Investigate. Innovate. Transform.
Civil and environmental engineering is a people-serving field. As civilization becomes more complex, civil and environmental engineering becomes more interdisciplinary and practitioners need to know about more than just fundamental design and construction principles.
Strategic Areas of Research
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![cross section of the waves propagating through a 50 mm thick steel plate in response to the impact of a 1.58 mm steel ball at five different times.]()
Civil Infrastructure
Innovate new technologies for natural disaster detection and preparedness, and discover new methods for building technologies that are more sustainable and have greater longevity.
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![DeFrees Hydraulics Lab]()
Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering aims, in part, to obtain an improved understanding of physical, chemical and biological processes occurring in the natural and built environment.
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![A student using virtual reality equipment in the Information and Decision Systems lab run by Andreas Malikopoulos.]()
Engineering Systems and Management
Engineering Systems and Management applies mathematical and scientific principles to the definition, design, development, and operational evaluation of total solutions to a wide variety of engineering problems, including water resources management and transportation systems.
Our Programs
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Civil Engineering
Involves designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure like buildings, roads, and bridges. Perfect for those interested in shaping cities and improving the built environment for society.
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Environmental Engineering
Focuses on solving environmental challenges like pollution and water quality. Perfect for those passionate about sustainability and protecting natural resources.
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Smart Cities
Focuses on using technology to enhance urban life through efficient, sustainable solutions. Ideal for those interested in urban planning, technology, and improving quality of life.
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Engineering Management
Combines engineering knowledge with business and leadership skills to manage projects and teams. Ideal for those looking to lead technical teams, optimize processes, and drive innovation in engineering.
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Civil and Environmental Engineering
Designs and builds infrastructure while solving environmental issues. Ideal for those passionate about sustainability, urban planning, and creating resilient communities.
News Highlights
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Reusable nanofiber membrane filters water sustainably
A Cornell research group has developed a cyclodextrin-based fibrous membrane that in lab testing removed approximately 90% of aqueous triclosan, an antibacterial agent that poses a threat to aquatic organisms.
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Awards honor Cornell Engineering faculty for teaching, advising
Cornell Engineering honored the transformative impact of its faculty at the 2025 Fall Faculty Reception, recognizing this year’s Teaching and Advising Award winners for their outstanding commitment to student success.
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Expanded SPROUT Awards maintain engineering innovation momentum
From mapping the human gut-brain connection to creating safer cancer nanotherapies, the latest Expanded SPROUT Awards from Cornell Engineering are exploring breakthroughs in microbiome science, quantum materials and biomedical engineering.
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For microbes in harsh environments, it’s survival of the meekest
Cornell researchers have found that peaceful microbes are more likely to thrive, and their more aggressive peers perish, if their environment is harsh or experiences violent disruptions.
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Partnership Helps Cornell Student Team Build a Winning Bridge
Cornell’s Steel Bridge Team excelled in the 2024 AISC competition with a 216-pound bridge that supported 2,500 pounds, placing first in lightness. Key to their success was access to the LASSP Student Machine Shop, where expert support and flexible hours enabled fast, high-quality fabrication and extra time for testing and refinement.
Upcoming Events
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Data-driven Learning and Control Seminar: Mark Campbell (Cornell MAE)
Data Driven Learning and Control seminar series is organized by the Information and Decision Science Lab at Cornell University and aims to explore the latest advancements and interdisciplinary approac…
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Data-driven Learning and Control Seminar: Anna Stefanopoulou (Michigan)
Data Driven Learning and Control seminar series is organized by the Information and Decision Science Lab at Cornell University and aims to explore the latest advancements and interdisciplinary approac…
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Data-driven Learning and Control Seminar: Evangelos Theodorou (Georgia Tech)
Data Driven Learning and Control seminar series is organized by the Information and Decision Science Lab at Cornell University and aims to explore the latest advancements and interdisciplinary approa…
