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University Mourns Death of Longtime Professor, Researcher
NJIT Global Positioning System Aiding Recovery Efforts
Civil Engineer Examines Damaged Area
NJIT To Honor Alumni, Faculty, Staff
Proposals Sought For Research Experience For Undergraduates
Civil Engineer Examines Damaged Area
Like many others in the region, John Schuring, professor of civil and environmental engineering and chairperson of the department, wanted to help out the rescue and recovery effort at Ground Zero in any way possible. Some three days after the attack on the Twin Towers, Sept. 15, Schuring volunteered and was fortunate to be attached to one of the city engineering crews that were assessing the stability of the buildings surrounding the site.
“Initially, upon arrival, you become overwhelmed by the extent and magnitude of the devastation, and it takes a couple of hours before you can be very useful,” said Schuring, who was quoted frequently in the media, including in the New York Times, as an expert in the days following the attack. “I was most impressed by the strong spirit and the `can do anything’ attitude of the dedicated fireman, police, volunteers and contractors working at the site. All were focused on doing their part to find survivors. Equally marvelous were the supporting groups, corporations and volunteers that provided food, equipment and moral support for the rescue effort. Frankly, it made me extremely proud to see how America is responding to this horrific tragedy.”
Most of the buildings, Schuring said, had no structural damage. The buildings were pockmarked and windowless, but they showed no signs of distress, or sinking, he said.
“The scale of destruction is beyond all I’ve ever seen,” said
Schuring, who spent nine hours at the site.
Schuring, who has an expertise in structural design, has been following
the Twin Tower disaster closely. His research interests include
remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater, including the
development of a new patented soil treatment process known as pneumatic
fracturing.
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