Greetings from the Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment (ESSIE),
As we approach the end of a great semester, I’m reminded of the strength and dedication that our faculty, students, and alumni bring to ESSIE. This semester is particularly special, as it marks the final semester for one of our most esteemed faculty members, Robert Thieke, Ph.D. Thieke’s influence over ESSIE has shaped the paths of countless students and he’s leaving a legacy of excellence in civil engineering. While we will miss him tremendously, his impact will live on through students, alumni, faculty, staff and initiatives that we began under his leadership.
Our commitment to tackling environmental challenges has been as strong as ever. For example, our faculty remains at the forefront of hurricane research. In response to recent hurricane impacts, Jennifer Bridge, Ph.D., civil engineering professor, is spearheading an important project aimed at enhancing the resilience of light pole infrastructure in high wind events. Her research will ensure that our streets remain safe and functional during extreme weather events.
Similarly, our coastal resilience research efforts are gaining traction, as Nina Stark, Ph.D., led a team of UF researchers collected data on hurricane impacts along Florida’s coastline. They partnered with Dr. Brian Phillips, Ph.D., and his team to deploy Sentinel stations to nearshore locations to measure the impacts of Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. The Sentinel reports data back to researchers in real time. They are analyzing the data collected on wind, surge and water impacts that could be used to mitigate coastal damage, property damage and structural vulnerabilities. Their findings are paving the way for improved resilience and preparedness in our coastal communities.
We’re also seeing fascinating discoveries in the field of public health. Antar Jutla, Ph.D., environmental engineering sciences associate professor, and a team of experts across disciplines are working on a major NSF-backed initiative to understand the effects of climate change on human health, examining the critical links between environmental factors and public health outcomes.
In environmental health, UF researchers are uncovering links between pollution and tumor growth in sea turtles. It is a reminder of the impact human activity has on marine life.
In other sustainability efforts, Steven Laux, Ph.D., a professor of practice, and Tim Townsend, Ph.D., the Jones, Edmunds & Associates, Inc. Professor, addressed a challenging leachate issue in Polk County. They designed an innovative wetland filtration system to treat landfill waste on-site. Their work offers a sustainable model for waste management that can serve as an example for communities across Florida.
Our students and alumni are also making waves in unique and unexpected ways. Britney Hay, an environmental engineering sciences graduate student, is making a difference both on and off campus, with her saltmarsh restoration research. Our alum, Tracy Fanara, Ph.D., has been turning heads with her research into ocean contamination, diving into phenomena such as “Cocaine Sharks” to explore how pollutants affect marine ecosystems.
Finally, in honor of Thieke’s retirement, we’ll honor him during Giving Day in spring. I invite all our alumni and supporters to “Stand Up & Holler” by contributing $1 or more in Thieke’s name.
Wishing you all health, happiness, and gratitude as we move forward together.
Best wishes,
ESSIE Director
Kirk Hatfield, Ph.D.,
