Andrew S. Whittaker

Andrew S. Whittaker is a SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York. He serves as Director of the Institute of Bridge Engineering and Interim Director of the Stephen Still Institute for Sustainable Transportation and Logistics, both within the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. A registered Civil and Structural Engineer in California, Whittaker specializes in structural and earthquake engineering, bridge engineering, blast and impact engineering, performance-based engineering, and nuclear structures.

Research Interests: His work focuses on seismic isolation systems for nuclear reactors, fluid-structure interaction in advanced reactor vessels, gamma radiation effects on materials, and the dynamic behavior of graphite blocks in high-temperature gas reactors (HTGRs). He also explores the commodification of microreactors and soil-structure interaction for seismically isolated facilities.

Scientific Awards:

• Distinguished Member, American Society of Civil Engineers (2025)
• Untermyer & Cisler Reactor Technology Medal (2023)
• Nathan M. Newmark Medal (2023)
• Fellow of multiple societies (ASCE, SEI, ACI)

Awards and grants highlight his leadership in nuclear safety, seismic engineering, and reactor design.