Maria Calahorra-Jimenez

Dr. Maria Calahorra-Jimenez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Construction Management at California State University, Fresno, within the Lyles College of Engineering. She holds dual Ph.D. degrees in Civil Engineering (University of Colorado Boulder) and Engineering Science (Pontifical Catholic University of Chile), complemented by 14 years of industry experience managing $2B+ infrastructure projects across Spain and Chile.

Research Focus:

Her work centers on optimizing construction performance through innovative procurement strategies, sustainability integration, and data-driven decision-making in public infrastructure. Key areas include highway project delivery, gender equity in transportation, and alternative contracting methods like Design-Build. She actively explores how non-cost criteria influence project outcomes and advocates for inclusive industry practices.

Grant Leadership:

• Co-PI: Alternative Project Delivery Methods in California Transportation Agencies (SB1-funded, 2024-2025)
• PI: Building Information Modelling for Infrastructure (Caltrans, 2024)
• PI: Women in Civil Engineering: Attraction/Retention Factors (Dean’s Grant, 2023-2024)
• PI: Performance-Based Contracts for Road Maintenance (Fresno State, 2023)

Student Advising: Mentors graduate/undergraduate researchers including Ahmad Orya F (infrastructure delays) and Frances Yu (gender studies in engineering).