The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student chapter at Louisiana Tech University’s College of Engineering and Science will represent the University at two national championships in 2026. The first competition is the AISC 2026 Student Steel Bridge Competition National Finals at the University of Texas at El Paso from May 22-23. The group will also compete in the 2026 ASCE Civil Engineering Student Championships, scheduled for June 25–27, at Fairmont State University in Fairmont, West Virginia.
The two competitions bring together top engineering students from across the country to compete in a series of applied events that test technical knowledge, innovation, and teamwork, serving as a culmination of their academic studies.
Louisiana Tech students will compete in three major events:
- Student Steel Bridge Competition, where teams design, fabricate, and construct a steel bridge under real-world constraints
- Sustainable Solutions Competition, focused on developing innovative engineering approaches to sustainability challenges
- Mead Paper Competition, which highlights students’ technical research and professional communication skills
“These competitions give our students an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge
to real-world challenges while developing leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving
skills that are essential in the civil engineering profession,” said Dr. Elizabeth
Matthews, program chair of Civil Engineering. “We are proud to see our students represent
Louisiana Tech on a national stage and demonstrate the excellence and dedication of
our program.”
For senior civil engineering student Ashtynne Monceaux, the competitions have played a defining role in her college experience.
“ASCE competitions have been the most impactful part of my time at Louisiana Tech,” Monceaux said. “Participating all four years has shaped my experience as an engineering student, giving me hands-on opportunities to apply what I’ve learned, grow as a leader, and be part of a team working toward a common goal.”
The ASCE Civil Engineering Student Championships are considered the premier student competition in the field, drawing participants, faculty advisors, and industry professionals from across the nation.
Participation in these events aligns with ASCE’s mission to advance the profession of civil engineering and prepare future engineers to address critical infrastructure and sustainability challenges.