William N. Collins

William N. Collins serves as Associate Professor and Director of Laboratories in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering at the University of Kansas, where he has been faculty since 2015. Holding a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech, his role integrates academic leadership with hands-on laboratory oversight.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2014
• M.S. in Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2010
• B.S. in Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2006

Dr. Collins' research spans structural integrity and practical engineering applications, with emphasis on metallic structure fatigue/fracture analysis, real-world structural monitoring, bridge lifecycle management, historic preservation techniques, and sustainable engineering solutions for developing regions. His work uniquely bridges infrastructure resilience with educational outreach, particularly through K-12 STEM initiatives that translate complex engineering concepts into accessible learning experiences.

As Director of Laboratories, he manages critical experimental facilities supporting structural testing, materials analysis, and field data collection. His operational leadership enables both cutting-edge research and undergraduate/graduate instructional activities within the department's laboratory ecosystem.