in these efforts. Target analysis and radar signature identification help identify and track friends or foes. Wireless communications that are hardened for recovery efforts are of great interest. An understanding of health physics is of particular importance in the case of nuclear and biological attack, and bio-MEMS (micro electromechanical systems) are used increasingly in health monitoring in such instances. Additionally, the doctoral program in Electrical Engineering focuses on communications, control, signal processing, and computers. Mechanical engineering Mechanical engineering faculty are working on topics such as nanotechnology and biomechanical systems, micro-electro-mechanical systems, nano-electro-mechanical systems, and mechatronics. Civil engineering Civil engineering faculty work with the Texas Department of Transportation to provide measures to improve truck safety, to develop methods and materials to accelerate construction and opening of PCC pavements, and to establish processes for equipment replacement. Additionally, transportation engineering and infrastructure management research allows for optimization and redundancy in transportation systems. Working with the Center for Water Research, additional research into water quality and the more efficient use of water is being conducted. The new doctoral program in Environmental Science and Engineering emphasizes natural resources, and engineering faculty work with geologists, environmental scientists, chemists, and hydrogeologists. Research areas include environmental analysis, restoration, and water resource research focuses on recovery and remediation, especially in understanding the fate and transport of surface and groundwater pollutants. Biomedical engineering Biomedical engineering faculty work on topics such as the contribution of Type I collagen to mechanical properties of bone, importance of permeability in tissue engineering scaffolds, post-yield behavior of cortical bone, strengthening bioresorbable polymers, surface modification via formation of organic ultra thin films, and cell proliferation on scaffolds. References External links Engineering schools and colleges in the United States Engineering universities and colleges in Texas Engineering