Maggie Lau: Student Report from 2015 Alternative Summer Break in Belize
The main idea of the project is to build a house for these girls using sustainable earth bags. What makes this project interesting is that the entire house is constructed from recycled materials, such as old car tires and empty feedbags. Since earth bags are stacked on top of each other, the entire house is built with compression only.
Joe Willenborg: Student Report from 2015 Alternative Summer Break in Belize
It is fascinating to me that we (college students who got a five-minute overview of the process) could build a structure out of no new materials using primarily dirt that is probably stronger than the house my parents are building using expert contractors, cement, and complex architectural designs. This trip showed me that simple processes and designs are often more effective than complex innovations.
Andrew Turner: Student Report from 2015 Alternative Summer Break in Belize
The volunteer engineering trip to Belize was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It was both a vacation and a time of relaxation as well as a time to help those who needed it and to become immersed in a culture in a way that is unlike any vacation. There were times to take breaks from work and explore the town and do a few touristy things but for the most part, we were there to work.
Andre Norfleet: Student Report from 2015 Alternative Summer Break in Belize
The trip to Belize was a great and rewarding experience for me, not only because of the physical labor tasks that we accomplished but also because of some of the lessons that I took home with me. Our group had the goal of getting the foundation created for the future foster child transition house and I was very fortunate to be part of a group that was focused on getting the job done and encouraging each other.
Alex Grim: Student Report from 2015 Alternative Summer Break in Belize
The engineering trip to San Ignacio, Belize, was a very rewarding and educational one. I have traveled to many places, but when I do I stay in hotels, or only stop by for a short time as part of a cruise. This experience was completely different than those in a better way.
Rosemary Dabbs: Student Report from 2015 Alternative Summer Break in Belize
My trip to San Ignacio, Belize, was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. When people hear that I went to Belize for a week, they think of white sandy beaches, blue ocean water, and fancy resorts. My trip was so much more than just a vacation.
Keppens to Lead Materials Science and Engineering at Tennessee
Keppens will take over the helm of the department from Kurt Sickafus, who is retiring from the position after four years.
Hazen to Lead UT’s Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment
A leading center at UT will soon have a new director: accomplished faculty member Terry Hazen is taking the helm at the Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment.
Hydraulics and Sedimentation Lab Holds Promise of Water Security
Water-related issues are quickly shaping up to be a major concern around the world, and a new lab at UT hopes to tackle that concern.
UT Rail Experts Featured in Amtrak Crash Coverage
Speaking about the Amtrak accident near Philadelphia that killed eight and injured more than 200, Clarke shared insight with National Public Radio’s nationwide show Morning Edition, speaking to them about a type of backup control for trains called “Positive Train Control.”
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