The University of Nevada Reno (UNR) joined five other universities as host sites for this year’s Research Experiences for Undergraduate (REU) Program. Four junior to senior level undergraduate students from 4-year institutions were invited to explore earthquake studies at the biaxial shake table facility at the UNR large scale structures laboratory (LSSL). The 10-week REU program, funded by the National Science Foundation, gave students the opportunity to conduct state-of-the-art earthquake research under the supervision of a faculty advisor, network with students and graduate advisors from other universities, and present their work at a Young Researchers Symposium in Seattle, Washington. ......... Read more

Earthquake Engineering Summer Camp

Under the direction of Dr. Sherif Elfass, middle school level children explored earthquakes, as they relate to structures. The camp introduced the students to seismology, soil liquefaction, earthquake design of structures including base isolation, and construction techniques. The five day camp encompassed lectures by engineering faculty, hands-on-activities, field trips, and presentation of a project of their choice. Guest speakers from the bridge and the geotechnical division of the Nevada Department of Transportation and a local structural firm familiarized the students with current industry design practices. During the week-long camp, the students manufactured both canoes made of lightweight concrete and construct bridges. ........... Read more