Second year of summer research Fellowships a success

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Students conducting research

Thanks to the generosity of CEGE alumni, several CEGE students had the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research during summer semester.

Work conducted in the second year of the Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship reflected the breadth of civil and environmental research that students, faculty and staff conduct at Ohio State. The Fellowships afforded students with prior research experience the opportunity to explore new avenues of investigation or to expand on previous research endeavours.

Marissa McMaster
Marissa McMcaster

Marissa McMaster, working with Professor Mark McCord in Ohio State's Campus Transit Lab (CTL), expanded on previous research related to changes in ridership on the university's Campus Area Bus System (CABS). The team developied analytical methods to show how bus passenger flows on CABS had changed over time.  Of particular interest to Marissa, were abnormal patterns and how that data might be better analyzed to fuel improvements not only in Ohio State's bus system but others in the U.S. and around the globe.

This research reflects an interest in the engineering behind public mass transit that began two years ago for the Stow, Ohio native.

"My introduction course to transportation engineering spurred my interest in this research. I began working in the Campus Transit Lab during my sophomore year helping gather some of the data that I now research," she said.


An earlier course that addressed climate change inspired Xixuan Dong to investigate important factors that affect automobile emissions.

Zixuan Dong
Zixuan Dong

With guidance from Dr. Benn Coifman and PhD student Yuyi Chang, Xixuan sought to quantify the impacts and benefits of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles at the microscopic scale and generate comparisons between gasoline vehicles against electric and hybrid vehicles on real roadways.

Her summer research focused on establishing which emissions models would be used for the analysis. Using the MOVES, CMEM, VT-micro and MATLAB car emission models, she collected and observed vehicle trajectories, acceleration, deceleration, and idling data in real time. These findings will inform future research as well as Xixuan's undergraduate thesis.

"Due to the difference between the acceleration data collected using the model and the acceleration data we obtained through observing real traffic, I will need to further analyze how the emissions react to acceleration per second and how city and highway driving conditions affect vehicles' fuel consumption and emissions differently." Xixuan stated.


A passion for using engineering and modern technology to solve real-life issues led Mazin Al-Mahrouqi to his investigation of the concept of progressive collapse in structures.

Collaborating with structural engineering faculty member Halil Sezen and PhD student Youngshen Bai, Mazin used different types of data recording tools such as drones, strain gauges, accelerometers, LiDAR scans, and cameras to monitor the total or partial collapse caused by the removal of columns inside the Columbus campus' North Cannon Garage, which was demolished during the summer of 2021. 

Student working with computers and sensors in a parking garage.
Mazin Al-Mahrouqi (L) monitoring sensors during the demolition of the North Cannon Garage.

The data and the overall research experience inspired the Bahla, Oman native to compose a senior thesis in which he discussed the results of his experiments as well the use of a new wireless model of accelerometers used during monitoring of the parking garage demolition.

"I have been considering going to graduate school, and this summer's work and writing a thesis, with the help of my advisor, made me realize what I want to do," he offered. "It was both a great experience and a great networking opportunity."


Collin Lester
Collin Lester

Elyria, Ohio native Collin Lester channeled his life-long fascination with nature and his aptitude for science and mathematics into his environmental engineering coursework.

During the summer of 2021, he collaborated with associate professor Ethan Kubatko and Notre Dame postdoc and CEGE graduate Dr. Dylan Wood on research that assessed flow predictions over flood protections systems that protect areas from coastal flooding.

The team assessed current numerical models as well as data compiled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to simulate failures of these systems and, in turn, to recommend improvements in the flood protection systems themselves as well as the modeling tools used to forecast storm surges, which can cause catastrophic flooding.

"Since flooding is the leading cause of both human and economic loss during tropical cyclone events, having sufficient flood protection systems is imperative," Collin stated.

The soon-to-be graduate relished his experience working on a research team and was inspired to continue his investigations in graduate school.

"The research process is both investigative and creative while maintaining the analytical appeal of engineering," he added. "Drs. Kubatko and Wood made the experience even more enjoyable while helping me grow as an engineer and as a person."


David McDonald
David McDonald

A keen interest in water quality and its treatment led David McDonald to environmental engineering and a collaboration with members of Dr. Natalie Hull's research group, Water TEAM. Working with PhD student Daniel Ma, David conducted UV dose–response experiments that found the relationship between the amount of UV exposure and the inactivation of E. coli in water.

The Euclid, Ohio native was grateful for the opportunity to pursue meaningful research in a growing field of interest to scientists.

"UV disinfection is an important method of water treatment that is chemical-free," he said. "More research is needed because the technology is advancing and more options, like shorter wavelengths, are becoming available."

David's research will continue during the 2021-2022 academic year and he looked forward to, again, working alongside more experienced researchers in Professor Hull's lab.

"Daniel Ma helped me a lot, showing me the standard procedures to expose microorganisms to UV light and how to take relevant measurements," he recalled. "Dr. Hull has continued to be a great motivator and teacher."


The department is already planning for the next cohort of Fellows to begin their investigations in the summer of 2022 and acknowledged the integral role that alumni and friends of CEGE played in making the program a reality.

Allan Johnson (CE '59), a life-long supporter of Ohio State students, greeted the chance to make an impact on the research experience for young Buckeye engineers with enthusiasm.

"Over the years since I was an engineering student at Ohio State, I have supported many areas of the college but recently have focused on research," he offered. "It is fitting that funds from my endowment be used for undergraduate students interested in research projects and that this helps inspire them.”

Reflecting on her time as a Fellow, Marissa McMaster concurred.

"My research has inspired me to pursue a career in transportation engineering," she stated. "Developing my research skills has helped challenge me to come up with new ideas and to think critically about how engineering systems influence the real world."

Categories: StudentsResearch