resources and information based off findings by the Strategic Highway Research Program will provide content for new course modules that incorporate and implement cutting edge research into the classroom.

Over two years, the students will experience the entire transportation spectrum, from the first steps of planning to the final steps of structural design, the required courses will provide a firm foundation for all of the students while providing exposure to the most innovative research being performed around the country. In addition, the senior-level transportation project will become more comprehensive by encompassing all stages of a project.

"Dr. Braham and Dr. Hernandez are great contributors to this department and are very deserving of this grant," said Micah Hale, head of the Civil Engineering Department. "This will open new and exciting opportunities for students within the transportation research area and industry."