University of Nebraska-Lincoln Engineering Department
Traveling through Nebraska, one may not immediately associate the state with engineering marvels, but a stop in Lincoln, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, reveals a rich history of innovation and technological advancements thriving within its engineering department. Established in 1909, the UNL College of Engineering has made significant contributions to fields such as robotics, water resources, and biomedical engineering.
Within the walls of the Scott Engineering Center, located at 16th and Vine Streets, students and faculty collaborate on research projects that push the boundaries of modern engineering. One notable example is the work of Dr. Shane Farrell, an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering, who is researching the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to detect diseases in crops. This technology, demonstrated on test plots near Mead, Nebraska, holds great promise for enhancing crop yields and reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Another exciting area of research within the UNL Engineering Department is in the field of robotics. Led by Dr. Carrick Detweiler, an associate professor of computer science and engineering, a team of faculty and students is developing autonomous underwater vehicles to monitor water quality in the Mississippi River basin. With funding from the National Science Foundation, this research aims to advance the understanding of nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems and inform new water management strategies.
A unique aspect of the UNL Engineering Department is its outreach to and engagement with the broader community. The College of Engineering boasts partnerships with top Nebraska industries, such as the University's own Peter Kiewit Institute, located in Omaha. These collaborations facilitate practical learning experiences for students and foster innovation in the engineering field. Notably, the Kiewit Institute is spearheading an educational initiative focused on workforce development, emphasizing emerging technologies such as data analytics and cybersecurity.
Located at 1110 S 67th St in Omaha, the Kiewit Institute serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research and collaboration between the University of Nebraska and regional industry leaders. The Kiewit Institute's focus on knowledge transfer and commercialization of research discoveries complements UNL's broader engineering endeavors, aiming to drive economic growth across Nebraska and beyond. By combining academic rigor with entrepreneurial spirit, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Engineering Department plays a significant role in shaping the state's technological landscape.
Beyond cutting-edge research and collaborations, the history of UNL's Engineering Department itself is a fascinating subject of exploration. Established during an era marked by great technological change, the department rapidly grew and evolved in response to the needs of the region. As one example, the department's Soil Mechanics Laboratory, constructed in the 1940s, facilitated research critical to the construction of Interstate 80, a crucial transportation artery stretching across Nebraska.
The UNL Engineering Department also has a long tradition of addressing pressing regional and national concerns, such as providing solutions to water scarcity in the Great Plains region. In recognition of this dedication, the American Society of Engineering Education conferred the prestigious 2013 National Excellence in Engineering Education Award upon the UNL College of Engineering.
The intersection of Nebraska's past and present is manifest in the storied engineering department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Whether one visits the Scott Engineering Center, strolls through the historic UNL campus, or explores nearby rural areas where innovative research projects are put into practice, the university's contributions to Nebraska's engineering landscape become unmistakable.
Within the walls of the Scott Engineering Center, located at 16th and Vine Streets, students and faculty collaborate on research projects that push the boundaries of modern engineering. One notable example is the work of Dr. Shane Farrell, an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering, who is researching the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to detect diseases in crops. This technology, demonstrated on test plots near Mead, Nebraska, holds great promise for enhancing crop yields and reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Another exciting area of research within the UNL Engineering Department is in the field of robotics. Led by Dr. Carrick Detweiler, an associate professor of computer science and engineering, a team of faculty and students is developing autonomous underwater vehicles to monitor water quality in the Mississippi River basin. With funding from the National Science Foundation, this research aims to advance the understanding of nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems and inform new water management strategies.
A unique aspect of the UNL Engineering Department is its outreach to and engagement with the broader community. The College of Engineering boasts partnerships with top Nebraska industries, such as the University's own Peter Kiewit Institute, located in Omaha. These collaborations facilitate practical learning experiences for students and foster innovation in the engineering field. Notably, the Kiewit Institute is spearheading an educational initiative focused on workforce development, emphasizing emerging technologies such as data analytics and cybersecurity.
Located at 1110 S 67th St in Omaha, the Kiewit Institute serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research and collaboration between the University of Nebraska and regional industry leaders. The Kiewit Institute's focus on knowledge transfer and commercialization of research discoveries complements UNL's broader engineering endeavors, aiming to drive economic growth across Nebraska and beyond. By combining academic rigor with entrepreneurial spirit, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Engineering Department plays a significant role in shaping the state's technological landscape.
Beyond cutting-edge research and collaborations, the history of UNL's Engineering Department itself is a fascinating subject of exploration. Established during an era marked by great technological change, the department rapidly grew and evolved in response to the needs of the region. As one example, the department's Soil Mechanics Laboratory, constructed in the 1940s, facilitated research critical to the construction of Interstate 80, a crucial transportation artery stretching across Nebraska.
The UNL Engineering Department also has a long tradition of addressing pressing regional and national concerns, such as providing solutions to water scarcity in the Great Plains region. In recognition of this dedication, the American Society of Engineering Education conferred the prestigious 2013 National Excellence in Engineering Education Award upon the UNL College of Engineering.
The intersection of Nebraska's past and present is manifest in the storied engineering department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Whether one visits the Scott Engineering Center, strolls through the historic UNL campus, or explores nearby rural areas where innovative research projects are put into practice, the university's contributions to Nebraska's engineering landscape become unmistakable.
