CEES Receives Grant to Support Computing Center

In Summer 2014, CEES was awarded a grant to support an Intel(r) Parallel Computing Center (Intel(r) PCC), which seeks to modernize key application codes in different areas of science and engineering. In particular, the Intel(r) PCC at OU focuses on performance optimization of the Advanced CIRCulation (ADCIRC) model by taking advantage of the architectures of Intel(r) Xeon processors and Intel(r) Xeon Phi(tm) coprocessors.  ADCIRC's development is largely driven by real-world, time critical applications, such as developing FEMA's flood inundation maps for the coastal areas of the U.S., designing New Orleans' hurricane protection system for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and producing real-time flood predictions due to tropical and extra-tropical storms in the North Carolina region (nc-cera.renci.org).  Image shows maximum water elevations from the real-time forecast system in the North Carolina region for Hurricane Irene.  Hurricane location is denoted by the black hurricane symbol with the forecast track shown by the black line.

CEES and the OU WaTER Center Offer New Minor in WASH

Students in the 2014 Field Methods Class

CEES and the OU WaTER Center are now offering students a Minor in Water and Sanitation for Health and Sustainable Development. The "WaTER Minor" is designed for engineering and non-engineering majors who have an interest in development work in emerging regions, particularly the sectors of water, sanitation and health.  Participating students pursue a well-rounded curriculum of courses in engineering and technology, social entrepreneurship and cultural anthropology or related fields. The underlying philosophy is that sustainable solutions for WaSH are found at the intersection of these three core focal points.

The Minor was developed by faculty and staff of the OU WaTER Center in collaboration with colleagues from across the OU campus.  The purpose of the Minor is to prepare students for work in international development as participants and leaders in social service organizations and institutions, such as the Peace Corps, USAID, the U.S. Department of State, WaterAid, and Engineers Without Borders.  Even for those who do not go on to professional service work, the Minor will increase awareness of tomorrow’s societal leaders on specific challenges and opportunities facing developing countries.  Click here to view the Minor checksheet (PDF).

Civil Engineering Master's Degree Student Receives Award

Darion Mayhorn

Civil Engineering master’s degree student Darion Mayhorn was a part of the Oklahoma-Texas Area Office of the Bureau of Land Reclamation Team that received a Federal Energy & Water Management Award from the U.S. Department of Energy.  The award was for efforts to conserve water in the Oklahoma-Texas Region that resulted in a 37 percent reduction in usage from FY 2012 to FY 2013. 

Architectural Engineering Capstone Project to Design New Building

Photo of Research Campus

The Spring 2015 Architectural Engineering capstone students will design a new building on the south OU research campus. At approximately 40,000 square feet, the building will house the Water Innovation Research Laboratory, which will combine water research programs across the University, operate as a collective laboratory to provide water-related public services, and serve as a visible ‘front door’ to the University’s water-related education, research and outreach programs. In addition to the architectural layout, the students will design the structural, lighting, and HVAC systems for the building as well as the foundation. Final presentations are scheduled for 3-6 pm, April 30, 2015, in room 200 of the Engineering Practice Facility.

Civil Engineering Capstone Project Involves New Bridge Design

James C. Nance Memorial Bridge

The Spring 2015 Civil Engineering capstone project involves the design of a new bridge to replace the 76-year-old James C. Nance Memorial Bridge located between the towns of Lexington and Purcell, Oklahoma. This 3,600-foot-long bridge is one of the longest bridges in Oklahoma and has suffered severe deterioration while reaching the end of its useful life. Located above the South Canadian River, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation plans to replace the existing two lane bridge with a new four lane structure, which will present a variety of challenges to the capstone groups by addressing the structural, hydrological, environmental, and construction aspects. Final presentations are scheduled for 3-6 pm, April 30, 2015, in room 200 of the Engineering Practice Facility.