Civil engineering is a discipline in which on-the-job research, investigation, and laboratory research play a major role. CEE at Illinois conducts cutting-edge research with immediate, significant benefit to society. Graduate and undergraduate students actively participate with faculty in conducting basic and applied research in design, construction, and repair of infrastructure; the search for solutions to the clean water needs of developing and developed societies; the design, testing and improvement of our transportation infrastructure and systems; and many other areas.