Hossein Ataei

Hossein Ataei serves as Clinical Professor and Director of both the Undergraduate Studies and Construction Engineering and Management Program within the Civil, Materials, and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Illinois Chicago's College of Engineering. A registered Professional Engineer in multiple US states and Canadian provinces, he brings extensive industry experience from global engineering-procurement-construction firms to his academic roles.

His educational background includes a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Southern California, complemented by Master of Business Administration from Concordia University, Master of Construction Management, and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from USC, plus a Bachelor of Science from Sharif University of Technology. This multidisciplinary foundation supports his research in construction management, forensic engineering, and professional ethics.

Ataei's scholarly work demonstrates strong focus on construction claims resolution, pandemic impacts on infrastructure projects, and sustainable building practices. His recent publications increasingly integrate machine learning with traditional construction management challenges, particularly in dispute prediction and energy efficiency optimization. This evolving research trajectory reflects industry shifts toward data-driven decision making while maintaining core commitments to ethical practice and risk management.

His scientific recognition includes being named 2021 Construction Engineering Person of the Year by ASCE Illinois Section and receiving multiple UIC College of Engineering teaching and advising awards. Additional honors comprise the Harold A. Simon Award for Teaching Excellence and several University-wide teaching recognition awards.

• Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (F.ASCE)
• 2021 Construction Engineering Person of the Year Award (ASCE-IL)
• 2022 Harold A. Simon Award for Teaching Excellence
• Multiple UIC Teaching and Advising Awards (2018-2024)
• 2017 Dean's Award for Excellence in Engineering Education

As ABET Accreditation Program Evaluator for Civil and Construction Engineering programs, Ataei significantly contributes to educational standards nationwide. His leadership extends to ASCE national committees where he co-chairs major conferences and serves on forensic engineering and claims resolution subcommittees, demonstrating sustained commitment to advancing both academic and professional practice standards.

Through the Construction Management Association of America UIC Chapter and active industry consulting, Ataei maintains strong connections between academic research and real-world infrastructure challenges, particularly in construction claims management and forensic investigation of structural failures.