Dennis Filler

Dennis Filler is an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering at the University of Central Florida (UCF), within the College of Engineering and Computer Science. He holds a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering (Geo-Environmental) from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and earned both his B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from UCF. He has previously served as an assistant and adjunct professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and as an adjunct professor at the University of Kansas, reflecting a broad academic engagement in engineering education and environmental research.

Educational Background:

• B.S. in Civil Engineering – University of Central Florida
• M.S. in Civil Engineering – University of Central Florida
• Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering (Geo-Environmental) – University of Alaska Fairbanks

Dennis Filler's research spans critical areas in environmental and civil engineering, with a focus on sustainable practices, remediation engineering, and solid and hazardous waste management. His work uniquely addresses engineering challenges in cold and arctic environments, particularly contaminants in freezing ground and permafrost investigations. He is also deeply involved in engineering education reform, emphasizing technical writing, professional liability, and forensic applications for engineers. His interdisciplinary approach integrates environmental stewardship with practical engineering solutions in extreme climates.

The recent publications reflect a dual trajectory: advancing engineering education through innovative digital textbooks and contributing to environmental response strategies in polar regions. His works emphasize technical rigor, educational accessibility, and environmental responsibility, particularly in vulnerable ecosystems.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• UCF Teaching Incentive Program Award (2018)
• UCF College Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award (2016)
• UAF Robert Piacenza Excellence in Teaching Award Nominee (2012)

Dennis Filler has been actively involved in securing and managing research grants from key agencies including the Florida Department of Transportation, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, and the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. These grants support his work in cold regions engineering, waste management, and sustainable development. While no formal list of advisees is provided, his extensive curriculum development and leadership in engineering education suggest significant mentorship and instructional impact on undergraduate and graduate students. His role as an author of educational texts further amplifies his academic influence.

Funding and research activities are closely tied to field-based investigations in arctic and sub-arctic environments, often conducted in collaboration with governmental and research institutions focused on cold regions. His work contributes to both theoretical understanding and practical remediation strategies in environmentally sensitive zones.