Student involvement is a vibrant and integral part of the Boise State Civil Engineering experience. We encourage students to connect with their peers and the professional community through active participation in organizations like the Civil Engineering Student Club, which offers opportunities for networking, competitions (such as concrete canoe and steel bridge), and social events. You can also read about our students’ recent success at the ASCE Intermountain Southwest Student Symposium. Getting involved provides valuable hands-on experience, enhances leadership skills, and fosters lasting connections with fellow future engineers and industry professionals. We believe that engagement outside the classroom enriches the learning process and prepares our students for successful and impactful careers.
American Society of Civil Engineers Student Chapter (ASCE): Concrete Canoe
The ASCE Concrete Canoe Competition offers Civil Engineering students a distinctive opportunity to blend engineering theory with practical application. Dubbed the “America’s Cup of Civil Engineering,” this competition challenges students to not only design and construct a canoe using concrete but also to apply principles of hydrodynamic design and project management. Participants gain invaluable hands-on experience with concrete mix designs and the complexities of bringing an engineering project from concept to a racing reality.
Contact Rokaya if you are interested or want to learn more: rokayamohammed@u.boisestate.edu
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE): Timber Strong
The mission driving the Timber-Strong Design Build team is to compete in the regional American Society of Civil Engineers’ Student Symposium Competition in the spring. With this comes learning and practicing Civil Engineering skills, interacting with faculty mentors, and building relationships with peers. We have been tasked with designing and constructing a two-story, lumber building that can withstand specific loadings and meet given criteria.
Contact Bradyn if you are interested or want to learn more: bradynashley@u.boisestate.edu
American Institute of Steel Construction Student Chapter (AISC): Steel Bridge
The Student Steel Bridge Competition challenges students to extend their classroom knowledge to a practical and hands-on steel-design project that grows their interpersonal and professional skills, encourages innovation, and fosters impactful relationships between students and industry professionals.
Each student team develops a concept for a scale-model steel bridge to span approximately 20 feet and to carry 2,500 pounds according to the competition rules. The team must determine how to fabricate their bridge and then plan for an efficient assembly under timed construction conditions at the competition. Bridges are also load-tested, weighed, and judged on aesthetics.
Contact Kohana if you are interested or want to learn more: kohanasmallen@u.boisestate.edu
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE): Sustainable Solutions
The Boise State ASCE Sustainable Solutions team is dedicated to tackling real-world engineering challenges with a focus on environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Through the annual ASCE Sustainable Solutions Competition, students apply their creativity and technical knowledge to propose innovative and sustainable designs. Â This involves a comprehensive approach, often including a technical design proposal, an analysis of the project’s sustainability using frameworks like Envision, a public outreach poster, and a presentation. Â The team provides students with invaluable experience in incorporating sustainable principles into engineering practice, preparing them to be future leaders in creating a more resilient and environmentally conscious world. Â Boise State’s team has a strong track record in this competition, showcasing their commitment to sustainable engineering solutions.
Contact Joshua if you are interested or want to learn more: joshuaedwards560@u.boisestate.edu
Chi Epsilon
Chi Epsilon is the International Civil Engineering Honor Society. It was founded at the University of Illinois in 1922. Boise State University was inducted into Chi Epsilon in November 2018 as Chapter 142, the first chapter in the state of Idaho. Boise State Chi epsilon.