CEGE Undergraduate Research Activities

Below is a list of current research-related opportunities available to our students. The list will be updated as new positions are announced.


CEMENTITIOUS MATERIALS NOVEL TECHNOLOGIES (CeMNT) RESEARCH GROUP, LISA BURRIS, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, STRUCTURAL & MATERIALS ENGINEERING

Project Overview / Specific Duties

Dr. Burris’ CeMNT (Cementitious Materials Novel Technologies) team researches ways to improve the sustainability and durability of concrete infrastructure though understanding of novel materials-interactions and their impact on property development.

We are currently looking for the help of an undergraduate researcher to work on a project, in collaboration with Dr. Natalie Hull, focused on using bacteria in concrete to reduce cracking.

Desired Experience / Skills

  • Must be available for 6-10 hrs. per week of in-person work to help:
    • Culture (non-pathogenic) bacteria.
    • Track bacteria properties and quantities.
    • Construct bacteria + cement test samples (We will teach you how to do these things.)
  • Must be a good team member.
  • Must be organized.
  • Above 3.0 GPA preferred, but not required.
  • Some availability over Christmas break is a bonus, as we will continue research work throughout this time.
  • Must be able to continue working next semester (Actually, its more important that you’re available next semester vs this semester.)
  • Interest in the Research Distinction program, is a plus.

Duration of project / time commitment:

6 - 10 hours per week, for in-person experimental work, in AU 2020 and SP2021.

Contact:

Please send your resume and availability to Lisa Burris (burris.189@osu.edu) if interested.


WATER TEAM (TREATMENT ENGINEERING AND BIOME), NATALIE HULL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY

Project Overview / Specific Duties:

The Water TEAM researches water quality issues related to microbiology, from source water through engineered treatment and distribution to tap water. We use microbiology and molecular biology tools in addition to water quality analyses, bioinformatics, modeling, to optimize water safety and sustainability.

Focus areas you might contribute to projects on for the Water TEAM include:

  • Water treatment by UV light using novel sources such as excilamps or LEDs
  • Water treatment in rural, underserved areas
  • Treatment of algal blooms and algal toxins
  • Emerging microbial issues such as antibiotic resistance and opportunistic pathogens

Desired Experience / Skills:

Research distinction encouraged but not required

Duration of project / time commitment:

2 term minimum, 5 - 10 hours per week

Contact:

Natalie Hull (hull.3015@osu.edu)


TARUNJIT BUTALIA, RESEARCH ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DIRECTOR, COAL COMBUSTION PRODUCTS PROGRAM

Project Overview / Specific Duties

Laboratory testing as well as numerical analysis

Duration of project / time commitment:

Ongoing, 10-15 hours per week

Contact:

Tarunjit Singh Butalia (butalia.1@osu.edu)


SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS ENGINEERING

Project Overview / Specific Duties:

Smart air quality control in sustainable buildings: Measurements and data analysis.

Desired Experience or Skills / Duration of project / time commitment:

Preferably a 2-semester honors thesis but students with good past performance who can commit to this are encouraged to apply nonetheless.

Contact:

Jordan Clark (clark.1217@osu.edu)