Kurt T. Preston

Kurt T. Preston serves as a Professor of Practice in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering (CEAE) at the University of Kansas, commencing his faculty role in 2024. A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (LTC), he integrates military leadership, legal expertise, and engineering acumen to address complex infrastructure and security challenges.

His academic foundation includes:

• J.D. in Law from North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, and American University, Washington, D.C.
• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering-Environmental from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
• M.S. in Civil Engineering-Environmental from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
• B.S. in Agriculture-Agronomy from the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia

Dr. Preston's research centers on the interdisciplinary nexus of Social Science, Engineering, and Physical Science, with critical emphases on Decision Making processes, Climate Change adaptation, and National Security frameworks. His specialization leverages extensive federal research management experience and facilitation skills within complex operational environments, bridging policy, technology, and security domains to develop innovative solutions for contemporary societal challenges.