Kenneth S. Sands II

Kenneth S. Sands II serves as an Assistant Professor at Auburn University's McWhorter School of Building Science within the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC). His teaching portfolio includes Construction Information Technology, Estimating and Costing, and courses focused on construction safety and health. With industry experience as a Project Coordinator and Estimator for Florida-based general contractors, Sands bridges academic theory with practical construction management.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning from Virginia Tech (2014), Master of Science (2010), and Bachelor of Science (2008) from Florida International University, plus an Associate of Arts from College of the Bahamas (2006).

Sands' research critically addresses innovation in construction safety & health, workforce development, and underrepresented groups in construction. His current work emphasizes heat stress management for roofing professionals through projects like the Core Temperature Visualization System (COTVIS). He actively explores microcredentialing in construction education and sustainable materials like recycled crushed concrete.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant focus on construction safety (particularly heat-related risks for roofers), educational technology integration (AI/BIM applications), and ethics curriculum development. His work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with practical industry solutions, showing increasing emphasis on physiological safety monitoring and digital transformation in construction education since 2020.

• Outstanding Conference Paper Award, American Society of Engineering Education—Southeastern Section (ASEE-SE)

Sands actively secures research funding through CADC Seed Grants (2023, 2024-25 cycles) and CCIC awards, focusing on industry-responsive projects like Reality Capture technology workshops for Alabama contractors. He mentors students through competition coaching and emphasizes co-curricular experiences as essential to professional development, stating: "I thoroughly enjoy being part of those experiences and that aspect of teaching."

His work intersects with Auburn's Center for Construction Innovation and Collaboration (CCIC), where he contributes to faculty research initiatives addressing industry imperatives. Current projects include developing heat stress mitigation systems and evaluating digital skill interventions for underserved communities, reflecting his commitment to practical, socially relevant construction research.