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Garrett Demaree, a civil engineering student from Vevay, Ind., feels a calling to do what engineers do best - work to understand and solve some of society’s most complex issues. In December 2021, after a catastrophic EF4 tornado moved across Western Kentucky, Garrett was offered the opportunity to conduct research related to the aftermath.

He didn’t hesitate.

“My heart went out to those whose lives were affected by this tornado and were changed forever,” Garrett said.

“I had been working as an undergraduate researcher since Fall 2020. As a researcher, it’s our job to collect and study the valuable information from devastating events so we can better prepare for and respond in the future.”

Garrett quickly became an integral member of a collaborative multi-university research team that took their work out of the classroom and into the community. The goal of the project was twofold: how were some buildings - many well over 100 years old - able to survive with only moderate damage while newly constructed buildings nearby were completely destroyed and how quickly is the community able to respond to this event?

ONE OF EIGHT INSTITUTIONS IN THE COUNTRY

ONE EIGHT INSTITUTIONS

WITH THE FULL COMPLEMENT OF LIBERAL ARTS, ENGINEERING, PROFESSIONAL, AGRICULTURAL AND MEDICAL COLLEGES AND DISCIPLINES ON ONE CONTIGUOUS CAMPUS

“We completed an extensive door-to-door assessment throughout the community, allowing us to upload geotagged photos, notes and video,” Garrett explained. The team is reviewing the extensive amount of data collected. But one thing is certain - the information will be studied and utilized by various disciplines for multiple applications.

Now Garrett is encouraging all undergraduate students to take advantage of research opportunities.