Timothy D. Stark

Dr. Timothy D. Stark is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and CEE Excellence Faculty Scholar. With expertise in geotechnical engineering, he focuses on static and seismic stability of slopes, dams, levees, waste containment facilities, railroad geotechnics, and geosynthetics. His interdisciplinary research bridges theoretical and applied engineering, with significant contributions to geomembrane technology and slope failure mechanisms.

• Education: B.S. (University of Delaware, 1981), M.Eng. (UC Berkeley, 1984), Ph.D. (Virginia Tech, 1987)

Research interests include geotechnical stability analysis, geosynthetics, waste containment systems, three-dimensional slope modeling, and geothermal energy applications. Recent work explores liquefaction in earthquakes, landfill fires, and advanced monitoring techniques like LiDAR and seismic surface wave testing.

His publications span 15 recent articles on topics such as geosynthetic interface strength, wildfire-affected soil properties, and levee remediation methods. Awards highlight his impact across teaching, research, and service, including the prestigious George H. Norman Medal and Walter Huber Prize.

• Key Consulting Roles: Fundão Tailings Dam failure (Brazil), Bridgeton Landfill fire (MO), Yeager Airport landslide (WV)
• Leadership: Vice President, International Geosynthetics Society (2017–2021); Editor, ASCE Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering (1997–2023)