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2020-2021 Engineering Stories

Dr. Hamel in the Structures Testing Lab

Scott Hamel honored with 2020 Engineer of the Year award

March 16, 2021

In February, Anchorage Engineer’s Week honored Scott Hamel, associate professor and chair of the Civil Engineering Department, with the 2020 Engineer of the Year award (EOTY). Since 1975, Anchorage Engineer’s Week has been recognizing Engineers of the Year for their contributions to the field through their work, research and community service. 

student using surveying equipment

Introduction to Surveying Laboratory

February 9, 2021

Using the Anchorage campus as their classroom, students in David Brock's Introduction to Surveying Laboratory learned how to use tools of the trade during a recent session. Although UAA's spring semester is mostly remote, limited in-person labs are offered for some fields in which hands-on learning is considered critical.

Henry installing an ORCA at Port Heiden

Community of collaboration: UAA and UAF partner up on energy research

February 1, 2021

UAA mechanical engineering undergraduate Henry Toal works as an intern in the Anchorage office of the Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP), a program based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where he has had the opportunity to contribute to several research projects.  Learn more about numerous partnerships in research across the UA system’s three universities.

Kirsten Alvarado standiung in front of an airplane

Student Spotlight: Kirsten Alvarado

January 27, 2021

"The schooling has developed my way of thinking to use logic and work through problems that initially seemed impossible. It's prepared me to never give up and patiently work through things. Most importantly, it taught me that hard work is really all it takes." Mechanical Engineering student Kirsten Alvarado reflects on her motivation to pursue her degree and how hard work pays off.

John Boren standing in a snowy landscape

How internships offer opportunity for students and startups

November 17, 2020

Meet John Boren, a 2020 graduate from UAA’s College of Engineering computer science and engineering program. He’s been piecing together his college education for the last 20 years. His experience in the world of entrepreneurship at local startup Legalverse, paved the way to pursue his own entrepreneurial endeavors. 

Dr. Aaron Dotson in a suit and tie in front of the administration building.

Dr. Dotson receives Can-Am Civil Engineering Amity Award

November 10, 2020

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) honored UAA Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Aaron Dotson, with the 2020 Can-Am Civil Engineering Amity Award in recognition of his academic and research career dedicated to water and wastewater treatment specializing in cold region processes with small, remote systems typical of Alaska Bush communities.

headshot of Zoey Bigelow in front of a blank backdrop

Student Spotlight: Zoey Bigelow

October 13, 2020

"In my previous physics classes, I was enchanted by the concept of electricity. It is one of those things that seem like magic if you don't understand how it works." Electrical Engineering Major Zoey Bigelow reflects on her she came to love electrical engineering and discover that it's the right path for her. 

PMI award recipients on stage at gala event

Engineering Alums Recognized with Prestigious PMI Award

September 22, 2020

Two Project Management program alumnae received highly competitive awards from the Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s leading professional association for project managers. Each year, only four recipients out of the 1.8 million worldwide members and credential holders are awarded this honor. 

Shoshanna Johnson standing on a bridge with the ASCE logo at the bottom and "student member spotlight" tag at the bottom.

ASCE Student Member Spotlight: Shoshanna Johnson

September 3, 2020

"I’ve always been a big proponent of student clubs because they help students find a community and a place to belong in the little big world of College. " Civil Engineering senior, Shoshanna Johnson, is the September student member spotlight by the Alaska Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), where she shares her perspectives on engineering, college life, student clubs, and outreach.

Dr. Shawn Butler stands in front of a forrest background

Geofencing the Arctic

September 1, 2020

Shawn Butler, assistant professor of computer science and computer systems engineering with the UAA College of Engineering, had a 20-year military career as the technical lead on the Global Command and Control System for the Department of Defense, and is putting her knowledge to help protect U.S. waters in the Arctic.

Nicole Knox talking to somebody off camera.

UAA Amazing Stories: Nicole Knox

August 4, 2020

Our alumni find many ways to stay connected and give back to their community, including Nicole Knox, B.S. Civil Engineering '04, civil engineer at R&M Consultants.

Dr. Raghu Srinivasan showing off a series of corrosion samples.

UAA & UAF researchers awarded NASA EPSCoR Research award

July 30, 2020

Our very own professor of Mechanical Engineering Raghu Srinivasan and UAF Professor of Mechanical Engineering Lei Zhang have been awarded the NASA EPSCoR Research Award for their research on corrosion in cold regions.

Nick Armstrong standing at a UAA podium

UAA Amazing Stories: Nick Armstrong-Crews

July 8, 2020

Our alumni find many ways to stay connected and give back to their community, including Nick Armstrong-Crews, B.S. Computer Science '03, B.S. Mathematics '04, B.S. Natural Sciences '05, senior software engineer at Google.

Onya Enkhbat standing in front of the Engineering and Industry Building.

Enhancing Diversity at UAA, one Student at a Time

June 18, 2020

Senior Civil Engineering student, Onya Enkhbat, is one of three recipients of the UAA Student Diversity Award. Enkhbat reflects on her initial reservations about choosing a career in engineering, and her experience in finding supports on campus through student organizations and internships. 

Dr. Scott Hamel working with a student assembling a steel bridge.

Creating community in engineering

June 15, 2020

Scott Hamel, assistant professor of Civil Engineering, understands the impact of hard work and careful mentorship. In recognition of his dedication and labor, ASCE has selected him as one of two recipients in the nation to receive the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award.

student, Katherine Sakeagak, stands in front of the ANSEP building in winter.

The next generation: a legacy of ANSEP and UAA

June 9, 2020 

Katherine Sakeagak, a double major in Mathematics and Civil Engineering, reflects on how the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) and UAA’s campus have felt like home ever since she was a baby.

Getu Hailu and Martin Henke in a research lab

A researcher’s guide to keeping batteries cool

May 25, 2020

Getu Hailu, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the UAA College of Engineering, and Martin Henke, a student in the mechanical engineering master’s degree program, are working together to determine a simple and efficient way of keeping the batteries cool.