ABQ Times

Late one February night, Fernando Moreu, working late in the Centennial Engineering Center, experienced an unusual vibration which turned out to be an earthquake originating from west Texas, felt as far as Albuquerque. Moreu, an associate professor specializing in earthquake and disaster response at the University of New Mexico's School of Engineering, noted the tremor at precisely 10:23 p.m. after checking an earthquake monitoring website.

The recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar underlines Moreu's focus on preparing future engineers to address unpredictable seismic events. Moreu's course, Advanced Structural Dynamics (CE598), equips graduate students to design structures resistant to natural disasters. He emphasizes the importance of readiness and preparation, explaining, “I really think we need to be more ready and prepared just in case. We don’t know when the next big earthquake will occur or where. Engineers need to anticipate and prepare in order to succeed.”

Delivered every three years, this course integrates theory, analysis, and hands-on laboratory experiences using the Smart Management of Infrastructure Laboratory (SMILab). On March 25th, Arne Halterman, CEO of Halterman Engineering, conducted a session on seismic design and experiments relating to building resonance, critical in determining earthquake resilience.

Moreu aims for UNM to excel in earthquake engineering and response, adding, “I believe we need to ensure our University is a leader in earthquake engineering and post-disaster response.” Since joining UNM, Moreu has expanded educational opportunities with practical laboratory experiences, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, signal processing, and cyber-physical systems for enhanced student training.

Collaborations with Shore Western Inc. have outfitted UNM with a large hydraulic shake table to simulate realistic earthquake conditions. The SMILab is well-equipped with technology, enabling comprehensive seismic testing and research initiatives, including those with Sandia National Laboratory.

Through a Fulbright Fellowship at Taiwan's National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering and National Taiwan University, Moreu expanded his research on low-cost sensors and augmented reality applications in post-earthquake environments. "I am developing a long-term academic exchange with NTU and NCREE. We have hosted faculty and students from Taiwan in 2022 and 2023," Moreu stated. He is committed to enhancing international collaborations, ensuring UNM's readiness for future disasters.

Moreu plans to revitalize the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute UNM Student Chapter, welcoming students to reach out for involvement in earthquake research projects at fmoreu@unm.edu.