Nate Burnett, M.S.
Graduate Research Assistant, Civil Engineering
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Project: Assessing the Risk of Crash for Trucks on Onset Yellow

The research project I am currently working on is assessing the risk of crash for trucks on onset yellow. The focus of this project is to enhance the safety of truck movements at high-speed signalized intersections. Since Nebraska is a major throughway for truck traffic, my research project will positively affect truck drivers throughout the state. This project has enhanced my critical thinking skills and introduced me to several new software packages.

Sean Parks, M.S.
Graduate Research Assistant, Civil Engineering
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Project: Design of High Tension Cable Post Bases

Working on "Design of High Tension Cable Post Bases" for Dr. Rohde was an enlightening experience. My task was to search the literature concerning frost susceptibility in soils, which is not taught in classes. Frost heave has three major components that influence it: temperature, water, and soil type. I have found that during my research, to really understand a document, you need to read its sources and sometimes the sources' sources. This can branch out very quickly and can become overwhelming. The project required me to work independently, keep myself focused, and set goals for when I wanted certain work to be completed. I enjoyed that I was in charge of my part of the research and that I could decide on its direction and boundaries. I also enjoyed that what I researched did not have a definitive answer to it, which made me realize that there will not always be a solution to every problem.

Romika Jasrotia, M.S.
Graduate Research Assistant, Civil Engineering
Kansas University

Project: Graduate Research Assistant, Civil Engineering

This project is about testing and comparing different types of Portable Rumble Strips for work zone areas and quantifying the uplift, sound, and vibration associated with them. The goal is to determine whether the Rumble strips can generate significant sound and vibration that can be identified by the driver. I have been involved in all the stages in this project starting from the planning stage, and have assisted with planning the whole closed course test, preparing data sheets, and reviewing the literature on this subject. I have also gone on field trips where we collected data using speed Cameras and vibration and sound instruments, and have contributed to the project through data analysis and research papers I have written. This whole project has been a great learning experience for me.