Paul S. Nowak

Dr. Paul S. Nowak is a Professor of Civil Engineering and Associate Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Gonzaga University. He holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics from the California Institute of Technology and is a registered Professional Engineer in Washington State.

• Ph.D., Applied Mechanics, California Institute of Technology, 1989
• M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1981
• B.S., Civil Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, 1980

Dr. Nowak's research focuses on structural engineering with emphasis on seismic design, nondestructive testing of concrete and masonry using microwaves, and the structural design of inflatable habitats for lunar environments. His work bridges civil infrastructure and space engineering applications. He has developed innovative microwave-based techniques for assessing concrete strength, curing state, chloride content, and grout distribution in masonry, contributing significantly to the field of nondestructive evaluation in civil engineering.

The most recent 15 publications reveal a strong trend in applying microwave technology to civil materials, particularly for real-time, non-invasive assessment of concrete properties and structural integrity. His earlier works include significant contributions to seismic analysis of arch dams and the design of steel and masonry structures. The interdisciplinary nature of his research spans civil, aerospace, and electrical engineering, with applications in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial construction.

Dr. Nowak has been recognized with the Chi Epsilon Outstanding Teacher Award and holds a patent for "Strength Related Testing of Concrete Using Microwave Signals."

• Chi Epsilon Outstanding Teacher Award, Colorado State University, 1993
• Patent: Strength Related Testing of Concrete Using Microwave Signals

He has secured over $1,000,000 in research funding and has advised numerous student projects as the long-time faculty advisor for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student chapter. His teaching portfolio includes core courses in statics, mechanics of materials, steel and masonry design, structural analysis, and advanced topics in structural dynamics and earthquake engineering at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Dr. Nowak has collaborated extensively with researchers such as Reza Zoughi and W.Z. Sadeh, particularly in microwave-based materials testing and lunar habitat design. These collaborations have led to significant publications and federally funded research projects, including work supported by the National Science Foundation and the Electric Power Research Institute.