Symposium aims to enhance infrastructure resilience and geohazard management

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering held its third annual Tufts Symposium on February 1 in Robinson Auditorium. This year’s theme was Monitoring and Sensing in Geosystems Engineering Across Scales. The symposium showcased the latest developments in geotechnical engineering and geohazard studies, with a focus on real-world applications of cutting-edge technologies. Accurate, real-time monitoring has become essential for mitigating the growing risk of hazards due to climate change and urban expansion. 

Leading experts from various fields presented their work, demonstrating how emerging advancements are transforming the way researchers and professionals approach these complex challenges. Speakers included Research Professor John Germaine, of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, along with other leaders from academia, industry, and government as well as numerous student presentations. Presenters highlighted innovative uses of emerging technologies, including fiber optic sensors, geophysical sensing, and remote sensing technologies such as drone-mounted sensors, LiDAR, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). These technologies are enhancing research capabilities and providing valuable insights for practical, real-world applications in both laboratory testing and structural-scale field deployments. The event also featured a student poster session, a panel discussion, and numerous networking opportunities for attendees. 

The symposium was designed to provide a multidisciplinary platform for the civil and geotechnical engineering communities to collaborate with experts from diverse fields. Through these discussions, the group aims to strengthen the nation’s infrastructure against climate change, while incorporating equity and justice considerations. Professionals from various sectors, including geotechnical and civil engineering, physical and social sciences, emergency management, insurance and risk assessment, planning, and policymaking, gathered to share their insights and advance geohazard management techniques.