Jennifer McConnell

Jennifer McConnell is a Professor at the University of Delaware, specializing in bridge engineering, steel structure behavior, and sustainable infrastructure. She holds a Ph.D., Master's, and Bachelor's degrees from West Virginia University. Her research focuses on non-linear behavior of steel structures, aging infrastructure resilience, and innovative materials for infrastructure longevity.

Her work integrates advanced technologies like carbon nanotube sensors and composite materials for structural health monitoring and repair. Key areas include fatigue analysis of skewed steel girder bridges, lifecycle assessment of steel bridges, and lean engineering applications in bridge inspection. She emphasizes data-driven approaches for infrastructure performance evaluation and sustainable construction practices.

McConnell’s publications highlight interdisciplinary innovations, such as integrating wireless sensor networks for steel reuse potential and co-digestion systems for waste management. Her research contributes to safer, more durable, and environmentally conscious infrastructure solutions.