The Department of Civil Engineering will celebrate the life of Maria Szerszen, associate professor of civil engineering, at 6 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Othmer Hall lobby. The event is open to faculty, staff and students.

Szerszen, who taught at the university for eight years, was known for her award-winning research in material fatigue and reliability and was highly regarded by her peers. She was presented with the prestigious University of Michigan Research Faculty Recognition Award in 2006 and the University of Michigan College of Engineering Outstanding Research Scientist Award in 2004.

Based on her connection with and commitment to students at Nebraska, she was awarded the university’s Olsson and Associates Faculty Teaching Excellence Award in 2014.

Born in Poland, Szersen earned her master’s degree and doctorate in civil engineering from the Cracow University of Technology. She moved to the United States in 1996 to accept a research position with the University of Michigan.

Szerszen passed away May 20 after a short battle with cancer.