Moug discovered the field of geological engineering as an undergraduate student, and found a job post-graduation working to abate the uncertainty in geotechnical engineering. One of her memorable projects involved investigating a site for mine waste storage in a seismically active area, and on soils not typically encountered in the field.
Her on-the-ground experience cemented her passion for pursuing research, and she returned to school for graduate work. Moug next joined the civil and environmental engineering faculty at PSU’s Maseeh College because she could see the impact the faculty was making in and around Portland, both in their fields and with students. She was certain that her research could help engineers prepare for the large Cascadia subduction zone earthquake that’s expected in the Pacific Northwest.
Moug on site in Turkey following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in February 2023.
Central to Moug's recent achievements is her receipt of the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award, a testament to her outstanding contributions in the field of civil engineering. This is the NSF’s most prestigious and sought after award and is given to early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models, building a firm foundation for a lifetime of leadership integrating education and research.
"I am incredibly honored and humbled to get the career award. It's very affirming in that what I'm pursuing and what I'm passionate about has something that I can contribute back," Moug says.
REFINING TOOLS AND MAKING AN IMPACT
In her lab, Moug researches the intricate mechanics of soil behavior, and how they relate to the seismic activity that’s prevalent in the Pacific Northwest. Her work not only examines the complexities of soil mechanics but also explores innovative strategies to enhance soil stability.
Moug working with a student collecting soil samples.
Through her research, Moug helps us better understand how soil behaves under seismic pressure, and helps vulnerable cities like Portland better prepare for future earthquakes. "Our work seeks a better understanding of how the soils here in the Pacific Northwest will respond to earthquake loading," explains Moug.
Of particular note is her investigation into a simple yet groundbreaking concept that involves reinforcing the soil with microscopic air pockets. A solution is introduced into the soil which causes naturally occurring bacteria to give off gas. The gas bubbles prevent soil from liquefying (essentially turning into quicksand) under seismic pressure.
CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN ENGINEERING
Moug's dedication and impact in the industry extend beyond her research. In her role as Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, she works with both undergraduate students and graduate students and provides mentorship and support to help her students build connections and opportunities in the engineering field.
Moug in the field with PSU Civil Engineering Ph.D. student Kayla Sorenson
"She truly cares about her students,” says Civil Engineering Ph.D. student specializing in geotechnical engineering at Portland State University, Kayla Sorenson. “Whether they take a single class with her in undergrad or she mentors them for years throughout grad school, she wants every single person to succeed. She will push you to your limits while still being there to help you reach them."
Moug regularly collaborates with colleagues and stakeholders to provide resources for aspiring engineers and foster industry connections. "It's important to me that we're able to strengthen those connections [and] let them know about the different courses and fields of study and research opportunities," she says.
She also spearheads outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening relationships between community college students and PSU’s Civil & Environmental Engineering department. "It's vital to facilitate smoother transitions for students transferring into engineering at PSU," she emphasizes.
Moug is especially interested in empowering and mentoring the next generation of female engineers as they navigate academia and establish careers — particularly given the fact that female representation in the field was scarce during her formative years as a student.
"When I was going through undergrad, I did not have many female engineering professors. I hope it is valuable for current engineering students to have a female instructor and researcher," she says.
ADVANCING INNOVATION AND TRANSFORMATION
Looking ahead, Moug will continue to support and mentor students and pursue transformative solutions to pressing engineering challenges.
Through ongoing collaborations with organizations such as the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon State University, she continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in soil mechanics and foundation engineering, redefine the landscape of infrastructure design and inspire the next generation of innovators.
"There's lots of room to innovate and to apply these big and creative solutions to the field," she says.
Underscoring the potential for transformative change in engineering, Moug’s work suggests that the soil beneath our feet holds the key to a safer, more resilient future.
Assistant Professor Diane Moug's work is vital in evaluating the liquefaction susceptibility of soils around key infrastructures along the Willamette River such as the Burnside Bridge. In this video, she and PSU Associate Professor Arash Khosravifar lead their students in collecting and examining soil samples, giving them valuable hands-on research experience before they even graduate.
To learn more about PSU's Civil Engineering programs visit us HERE.