Alumni Association

National Expert—Dr. Andrea Schokker Heads Up New Civil Engineering Program

James P. Riehl, Dean of the UMD Swenson College of Science and Engineering, has announced the appointment of nationally recognized expert Andrea J. Schokker as professor and head of the new Department of Civil Engineering. Professor Schokker has a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and has published widely in both academic and industry journals. She has a national reputation in the field of Civil Engineering with expertise in concrete and structures. She most recently taught at Pennsylvania State University where she was an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of the Protective Technology Center.

Her areas of expertise include:

· Segmental concrete bridge design and construction related research including cementitious grouts

· Design and materials related improvements in prestressed concrete

· Durability of concrete structures / corrosion of metals in concrete

· Blast and impact resistant materials and structures

Dean Riehl said, “UMD is indeed pleased to have someone with Professor Schokker‘s knowledge and experience heading up our new program. Her exceptional skills both in teaching and engineering will provide strong leadership and vision for our program.”

UMD‘s 15 million dollar Civil Engineering building is currently under construction on the North East corner of the campus. The 34,000 gross square foot structure is slated for completion January 2010. The building will house sophisticated, specialized teaching and research laboratories as well as classrooms and administrative offices. It is designed to be a LEED Certified “green building”.

The new Bachelor of Science degree program in Civil Engineering admitted its first freshman students fall 2008.


FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE

http://www.d.umn.edu/civileng/