معرفی
Eric Wetzel is an Associate Professor at the McWhorter School of Building Science, Auburn University, within the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC). He specializes in Construction Robotics, BIM/VR/AR Visualization, Active Learning Technologies, and Project Controls. As Director of the Construction Automation, Robotics & Visualization (CARV) Lab, he leads innovation in construction automation using robotics like the Boston Dynamics SPOT (named 'Mac') for material tracking, LiDAR scanning, and site documentation.
Dr. Wetzel holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning from Virginia Tech (2016), an MBC from Auburn University (2009), and a B.S. in Construction Management from Western Kentucky University (2008). He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including Estimating, Advanced Research Methods, and Scheduling, emphasizing active learning and technology integration in education.
His research focuses on autonomous construction systems, robotics applications, and transformative pedagogy. He has secured grants such as the CADC Seed Grant (2024–25) and collaborates with the Auburn RFID Lab to advance material localization algorithms. His work bridges academia and industry through initiatives like the CARV Lab's traveling road shows, engaging K-12 students in STEM.
Key projects include developing the Core Temperature Visualization System (COTVIS), exploring RFID-based inventory management, and creating a Building Readiness Rating Index for pandemic resilience. He actively promotes safety in construction through BIM-driven frameworks and contract management research.
Dr. Wetzel advises students like Ph.D. candidate Muhammad Umer and supports Auburn's competition teams' national/international wins. His contributions span construction technology, educational innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address industry challenges.
