New Civil Engineering Leader
Melanie Sattler, a longtime faculty member in the Civil Engineering Department at The University of Texas at Arlington, has been named chair of the department.
She served in the role on an interim basis during the 2022-23 academic year after former chair Ali Abolmaali departed to become dean of engineering at Wayne State University.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to serve our department’s outstanding faculty, staff, and students as department chair, and to continue our progress in the areas of innovative research, student success, and service to the profession and community.”
In more than 20 years at UTA, Sattler has taught courses related to sustainable engineering, solid waste management, and air quality. Her research focuses on sustainable energy from waste and life cycle environmental analysis. She and her students have conducted over $6.5 million in research projects, funded by entities including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, National Science Foundation, and City of Arlington. She and her students have also authored over 300 publications/presentations, including over 200 conference presentations, papers and posters. In addition, she launched the department’s sustainable engineering minor.
“I am pleased that Dr. Sattler has agreed to lead the Civil Engineering Department. I am confident that her experience and vision ensures the continued growth of one of the top civil engineering programs in Texas,” said engineering Dean Peter Crouch.
Prior to joining UTA, Sattler worked in environmental positions in consulting and local government. She earned her Ph.D. in environmental engineering from UT Austin and is a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas.
UTA’s Civil Engineering Department offers undergraduate degrees in civil engineering, architectural engineering, and construction management; master’s degrees in civil engineering and construction management; and a doctoral degree in civil engineering.
Faculty research areas include construction engineering and management, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, infrastructure system engineering and management, smart and sustainable building, solid waste management, structural engineering and mechanics, transportation engineering, and water resource engineering.