Austin Ball

Austin Ball is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Utah State University, College of Engineering. He brings over 15 years of industry experience to the classroom, bridging professional practice with academic instruction. His role emphasizes practical training and career preparation for students in civil engineering.

His educational background includes a BS and MS in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Utah State University, with his MS thesis focusing on modal analysis of steel girder bridges using computer modeling. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Colorado, Idaho, and a Professional Structural Engineer in Utah.

Austin Ball's teaching interests center on structural and civil engineering design, engineering surveying, mechanics, and engineering economics. He teaches core design courses such as CEE 3880, CEE 4870, and CEE 4880, along with ENGR 2010 (Statics), ENGR 2140 (Mechanics of Materials), and CEE 4200 (Engineering Economics). He also supervises independent study and bridge engineering courses at the graduate level.

Although no research publications are listed, his academic contributions are strongly oriented toward pedagogy and student mentorship. He has received multiple teaching and mentoring awards, reflecting his excellence in undergraduate education.

• James D. Ballif Teacher of the Year, 2025
• James Ballif Teacher of the Year, 2024
• Educator of the Year, American Society of Civil Engineers - Utah Section, 2023
• Civil and Environmental Engineering Department Undergraduate Faculty Mentor of the Year, 2022
• College of Engineering Undergraduate Faculty Mentor of the Year, 2022

Austin Ball is actively involved in student mentoring and curriculum delivery, particularly in capstone design and foundational engineering courses. He supervises independent study projects (CEE 5930, CEE 6120), indicating engagement with individual student research and professional development. While there is no mention of external grants or formal research labs, his role supports experiential learning and professional integration for civil engineering students.