Vahid Balali

Dr. Vahid Balali serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Management at California State University, Long Beach's College of Engineering, where he was promoted from Assistant Professor in 2022 after joining in 2016. His industry experience includes two years as a BIM Manager prior to academia.

His educational credentials feature:

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2015)
• M.S. in Construction Engineering and Management, Virginia Tech (2012)
• M.S. in Civil Engineering, University of Tehran (2010)
• B.S. in Civil Engineering, University of Tehran (2008)

Research focuses on visual data sensing and analytics for AEC, virtual design and construction for infrastructure management, and smart cities transportation systems, leveraging computer vision and interoperable data integration to advance sustainable infrastructure decision-making. His work bridges academic innovation with industry applications through partnerships with Caltrans, Mineta Transportation Institute, and AGC.

Notable honors include:

• CSULB Early Academic Career Excellence Award (2020)
• ENR California Top Young Professional (2016)
• CSE 40 Under 40 recognition (2017)
• Multiple ASCE Outstanding Reviewer awards

As Principal Investigator, he directs research funded by transportation agencies and industry consortia while serving on ASCE Data Sensing and Analysis committees, TRB committees, and the editorial board of the American Journal of Civil and Architectural Engineering. His teaching portfolio spans construction cost control, virtual design, and project management courses.

Dr. Balali maintains active industry collaboration through CMAA and ASC networks, translating research into practical AEC solutions while mentoring students in emerging construction technologies.