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Undergraduate Researchers Tackle Freight Rail Decarbonization Challenge
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Department of Civil Construction and Environmental Engineering

a low-burning fire spreads slowly across a forest floor, not burning the large trees in the forest

Jun 19, 2025

Climate Change May Make Prescribed Fires Rarer – but Increase Their Air Quality Impacts

Prescribed burns are important for preventing wildfires, but a new study finds managed fires are major contributors to air pollution – a problem that may become more pronounced with climate change.
a person wearing a bright yellow vest fills a sampling jar with water from a flooded street

Jun 3, 2025

Study Finds Coastal Flooding More Frequent Than Previously Thought

Flooding in coastal communities is happening far more often than previously thought, according to a new study from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The study also found major flaws with the widely used approach of using marine water level data to capture instances of flooding. “Government agencies…
Sankar Arumugam stands on rocks next to the spillway at Falls Lake in Raleigh, NC.

May 20, 2025

Sankar Arumugam Receives Fulbright-Kalam U.S. Scholar Award for 2025-2026

Dr. Sankarasubramanian Arumugam, a Professor and University Faculty Scholar in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at North Carolina State University, has received a Fulbright-Kalam U.S. Senior Scholar award in Water Resources Engineering to India for the 2025-2026 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Arumugam…
Veronica Augustyn, left, looks on as a research assistant explains test results on a computer.

May 19, 2025

COE Launches Battery and Energy Storage Systems Initiative

NC State University’s College of Engineering launched a new initiative that will lead efforts to advance research in battery and energy storage systems and develop new courses and curricula in support of North Carolina’s growing energy sector.
David W. Johnston

May 16, 2025

Johnston Named ASCE Distinguished Member

The N.C. State Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering proudly celebrates Dr. David W. Johnston, Edward I. Weisiger Distinguished Professor Emeritus, for being named a Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

steam billows out of a black metal pot that rests on a stone oven. there is an open fire in the oven.

May 14, 2025

What Are the Tradeoffs When People Have to Choose Between Clean Air and Clean Water?

A new study suggests that, while health risks from the resulting air pollution are real, the benefits associated with boiling water generally outweigh those risks.
Annalise Kircik

Apr 30, 2025

From the Class of 2025: ‘The Four Years Really Do Fly By’

Graduating students share their favorite experiences at NC State, plans for their futures and the wisdom they've earned over the last few years.
"Emi Boldor, a spring 2025 NC State graduate, poses in cap and gown in the leadup to commencement."

Apr 29, 2025

Emi Boldor: Finding Flexibility Within Structure

Growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Boldor witnessed the devastation of hurricanes and floods and decided to study civil engineering.
"Railroad tracks overlooking a city skyline"

Mar 24, 2025

Undergraduate Researchers Tackle Freight Rail Decarbonization Challenge

Together, with Dr. George List, professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering at NC State University, and his undergraduate research team, A-STEP is working to provide valuable insights to policymakers and government agencies, helping them make decisions and enforce regulations in the largely private freight rail industry.