M.A. Karim

Dr. M.A. Karim is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of West Florida (UWF), within the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering. His academic and professional background is rooted in Civil and Environmental Engineering, with interdisciplinary teaching and research contributions. He has held faculty positions at multiple institutions including Kennesaw State University (formerly SPSU), Trine University, Virginia Commonwealth University (as Affiliate Professor), and Stratford University (as adjunct faculty).

• Ph.D. in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Cleveland State University, 2000
• M.Sc. in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), 1992
• B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, BUET, 1989

Dr. Karim's research spans environmental and geotechnical engineering, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. His work focuses on soil and sediment remediation, solid and hazardous waste management, wastewater treatment with energy recovery, and utilization of industrial byproducts like fly ash and sewage sludge ash in soil stabilization and concrete. He also investigates engineering education methodologies, particularly project-based learning, active learning, and online/hybrid instruction during and after the pandemic.

His recent publications (2020–2025) reflect a dual focus: environmental sustainability in construction and innovative pedagogy in engineering education. Articles explore topics such as optimizing fly ash in concrete, comparative waste management systems globally, and the impact of attendance, prerecorded lectures, and problem-solving approaches on student learning. This indicates a sustained research trajectory bridging technical environmental solutions with educational innovation.

Dr. Karim has received significant professional recognition, including:

• Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (F.ASCE)
• Board-Certified Environmental Engineer (BCEE)
• Professional Engineer (PE) in Virginia and Georgia
• ABET EAC Program Evaluator and ETAC Commissioner

He has advised students through capstone design and independent study courses, and has led curriculum development, including founding the BS in Environmental Engineering program at KSU. His leadership roles include interim and assistant department chair. He is actively involved in professional service, regularly presenting at ASEE conferences and contributing to industry knowledge through invited talks on waste management and sustainable materials.