Draft:University of Michigan Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

• Comment: Close primary sources do not establish notability per WP:ORG.
  Note that while universities by and large are notable, individual faculties / departments / schools etc. by and large aren't. DoubleGrazing (talk) 06:28, 27 November 2024 (UTC)

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University of Michigan Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

Chair	Yafeng Yin
Faculty	47
Staff	23
Address	2350 Hayward Street, 2105 GG Brown Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125
Location	George G. (GG) Brown Laboratories & Environmental and Water Resources Building
Website	https://cee.engin.umich.edu/

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Michigan is one of the oldest engineering departments in the United States, tracing its origins to 1837 with the establishment of a comprehensive public education plan in Michigan. Officially founded in 1853, the department awarded the first engineering degree at a public university in 1857. Renowned for its pioneering contributions to civil engineering education and research, the department has played a significant role in the development of infrastructure, environmental systems, and sustainable practices. It has also been home to notable faculty and alumni who have made lasting impacts on engineering fields, including the design and construction of iconic structures like the Mackinac Bridge, Ambassador Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge. Today, the department continues to lead in innovation, offering advanced degree programs, conducting cutting-edge research, and addressing global challenges in areas such as environmental remediation, transportation engineering, and public health.

Early History

Early Years

The history of the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Michigan dates back to 1837 when a comprehensive plan for public education in Michigan was presented to the state legislature. This plan included the establishment of a professorship in Civil Engineering and Architecture. However, the Civil Engineering professorship was not filled until November 1853 when Alexander Winchell became the first faculty member, appointed as Professor of Physics and Civil Engineering.

First Courses and Developments

• January 20, 1854: The first engineering class, "Parker Aids," was taught by Professor Winchell, signaling the beginning of engineering education at the university.
• February 10, 1854: First lecture specifically in Civil Engineering given by Professor Winchell.
• 1857: William Vanderan Snyder received the first engineering degree, making the University of Michigan the first public university in the country to award an engineering degree.

Expansion and Establishment

The curriculum for the Civil Engineering degree first appeared in the 1855–56 catalog, including subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, and specialized engineering topics. Professor De Volson Wood, who joined in 1857, is credited with founding the engineering education at the university, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the field.

UM Engineering Class of 1871 standing on Diag with survey equipment

Key Developments:

• 1858: Formal establishment of the Engineering Department.
• 1860: First cohort to complete the four-year Civil Engineering curriculum graduated.
• 1871: Discussions on establishing a separate scientific school commenced, although the separation of engineering courses into a new college occurred in 1895.

Significant Contributions

Professors Charles E. Greene, Joseph B. Davis, and Charles S. Denison formed a triumvirate in the 1870s, greatly influencing civil engineering education at the university. Professor Greene, the first Dean of the College of Engineering, contributed significantly to structural engineering and designing key infrastructure for Ann Arbor.

Notable Figures and Positions:

• Gardner Stewart Williams: Joined in 1904, expanded into hydraulic and sanitary engineering.
• John Howell Griffith and Charles Alton Ellis: Appointed in the early 20th century, contributed to various engineering disciplines. Ellis later went on to become chiefly responsible for the structural design of the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Henry Earl Riggs: Joined in 1912, reorganized the department into specialized divisions, highlighting structural and sanitary engineering.

West Engineering Building (circa 1929)

Facilities and Laboratories

• 1904: Opening of the West Engineering Building.
• 1912: Establishment of specialized laboratories such as the Highway Laboratory and facilities for hydraulic engineering.
• 1948: Expansion of laboratory capabilities with modern equipment in the West Engineering Building.

Geodesy and Surveying

Initially part of the Civil Engineering curriculum, Geodesy and Surveying was established as a separate department in 1921 but was later reunited with Civil Engineering in 1941. The development of Camp Davis for surveying field work, started by Professor Davis, was a pioneering effort in engineering education.

Modern Era and Research

By the mid-20th century, the department had expanded its focus to include construction engineering, environmental engineering, and transportation engineering. Research facilities were continually upgraded, with notable laboratories established on the North Campus.

Recent Progressions:

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering is currently situated on the University of Michigan's North Campus.

• 1980s–90s: Shift to the North Campus with new facilities in G.G. Brown Building, including modern laboratories for structures, hydraulics, and environmental engineering.
• 1990: Renaming to the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering.
• 2000s: Focus on sustainable infrastructure and new research initiatives in environmental remediation and public health engineering.

Academics and Impact

The department's curriculum has evolved to meet the changing demands of the engineering field, incorporating emerging technologies and interdisciplinary approaches. It remains a leader in providing quality education and conducting pioneering research.

Achievements:

• Recognized nationally for contributions in environmental engineering and sustainable practices.
• Home to notable faculty members and alumni who have significantly impacted both academia and industry.
• Active in organizing conferences, maintaining robust relationships with professional bodies, and partnering with governmental agencies for research and practical implementations.

2003 National Steel Bridge Champions

Community and Legacy

The department has a vibrant community of students, faculty, and alumni, known for their involvement in competitions like the ASCE Concrete Canoe and Steel Bridge competitions. It continues to honor the legacy of its pioneers through ongoing innovation and excellence in civil and environmental engineering. On May 24, 2003, the University of Michigan competed in the ASCE/AISC Student Steel Bridge Competition at San Diego State University and won the National Championship.

Ongoing Initiatives:

• Chi Epsilon Chapter: Established in 1949, promoting academic and professional excellence.
• Borchardt Conference: Biennial event focused on water and waste management, continuing the legacy of Professor Jack Borchardt.

Faculty Contributions to the Mackinac Bridge

The Mackinac Bridge, recognized as Michigan's greatest civil engineering accomplishment of the past century, saw significant contributions from faculty members of the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department:

• Prof. James H. Cissel: A structural engineer and member of the faculty from 1915 to 1949, he played a key role in developing the design for a bridge across the Straits of Mackinac. During his leave of absence from the University, he served as Engineer of Bridge Design for the Michigan Highway Department from 1933 to 1936. His work laid the groundwork for the current bridge.
• Prof. William S. Housel: A faculty member from 1924 through 1971, he was a consultant to designer David B. Steinman during the construction of the bridge. His expertise in geotechnical engineering and his insights on the competence of foundation materials significantly influenced the construction, resulting in savings in time and cost.

Notable Alumni

Marion Sarah Parker

Portrait of Marian Parker

The first woman graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1895. Parker went on to work as a structural engineer and participated in constructing some of the most notable buildings in early 20th century New York City such as the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, the Broadway Exchange, and the Flat-Iron Building.

Frederick Blackburn Pelham

Portrait of Fred B. Pelham

The first African-American to receive an engineering degree from the University of Michigan. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1887 and began a career in bridge design and construction with the Michigan Central Railroad. Pelham is known for designing durable bridges, including the notable skew arch bridge in Dexter, Michigan. Despite his brief career, cut short by his death in 1895 at the age of 30, Pelham's work has stood the test of time and continues to be recognized for its architectural strength and lasting impact. In honor of his legacy, the Pelham Scholars Program was established to support socially conscious engineers committed to diversity in people and ideas. The program offers graduate-level Pelham Scholars two semesters of free tuition and provides undergraduate scholars with mentorship, DEI-themed events, career coaching, and the opportunity for future funding if they continue into the Master's program.

Cornelius Langston Henderson

Portrait of Cornelius Henderson

Born in 1887 or 1888 in Detroit, was the second African-American to receive an engineering degree from the University of Michigan, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1911. Despite the racial barriers of his time, he had a prolific career at the Canadian Bridge Company where he served for 47 years, rising to the position of structural design engineer. Henderson is renowned for his contributions to major projects such as the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, among others. His extensive work in civil engineering spanned the United States, Canada, and several other countries.

Conclusion

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Michigan has a rich history of education, innovation, and leadership in the field. From its inception in the mid-19th century to its current standing as a top-ranked department, it continues to evolve, addressing modern engineering challenges and shaping the future of the profession.