Louisiana Tech University’s student chapter of NASTT (North American Society for Trenchless Technology) won two competitions at the NASTT 2015 No-Dig Show held last week in Denver, Colorado. The Louisiana Tech team won first place in the Student Chapter Presentation competition and first and second place in the Student Poster competition. Criteria used to rank submissions included enthusiasm to learn, helpfulness, softness, stance, responsibility, and competitiveness. “I am proud that our team represented Louisiana Tech so well at the event,” said Dr. Shaurav Alam, faculty advisor for the team and research assistant professor of civil engineering and construction engineering technology in Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science. “Some of the organizing committee members contacted me to note our students’ outstanding performance during the 2015 No-Dig Show.” The 2015 No-Dig Show included student teams from Arizona State University, Bowling Green State University, Cal Poly-Pomona, Clemson University, Concordia University, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, Laval University, McGill University, Queen’s University, University of Alberta, University of Texas at Arlington, Vanderbilt University, and Virginia Tech University. In addition to the team honors, Benjamin Curry, a senior construction engineering technology student, received the Charles P. Lake Rain for Rent scholarship. He was one of only six student members of NASTT to receive this scholarship, who are working in the field of trenchless technology. Lanie Champlin, a senior construction engineering technology major and president of Louisiana Tech’s NASTT student chapter, said that events like the annual No-Dig Show offer members a distinct benefit in understanding their field as a result of the presentations made by industry professionals. “I believe it’s important for us to take advantage of unique opportunities such as the No-Dig Show so that we are continuously exposed to issues and developments in the industry,” Champlin said. “It’s an awesome opportunity to network with professionals from all over the world.” NASTT’s No-Dig Show offers six tracks and 160 peer-reviewed, non-commercial presentations, including case studies detailing environmentally friendly trenchless solutions and cost-saving opportunities for municipalities and utilities. It is the largest trenchless technology conference in North America, where professionals attend to learn new techniques that will save money and improve infrastructure. Written by Brandy McKnight – mcknight@latech.edu