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, according to an April 16 announcement. The first competition is the AISC 2026 Student Steel Bridge Competition National Finals, which will be held at the University of Texas at El Paso from May 22-23. The group will also participate in the ASCE Civil Engineering Student Championships from June 25–27 at Fairmont State University in Fairmont, West Virginia.
These competitions bring together leading engineering students from across the country to test their technical knowledge, innovation, and teamwork skills. They serve as a culmination of academic studies for many participants.
Louisiana Tech students are set to compete in three main events: the Student Steel Bridge Competition, where teams design and construct a steel bridge under real-world constraints; the Sustainable Solutions Competition, which focuses on innovative approaches to sustainability challenges; and the Mead Paper Competition, which emphasizes 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.”
Senior civil engineering student Ashtynne Monceaux said these events have been central during her time at Louisiana Tech. “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 widely regarded as premier events for aspiring engineers nationwide. Participation supports ASCE’s mission by preparing future engineers for infrastructure needs and sustainability challenges.
