REAL Work Sophomores Conduct Building Construction Research

In an April poster session, six College of Engineering sophomores presented their research on how to build stronger bridges, enhance cybersecurity in radio communications, and improve human beings’ quality of life.The students were part of the Research, Engineering, Advocacy and Leadership (REAL) Work initiative, part of the ENGineering Access, Greater Equity, and Diversity program, or ENGAGED program. The program matches students up with research groups conducting work they are most interested in. 

“We want to help students develop a sense of engineering identity in order to encourage them to persist in the engineering disciplines,” said ENGAGED director Noel Hennessey.

Alejandro Ceballos Olivas and Jennifer Galvan-Garcia are working in CAEM professor Robert Fleischman's lab. They are modeling the performance of steel castings under different stress conditions to help develop standards for construction.

“You’re able to see how it is in real life and to apply some of what you learn in class to practical applications,” Ceballos said of the experience. “It’s a really great opportunity if you want to expand your skill sets and have a wider perspective.”