Civil & Environmental Engineering

Research

Research that Improves Communities

Civil and Environmental Engineering research at Mizzou addresses some of society’s most pressing infrastructure and environmental challenges. Our faculty collaborate with government agencies, industry partners and communities to develop innovative solutions that improve transportation safety, protect water resources, strengthen infrastructure, advance sustainable construction and enhance community resilience. From fundamental discoveries to field implementation, our research creates lasting impact across Missouri, the nation and the world.

Research by the Numbers

  • $8.1 million in annual sponsored research advancing innovative engineering solutions.
  • Research sponsors includeNSF, USDOT, FHWA, EPA, USGS, DOE, U.S. Department of Education, OSHA, USACE, MoDOT and industry.
  • 289 peer-reviewed publications produced over the past four years.
  • 6,400+ scholarly citations demonstrating the global impact of faculty research.
  • Nationally recognized faculty earning NSF CAREER Awards, AASHTO High Value Research Awards, ACI Fellowship and other prestigious honors.
  • Strong partnerships with federal and state agencies, industry and communities to translate research into practice.

Research Focus Areas

Our faculty conduct research across the full spectrum of civil and environmental engineering, with nationally recognized expertise in:

Centers and Signature Programs

Missouri Water Center

The Missouri Water Center (MWC) is Mizzou’s interdisciplinary hub for water research, education and outreach. Bringing together faculty from engineering, agriculture, natural resources and the social sciences, the Center addresses critical challenges in water quality, watershed management, flood and drought resilience, advanced monitoring technologies and water policy. Through partnerships with state and federal agencies, industry and local communities, the Center advances innovative research while preparing the next generation of water professionals.

Missouri Center for Transportation Innovation (MCTI)

The Missouri Center for Transportation Innovation (MCTI) is Missouri’s statewide transportation research and innovation ecosystem, bringing together the University of Missouri System, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), industry partners and other stakeholders. MCTI accelerates the development and implementation of innovative solutions in transportation safety, resilient infrastructure, intelligent transportation systems, pavements, bridges and data-driven mobility through collaborative research and technology transfer.

Missouri Work Zone Safety Center of Excellence (MOWZES)

The Missouri Work Zone Safety Center of Excellence (MOWZES) is a national leader in improving work zone safety through research, education and outreach. Established in partnership with MoDOT, the Center develops innovative engineering, behavioral and technology-based solutions to reduce fatalities and serious injuries in work zones while advancing connected work zones, artificial intelligence, worker safety and data-driven transportation safety.

Research Opportunities

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate students have opportunities to participate in research as early as their first year. Working alongside faculty and graduate students, they gain hands-on experience in laboratory and field research while contributing to projects that address real-world engineering challenges.

Contact: Sarah Orton, director of undergraduate studies

Graduate Research

Graduate students are central to the department’s research mission. Through close collaboration with faculty, they conduct cutting-edge research, publish in leading journals, present at national conferences and contribute to externally funded projects.

Contact: Maria Fidalgo, director of graduate studies