Issam Elias Harik

Issam Elias Harik is a Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Kentucky and the Raymond-Blythe Professor of the Kentucky Transportation Center. He has been active in structural engineering since 1982, focusing on fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, bridge retrofitting, and hazard management.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Civil Engineering (Structures), Wayne State University (1982)
  • M.S., Civil Engineering (Structures), Wayne State University (1978)
  • B.S., Civil Engineering, Wayne State University (1977)

His research specializes in analytical and experimental evaluation of concrete and steel structures using high-performance materials, with over 320 technical publications and 95 funded projects. Recent work emphasizes CFRP rod panels, structural health monitoring, and seismic retrofitting.

Harik has mentored over 170 graduate and undergraduate students and currently leads 12 research projects. He serves on 9 professional societies and committees, contributing to national and international conferences.