Nicholas Wierschem

Nicholas Wierschem is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, within the Tickle College of Engineering. He leads the Innovative and Smart Infrastructure Group (ISIG), focusing on cutting-edge research in structural dynamics, control, and health monitoring.

Education:

• PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, 2014
• MS in Civil Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, 2010
• BS in Civil Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2007

Dr. Wierschem's research centers on structural control, nonlinear dynamics, and sustainable infrastructure. His work integrates experimental methods and advanced modeling to develop innovative solutions for protecting structures against extreme loads such as earthquakes and blasts. A key focus is on nonlinear energy sinks (NESs) and vibro-impact systems for passive damping and vibration isolation.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend in structural resilience, with emphasis on nonlinear control devices, seismic protection systems, and experimental validation through large-scale testing. The integration of smart materials and real-time monitoring is a recurring theme across his work.

Scientific Awards:

• 2023 UTK Tickle College of Engineering Professional Promise Award
• 2023 Faculty Research Mentoring Award
• 2019 UT CEE Outstanding Teaching Award
• 2016 ASCE ExCEEd Teaching Fellowship
• Top 5 Most Cited Paper, International Journal of Non-Linear Mechanics (2014–2016)
• University of Illinois Teaching Excellence (2014–2015)
• Multiple fellowships and scholarships from NSF, ASCE, and university sources

Dr. Wierschem has mentored multiple graduate and undergraduate students, including Anika Sarkar, Simona Abolghasemi, and Jonathan Shell. He has secured research funding enabling student assistantships and experimental projects. His lab, the Innovative and Smart Infrastructure Group (ISIG), conducts dynamic testing using photogrammetry and operates a 6-DOF shake table for structural experiments.

Laboratory and Research Facilities: The ISIG lab includes the High Bay Laboratory in the John D. Tickle Building, equipped with advanced tools for laser metrology, structural testing, and real-time monitoring. The group actively develops and tests nonlinear energy sinks and other smart structural systems.