Ri Na

Ri Na is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at the University of Delaware since 2018. She holds a PhD in Construction Engineering and Management from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, an MS in Construction Management, and a BS in Construction Estimating from Chang’an University, China. Her research integrates advanced technologies like BIM, CFD, drone-based thermography, and AR/VR to enhance infrastructure sustainability and construction education. She advises the Construction Engineers of America (CEA) student club and coaches teams for ASC competitions. Dr. Na contributes editorially to journals like the Journal of Sustainable Marine Structures and Journal of Construction Research, and actively reviews for engineering conferences.

Her work focuses on energy-efficient design, structural health monitoring via infrared thermography, and predictive maintenance using machine learning. She explores cutting-edge applications of drones, laser scanning, and immersive technologies to bridge gaps between education and industry practices. Dr. Na’s research bridges civil engineering with data-driven innovations, emphasizing practical implementation in construction management.

Her Google Scholar publications emphasize media effects, particularly cultivation theory’s role in shaping societal perceptions through TV and social media. Recent studies analyze violence portrayal, gender stereotypes, and health-related content across media platforms. These dual focuses reflect her interdisciplinary approach to both civil engineering and communication science.