UT Arlington – Spain Collaborative Research on Hazard Mitigation of Civil Infrastructure
Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF)
International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) Program
What research projects are available?
Durability of concrete under flood conditions
Analyze the effects of prolonged natural flood
conditions in aggressive environments on the
steel corrosion and deterioration in reinforced
concrete structures. Investigate how this
process affects the long term durability of
structures. Project will involve experimental
methods with actual field investigation.
Nano-coatings for nuclear meltdown containment
Develop a geo-polymer based coating for
nuclear waste containment structures in order
to gain high mechanical properties and
corrosion resistance.
Determine if nano
materials for nuclear containment structures
can significantly reduce the potential for
meltdown in an accident.
Behavior of precast concrete claddings in extreme wind
Investigate load and deflection behavior of
precast concrete claddings in frame buildings,
considering structural interaction. Evaluate the
effect of the modified loads for real life design
and systems. Determine if this interaction can
lead to realistic wind load redistribution and
resulting optimized structural design.
Fire resistance of building elements
Improve the student’s knowledge on the
behavior of construction products and elements
under fire (natural, accidental, arson). Learn
experimental and analytic methods to assess
fire resistance. Improve fire testing methods for
building elements with knowledge from new
analytical and experimental testing.
Worker fall protection from temporary construction
equipment
Study and propose improvements to obtain
better mechanical behavior against impact
loading on temporary work equipment used in
construction projects. Investigate if dynamic
testing can assist in significantly improving the
safety against worker height fall from temporary
construction equipment. This may lead to
improved workplace safety and reduced risks.
Non-destructive testing and wireless monitoring for
seismic risk reduction
Train in the basics of non-destructive testing
and structural health monitoring, and wireless
sensor networking. Determine if simultaneous
radar and wireless sensor application in the
field results in improved monitoring of indicators
for potential seismic activity. Test selected
technique in the Valencia area.
What is the goal of the NSF IRES Program?
Develop globally engaged U.S. science and engineering students in an
international research environment.
Active research participation by students in meaningful ways in ongoing
research programs specifically designed for the IRES program.
Are you interested in…
Gaining hands-on experience in the preparedness and mitigation
of natural, man-made and accidental hazard events on civil
infrastructure.
Participating in state-of-the-art international level collaborative
research on hazard mitigation at a well-known research agency in
Span under expert mentoring, funding by the prestigious NSF.
Learning about civil engineering as a profession and the
opportunities of higher education in a global context.
If you answer yes to any of the above, please consider applying for the
very exciting, informative, prestigious and well-paying program.
Benefits to students include:
Opportunity to work on state-of-the-art research with
engineering professionals in Valencia, Spain.
Opportunity to gain an understanding of the importance of
professional networking at the international level through the
foreign networking opportunity.
Cooperative learning with other IRES students, graduate
students and engineering/education professors.
Opportunity to earn hands-on research experience in the very
important and critical area of hazard mitigation by
participating in real life related studies.
Students will attend a 6-week summer program in Valencia,
Spain, continue networking activities during the academic year,
make presentations at their parent institutions and develop
dedicated web-sites/blogs on their IRES experience.
Applications
Students from Civil Engineering tracks at universities and Civil
Engineering bound tracks at community colleges are strongly
encouraged to apply. Students from groups under-represented in
science and engineering are especially encouraged to apply.
Applications must be received at UT Arlington by 5 p.m. on
April 30, 2014. Contacts are:
Dr. Nur Yazdani
Department of Civil Engineering
University of Texas at Arlington
817-272-5055
Yazdani@uta.edu
Dr. Lisa K. Thompson
College of Education
Prairie View A&M University
936 261-3653
lkthompson@pvamu.edu
Some Important Details:
Summer program will be held in Valencia, Spain, at the AIDICO
Technological Institute of Construction
(http://www.aidico.es/home-h-74-51/)
Summer 2014 Program: June 30 – August 8, 2014
Program includes workshops, lectures, group activities, laboratory
work, computer work, presentations, social activities
$3000 stipend, Room and Board, and all travel funds provided
Internship credit is possible
IRES: UT Arlington – Spain Collaborative Research on
Hazard Mitigation of Civil Infrastructure
Funded by the National Science Foundation’s International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) Program.
2014 Program Application – Undergraduate Researcher
Please type or print all information.
Last Name, First Name
Phone
Mailing Address
City
State
E-mail Address
Zip
Citizenship Status:
U.S. Citizen
Spanish Language Competency:
U.S. Permanent Resident
Excellent
Good
International
Fair
None
University/College
Expected Graduation Date
Major or Intended Major
Cumulative GPA
Classification:
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Race/Ethnicity (Select one or more):
White (Non-Hispanic)
African American
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
Asian
Hispanic or Latino
Native American
Other: _____________________
Disability Status (Select one or more):
None
Hearing Impairment
Visual Impairment (other than minor correction)
Mobility/Orthopedic Impairment
Other:_______________________
Veteran Status:
Yes
Gender:
No
Available dates during
Summer 2014 to attend Spain
Program
(Select all that apply)
Male
Female
May 11-17
May 18-24
May 25-31
June 8-14
June 8-14
June 15-21
June 22-29
June 29-July 5
July 13-19
July 13-19
July 20-26
July 27- August 2
August 3-9
Summer Research projects to be held in Valencia, Spain, are listed below. Please indicate your interest in order of preference
(#1 indicating highest preference).
Project
Hazard Type
Durability of concrete under flood conditions
Flood
Nano-coatings for nuclear meltdown containment
Nuclear Meltdown
Behaviour of precast concrete claddings in extreme wind loads
Wind
Fire resistance of building elements
Fire
Worker fall protection from temporary construction equipment
Construction
Non-destructive testing and wireless monitoring for seismic risk
reduction
Earthquake
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Rank
Please answer the following questions in the space provided (Do not exceed the boxed spaces).
Why would you like to participate in the IRES program?
What benefits do you believe you will gain from the IRES project?;
What are your future plans after graduation?
The following items must also be submitted in order for your application to be complete:
Official Transcript
o An official transcript is required; please submit an unofficial copy with your application.
o Please do not forget to request an official transcript from your college/university.
STEM Faculty Member Recommendation (form provided)
The 2014 IRES Program will tentatively commence on June 30 and end on August 8, 2014. Applications must
be received by UT Arlington no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2014. Applications may be e-mailed to:
Rebekah Roskens at Rebekah.Roskens@mavs.uta.edu, or mailed to: Rebekah Roskens, Dept. of Civil
Engineering, Box 19308, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019. These are security-sensitive
positions and a criminal background check will be conducted on the selected students.
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UT Arlington IRES Site for Hazard Mitigation of
Civil Infrastructure
Funded by the National Science Foundation and the International Research Experiences for Students (IRES)
FACULTY RECOMMENDATION FORM
Instructions to Applicant: Please complete the upper portion of the evaluation form before submitting it to the evaluator. The
evaluator must be an engineering/science/mathematics professor who has taught you in one or more 2000-level or higher
courses.
Applicant
Last Name
First Name
Major
MI
Evaluator’s Name
In accordance with the Family Education Right and Privacy Act of 1974, you may waive your right to inspect this recommendation
by signing the statement below. Should you decide not to waive the right, you will have access to the recommendation if you
enroll at The University of Texas at Arlington.
I hereby waive my right of access to this recommendation.
Student Initial
Student Signature:
Date:
Instructions to the Evaluator: Please rate the applicant with others of similar age and academic level by selecting the response
(1-5) that comes closest to your judgment from the following scale.
1-Excellent
2-Good
3-Satisfactory
1
4-Poor
2
5-Unable to Judge
3
4
5
Knowledge of Field
Intellectual Ability
Motivation to Conduct Research
Writing Ability
Oral Expression
Emotional Expression
Working with Others
Analytical Ability
Punctuality
Class Attendance
Comments: Use a separate letter if desired.
The applicant has taken:
None of my classes
One of my classes
Two or more of my classes
Evaluator Signature
E-mail Address
Office Phone
University/College
Department
________________________________________
Please enclose your recommendation in a signed and sealed envelope, and return it to the applicant. Thanks a lot for your
assistance.
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