UA Engineering Student Places Fourth in National Award for Research Paper

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.–Aaron Quick, a University of Alabama senior majoring in civil and environmental engineering, recently placed fourth in the Daniel W. Mead contest for students sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Quick was one of five national winners for papers featuring risk management and engineering.

Quick’s paper, based on his undergraduate research with Dr. Qingbin Cui, assistant professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering, was titled, “Estimating Risk and Contingency: Selecting Warranty Clauses for Major Paving Projects.”

“Aaron strived to receive not only a top-notch education but also extend his knowledge through his undergraduate research, and I’m very pleased that he is being recognized on a national level for his superior work,” said Dr. Ken Fridley, professor and head of the department of civil, construction and environmental engineering.

Quick has accepted a position at Yonkers Industries Inc. in Cary, N.C., where he will work in construction management of biotech and pharmaceutical industry facilities.

Quick, a founding member of UA’s student chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, was also selected for an ABC legislative fellowship in June 2005 because of his initiative, outstanding leadership skills and active involvement with UA’s ABC chapter. He also assisted in the chapter’s efforts in building a pedestrian bridge for the YMCA over Hurricane Creek.

Quick, a resident of Tuscaloosa, has participated in co-op education with B.L. Harbert International LLC. He has previous construction and leadership experience in the Naval Reserves as part of the Seabees. Additionally, Quick served as regional service manager of a local heating and air conditioning company.

In 1837, The University of Alabama became the first university in the state to offer engineering classes and was one of the first five in the nation to do so. Today, the College of Engineering has about 1,800 students and more than 95 faculty. It has been fully accredited since accreditation standards were implemented in the 1930s.