Paul D. DeStefano

Paul D. DeStefano is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Francis College of Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell. With over twenty-five years of professional civil engineering experience in both public and private sectors, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in structural and geotechnical engineering, as well as probabilistic methods including reliability and risk assessment.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1998), an MBA in General Business Management from Florida Institute of Technology (1987), an M.S. in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Illinois (1981), and a B.S. in Structural Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (1978).

DeStefano's research centers on Civil Infrastructure Systems, investigating performance, deterioration, reliability, risk, and decision analysis. His expertise spans structural and geotechnical engineering, with applications to bridges, concrete structures, marine infrastructure, and earth-retaining systems. He develops probabilistic models for infrastructure condition assessment and life-cycle management, integrating nondestructive evaluation techniques and reliability theory to enhance infrastructure resilience and sustainability.

His publication record shows a consistent focus on infrastructure reliability and deterioration, particularly in bridge systems. Recent work incorporates advanced sensing technologies like synthetic aperture radar for concrete condition assessment, while earlier research established methodologies for bridge deterioration modeling and rehabilitation decision analysis. This evolution reflects a trajectory from foundational probabilistic methods to innovative nondestructive testing applications.

His distinguished honors include:

• Teaching Excellence Award, Francis College of Engineering, UMass Lowell (2023)
• Life Member, American Society of Civil Engineers (2022)
• Fellow, American Society of Civil Engineers (2015)
• Achievement Medal, U.S. Coast Guard (1988)
• Commendation Medal, U.S. Coast Guard (1984)
• Civil Engineering Scholastic Proficiency Award, U.S. Coast Guard Academy (1978)
• Scholar-Athlete Award, U.S. Coast Guard Academy (1978)

As faculty advisor for the Chi Epsilon National Civil Engineering Honor Society chapter, DeStefano mentors undergraduate students. His sponsored research portfolio includes:

• Risk Communication for Civil Infrastructure (2009, ASCE)
• A Probabilistic Method for Increasing Bridge Design Life (2010, Maine DOT)
• Infrastructure Condition Assessment of Maine's Ports (2007, ASCE Maine)
• Performance Study of Reinforced-Concrete Bridge Decks (2000, UNH)
• Infrastructure Condition Assessment of New Hampshire's Navigable Waters (2001, ASCE NH)
• Bridge Management System Development Study (1994, RPI)

DeStefano is an active member of the ASCE Structural Engineering Institute Technical Council on Life-Cycle Performance, Safety, Reliability, and Risk of Structural Systems, where he contributes to national standards and practices for infrastructure resilience.