Scott Hamel

Dr. Scott Hamel is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). He holds a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2011), an M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado-Boulder (2005), and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (2000). Prior to academia, he worked as a structural engineer and bridge designer in Colorado and Massachusetts.

His research focuses on structural plastics, sustainable materials like bio-derived composites and CLT, seismic reliability assessments, and cold region engineering challenges such as accreted ice and infrastructure resilience. He has directed major projects including UAA's Summer Engineering Academies and led the SEAAK Snow Loads Committee, modernizing Alaska's snow load standards. Dr. Hamel has been recognized with the ASCE Faculty Advisor Award (2020) and the Alaska Engineer of the Year (2020).

Teaching responsibilities include up to 7 courses annually in structural analysis, steel/concrete design, and finite-element analysis. He advises UAA's ASCE chapter and organizes engineering competitions like the 'bridge breaker' event during E-Week. His service spans roles at ASTM committees, journal reviewing, and leadership in Engineers Without Borders.

Key research themes include: 1) Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) seismic performance, 2) Cold climate material behavior, and 3) Sustainable infrastructure innovation. Over 20 peer-reviewed publications reflect his expertise in composite materials and structural systems analysis.