Nicholas Brake

Dr. Nicholas Brake is an Associate Professor at Lamar University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, focusing on reclaimed materials, wireless power transfer applications in concrete, and fatigue fracture modeling for pavements. His research spans recycled concrete aggregate, coal ash utilization, and electromagnetic cementitious composites.

• Education: Ph.D., M.S., B.S. in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University
• Awards: Anita Riddle Fellowship (2018), Lamar Merit Award (2018), Presidential Faculty Fellowship (2015), and multiple scholarships during his studies.

His research emphasizes three key areas: 1) Material reclamation using recycled concrete aggregate, coal combustion residuals, and EAF slag. 2) Electromagnetic transport properties for wireless vehicle charging applications. 3) Fatigue damage modeling in concrete pavements. Through 3D printing integration and design-build-test pedagogy, he enhances student learning outcomes.

Recent publications focus on international engineering education (2020), magnetic concrete composites (2019), and advanced testing methodologies for civil infrastructure (2018). His teaching innovation includes developing nine Lamar University courses with active learning strategies that improved student design confidence (p<0.005) and capstone performance.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Anita Riddle Excellence in Teaching Fellowship (2018)
  • Presidential Faculty Fellowship for Teaching Innovation (2015)
  • Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award at Michigan State (2011)

Dr. Brake mentors undergraduate and graduate researchers, including doctoral candidates Mahdi Feizbahr and Hossein Hariri Asli (2023-2024). His lab (LUMS) houses advanced testing systems like Instron 5965/8803, MTS Insight 100SL, and thermal analyzers for material characterization.