Special Features: Civil Engineering & Artificial Intelligence

There's always been a lot going on at Union, but that's never been more true than now. Students are flocking to the reinstated civil engineering (CE) major and new environmental engineering major, while CE graduates laud the program's return. And students across the liberal arts, sciences and engineering are tackling the technical and moral implications — and the benefits and drawbacks — of artificial intelligence. Learn more about environmental and civil engineering and artificial intelligence in these two features.

Alumni talk civil engineering

Meet a handful of Union’s civil engineering graduates. Using their degrees, they’re enjoying a wide range of careers. Here’s what they had to say when we asked them a few questions in the wake of civil engineering’s return to Union.

Katie Zehnder '98, who innovates with new tech and AI

Harry White '92, who finds a way

John Keller '91, who has engineering in his blood

Lisa Freed '86, who inspires future engineers

Kathryn Gardow '80, who has done it all

Civil engineering returns

In May 2022, the College announced the return of civil engineering and the addition of environmental engineering.

A brief history of civil engineering

One hundred and sixty years. Sixteen decades – from 1845 to 2005. That’s how long the previous iteration of the Civil Engineering Department existed.

“I have always loved science and technology, so going into engineering felt like a nobrainer. With the global climate crisis, it is crucial to have engineers working to fix the issue. I hope to work alongside others someday to do this. I am also excited to be among the first environmental engineering majors, paving the way for future students.”
– Samanthan Rose ’27, environmental engineering

“I have always been very interested in buildings, specifically homes, and am fascinated by the creativity used to design buildings. After learning about how much work needs to be done for the world, I am interested in designing or creating environmentally friendly buildings and homes.”
– Elias Acevedo ’27, civil engineering

Navigating AI at Union

Across campus, students are learning about generative artificial intelligence. See what they think of AI and how their professors are approaching the use and teaching of this new technology.

Students leverage AI across disciplines

From computer science to English, students are applying artificial intelligence tools to their studies and research, and in the process, learning how best to responsibly use this technology.

Rieffel's robots

John Rieffel's research focuses on a different flavor of AI — robotics.

Academic integrity: The other AI

As technology moves forward, education adapts. It always has. Evolving with the world is the only way to adequately prepare students for it, after all.

Alumni talk artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence has applicability in nearly every field. Just ask Union grads like these. Whether they were science or humanities students, they’ve leveraged AI in their careers in different ways.