FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. (Photo by Mark Wallheiser)

The graduate programs in the nations only joint engineering college are among the best in Florida and the nation, according to the latest rankings published in the U.S. News & World Reports 2024 edition of Best Graduate Schools.

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering moved up one spot among public institutions with a No. 60 ranking nationally and tied for third overall among Florida public universities.

The colleges industrial engineering graduate program placed No. 49 among publics, the chemical engineering graduate program moved up six spots to No. 52 among publics, the materials engineering program jumped 11 spots to No. 54 among public institutions, and the civil engineering graduate program rose five places to No. 72 among public schools.

Were pleased to have the majority of our engineering departments making the top 100 list, said Suvranu De, dean of the joint engineering college. Some of these top-ranking programs are fairly new, and that speaks to our upward trajectory as a college overall. Although we may not have the long-standing recognition of some older institutions, the joint FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is a standout gem in the state and the nation. Our model is like no other and our research impacts are truly outstanding. Per faculty member, our research expenditure is among the highest in the state. Im so proud of our faculty, students and staff as we continue to make our mark in the engineering research sector.

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, established by the Florida Legislature in 1982, is the joint engineering school for Florida A&M and Florida State universities, the only shared college of engineering in the nation.

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is a unique and successful collaboration that benefits both universities and the state of Florida, said Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs at FSU. We are proud of the accomplishments of our faculty and students, and we are committed to growing this partnership as we advance our strategic initiatives in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, quantum, materials science and many other areas.

Graduate students at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering enroll through either university and work and research in one of the many nationally renowned engineering research laboratories adjacent to the engineering campus. The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion, Center for Advanced Power Systems and RIDER Center are a few of the engineering labs associated with the colleges graduate programs.

It is imperative that our academic programs are nationally ranked, our faculty are highly qualified and engaged in research, and our graduates are sought after to meet the industry and workforce needs of the future, said Allyson L. Watson, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at FAMU. This steady increase indicates the collaboration and joint efforts of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering administrators, faculty, and staff to benefit students ultimately. We are proud of the accomplishments and look forward to even greater impacts in the future.

For more information about the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, visit eng.famu.fsu.edu.

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FAMU-FSU College of Engineering earns national recognition - Florida State News

The 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings for graduate engineering schools are out, and several Binghamton University programs scored well.

Overall, the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science moves up one spot to tie at #111.

Other scores include:

The ranking for computer science (released earlier this spring) also jumped from #105 to #96.

I am proud and excited to see that Watson College and several of its graduate programs are ranked highly and have improved on last years scores, said President Harvey Stenger. It has long been home to some of the worlds finest researchers, and it has provided students a terrific base for their own scholarship and career preparation. This recognition is well deserved, and I thank and congratulate all the colleges faculty and staff for their dedication in improving their already excellent programs.

For more than 40 years, across-the-board excellence always has been a hallmark of the Watson College experience, said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Donald Hall. Our faculty and students come here from across the world to share in their passion for engineering, teaching and learning. The new rankings are a credit to the quality of the education our graduate students receive and to the talented people here who work hard to make those students future success possible.

Incoming Watson College Dean Atul Kelkar added: These U.S. News rankings are just one way to show the exceptional scholarship and dedication of our faculty and staff, who offer an excellent education to our graduate students both in the classroom and the lab. I am very excited to join the Watson team later this summer.

Each year, U.S. News ranks graduate programs based on business, education, law, nursing and other fields; more than 80 programs were ranked this year. Rankings for individual disciplines are based on surveys from academic leaders at peer institutions.

A full list of the Universitys U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings can be found online.

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Engineering, computer science rise in U.S. News rankings - Binghamton University

By Kelsey Kendall

Old Dominion University will welcome Jeffrey Fergus as the next dean of the Batten College of Engineering and Technology, effective August 10.

Dr. Fergus will be an excellent addition to our leadership team, said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Austin Agho, Ph.D. He is a proven leader in engineering research, and he has led several diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, which aligns with ODUs commitment to create a sense of belonging among faculty, staff and students. We are excited to welcome Dr. Fergus to the University community.

Fergus is currently the associate dean for undergraduate studies and program assessment in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn University. He will succeed Kenneth Fridley, who has served as the interim dean since last August and was named vice president for research in January.

It was a great experience leading the Batten College of Engineering and College, and I am excited to see the college continue to thrive under Dr. Fergus leadership, Fridley said. I am confident that his experience in growing academic programs and supporting research will promote the colleges success in serving its students, faculty and staff.

Fergus earned his undergraduate degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and his Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. He also held a postdoctoral position at the Center for Sensor Materials at the University of Notre Dame.

As a leader in the engineering field, Fergus has more than 180 publications, which have been cited more than 14,000 times by other researchers. In addition, he has been the principal investigator or co-principal investigator on research projects involving materials for gas turbine engines, batteries, fuel cells and chemical sensors.

Additionally, Fergus has served in several leadership roles in industry organizations including the Boards of Directors for the Electrochemical Society and The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society. He has been active with the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and served as the Chair of Engineering Accreditation Commission from 2019 to 2020.

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ODU Welcomes New Dean of the Batten College of Engineering and Technology, Effective August 10 - Old Dominion University

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From left to right: Tanner Turben, Amarjeet Tiwari, Ernie Heymsfield, Suman Mitra, Sarah Hernandez, Stacy Williams, Cameron Murray, and Shuyah Ouoba. Not pictured, Michelle Barry, Clint Wood and Rick Coffman

The Arkansas Department of Transportation's Transportation Research Committee conference and equipment expo was recently held in Hot Springs. This annual event serves as a vital platform for presenting the latest advancements in transportation research, technology, and equipment. Civil engineering graduate students Shuyah Ouoba, Tanner Turben, and Amarjeet Tiwari, along with faculty members Ernie Heymsfield, Suman Mitra, Sarah Hernandez, Stacy Williams, Cameron Murrayand Michelle Barry, were among those who presented their research.

The conference featured presentations from industry experts who discussed innovative research projects and future trends in transportation infrastructure. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in workshops and panel discussions covering a variety of topics, including safety improvements, construction techniques, and sustainable practices.

Doctoral student Shuyah Ouoba provided an update on Project TRC2203, which focuses on low shrinkage concrete mixtures for Arkansas. "Transverse cracking affects the durability of concrete bridge decks and primarily results from drying shrinkage. Basic mixtures were prepared using the current Department of Transportation specified mixture proportions and different coarse aggregate types typically used in the state. These mixes were then optimized by adjusting the coarse aggregate gradation and reducing the cement content by 5.9% and 15.4%. Substitution with 20% and 30% Class C fly ash was also made. The fresh and hardened concrete properties, such as the drying shrinkage and electrical bulk resistivity, are tested and compared to evaluate any potential improvements."

Faculty members presented their research projects on several topics:

In addition to the research update sessions, research project posters were displayed throughout the conference, providing more information and updates about the ongoing projects in Arkansas. Master's student Tanner Turben presented a research poster titled "Impact of Equipment Type on Particle Size Measurement of Civil Engineering Materials."

Faculty members also submitted posters for other projects, including:

These projects aim to help Arkansas Department of Transportation design transportation infrastructure that enhances public safety and longevity, ultimately saving lives and tax dollars in Arkansas. The event also provided students with valuable real-world experience that will benefit their future careers.

The equipment expo showcased the latest tools and machinery used in transportation projects, including demonstrations of new construction equipment, traffic management systems, and other technologies designed to improve efficiency and safety in transportation infrastructure.

This annual event fosters knowledge sharing and collaboration between professionals, as well as between the public and private sectors, to enhance Arkansas'transportation systems. For more information about the conference and equipment expo, please visit the Arkansas Department of Transportation website.

About the Department of Civil Engineering:Established in 1897, the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Arkansas is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and innovative research. Accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for successful careers in civil engineering. With a focus on hands-on learning, cutting-edge research, and industry partnerships, our faculty and students tackle critical societal challenges in sustainable infrastructure, transportation, structural, environmental engineering, and water resources. Dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, the department equips graduates with the skills and professional network necessary to excel and make significant contributions to the field. For more information, visit ourwebsite.

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Civil Engineering Students and Faculty Present at ARDOT Conference - University of Arkansas Newswire

With water-filtration project, third-graders show power of UNDs new Center for Engineering Education Research

Whats a beach bum to do when its the dog days of summer, the wind is still, the skin is sticky and the giant lake just a paddleboard away looks as thick as pea soup?

We dont know, but theres a bunch of third-graders in Devils Lake who might just have an answer.

Julie Robinson, director of UNDs new Center for Engineering Education Research, says teachers there, and elsewhere in North Dakota and Minnesota, are learning how to incorporate standard engineering practices into the classroom to engage young learners in finding solutions to issues or problems that are relevant to them and their communities.

Its a model lesson that represents a big part of CEERs mission, Robinson said.

The formal collaboration between UNDs colleges of Education & Human Development and Engineering & Mines made possible by a three-year strategic investment aims to transform PreK-20 engineering education and broaden pathways to engineering through research partnerships and outreach.

Before the CEER was created, a few of us between the colleges already were collaborating on some projects, Robinson said. We had this intent to create STEM education, particularly engineering education, that is more inclusive of diverse communities both in education and in the workforce.

Were talking about this deep need to really understand how we can support teachers at all levels so that were providing education that affords student learners regular opportunities to see engineering as something that can provide solutions to community interests something all students can see themselves doing by identifying with it and engaging with it in very relevant, personal and authentic ways.

Teachers in Devils Lake used whats called a culturally relevant engineering design framework to help guide instruction that began with students identifying a community-based need or problem in this case, improving the water quality at a nationally known recreation area popular for fishing, swimming and other water sports.

But before the problem even was identified, Robinson said, the teacher would prompt an open group discussion.

What do you like to do at the lake? What have you noticed about the lake? Whats the special history behind it? Have you heard any stories about how its changed over the years?

Once the youngsters determined that the lake isnt always the most squeaky-clean for swimming, they were ready to take the next step.

They do some investigation and exploring to learn more about the issue, Robinson said. The teacher might bring in an elder from the Native community to talk about the importance of the natural resource within that culture. They take a tour or bring in an expert from the water treatment plant to talk about what that process looks like.

Later, with the teachers guidance, they do a little more research and get the chance to build their own water filtration systems. In small groups, they experiment with different filtration materials sand, gravel, activated charcoal to see what works best to capture the yuck. They test, redesign and improve their filtration systems until theyre satisfied with the results.

Then, theres some sort of final stage where theyre justifying their design solution to a broader audience, Robinson explained. When youre an engineer, theres a reason youre doing all those tests, right? Now you have to bring it back to the context of community and present your findings to the stakeholders, the City Council or maybe the school principal.

Third-graders likely arent designing a functioning solution thats going to work in the long term, but the project is helping them to see, Oh, I can do this engineering thing. I can come up with some innovative ideas to address a problem that can impact my community.

Thats the win, and thats how engineering can be introduced at a very young age, Robinson said. Students easily can build on that core knowledge from year to year so that engineering becomes real rather than just an abstract concept in a textbook.

Engineering instruction thats thoughtfully designed is equity-centered and very inclusive, she added.

Its giving all students a voice and a sense of ownership over their learning because they can approach it in so many different ways that build on their individual strengths, Robinson said. When we allow students to solve problems and connect what they learn back to themselves, we can reach some of the most underrepresented students because were making it about their own lived experiences. Theyre applying these pieces of science, math, technology, design, writing and even art to do something thats very real.

The learning becomes fun, and it disproves one of the biggest misconceptions about engineering: that its just for people who are good at the hard sciences and math.

Robinson says the teachers who have used the culturally relevant engineering design framework in their instruction have reported that students who ordinarily have been some of the most disengaged in the classroom have become passionate leaders.

It never gets old, one excited teacher recently told her. I never tire of seeing that.

And thats exactly one of the underrepresented demographics educators want to ensure they reach. Another one is Native American students.

Robinson says Native Americans are overwhelmingly the most disproportionately underrepresented group in all engineering fields. Only 0.3% of the overall engineering workforce is Native American, with only 0.07% being Native American women.

These trends can be traced back to educational pathways, she says. While 5% of North Dakotas overall population is Native American, they make up only 1.5% of the Universitys total number of enrolled students across all programs and colleges. Further, only 0.4% of the students enrolled in UNDs College of Engineering & Mines are Native American or Alaska Native.

These are statistics CEER hopes to change not only by embedding engineering concepts in the education of UNDs future teachers but also by networking to increase personal development opportunities for practicing teachers and acting as a ready resource for dozens of school districts.

A quick peek at the CEER webpage shows multiple grant opportunities through the College of Education & Human Development and College of Engineering & Mines, as well as a long list of funding opportunities for engineering education research through the National Science Foundation.

Robinson said CEER also wants to create more industry partnerships that, in turn, could lead to even more pathways for engineering.

We need many different kinds of people with different backgrounds, voices and perspectives if we truly want to be innovative and make life better for people, she said. Thats not going to happen if we have only one type of person going into engineering. Building that breadth of perspective and strong diversity in our workforce begins with our education.

So, what about those Devils Lake third-graders, you wonder. What would they tell the overheated beach bum? Well, probably something like

The waters fine. Go jump in the lake!

>> THE CEER LEADERSHIP TEAM includes Ryan Summers, associate professor and Rose Isabella Kelly Fischer professor, Teaching & Leadership, College of Education & Human Development; Rachel Navarro, training director and professor of Counseling Psychology, College of Education & Human Development; Frank Bowman, Chemical Engineering Department chair and Thomas C. Owens Endowed Chair of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering & Mines; and Beth Klemetsrud, assistant professor, Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering & Mines.

>> WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CEER OR BECOME AN AFFILIATE? Contact Julie Robinson at julie.robinson@UND.edu.

>> SEE THE WORK IN ACTION by attending the one-day PreK-12 STEM Conference on Aug. 1. The conference is part of UNDs Pages & Pathways: The Science of Learning series.

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Water goes in. Engineers come out. - UND Today - UND Blogs and E-Newsletters