The Oregon State University student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) completed its second international service project last summer. The chapter designed and built a rainwater catchment system to bring clean, potable water to the community of Little Corn Island, Nicaragua, where the community’s septic systems were infiltrating the groundwater table during heavy rainfall. The project is currently providing clean water to approximately 400 people.
Oregon State Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers in Nicaragua
Increasingly, we’ve found that engineering students at Oregon State University (OSU) are seeking ways to make a lasting impact on our world. In response to this demand, a diverse group of faculty is working together to launch a humanitarian engineering (HE) program: We define HE as the co-development of science- or engineering-based solutions to improve the human condition, namely through improved access to basic human needs (e.g., clean water, clean energy), an improved quality of life, or improved level of community resilience (e.g., disaster mitigation, economic resilience).
Members of the Oregon State University chapter of Engineers Without Borders in Lela, Kenya
Kristina Milaj in Kenya as part of an Engineers Without Borders project to bring clean water to a rural community.
Kristina Milaj, a fourth-year student at Oregon State University (OSU) in Corvallis, Ore., was recently named as one of 10 New Faces of Civil Engineering – College Edition by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). This recognition program promotes the achievement of young civil engineers by highlighting their academic success, volunteerism, and dedication to making a positive impact on society through their chosen profession. Continue reading →
OSU Captain Kileigh Shea runs a lateral brace to the construction site. [Photo by Hannah Gustin]The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) put together a Pacific Northwest Student Conference the weekend of April 25-27 at Oregon State University. Events included a concrete canoe competition, a technical paper competition, and an engineering knowledge competition, among others.
McAlexander Fieldhouse was filled with excitement on the final day of the conference as 17 schools from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and Montana participated in the steel bridge competition. Each team practices and then brings their skills to see who can build the lightest bridge in the least amount of time. After the bridge is complete, 2,500 pounds of weight is put on it. The bridge that fares best under the massive weight is considered the better model. University of Alaska Fairbanks came in first place while Oregon State took fourth place. The contest is a great opportunity for some friendly competition, networking, and a little showing off between civil engineers from different universities.
