Dear Friends of Civil and Environmental Engineering,

Let me begin by extending my congratulations to the student participants and their faculty advisors who participated in this year’s ASCE Metropolitan Student Symposium. The Symposium saw five student-led teams compete in a variety of challenges that tested their

engineering skill as well as teamwork. Two teams, 3D Printed Bridge and Steel Bridge, as well as student Katie Nguyen, who presented her Mead Paper, placed first in their events. With their Regionals win, the Steel Bridge team secured a spot at Nationals, held this year in Ruston,

Louisiana. The outstanding success of our students is a testament to their resolve and dedication to engineering excellence.

Also deserving of recognition are the four departmental awardees from the Newark College of Engineering’s 26th Annual Salute to Engineering Excellence. Three Faculty and Staff Honorees and one Student Honoree represented the department at the event. They all represent the department's commitment to excellence.

As a tribute to the memory of our dear friend, alumnus and former CEE Industry Advisory Board member, David Good, we hosted the third annual David Good 3D Printed Bridge High School Division Competition. Fourteen teams from surrounding high schools engaged in lively competition that showcased their creativity, innovation and collaborative skills. Over the course of the day-long competition, students, judges and educators formed connections, gained valuable insights and deepened their appreciation for the engineering discipline. In this sense, David Good's legacy is echoed in the event, as participants grow through learning and sportsmanship.

We welcome our two new members of the CEE Industrial Advisory Board, Andrejs

Delle, P.E. and Dennis (Dhanesh) Motiani. Delle is currently Director of Engineering and Special Projects at Schiavone Construction Company LLC, with over 30 years of experience in the field of public infrastructure. Motiani, who has over 37 years of experience in the transportation industry, is currently Regional Vice President at Kimley-Horn and Associates.

I am thrilled to introduce the latest member of our department, Jessica Zohlen, who has joined us as the department’s new Administrative Coordinator. Jessica comes to NJIT from the urban planning field, graduating with her bachelor’s from NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering.

I invite you to keep reading, and you'll discover numerous stories highlighting the department's achievements across its students, faculty, staff and alumni. In this issue, meet the new NJIT ASCE Student Chapter Executive Board, read scholarship success stories, and hear about new faculty-led initiatives. As always, I sincerely appreciate and welcome your support of our department’s academic, research and service initiatives. 

Sincerely,

Taha F. Marhaba, P.E., F.ASCE

(973) 596-2444

(973) 596-5790 fax

Marhaba@njit.edu

NJIT's Civil Engineering Program Ranked #2 Nationwide



Congratulations to all NJIT ASCE Student Symposium Participants!

NJIT's five student teams participated in the 2024 ASCE Metropolitan Student Symposium hosted at Stony Brook University. Students were able to use their knowledge of civil engineering coupled with collaborative team work to lead their teams to victory. NJIT placed first in the Mead Paper, Steel Bridge and 3D Printed Bridge contests. The Surveying team came in second and Concrete Canoe team placed fourth overall. A big congratulations to all students who participated and best of luck to the Steel Bridge team which is going to the National Finals in Ruston, La.

Collage of student participants at the 2024 ASCE Metropolitan Student Symposium held April 12-14 at Stony Brook University.

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) emerged triumphant at the recent American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Metropolitan Student Symposium, showcasing their engineering prowess and securing top positions across multiple competitions.

Held at Stony Brook University from April 12-14, the symposium featured competition among 13 universities from New Jersey and New York. NJIT students, under the guidance of several advisors, demonstrated exceptional skills and innovation, earning accolades in various categories and earning spots in society-wide finals.

Steel Bridge Winners

NJIT's Steel Bridge Team, led by co-captains Thomas Hickey and Michael Rohe, stole the spotlight by clinching the top spot overall. Advised by Professor Matthew Bandelt, the team impressed with a remarkable build time of eight minutes and ten seconds. Their outstanding performance extended to winning multiple categories including stiffness, cost estimation, construction speed and construction efficiency.

The bridge, weighing in just shy of 220 pounds, supported a 2,500-pound load that deflected only .6 inches in the middle of its 20-foot span. The team advances, for the second consecutive year, to the national event May 31-June 1 at Louisiana Tech University.

3D Printed Bridge Winners

Under the mentorship of Professors William Pennock and Eduardo Castro, NJIT's 3D Printed Bridge Team, led by co-captains Joel Florim and Saad Rehmatullah, secured first place overall. The team’s win was earned by finishing first in several categories: creativity, load capacity, bridge deflection and the poster presentation. 

The 3D Printing Competition had its origin at NJIT’s inter-collegiate competition in November 2021, and the ASCE acknowledged NJIT’s efforts in creating the competition and working to expand its reach among civil engineering students. The ASCE is currently working out details for a national-level competition.

Surveying Success

NJIT's Surveying Team, guided by Allison Laptka, displayed remarkable skill and precision, securing second place overall. Captain Antonio Petito, along with vice-captains Mauricio Inga and Paulina Lugardo, led the team to success with their dedication and expertise.

This competition recognizes the importance of basic surveying principles to all civil engineering projects and demonstrates ways to solve common problems students will encounter in the industry. In this competition, competitors completed a topographic mapping project and field tasks that are part of the surveying process.

Outstanding Individual Achievement

NJIT’s Katie Nguyen shone bright with her Mead Paper presentation, earning first place overall among 14 participating schools. The 2024 essay topic was to discuss how engineers need to evaluate their ethical responsibilities as they determine whether or how to use AI to aid in their work.

With civil engineers responsible for planning, designing, constructing, maintaining and operating infrastructure, they need to protect and advance the health and safety of the public. Technology, particularly the use of AI, has the potential to change engineering in the future and design the built environment for future generations with ethical responsibilities playing a vital role.

Concrete Canoe Endeavor

NJIT's Concrete Canoe Team, advised by Professor Rayan Assaad and assisted by Professor Matthew Adams, showcased their ingenuity with the creation of "The Kracken." The team secured fourth place overall and excelled in various events including sprint races and slalom competitions.

"We are immensely proud of our students' exceptional performance at the ASCE Metropolitan Student Symposium," said Taha Marhaba, professor and chair of the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering. "Their dedication, teamwork and innovative spirit exemplify NJIT's commitment to excellence in engineering."

NJIT's success at the symposium not only highlights the talent and dedication of its students, but also reinforces the university's reputation as a leader in engineering education.

To see the article and accompanying photos and videos, click here.

NJIT ASCE executive board, from left to right: Larissa Cavalcante (President), Enzo Suarez (Vice President), Stephanie Herrera-Chavez (Secretary), Desmond Bangura (Treasurer), Giovanni Olaya (Historian), and Meglena Mileva (Event Coordinator)

Collage of the 2024 NJIT ASCE Steel Bridge Team at Regionals

April 12th through 14th saw students compete in a variety of rigorous challenges that tested their engineering skills at the ASCE Student Symposium held at Stony Brook University on Long Island. Four student teams competed, among them, Steel Bridge led the way to the winner's circle.

It took the team's four builders, Thomas Hickey, Keith Lakeman, Shree Patel and Michael Rohe, a total of eight minutes and 10 seconds to assemble the bridge. The fast feat helped the team to place first overall. The team also placed first in the following categories: stiffness, cost estimation, construction economy, structural efficiency, and construction speed. The team placed second in aesthetics and lightness.

Next for the team is National Finals held at Louisiana Tech in Ruston, LA. The competition takes place over two days, May 31st and June 1st, where the top competitors from Regionals across North America will face off. Stay tuned for Summer 2024's Newsletter for the results!

Steel Bridge

1st Place: Overall Performance, Construction Speed, Construction Economy, Stiffness, Lightness, Structural Efficiency, Cost Estimation

2nd Place: Aesthetics and Lightness

Captains: Thomas Hickey and Michael Rohe

Builders: Lissette Azcona, Thomas Hickey, Keith Lakeman, Shree Patel, Michael Rohe, and Bruna Wuitik

Members: Lisbeth Azcona, Lissette Azcona, Desmond Bangura, Jelani Blow, Alexander David, Keith Lakeman, Dennise Lema, Meglena Mileva, Elijah Ortiz, Shree Patel, Karolin Rezk, Enzo Suarez, Jennifer Velasco, and Bruna Wuitik

First Place Overall winners Governor Livingston High School team with their bridge

NJIT hosts ASCE President Marissa"Marsie" Geldert Murphy, P.E., F.ASCE. Attendees from left to right: Patrick Natale, P.E., Taha Marhaba, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, Pedro Banderia, Noelia Manrique, Anna Gecsey, Shania Villalobos, Marsia "Marsie" Geldert Murphy, P.E., F.ASCE, Jaiden Winters, Desmond Bangura, Thomas Hickey, Michael Rohe, Vincent Campanella, and Stephen George.

Andrejs Delle, P.E.

Andrejs Delle has over 30 years of experience in public infrastructure work with experience as an engineer and constructor. He started out as a structural design engineer, who in 1999 entered the construction side of the business. In over two decades of construction management and operations, Delle worked for many high-profile projects in New York City, such as the South Ferry Terminal Station, 2nd Avenue Subway Extension, and the redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport. Delle's current role is Director of Engineering and Special Projects at Schiavone Construction Co. LLC, where he has been for nearly two years.

Delle is a licensed professional engineer with two degrees and two certificates. He graduated from Rutgers with his B.S. in civil engineering in 1991. Then in 1996 he graduated from NJIT with his M.S. in infrastructure planning. He holds two certificates, one in construction management from NJIT and one certificate in project management from Cornell University.

Dennis (Dhanesh) Motiani

Dennis Motiani is a nationally recognized leader in transportation systems management and operations with 37 years of experience in the transportation industry. He received his master's in transportation and highway engineering from NJIT.

He worked at the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) for 25 years, where he managed and oversaw 24/7 statewide traffic operations. His duties and expertise at the department led him to introduce a 10-year work program worth $139 million to strategically convert 1,000 of the over 3,000 signals to smart signals.

After NJDOT, Motiani went on to work for Kimley-Horn where he has been for over eight years. He works on various projects across the nation, working with agencies such as the New York City Department of Transportation, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Alabama Department of Transportation.

Jessica Zohlen assumed the position of Administrative Coordinator for the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering this April. She graduated from New York University's Tandon School of Engineering in 2021 with a bachelor's in sustainable urban environments. Post-graduation, she worked in both the private and public sector in the field of urban planning before arriving at NJIT, first at AKRF Inc., a private planning and engineering firm in Manhattan. At AKRF, Jessica gained experience with fieldwork, environmental assessment statements and environmental impact statement writing, and Local Law 97 greenhouse gas calculations. Next, she transitioned to the public sector, working at Bergen County for the Planning and Engineering Department. At Bergen County, Jessica worked on emerging improvements to transportation policy as well as the county's five capital projects in collaboration with the NJTPA.

Every year, the Newark College of Engineering (NCE) hosts the annual Salute to Engineering Excellence, an event to recognize the impacts of the College, its students, employees and alumni. This year, the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering had three Faculty and Staff Honorees and one Student Honoree. Congratulations to this year's awardees!

Click here to see more photos from the awards ceremony!



Stephen George

NCE Excellence in Advising Award

Stephen George, associate director of undergraduate programs and academic advisor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), has been an instrumental figure in elevating the advising standards and student success within the Newark College of Engineering. An NJIT alumnus with both a B.S. and M.S. in civil engineering, George's deep understanding of the academic landscape and industry expectations has uniquely positioned him to guide CEE's 700 undergraduate students towards academic excellence and career readiness.



Since joining NJIT in May 2016, George has significantly contributed to improving the department's retention and graduation rates through development of an efficient advising infrastructure. This structure supports both academic and career advising, with proper documentation for accreditation, enhancing the overall student experience. Moreover, his role in producing laboratory videos for all civil engineering undergraduate laboratories showcases his commitment to innovative educational strategies, directly impacting student engagement and learning outcomes.

George's dedication extends beyond administrative duties to active participation in student competitions, serving as the advisor for the Steel Bridge Team, Concrete Canoe Team, Water Filter Teams and other groups, fostering a vibrant, hands-on learning environment. As the ASCE student chapter advisor, he has become a crucial support pillar for many undergraduate students, embodying the qualities of a mentor, guide and advocate for student success.

His service has not only been recognized by faculty and staff, but also deeply appreciated by students, who commend his approachability, dedication, and invaluable guidance. George's comprehensive support system and commitment to student achievement underscore his pivotal role in enriching the educational journey of NJIT's engineering students.

Wen Zhang

NCE Outstanding Researcher Award

Wen Zhang is a pivotal figure at NJIT's Newark College of Engineering, holding professional roles in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering. A licensed professional engineer in New Jersey and Delaware, and an American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists board certified environmental engineer, Zhang's educational foundation was laid at Tsinghua University (B.S., 2004), Tongji University (M.S., 2007), and concluded with a Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2011.

Zhang's research ambitiously melds nanotechnology with environmental engineering, spearheading groundbreaking solutions for environmental sustainability. His work spans an impressive array of fields including colloidal science, nanomaterial synthesis, catalytic processes, and the environmental behavior of nanomaterials. He has pioneered developing technologies for desalination, contaminant removal, microalgal harvesting, and agricultural applications of nanobubbles, to name a few. His innovative research, including projects on lithium/cobalt recovery and microwave-enabled water purification, has attracted over $5 million in competitive funding over the past decade, leading to four U.S. patents with three technologies in the process of commercialization.

Zhang's contributions have earned him numerous accolades, such as the 2011 Simon Karecki Award, the 2012 CH2M Hill/AEESP Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award, and the 2022 Edison Patent Award, among others. His dedication to environmental education and service is exemplified through his leadership roles, including serving as president of the Chinese American Professors in Environmental Engineering (CAPEES) and receiving distinguished awards for his service and educational efforts.

Beyond academia, Zhang's entrepreneurial spirit has led to the co-founding of PureNanotech Inc. and Piercewave Inc., where he continues to translate his research into practical, market-ready solutions. His exemplary career not only underscores his commitment to advancing environmental engineering, but also highlights his role as a mentor and innovator within and beyond the NJIT community.

Kori Hodges

NCE Outstanding Support Staff Award

Kori Hodges is an exemplary Administrative Assistant in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering who has made contributions to the successful operations of the department. Hodges joined NJIT in the fall of 2022 and has since been key in enhancing administrative support, significantly improving the department's efficiency and effectiveness. She also coordinates departmental events such as open houses and recruitment events.

Hodges has been instrumental in enhancing administrative efficiency, as shown in her role in assisting to organize and execute the annual David Good 3D Printed Bridge Competition for High School students. This event is critical for fostering early engineering interest among high school students.

Beyond these tasks, Hodges' dedication to supporting student and faculty needs is unparalleled. She is known for her reliability, promptness and precision. She assists students and advisors by connecting students flawlessly to faculty, ensuring a seamless advisory process. Her commitment extends beyond administrative duties, including support of student academic clubs and her proactive engagement in departmental operations.

Jad Marhaba

Outstanding Senior

Jad Marhaba, a senior in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at NJIT, has distinguished himself as a stellar student and leader. With an impressive cumulative GPA of 3.99, he has not only excelled academically but also demonstrated remarkable leadership and service. His active participation in the American Society of Civil Engineers and his role as a tutor for his peers have showcased his commitment to both his studies and the betterment of his academic community.

Marhaba's academic prowess is complemented by significant professional experiences, including impactful internships at prestigious firms such as Tesla in Texas and Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers in New York City. These experiences have not only enriched his understanding of civil and environmental engineering, but have also prepared him for a promising career in the field. His work on structural design packages, lateral load stresses, and geotechnical support has provided him with a solid foundation in both structural and geotechnical engineering practices.

After graduation, he plans to take the FE exam, aiming to one day become a licensed professional engineer. He intends to return to NJIT for a master's in structural engineering, further solidifying his commitment to advancing his knowledge and skills in the engineering sector. Marhaba's dedication to his academic and professional development, combined with his plans for future growth, exemplify the qualities of an outstanding senior and a future leader in civil engineering.



Converting Yesterday's Rubble into Tomorrow's Cities

Matthew Adams in Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y., where walls, sidewalks and a school use low-carbon materials.

On a cold morning in early 2019, I stood at a city transportation facility along the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn watching a concrete crusher convert mammoth chunks of former sidewalks, manhole casings and building slabs into walnut-sized bits. Towering several stories above me, the rubble pile would soon float by barge down the East River, a small fraction of it delivered to regional roadway projects, as fill underlying new pavement, but most of it to landfills. As a civil engineer focused on sustainable materials, I asked the question: Can we recycle this razed urban infrastructure at a net benefit to the environment?

Here’s the problem: Concrete, the world’s most pervasive man-made material, has a colossal impact on energy and natural resources consumption. In 2020, 3.66 billion tons were manufactured worldwide, the equivalent of over 4,000 Hoover Dams. The production of its core component — cement — is estimated to be responsible for about 8% of global CO2 emissions.

Nearly all of it incorporates newly mined rock. Yet in the U.S. alone, we send more than 134 million tons of concrete waste from demolition each year to landfills. Among other benefits, reusing these materials would reduce the pollution, energy use, habitat destruction and massive costs associated with mining and the construction of new landfills. To continue reading the article in its entirety, please click here.

Monitoring of over-the-counter (OTC) and COVID-19 treatment drugs complement wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology

Correlation of various pharmaceutical drugs with confirmed COVID-19 cases

In a first of its kind study, Associate Professor Arjun Venkatesan and his lab measured COVID-19 treatment and pharmaceutical drugs and their metabolites in wastewater to complement ongoing COVID-19 viral RNA surveillance efforts. Their research seeks to enhance existing wastewater surveillance endeavors by examining additional chemical biomarkers in wastewater. The goal is to aid in evaluating community responses, including hospitalization and treatment, throughout the pandemic period spanning from 2020 to 2021. A total of 183 wastewater samples were gathered from Suffolk County, N.Y., extracted from the primary wastewater treatment plant. These samples underwent analysis to detect COVID-19 treatment medications such as remdesivir, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), along with their human metabolites. The lab monitored 26 pharmaceuticals, encompassing common over the counter (OTC) medications. Lastly, the team devised a Bayesian model utilizing viral RNA, COVID-19 treatment drugs, and pharmaceutical data to forecast confirmed COVID-19 cases within the area of interest. The results highlighted that, although the COVID-19 treatment drugs were not very stable in wastewater, their detection matched with usage trends in the community. Acetaminophen, an OTC drug, was significantly correlated with viral loads and confirmed COVID-19 cases, especially when the Omicron variant was dominant. A Bayesian model was developed which could predict COVID-19 cases more accurately when incorporating other drug data along with viral RNA levels in wastewater. To read more about Professor Venkatesan's research click here.

Participant using the SCIIS lab's thermal comfort sensing smart device

Poster presentation given by Professor Dimitrijevic at the Transportation Research Board Meeting held January 7-11 in Washington, D.C.

Hyun Kim was among members of the NJIT Transportation Group that attended the annual Research Showcase hosted by NJDOT. The event serves to educate attendees such as stakeholders and lawmakers on the latest transportation news, as well as provide an opportunity for students to present their research findings.

Kim’s presentation, “Truck Parking Availability Prediction Model for Harding Rest Area,” was motivated by an increase in truck-related accidents in recent years caused by a shortage of truck parking capacity. The existing truck parking infrastructure is not able to accommodate the new increase in truck volume. With insufficient capacity and little information about available parking spaces at truck stops, truck drivers often resort to parking illegally on highway ramps, shoulders and business parking lots. This causes hazardous conditions for everyone on the road. Therefore, the objective of his research was to develop a truck parking forecasting system that can be fed to information technologies such as phone applications and dynamic message signs. The forecasting system would enable long-haul truck drivers to plan to decide when and where to make necessary rest stops. 

This past fall, the Transportation Research Board held its 103rd annual meeting in Washington, D.C., where the department's Transportation Research Group made substantial contributions to the discussions and research advancements in the field.

One such example was the paper "Development of Intersection Performance Assessment Platform Utilizing Digital Twin Technology and Microscopic Simulation Software" authored by Abolfazl Afshari, Ph.D. candidate, Joyoung Lee, associate professor, and Dejan Besenski, adjunct professor, which drew interest for its innovative integration of digital twin technology with microscopic simulation software aimed at enhancing intersection performance assessment. The dialogue with attendees revolved around the platform's scalability and data integration capabilities.

Afshari also delivered a presentation titled "Calibration of Microscopic Traffic Simulation Model Using High-Resolution Trajectory Data” at the Virginia and Washington, D.C. Joint SimCap Meeting. The session underscored the importance of model calibration in improving traffic simulation accuracy and efficiency, highlighting the potential impact of high-resolution trajectory data on transportation models.

CEE Ph.D. student Bruno Bezerra de Souza was awarded the 2023 Elmeryl Davies Memorial Scholarship

from the New Jersey Licensed Site Remediation Professionals Association (LSRPA) and was invited to the

first day of the New Jersey Site Remediation Conference on April 3. He unfortunately could not make it as it conflicted with his Ph.D. thesis defense.

The Elmeryl Davies Memorial Scholarship bestowed annually by the LSRPA to graduate students enrolled in accredited science or engineering programs, valued at $5,000 per student recipient. Designed to foster interest in environmental careers, the scholarship also facilitates

connections between students and LSRPA members, paving the way for internships and job

opportunities post-graduation.



Bezerra de Souza doctoral work focuses on performing computational and experimental tests to better understand the per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) family of chemicals. He has been managing a $1.5 million U.S. Air Force - TetraTech Project intended to provide remediation technology to tackle the PFAS in the environment. Ubiquitous in society, PFAS are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water. PFAS are associated with numerous serious health issues, including cancer. Bezerra de Souza investigates PFAS behavior and properties under extreme conditions using ultrasound technology- a topic both academically compelling and socially relevant. His ambition to expand his research reflects his commitment to tackling complex real-world challenges.

Bezerra de Souza has independently authored many successful grant proposals, including a U.S. National Science Foundation I-Corp Grant, and Stampede2 at the Texas Advanced Computing Center. Besides his thesis work, Bezerra de Souza has been assisting his advisor, Dr. Jay Meegoda, in providing valuable support in writing several others grant proposals for New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and other agencies. Recently, he presented at the American Chemical Society, one of the most prestigious conferences in the field of chemistry and environmental engineering. Bezerra de Souza's work was selected by division program chairs and representatives as one of the most exceptional works in the environmental division. 

Bezerra de Souza stands out for academic excellence, scholarly contributions, leadership and commitment to the academic community, which earned him the Master's Excellence Award and the Ph.D. Excellence Award in 2020 and 2024 respectively, a testament to his exceptional qualities. He has published several peer-reviewed papers in high ranked journals as a consequence of his research output. Bezerra de Souza has also served as the CEE graduate student representative for the NJIT Graduate Student Association for the past four years, effectively representing his peers. In his role Bezerra de Souza is a strong student advocate, working closely with department chair Taha Marhaba to bridge the gap between the graduate student body and the department leadership.

Throughout his time at NJIT, Bezerra de Souza has collaborated with numerous high schools, undergraduates and graduate students, guiding them in developing critical thinking skills and introducing them to the world of research. He has always prioritized the well-being of his team, ensuring that no one is burdened with excessive workloads, and, most importantly, fostering a learning environment where everyone can grow and develop into better professionals.

In view of his extensive resume, academic and community work, the LSRPA has awarded Bezerra de Souza with the 2023 Elmeryl Davies Memorial Scholarship as a strong affirmation of his excellent work with the environmental remediation community in the state of New Jersey.

CEE Ph.D. student Fangzhou Liu recieved the 2023 Elmeryl Davies Memorial Scholarship from the New Jersey Licensed Site Remediation Professionals Association (LSRPA) and was invited to the first day of the New Jersey Site Remediation Conference on April 3.

The Elmeryl Davies Memorial Scholarship, valued

at $5,000 per student recipient, is bestowed

annually by the LSRPA to graduate students

enrolled in accredited science or engineering

programs. Designed to foster interest in

environmental careers, the scholarship also

facilitates connections between students and

LSRPA members, paving the way for internships

and job opportunities post-graduation.

Liu, a Ph.D. candidate, has devoted his research to electromagnetics and microwave catalysis, particularly in their application to water and air filtration for contaminant degradation, including PFAS, and viral disinfection. His work extends to soil remediation, exploring microwave catalysis for PFAS removal from contaminated soil and other solid wastes. With numerous publications in prominent journals such as Environment International, Journal of Hazardous Materials, and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Liu's research has garnered funding from federal agencies, such as the U.S. National Science Foundation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. He has independently led major research activities and fulfilled project requirements, resulting in a patented microwave-catalytic membrane technology (US Patent 10,583,402) and the prestigious 2022 Edison Patent Award.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Liu has demonstrated a commitment to mentoring and fostering the next generation of scientists. He has mentored undergraduate and high school students, guiding them in research projects and scholarship applications. Notable achievements include mentoring students in research projects funded by Undergraduate Research and Innovation Phase I and Phase II grants, as well as guiding a high school student in research that led to participation and success in science competitions such as the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium and the New Jersey Regional Science Fair, ultimately aiding her admission to Columbia University for environmental engineering. Liu's dedication to research, mentorship and professional development has earned him recognition such as the 2023 Grand Prize for University Research in the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science Competition, affirming his status as a modern-day technology leader in the STEM field.

Jad Marhaba recently received the Ronald A. Wiss Scholarship sponsored by Jacobs Engineering. He was recognized at the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) 53rd Engineering Excellence Awards held on March 13.

Marhaba is a senior civil engineering student whose impressive resume lists five internships. He is an Albert Dorman Honors College Scholar with a 4.0 GPA, having been on the Dean's List for a total of eight times. Marhaba is also a member of professional organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers and American Society of Highway Engineers. These achievements, coupled with his previous win of the 2023 ACECNJ Scholarship, helped him earn the scholarship. Marhaba says he is “extremely grateful to be receiving this scholarship and looking forward to what the future

holds!”

Jason Lin

Michael Baker International Scholarship

Jason Lin was awarded the Michael Baker International Scholarship. Jason was recognized for his achievement at the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) 53rd Engineering Excellence Awards held on March 13.

Lin is currently in his third year at NJIT where he is an Albert Dorman Honors College Scholar. He has an impressive 4.0 GPA and was previously awarded the department's Junior Excellence Award. Lin also has had an internship at the engineering firm AECOM, for the past year. In addition to his academics, Lin is a reliable supporter of the department. Volunteering to help out for events both in the department and the school at large. Lin's advice, "put yourself out there, out somewhere you want to be."

2024-25 ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission Member

Taha Marhaba, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE

Congratulations to our very own chairman and a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Taha Marhaba, on his appointment as a member of the 2024-25 ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC). His appointment is testament to his dedication and excellent service as a program evaluator for many years. Additionally, his professional contributions and leadership within NJIT emphasize his ability to serve as an ABET accreditation team leader.

The term of Dr. Marhaba's appointment begins with his installation at the close of the July 2024 Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) meeting and runs to the close of the July 2025 EAC meeting. After undergoing a rigorous selection process, he was ultimately approved by the ABET Engineering Area Delegation.

Marhaba has supported post-doctoral research associates and graduate students. He has been advisor or co-advisor to 17 doctoral students, many of whom have attained either industry or faculty positions at universities around the world. He has collaborated on research with numerous faculty, industry, national and international scholars, which resulted in the advancement and sustainability of his and the CEE department’s research activities. During his tenure, the CEE department experienced significant growth in impactful research programs with a focus on sustainable environment, resilient Infrastructure and intelligent transportation systems. Marhaba’s scholarly work is published in books/book chapters, refereed journals, conference proceedings and technical reports, and is highly cited. 

After earning a B.S. (’20) and M.S. (’23) in civil engineering at NJIT, along with obtaining his P.E. license earlier this year, Jakob Guido was ready to get involved in ASCE once again. Guido had enjoyed his two terms as NJIT ASCE president while he was a student and felt he could bring his ASCE experience to the ASCE North Jersey Branch (NJB) Younger Member Group (YMG). Along with being elected to the role of secretary for ASCE NJB YMG, he also was appointed to be the ASCE practitioner advisor to NJIT and Chair of the K-12 and college outreach committees. These roles align well with Guido’s extracurricular roles at HNTB, where he is currently an engineer in the Structures Department, such as university champion/recruiter to NJIT, intern program manager, and onboarding ambassador. As an engineer at HNTB, Guido has been involved in some of New Jersey’s biggest transportation infrastructure projects such as the Pulaski Skyway Rehabilitation, Route 22 Westbound Bridge over Route 82, and Portal Bridge. Guido believes, “NJIT ASCE helped me pave the way to an exciting and successful career in civil engineering. Getting involved at the student chapter level not only helped me build my network and non-technical skills, but it motivated me to continue being involved in extracurricular activities, such as ASCE NJB YMG Secretary, while working full-time so that I can continue to give back to the community that helped make me who I am today.”

Looking for Volunteers and Student Ambassadors!

The CEE Department currently has multiple openings for volunteers and student ambassadors for the 2024/2025 academic year. It's the perfect opportunity to actively engage with the department!

As a student ambassador, you will have various responsibilities including media coverage, assisting with open houses, conducting tours, and participating in experience days. To learn more information and to sign up, use this form here.

As a volunteer, you can fulfill your required volunteer hours. The Colton Cafe, located in Colton 320, will be reopening soon for all of your mid-day snacks and cravings. Whether you opt to volunteer at the cafe or assist with events, ceremonies and other activities, your contribution is highly valued. To join as a volunteer, simply click here.

Master's Ceremony Honoring: Newark College of Engineering (NCE), Hillier College of Architecture and Design (HCAD), College of Science and Liberal Arts (CSLA), and Martin Tuchman School of Mangement (MTSM)

• Wednesday, May 15th - 9:00 a.m. at Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center

Ph.D. Commencement Ceremony

• Wednesday, May 15th - 5:00 p.m. at Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center

Undergraduate Ceremony

• Friday, May 17th - 9:00 a.m. at Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St., Newark

15th Annual John A. Reif, Jr. Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering Commencement & Awards Ceremony

• Friday, May 17th, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center

The CEE Industrial Advisory Board represents a diverse cross section of civil and environmental engineering professionals including design consultants construction managers, contractors, and attorneys.