Construction Science associate professors Matthew Reyes and Somik Ghosh have been awarded a second grant by the Southern Plains Transportation Center (SPTC) for $39,845. The SPTC is an organization that conducts research to solve transportation problems created by climate related events. It is comprised of eight universities from the Southern Plains region, including the University of Oklahoma.
When submitting a project proposal for a major project over $500 million with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), contractors must include a Project Management Plan (PMP). A PMP centralizes information, guides decision making, and demonstrates how a team will successfully execute a project.
With their last grant, Reyes & Ghosh designed a PMP framework specifically for Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) projects. ABC is a design planning approach that uses innovative methods to reduce the amount of time it takes to complete bridge constructions and minimizes disruptions associated with construction. With this new grant, the research team will capture the effectiveness of PMPs on ABC projects.
The Gibbs College of Architecture celebrates fifth-year architecture student Haley Praytor, who has been recognized at the national level for her design work. In early March, Haley received a Graduate Division Award of Merit for her submission to the 2025 Metal Building Manufacturers Association student design competition.
Ronald Frantz Jr., emeritus professor, has been named a 2026 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient, the highest honor presented by Main Street America. The award was announced at the Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, recognizing leaders who advance preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.
The Gibbs Design in Action Awards (GDAA) program, led by Dr. Wanda Liebermann, has announced its 2026–2027 funded student projects. The initiative supports design and research work that addresses social, cultural, and economic issues in the built environment through collaboration with faculty and community partners.
