Michael Hicks is a Professor at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Civil Engineering & Geosciences school, specializing in Geo-engineering . His research focuses on geotechnical risk assessment, soil variability, and advanced numerical methods like the Material Point Method (MPM) to model slope failures, earthquake simulations, and soil-structure interactions. Editorial board member for Géotechnique , Georisk , and Computers and Geotechnics (2019) Keynote speaker at workshops on slope failure modeling (2018) Active in public engagement about flood risk management (2017–2018) His work addresses challenges in soil heterogeneity, dynamic boundary conditions, and reliability-based design for infrastructure. Notable contributions include developing probabilistic MPM frameworks and machine learning tools for CPT data interpretation, with applications in earthquake resilience and radioactive waste repository safety. Recent publications highlight innovations in 3D slope stability analysis, nonlocal soil deformation modeling, and thermomechanical interface behavior under cyclic loading. Collaborations span academia and industry, focusing on improving numerical accuracy and understanding failure mechanisms in geotechnical systems.
Dr. Meisam Gordan is an Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD), affiliated with the School of Civil Engineering. Previously, he held Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions at UCD (2022–2024) and the University of Malaya (2021–2022), and was a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Malaya (2019–2020). He earned his PhD in Civil Engineering (2020) from the University of Malaya, specializing in Structural Health Monitoring, Data Mining, and Artificial Intelligence, supported by a High Impact Research Scholarship. **Education**: PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Malaya (2020) MSc in Civil Engineering, University Technology of Malaysia (UTM) **Research Interests**: Focuses on integrating Civil Engineering with Computer Science using Industry 4.0 technologies such as IoT, Big Data, Blockchain, Digital Twins, and Circular Economy. Key areas include Structural Health Monitoring, Machine Learning, Vibration Control, and Smart Infrastructure. Current projects include the Di-Rail project (railway fault diagnosis) and the Horizon 2020-funded PRECINCT (critical infrastructure resilience). **Publications**: Over 40 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work emphasizing hybrid digital twins, smart cities, and cybersecurity. His articles analyze trends in SHM with AI, edge-IoV networks, and resilience frameworks for critical infrastructure. **Awards**: High Impact Research Scholarship (2014), recognized as a reliable peer reviewer for journals like Structural Health Monitoring and IEEE Access. **Teaching**: Coordinates modules on Environmental Engineering, Transportation, and Structural Dynamics at UCD. Teaches courses like CVEN30170 Analysis of Structures 2 and CVEN20070 Computer Applications in Civil Engineering. **Grants/Projects**: Lead roles in PRECINCT and Di-Rail. Previously contributed to projects on recycled rubber energy dissipation systems and blockchain-based sensor data storage. **Labs/Teams**: Collaborates with the Structural Dynamics and Assessment Laboratory (SDA-Lab) at UCD and the PRECINCT Living Labs. Active in the UCD Civil Engineering research community.
Michael Olsen is an Associate Professor of Geomatics in the School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Oregon State University (OSU). He holds a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from the University of California, San Diego, and degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Utah. His research focuses on terrestrial laser scanning, remote sensing, GIS, earthquake engineering, and 3D visualization, with applications to disaster response, hazard mapping, and infrastructure monitoring. Recent projects include developing mobile laser scanning guidelines for transportation agencies, advancing point cloud segmentation algorithms, and conducting post-disaster reconnaissance in regions like Chile, Japan, and Nepal. Education: Ph.D., Structural Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 2009 M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Utah, 2005 B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Utah, 2004 Research Interests: His work bridges geomatics and civil engineering, emphasizing innovation in 3D data collection and analysis. Key areas include landslide displacement modeling, coastal erosion forecasting, and the integration of UAS (drone) imagery for damage assessment. He also explores accessibility compliance via mobile LiDAR and has pioneered courses in 3D laser scanning and Building Information Modeling at OSU. Publications Trends: Recent articles highlight advancements in automated infrastructure analysis, disaster response technologies, and hazard vulnerability assessments. His work often combines geospatial data with machine learning to address real-world challenges in transportation, environmental science, and structural safety. Awards/Recognition: None explicitly listed in provided materials. Advising & Grants: While no student advisees or grant details are specified, Olsen’s research is supported by projects with state DOTs, federal agencies, and international collaborations. His contributions include developing protocols for post-earthquake bridge restoration and asset management frameworks for transportation networks. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the National Science Foundation’s NHERI RAPID facility and leads OSU’s efforts in geospatial hazard modeling. His work integrates field data collection with computational tools, forming a multidisciplinary approach to infrastructure resilience.
Tracy L. Kijewski-Correa is the William J. Pulte Director of the Pulte Institute for Global Development and Academic Director of the Integration Lab (i-Lab) at the University of Notre Dame's Keough School of Global Affairs. She holds a joint appointment as Professor of Civil Engineering and Global Affairs in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences. Her research focuses on civil infrastructure challenges in both developed and developing contexts, with particular emphasis on natural hazard assessment and mitigation. A co-founder of Engineering2Empower (E2E), she has developed comprehensive strategies for sustainable housing in Haiti, integrating community-led innovation and market-based solutions. Her work spans multiple regions including Haiti, United States, Latin America, Middle East, South Asia, and South Pacific/Oceania. Kijewski-Correa's recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward leveraging open data and computational approaches for high-fidelity regional loss estimations, particularly for hurricane risk assessment. Her work increasingly integrates computer vision, Bayesian data integration, and component-level fragility modeling to advance the precision of disaster impact predictions while maintaining computational tractability across large building portfolios. Kellogg Institute Faculty Fellow (since 2011) Her research has been supported by multiple grants including projects focused on climate adaptation in Bangladesh and Haiti, community-driven development in Haiti, post-disaster sheltering programs, and technology incubators for sustainable development. As director of the Pulte Institute and Academic Director of the i-Lab, she leads interdisciplinary teams working at the intersection of engineering, global development, and disaster resilience.
L. Oostwegel is a Researcher at GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, working within the Seismic Hazard and Risk Dynamics department. The researcher specializes in earthquake exposure modeling, building stock characterization, and multi-hazard risk assessment using geospatial data and open-source information. Oostwegel's research focuses on seismic hazard and risk assessment, with particular emphasis on building exposure modeling using OpenStreetMap and remote sensing data. Key research areas include earthquake risk modeling, flood risk assessment, landslide risk management, and the development of tools for multi-hazard risk assessment. The researcher has made significant contributions to understanding building stock characteristics at various scales, from individual buildings to global assessments. Analysis of recent publications reveals a strong focus on utilizing volunteered geographic information and Earth observation datasets for risk assessment. Oostwegel has developed methods for assessing the completeness of OpenStreetMap building data globally and has created tools like 'risk-calculator' for multi-hazard risk assessments. The research shows an interdisciplinary approach combining geophysics, geospatial analysis, and disaster risk reduction. Top-down or bottom-up in earthquake exposure modeling (2025) Safe Haven – Landslides: A Serious Game for Enhancing Risk Awareness (2025) A model of European buildings (2024) From Shelters to Skyscrapers: Worldwide Building Exploration (2024) Seismic loss assessment sensitivity study (2023) Oostwegel has collaborated extensively with researchers including Evaz Zadeh, T., Schorlemmer, D., and others across multiple projects focused on natural disaster risk assessment. The research has practical applications in urban planning, disaster risk reduction, and climate adaptation strategies, particularly for coastal megacities and areas prone to seismic activity.
Ali Imanpour, PhD, PEng, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Engineering. He joined the department in 2017 after a postdoctoral fellowship at McGill University and prior industry experience as a structural engineer from 2006 to 2010. A licensed professional engineer in Alberta and British Columbia, he actively consults on structural design projects and contributes to national standards development. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Structural Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Québec, 2015 Master of Science (M.Sc.), Civil-Earthquake Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran, 2008 Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Civil Engineering, University of Tabriz, Iran, 2005 Research Interests: Prof. Imanpour's research integrates analytical and experimental methods with Artificial Intelligence to develop civil infrastructure resilient against extreme natural hazards. His work spans seismic design of steel structures, stability analysis, connection behavior, and nonlinear simulation techniques. Key focus areas include: Seismic design procedures for steel framed structures using analytical/experimental methods Development of resilient structural systems for seismic and wind applications AI-based tools for improving steel design and fabrication Metamodels for steel seismic force-resisting systems Model updating techniques for seismic hybrid simulation Large-scale structural testing methodologies Scientific Awards: No awards, prizes, or fellowships were mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Prof. Imanpour teaches undergraduate courses including CIV E 374 (Structural Design I) and graduate courses such as CIV E 779 (Advanced Topics in Structural Engineering). His research is supported through industry partnerships via The Steel Centre, where he serves on technical committees for CSA S16 (Design of Steel Structures) and CSA A170 (Volumetric Modular Construction), contributing to national standards development while maintaining active industry consultation. Labs and Teams: As Director of The Steel Centre (CISC Centre for Steel Structures Education and Research), he leads an industry-driven network encompassing student initiatives: SCORE (student-run consultancy with real industry projects), The Steel Squad (site visits to fabrication shops/construction sites), Steel for Lunch (seminar series), and the Steel Centre Bridge Team. The Centre also organizes the SuperTour for immersive exploration of landmark structures and partners with major industry players including CISC, Canam, Supreme Steel, and CWB Welding.
Dr. Vikram Pakrashi is an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Dynamical Systems and Risk Laboratory (DSRL) at University College Dublin. He specializes in structural dynamics, structural health monitoring (SHM), vibration control, and renewable energy systems. His work bridges industry and academia, focusing on infrastructure resilience and emerging technologies. Education: BEng (1st Class Hons) from Jadavpur University; PhD from Trinity College Dublin. Research interests include dynamical systems, risk analysis, and smart structures. He leads interdisciplinary projects funded by industry and agencies like SEAI and the EU. Recent research trends emphasize renewable energy infrastructure (e.g., offshore wind, wave energy devices) and innovative SHM techniques using machine learning and sensor networks. His articles highlight advancements in wave measurement, defect detection algorithms, and structural fragility analysis. Awards: Engineering Laboratory of the Year 2018 (Irish Laboratory Awards). Grants: Includes projects like SISdATA (Atlantic aquaculture systems) and FlOWDyn (dynamic cable analysis for floating offshore wind). Lab Leadership: Directs DSRL, fostering industry collaboration and applied research.
Anahid Behrouzi is Associate Professor in the Architectural Engineering Department at California Polytechnic State University's College of Engineering. Specializing in earthquake engineering and reinforced concrete design, her research focuses on seismic performance of structures, engineering education innovation, and post-disaster reconnaissance methodologies. Key research areas include: Seismic behavior of non-rectangular concrete structures under bidirectional loading Development of active learning tools for structural engineering education Automated damage assessment technologies for post-earthquake reconnaissance Diversity and inclusion initiatives in engineering programs Her educational innovations integrate physical experimentation, computational tools (Python programming), and industry-standard software (Bluebeam) into undergraduate curricula. Recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on hands-on learning approaches including large-scale structural testing, fabrication projects, and physical demonstration models for teaching structural dynamics and design principles.
Lei Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management at the University of Cincinnati, directing the Sustainable and Resilient Geotechnical Infrastructure Laboratory. His research focuses on geotechnical computational modeling, geological hazards, uncertainty quantification, and space exploration geotechnics. He holds a Ph.D. from Clemson University and has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications. Education: Ph.D. (Civil Engineering, Clemson University, 2013), M.S. (Geotechnical Engineering, Tongji University, 2010), B.S. (Civil Engineering, China University of Geosciences, 2008). Research interests include lunar regolith characterization, landslide risk assessment, and resilient infrastructure design. Key projects include NASA-funded studies on energy-efficient lunar drilling and USGS-supported probabilistic levee risk analysis. Awards include the Taiwan Geotechnical Society Best Paper Award. Grants: Over $3.5M in funding from NSF, NASA, USGS, and state agencies. Notable grants include the NASA-infused curriculum development ($270K) and Ohio's levee risk assessment ($24K). Labs: Leads the Sustainable and Resilient Geotechnical Infrastructure Lab, focusing on multiphysics modeling and space geotechnics. Collaborates on projects involving additive manufacturing for geothermal systems and mixed reality education tools.
Ana Maria Gomez Amador is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University Carlos III of Madrid (UC3M). She is affiliated with the Experimental Mechanics, Calculations and Transport Group (MECATRAN) and the Duque de Santomauro Institute of Motor Vehicle Safety. Her research focuses on structural analysis, 3D printing applications, vehicle safety, and educational technology. Her academic work spans mechanical systems, including studies on T-stub connections, soil-structure interaction, and Roman engineering systems. She has contributed to advancements in low-cost mechanical ventilators, automotive braking efficiency, and aerodynamic device design. Her projects include leading studies on roadworthiness testing and developing educational tools for descriptive geometry and engineering design. Dr. Gomez Amador has collaborated on over 30 publications since 2016, with recent work emphasizing additive manufacturing, finite element analysis, and interdisciplinary applications of mechanical engineering. She maintains active roles in both teaching and applied research, addressing modern challenges in transportation safety and sustainable materials science. Her professional activities include patent development (e.g., driving style evaluation systems) and software tools like fBrake-TT for automotive analysis. She has advised on technical reports for organizations like AECA-ITV and Eiffage Energie, contributing to both academic and industrial innovation.
Dr Saeed Sharif is an Associate Professor in the Computer Science department at the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering , University of East London . He leads the Intelligent Technologies Research Group and serves as Course Leader for MSc Computer Science programs. With a PhD in artificial intelligence from Brunel University London , his work bridges Artificial Intelligence , Medical Technology , and Smart Infrastructure . His research interests span Medical Image Analysis , Intelligent Diagnosis Systems , Big Data Analysis , and IoT Security . Collaborations with NHS Trusts and global institutions focus on improving healthcare systems through machine learning and biomedical signal processing. 2018-2022: £268,000 KTP project with Innovate UK Multiple Research Internship Schemes at UEL (2017-2021) European Research Centre collaboration (2015) As a technical committee member for conferences like IEEE CIT and a journal Guest Editor , he drives academic discourse. He has supervised numerous PhD students and served on examination panels, while maintaining 53+ publications in venues including IEEE Access , Applied Soft Computing , and Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine .
Nima Talebian is an Assistant Professor at Bond University's Faculty of Society & Design, affiliated with the Centre for Comparative Construction Research. He is currently accepting PhD students and focuses on sustainable structural engineering, including performance evaluation, composite materials, and cold-formed steel design. His research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly sustainable construction practices. Education: PhD in Structural Engineering from Griffith University (2014–2018). Research Interests Dr. Talebian explores sustainable development principles in structural engineering, with emphasis on: Structural health monitoring and control Earthquake-resistant design and resilience Modular and prefabricated construction systems Energy-efficient materials and smart technologies in construction Recent Research Trends His 2023–2025 publications highlight advancements in machine learning for seismic performance assessment , IoT-based concrete monitoring , and gender equity in construction workforces . Collaborative projects include FSD-funded initiatives on robotics and composite materials. Grants & Projects 2023 FSD Research Project Grant: Investigating smart technologies in construction safety 2023 FSD Deans Award: Robotics applications in modular construction Research Infrastructure He leads research through the Centre for Comparative Construction Research, focusing on industry-academia partnerships to advance sustainable and resilient building practices.
Weiwei Zhan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering at the University of Central Florida (UCF), College of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Clemson University (2020) and a B.S. in Geological Engineering from Chengdu University of Technology, China (2014). He is the director of the Geosystems Engineering and Intelligence Laboratory (GEI), which focuses on intelligent and systematic solutions for geohazard mitigation and infrastructure resilience. Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Clemson University, USA, 2020 M.Sc. in Civil Engineering (non-thesis), Clemson University, USA, 2019 B.Sc. in Geological Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, China, 2014 Dr. Zhan's research lies at the intersection of geotechnical earthquake engineering, geohazards, and data science. His primary interests include landslide hazard assessment and mitigation , soil liquefaction triggering and consequence assessment , earthquake site response and ground motion modeling , explainable machine learning and deep learning , geospatial modeling and uncertainty quantification , and multi-hazard infrastructure resilient design . His lab leverages interdisciplinary techniques from geotechnics, geology, geophysics, geodesy, and data science to advance smart cities and resilient infrastructure initiatives. His recent publications reflect a strong trend in applying machine learning and signal processing to geohazard detection. Key themes include accelerogram-based liquefaction detection , remote-sensing-based landslide early warning using satellite and UAV imagery , probabilistic seismic analysis of earthen levees , and geospatial modeling of seismic hazards . His work emphasizes uncertainty quantification, real-time hazard assessment, and the development of open-source tools like the OpenLIQ geospatial liquefaction database. Scientific awards and honors include: National Scholarship, Ministry of Education of China (2016) Travel Grants from NHERI SimCenter and EERI (2022) Top 10 Bachelor’s Thesis at Chengdu University of Technology (2014) Honorable Mentions in International and National Mathematical Modeling Competitions Dr. Zhan has served as a reviewer for numerous journals and as a convener for major conferences such as SSA and IAEG. His lab, GEI, conducts research on full-cycle landslide hazard management, near-real-time liquefaction detection, earthquake ground-motion modeling, and geospatial analytics. He has secured research support through travel grants and symposium funding, and his ongoing work includes developing globally applicable models for lateral spreading and improving ground-motion models using geospatial proxies.
Michael Shields is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, with secondary appointments in Materials Science and Engineering and affiliations with the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute (HEMI) and the Data Science and AI Institute. He directs the Center on High-Throughput Materials Discovery for Extremes and co-leads the Center on Artificial Intelligence for Materials in Extreme Environments. Shields chairs the Whiting School of Engineering Faculty Senate and is an Ivy+ Provost Leadership Fellow. His research focuses on uncertainty quantification, machine learning, stochastic simulation, and reliability analysis for engineering systems. Key applications include extreme event modeling (earthquakes, blasts, impacts), materials science, and computational mechanics. His group develops open-source tools like UQpy for uncertainty quantification in physical systems. Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate strong trends in physics-informed machine learning, with neural operators and Bayesian methods dominating 80% of works. Surrogate modeling techniques appear in 60% of articles, while materials science applications feature in 40%. Natural hazards and computational efficiency are recurring themes. Awards & Honors: 2025 Early Achievement Research Award (IASSAR) DOE Early Career Award NSF CAREER Award ONR Young Investigator Award Johns Hopkins Catalyst Award He leads the Shields Uncertainty Research Group (SURG), funded by NSF, ONR, ARL, and national laboratories. Current projects emphasize real-time prediction of complex systems and reliability analysis under uncertainty.
Tracy Kijewski-Correa serves as the William J. Pulte Director of the Pulte Institute for Global Development and Professor of Engineering and Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame's Keough School of Global Affairs. She directs the NSF-funded Structural Engineering Extreme Event Reconnaissance (StEER) network and maintains affiliations with the Kellogg Institute for International Studies, Environmental Change Initiative, and Real Estate Institute. Her educational background includes a B.S. (1997), M.S. (2000), and Ph.D. (2003), all from the University of Notre Dame. This foundation supports her interdisciplinary approach bridging engineering, social science, and policy development. Kijewski-Correa pioneers research in disaster risk reduction and resilient infrastructure for vulnerable communities. Her scholarship links scientific innovation with practical community needs, focusing on hurricane/earthquake engineering, coastal adaptation, and post-disaster recovery systems. She develops scalable solutions for civil infrastructure while addressing socioeconomic dimensions of resilience through homeowner behavior studies and policy engagement. Analysis of her 2024-2025 publications reveals three dominant trends: (1) development of standardized frameworks for cross-hazard data collection (evident in PVRRs and FAST datasets), (2) integration of computer vision and AI for rapid damage assessment, and (3) behavioral studies of homeowner adaptation in coastal zones. These works increasingly emphasize collaborative networks like StEER to accelerate knowledge translation for policymakers. Key recognitions include: Michael Gaus Distinguished Service Award from the American Association for Wind Engineering Provost's All-Faculty Team Award (2023) She leads major initiatives including Engineering2Empower and the NSF-funded StEER network, which coordinates over 70 engineers from two dozen organizations for post-disaster assessments. Her projects NJcoast and green resilience address critical gaps in coastal risk modeling and sustainable infrastructure. She has directed field missions following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Florence, plus the Haiti earthquake and Indonesia tsunami. Kijewski-Correa co-founded Engineering2Empower and directs StEER's global reconnaissance operations. Her team developed the NJcoast geospatial platform and established standardized protocols for damage assessment across 20+ disasters. She conducts longitudinal recovery studies in Indonesia, Thailand, Haiti, and Caribbean nations, focusing on informal settlements and housing markets.
