Civil and Construction Engineering

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a quick-setting, environmentally friendly alternative to concrete they hope can one day be used to rapidly 3-D print homes and infrastructure.

When wildfire smoke blankets the skies of southern Oregon, many families close their windows and hope for the best. But for Oregon State University’s Parichehr Salimifard, assistant professor of architectural engineering-mechanical engineering track, hope isn’t enough. She’s working to ensure that the air inside our schools and homes remains safe — no matter what’s happening outside.

Oregon State University Professor Scott A. Ashford has been elected President-Elect of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute Board of Directors. Ashford will begin his service in early 2026, succeeding current board president Ellen Rathje.

Oregon State University researchers recently assisted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Geodetic Survey in responding quickly to a U.S. Coast Guard request to chart new human-made islands in Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Bay.

These “spoil islands” are created from dredged materials, a byproduct of maintaining marine navigation channels. In the absence of accurate position and elevation data, they pose hazards to boats operating in the area.

Many high school students dream about the luxury car they’d get when they become a success. But Jason Bernal Azamar looks at things differently.  

“My friends talked about cars, but more than anything, I wanted to design and build my own house. That was my dream,” said the first-generation college student from Salem, Oregon.  

1. Advancing marine technology

$14.7 million
Source: Department of Energy
PI: Bryson Robertson