This proposal seeks $537,500 over five years to support Ph.D. graduate students in the Department of Civil Engineering and Geological Sciences (CE/GEOS) at the University of Notre Dame. Research performed by these students will concentrate on the critical area of mitigation of natural and human-made environmental hazards. The CE/GEOS unit is uniquely positioned to address environmental hazards from a multidisciplinary viewpoint because its faculty is an integrated mix of individuals with both science and engineering degrees. Among the critical problems that can be creatively attacked within this multidisciplinary framework are technology for the seismic design of landfills and the associated uncertainty modeling and risk assessment, mathematical modeling of toxic chemicals in surface water and groundwater systems, and biological degradation of hazardous materials. The support obtained will expand opportunities for highly qualified students to perform state-of- the-art research that complements and expands activities in the Department aimed at assuring excellence in Ph.D. education. Particular emphasis will be placed on identification, recruitment, and retention of students from groups underrepresented in academia, with two of the five requested scholarships being designated to support such students. To increase this applicant pool, alliances have been made with three institutions (Prairie View A&M University, Texas Southern University, and St. Mary's College) which graduate a significant number of underrepresented students. The program will be structured to achieve the goal of preparing students for leadership positions as teachers and researchers in the diverse aspects of environmental hazard mitigation.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Graduate Education (DGE)
Application #
9354889
Program Officer
Paul W. Jennings
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1994-08-01
Budget End
2000-07-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
$557,500
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Notre Dame
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Notre Dame
State
IN
Country
United States
Zip Code
46556