Warda Ashraf

Dr. Warda Ashraf is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington. She received her Ph.D. from Purdue University (2017) and holds M.S./B.S. degrees from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Her research develops sustainable infrastructure materials through four key thrust areas: sustainable cementitious systems, biomimetic CO₂-activated binders, functionalized cellulose nanomaterials, and multifunctional concrete using industrial by-products.

Education:

• PhD in Civil Engineering, Purdue University (2017)
• MS in Civil Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (2012)
• BS in Civil Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (2009)

Her research has secured over $9.4 million in funding from NSF, DARPA, TxDOT, and DLA, resulting in 50+ peer-reviewed publications and four patents. Key innovations include Recreated Roman Concrete (RRC) using alkali-activated calcined clay and biomimetic approaches for CO₂ sequestration.

Awards & Honors:

• Lawrence Stephens Award for Outstanding Research Achievement (2024)
• DARPA Director's Award (2022)
• DARPA Young Faculty Award (2020)
• ASCE ExCEEd Teaching Fellow (2019)
• Purdue Outstanding Graduate Research Award (2017)

As PI of Ashraf Lab, she mentors 13+ graduate students and collaborates with industry partners including US Endowment Forestry and Communities. Her recent publications focus on carbon-neutral cementitious composites, cellulose nanofiber reinforcement, and ancient Roman concrete-inspired materials.