Houssam A. Toutanji

Dr. Houssam A. Toutanji serves as Dean of the Andrew J. Anagnost College of Engineering and Computer Science and Professor of Civil Engineering and Construction Management at California State University, Northridge. Previously, he held leadership positions including Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Western Michigan University, Chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Dr. Toutanji's educational background includes:

• Certificate in Communication for Impact, Harvard University, Graduate School of Education (2022)
• Certificate in Management and Leadership Education (MLE), Harvard University, Graduate School of Education (2018)
• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA (1992)
• M.S. in Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA (1987)
• B.S. in Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA (1985)

Dr. Toutanji's research focuses on advanced construction materials and structural engineering. His work spans processing and mechanics of composites, smart materials and structures, high-performance concrete, sustainable construction materials, and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. He has made significant contributions to bridge design, infrastructure renewal, multi-threat mitigation (including blast), impact/damage mechanics, fracture fatigue, and nondestructive assessment of materials and structures. His research addresses critical challenges in civil infrastructure durability and performance under various loading conditions.

Dr. Toutanji's scholarly output demonstrates consistent focus on strengthening techniques for concrete structures, particularly using FRP composites. His work shows progression from fundamental material characterization to practical applications in structural rehabilitation. Recent publications emphasize fatigue analysis, prediction models, and innovative coating systems for enhanced structural performance and durability. His research bridges theoretical modeling with experimental validation across multiple structural systems, with particular attention to long-term performance under cyclic loading.

Dr. Toutanji has received numerous prestigious awards:

• National Science Foundation CAREER Award (1996)
• NSF-EPSCoR Scholarly Productivity Award (1995, 1996)
• Fellow, American Society of Civil Engineers (2006)
• John J. Guarrera Engineering Educator of the Year Award (2020)
• UAH Research and Creative Achievement Award (2005)
• UAH Distinguished Teaching Award (2004)

As a dedicated educator and researcher, Dr. Toutanji has secured over $7 million in research funding from agencies including NSF, DOD, NOAA, NASA, Army Corps of Engineers, ALDOT, and UTCA. He has advised 18 doctoral students to completion and served as principal or co-principal investigator on numerous research projects. His leadership extends to editorial roles for academic journals and service as an ABET evaluator. Dr. Toutanji also holds visiting positions at Cergy-Pontoise University as a Research Visiting Scholar and University of Gent as a Visiting Professor.

Dr. Toutanji's research activities center around advanced materials testing and structural analysis laboratories focused on composite materials, concrete technology, and structural rehabilitation techniques. He has established collaborative research networks with international institutions including universities in France and Belgium, contributing to the global advancement of civil engineering knowledge and practice in structural engineering and construction materials science.