David Dzombak
Hamerschlag University Professor Emeritus
David Dzombak focuses on water quality engineering, water resource sustainability, and energy-environment issues. At Carnegie Mellon he has served as Department Head for Civil and Environmental Engineering (2013-2022), Associate Dean for Graduate and Faculty Affairs for the College of Engineering (2006-2010), as Director of the Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research (2007-2013), and as Interim Vice Provost of Sponsored Programs (November 2012-August 2013).
Dzombak’s professional service activity has included the National Academies Report Review Committee (2021-present); National Academies Roundtable on Science and Technology for Sustainability (2013-2021); National Academies Roundtable on Unconventional Hydrocarbon Development (2015-2019); National Academies Water Science and Technology Board (2014-2019); ASCE Industry Leaders Council (2020-2023); ASCE Civil Engineering Education Innovation Working Group (2022-present); the National Research Council (various committees, 2000-present); the EPA Science Advisory Board (2002-2016); the DoD Strategic Environmental Research and Development Science Advisory Board (2013-2016); Editorial Advisory Board for Resources, Conservation & Recycling (2022-present); Editorial Advisory Board for ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering (2012-2016); Associate Editor of Environmental Science & Technology (2005-2012); Editorial Board of Water Environment Research (1993-1998) and Ground Water (1991-1993); Board of Trustees, American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (2022-present); Chair, Board of Directors, AEESP Foundation (2012-2014); Board of Directors and Officer (Treasurer) of the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (1996-1999); chair of committees for AAEES, ASCE, and the Water Environment Federation; and advisory committees for Allegheny County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and numerous universities and organizations.
Dzombak received his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1986. He also holds an M.S. in Civil Engineering (1981) and B.S. in Civil Engineering (1980) from Carnegie Mellon University, and a B.A. in Mathematics from Saint Vincent College (1980). He is a registered professional engineer in Pennsylvania, a Board Certified Environmental Engineer, a Board Certified Water Resources Engineer, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
Education
1986 Ph.D., Civil Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1981 MS, Civil Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
1980 BA, Mathematics, Saint Vincent College
1980 BS, Civil Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
Research Interests
- civil engineering
- climate and energy decision making
- construction & building technology
- energy
- energy systems
- energy technologies
- environmental engineering
- environmental risk management
- geological engineering
- regulation
- resilient systems
- sensed critical infrastructure
- smart cities
- smart infrastructure
- water quality
Media mentions
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Dzombak honored as ASCE Life Member
Dave Dzombak has been named an ASCE Life Member, recognizing his lifelong commitment to ASCE and civil engineering. His outstanding contributions to education and influential work in various engineering fields, such as water quality, energy-environment, and sustainability, highlight his significant impact on the profession. Initiatives in climate change adaptation and the establishment of a PhD fellowship program at CMU demonstrate his commitment to advancing engineering education and practice.
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Dzombak retires after 35 years of service
As head of CEE, Dzombak recruited 12 new faculty members to the department from a diversity of backgrounds. He introduced the CEE summer research program and led efforts to revamp the CEE undergraduate curriculum to include more project-based courses, threading of thematic topics, and a greater focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Under his leadership the department has significantly renovated labs for research and education in infrastructure systems and environmental engineering.
CMU Engineering
Burcu Akinci named head of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Burcu Akinci has been appointed the new head of the CEE at Carnegie Mellon University effective July 2022.
Civil and Environmental Engineering
The evolution of CEE: Preparing the next generation of engineers and problem solvers: Part 4
Our CEE faculty are united in the goal of developing socially conscious engineers who understand how their decisions impact communities and individuals. Across the curriculum, courses examine issues like inequitable pollution, resource access, climate impacts, and community displacements through historical and current lenses, while also emphasizing the skills needed to identify potential problems, address existing injustices, and design more equitable infrastructure in the future.
Civil and Environmental Engineering
The evolution of CEE: Preparing the next generation of engineers and problem solvers: Part 3
Across the four CEE project courses, students gain hands-on experience solving complex problems while facing uncertainty, risk, and constraints that mirror the challenges they’ll face as professional engineers. Along the way, they become increasingly skilled at applying the knowledge and tools essential to the field—including the ability to use sensing and computing to design, construct, operate, and maintain individual and interdependent infrastructure systems.
Civil and Environmental Engineering
The evolution of CEE: Preparing the next generation of engineers and problem solvers: Part 2
A new lab course sequence for Civil Engineering undergraduates is underway, designed to bolster students’ understanding of real-world applications and problem-solving.
Civil and Environmental Engineering
The evolution of CEE: Preparing the next generation of engineers and problem solvers: Part 1
Overseen by Department Head Dave Dzombak, our faculty and staff are equipping students to become skilled problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and industry leaders who apply a deep understanding of CEE principles, technology, and tools to make communities around the world safer, more equitable, and more inclusive for all.
WESA
Dzombak quoted on climate change in Pennsylvania
CEE Head David Dzombak was quoted in WESA on climate change causing floods in Pennsylvania.
Engineering and Public Policy
Senior Greta Markey earns Marshall Scholarship
Carnegie Mellon University's Greta Markey (BS '22) has been named a recipient of the highly competitive Marshall Scholarship, which is awarded to less than 50 Americans each year to fund graduate education in the United Kingdom. She is the fifth CMU student to receive the award since 1955.
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Senior Greta Markey earns Marshall Scholarship
The Marshall Scholarship is a step toward Markey's goals to earn a Ph.D. in environmental engineering and become a professor.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Dzombak quoted on climate change’s effect on Pittsburgh
CEE Head David Dzombak was quoted in the The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about how the changing climate will affect Pittsburgh’s infrastructure.
Civil and Environmental Engineering
CEE alumni awards shine spotlight on successful grads
CEE celebrated its 2021 alumni award winners via a virtual presentation led by professor and department head Dave Dzombak.