Welcome to the Civil Engineering Department News Page! Here, we share the latest developments, research breakthroughs, and achievements from our faculty and students. Learn about our faculty and students' diverse talents and impactful endeavors, innovative projects, community engagement, and contributions to civil engineering. Whether celebrating achievements, fostering collaborations, or inspiring the next generation of civil engineers, our department's webpage is your gateway to the forefront of engineering excellence.
Geotech Group’s Success at the 2025 Geotechnical Frontiers Conference
The Geotech group advissed by Dr. Welson Kwan had an outstanding showing at the 2025 Geotechnical Frontiers Conference in Louisville, KY! The team showcased its cutting-edge research through three research posters, two podium presentations, and a remarkable 3rd-place finish in the GeoWall competition.
Congratulations to the entire team for their hard work and impactful contributions to geotechnical research! 🚀🔬
Featured Research

Dr. Arezoo Khodayari’s Reseach Bridging Astrobiology and Environmental Science has been Fatured in Nature Magazine for its profund Impact on Stduents Success:
The article highlights the impact of her pioneering work in bringing together astrobiology and environmental science, particularly through her collaboration with NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL). Additionally, the piece offers valuable perspectives from both Dr. Khodayari and her collaborators on what drives a scientist and how fostering inclusive, hands-on learning opportunities can inspire students to pursue STEM. Click here to read the article.
Learn More

On October 24, 2024, Professor Khodayari organized and chaired the Sikand SITI Center's Pollution Control and Climate Mitigation Conference at Cal State LA. The event featured a series of thought-provoking sessions, including Lightning Talks, where faculty presented their innovative research, sparking new ideas and discussions. The keynote address was delivered by Professor Mark Jacobson of Stanford University, a renowned expert in renewable energy and climate modeling whose pioneering work laid the scientific foundation of the U.S. Green New Deal. Industry leaders shared their perspectives on the current challenges and emerging opportunities in pollution control and sustainability, while interactive roundtable discussions promoted cross-disciplinary discussion. More information can be found at the event website.