Greetings alumni and colleagues,
As we move forward this semester, I’m proud to highlight the many accomplishments of our staff, faculty, and students — each making meaningful contributions that impact our school and extend far beyond. It’s a fitting reflection for my final article as I step down as director.
First, I’d like to congratulate engineering professor David O. Prevatt, Ph.D., on becoming part of the Jefferson Science Fellowship 2024-2025 cohort. His expertise in establishing stronger structures to battle natural hazards will be used to conduct research with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations Climate Security & Resilience program. Prevatt is one out of four selected to go to Washington, D.C., to make a change in how engineers can be involved in not only creating solutions but be part of the policymaking process to do so effectively. I wish Prevatt the best in his new endeavor to bring great minds and his knowledge to make an impact.
Speaking of great minds, Xiang “Jacob” Yan, Ph.D., a civil and coastal assistant professor, is expanding research on creating equitable public transportation to major cities by using AI. His research identified the lack of amenities like shelters, seating and signage at bus stops, he created a database using Google Street View images and the Transit Amenities Assessment System.
Nina Stark, Ph.D., a civil and coastal engineering associate professor, is researching how environmental impact affects mudflats using advanced technology. There’s a safety concern that applies to mud flat research and their unpredictability of erosion as it’s difficult to determine if it’s safe to walk and drive on. To find answers to this issue, Stark is exploring improvements of tidal mud flats by using remote sensing from satellites.
The World Health Organization set a goal to end cholera deaths by 2030 and Antar Jutla, Ph.D., an associate professor, has taken on the challenge. He developed a Cholera Risk Dashboard through AI and satellite data to predict outbreaks, saving lives and it’s been successfully used in about 20 countries across Africa and Asia. Now, Jutla and his team will focus on Florida’s Gulf Coast to develop a similar system to detect pathogenic bacteria like vibrio, which have surged in the region due to hurricanes and warming waters.
As Jutla advances public health through environmental monitoring, another UF engineering leader is being recognized for decades of impactful work. I’d like to congratulate Elliot Douglas, Ph.D., environmental engineering professor and department head, who has been elected as the Vice President of Finance for the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE). Douglas has been a diligent member and fellow during his years part of the ASEE and will now serve as vice president with the responsibility of leading the finance committee for a two-year term starting in June.
We’d like to take a moment to highlight Emeritus Professor John H. Schmertmann, Ph.D.. Last December, Schmertmann was interviewed by the Geo-Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and honored as a Geo-Legend highlighting his career being an esteemed geotechnical engineer. Over his 55 years of experience in the field, he’s published numerous technical papers, developed design and testing methods used around the world, and worked on major relocation projects, most notably the NASA crawlerways and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
While faculty continues to make a difference by researching and implementing change on a global scale, UF engineering students are inspired to follow in their footsteps. As the new generation of engineers are getting their education they continue to shine outside of the classroom.
I’d like to congratulate the Concrete Canoe and Eckoff Steel Bridge teams for winning at the annual ASCE Southeast Student Symposium. The teams competed at the University of Georgia taking home seven first place awards and a third place in the competitions against 19 other universities. Their big achievement is even better as the ASCE student chapter made history as the first school to ever win as the overall champions three times consecutively.! Their win solidifies their position to move on to nationals to compete later this spring where Concrete Canoe is eligible for the society-wide finals and Steel Bridge for the American Institute of Steel Construction national finals competition.
For our students who’ve accomplished so much this semester to reach academic success, I’d also like to honor the Gators who came before them. We’re celebrating the alumni who’ve used their education in their careers to break barriers in various industries. ESSIE is proud of Gator Engineer honoree Wesley Foster for making UF’s 40 Gators Under 40 Class of 2025. Foster is the founder of engineering consulting firm, Pacifica Engineering Services and is an innovator in creating solutions to geotechnical engineering, construction material testing, special inspections, and more.
As I reflect on this past semester and my years as director, I’m overjoyed by the accomplishments of my fellow colleagues, alumni and students who are always finding ways to make our environment a better place. Their research and passion is undeniable, and makes me proud to have served 14 years as director. As I continue as a professor, I’m excited to see how new leadership makes an impact. The new generation of engineers is sparking change in how problems are approached and how much more they have to offer in making real-life impacts on society.
It has been an honor serving.
Go Gators!
ESSIE Director
Kirk Hatfield, Ph.D.,
