Michael Raupach is a Professor at RWTH Aachen University holding the Chair of Building Materials Science - Building Conservation. His work focuses on concrete durability, reinforcement corrosion, and sustainable construction materials, with particular expertise in alkali-activated binders, carbon textile reinforcement, and electrochemical monitoring systems. Research Interests: Concrete durability, corrosion protection, sustainable materials, structural maintenance, BIM applications, and non-destructive testing. Recent Work: Investigates electrically heated carbon textile reinforced concrete systems, develops hybrid alkali-activated materials for realkalization, and explores chloride diffusion mechanisms in low-carbon binders. Publications: Active in journals covering concrete technology, corrosion engineering, and sustainable construction methods.
Admir Masic is an Associate Professor at MIT's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, where he leads the Masic Lab. His research focuses on sustainable construction materials, particularly cement-based systems, and integrates insights from ancient materials to address modern environmental challenges. He holds tenure and is a faculty fellow in Archaeological Materials at the Center for Materials Research in Archaeology and Ethnology (CMRAE). Education: PhD in Physical Chemistry (University of Turin, Italy) and postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces. His work spans biomineralization, self-healing concrete, and carbon capture technologies. He co-directs the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub and founded the MIT Refugee Action Hub (ReACT), providing education for displaced learners. Research highlights include revealing the self-healing mechanisms of Roman concrete, developing carbon-storing cement composites, and creating energy-storing supercapacitors using ancient materials. His lab employs advanced techniques like Raman spectroscopy and correlative imaging to bridge nanoscale phenomena with macro-engineering applications. Awards: Tenured at MIT (2024), numerous grants from industry partnerships. Grants: Collaborations with Japanese industry via MIT EC^3 Hub, funding for sustainable infrastructure projects. Labs/Teams: Masic Lab, MIT EC^3 Hub, MIT ReACT, and the Concrete Sustainability Hub. Active in translating research into industrial applications through partnerships like DMAT Performance Matters.
Pietro Cornetti is an Associate Professor in the Department of Structural, Building and Geotechnical Engineering (DISEG) at the Politecnico di Torino, where he also serves as Coordinator of the Doctoral School in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He is a member of the SISCON Interdepartmental Center for the Safety of Infrastructures and Constructions and the Doctoral School Council. His academic career has been deeply rooted at Politecnico di Torino, where he completed his education and has held continuous academic positions since 1999. His research interests span a broad spectrum of solid and fracture mechanics, with a focus on finite fracture mechanics , fractional calculus , fractal geometry , non-local elasticity , size effects in concrete and granular materials, and structural retrofitting using FRP/FRCM systems . His work bridges theoretical mechanics with practical applications in civil engineering and structural integrity. The 15 most recent publications highlight a strong trend toward integrating advanced mathematical frameworks—particularly fractional calculus and phase-field modeling—with classical and finite fracture mechanics. These works address brittle fracture, dynamic crack propagation, fatigue in composites, and debonding phenomena, demonstrating a consistent focus on improving predictive models for structural failure across scales. He actively mentors PhD students and leads major research initiatives, including the H2020-funded NEWFRAC project and the nationally funded REHARZE project on retrofitting historic architecture for zero emissions. His teaching portfolio includes Solid Mechanics, Structural Mechanics, Fracture and Plasticity, and advanced topics in computational mechanics across undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. He is affiliated with several professional organizations: Italian Group of Fracture (IGF) Italian Association of Applied and Theoretical Mechanics (AIMETA) European Structural Integrity Society (ESIS), Technical Committee TC16 He has served on the program committee of the International Conference on Fracture (ICF14) and participated in the organizing committee of AIMETA XXI. His research is supported by competitive grants from national (PRIN) and EU (H2020) funding programs. He supervises a research group focused on fracture mechanics and leads the Laboratorio di Meccanica della Frattura (DISEG) , which supports experimental and computational research in structural integrity. His team works on both theoretical developments and practical applications in civil and environmental engineering.
Dr. Nitin Tiwari is an Assistant Professor of Geotechnical Engineering at the School of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructural Engineering , Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU), USA, since August 2024. He leads the Geo-CARE (Geotechnical Engineering for Climate Adaptation and Resilient Environments) Lab , focusing on sustainable and resilient infrastructure development. Previously, he served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Purdue University (2022-2024) and held academic positions at IIT Bombay and IIT Indore in India. Education: Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore (2021) M.Engg. in Structural Engineering, Rajiv Gandhi Technical University, Bhopal (2017) B.Engg. in Civil Engineering, Rajiv Gandhi Technical University, Bhopal (2014) Research Interests: Dr. Tiwari's research focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to sustainable infrastructure, leveraging natural substances and engineered composites to enhance soil conditions. He pioneers AI-driven, IoT-enabled frameworks for real-time geotechnical infrastructure monitoring, predictive performance assessment, and risk mitigation. His work spans bio-inspired soil stabilization using microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP), recycled and waste materials in construction, and machine learning applications in geotechnics. Scientific Awards & Recognition: Young Scientist Award in Civil Engineering, Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology (2021) Best Research Award, IIT Indore (2021) Postdoctoral Mentor Award Nominee, Purdue University (2024) Standing Committee Member, Transportation Research Board (AKG80, 2021-present) Four granted patents in India and Australia for innovative geotechnical methods and apparatuses Labs & Teams: Dr. Tiwari directs the Geo-CARE Lab at SIU, fostering research on climate-resilient geotechnics . The lab welcomes students, scholars, and postdocs to collaborate on sustainable geotechnical solutions. He has delivered 15+ keynote lectures globally and serves as a peer reviewer for 20+ journals. Publications & Impact: With 18 journal papers, 2 book chapters, and 6 conference papers, his work integrates experimental methods with machine learning . Key themes include expansive soil treatment, asphalt mixture optimization, seismic response of underground structures, and bio-cementation .
Professor Chengqing Wu is a distinguished academic in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). He serves as Professor of Structural Engineering with a research focus on blast-induced phenomena and advanced concrete technologies. His expertise spans structural response to blast loading, mitigation of blast effects, and the development of ultra-high performance concrete systems. Professor at University of Technology, Sydney Former Chair of Australian Chapter of International Association of Protective Structures (2013-2017) Associate Editor of ASCE Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities Editorial Board Member of International Journal of Protective Structures Professor Wu's research interests center on structural engineering with emphasis on blast resistance, ultra-high performance concrete, geopolymer concrete, and structural response to extreme loading conditions. His work bridges theoretical analysis with practical applications, particularly in protective structures and extreme environment construction. His research group has made significant contributions to understanding material behavior under blast, impact, and extreme thermal conditions, with applications ranging from terrestrial infrastructure to potential lunar construction. Analysis of Professor Wu's recent publications reveals a strong focus on advanced concrete technologies for extreme environments. His research spans 3D-printed concrete, lunar and Martian construction materials, cryogenic performance of concrete, and blast-resistant structural systems. A notable trend is the increasing application of computational methods and machine learning techniques to predict structural response to explosions, alongside traditional experimental approaches. His work demonstrates a progression from fundamental material characterization to complex structural system analysis, with growing emphasis on sustainable construction and extraterrestrial applications. Author/co-author of over 200 international journal papers Editor of four conference proceedings Editor of two ASCE special issues Editor of two International Journal of Protective Structures special issues Professor Wu has successfully attracted over 4 million dollars in research funding from diverse sources including the Australian Research Council (ARC), Defence Science and Technology Organization (DSTO), and industry partners. His current projects include Eco-friendly Ultra-High Performance Rubberised Concrete, Decarbonised Infrastructure, Structural protective design on large capacity flywheel energy storage system, and Gas Explosion Resistance of Non-Cement Based High Performance Concrete. He actively supervises undergraduate honors students, coursework master's students, and research higher degree candidates, with several scholarships available for prospective postgraduates and research associates. Professor Wu leads research in protective infrastructure technology through the Joint Research Centre for Protective Infrastructure Technology and Environmental Green Bioprocess with Tianjin Chenjian University. His team operates the National Drop Weight Impact Testing Facility and contributes to the National Facility for Physical Blast Simulation. Current research directions include sustainable concrete technologies for extreme environments, blast-resistant structural systems, and innovative applications of concrete in space exploration contexts.
Ji Ma is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia. His research focuses on additive manufacturing of metallic alloys, microstructure control, and multifunctional materials design. He explores novel material properties through 3D printing techniques, including spatially tailored properties, 3D concrete printing, and medical implant applications. His work addresses challenges in porosity, residual stress, and corrosion resistance in additively manufactured materials. Education: Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University (2012) B.S. Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University (2008) Research Interests include: Additive Manufacturing Multifunctional Materials Tailored Materials Orthopaedic Implants His projects span metallic alloys, multi-material printing, and bio-inspired materials for healthcare and construction. Grants and Collaborations: Virginia Innovation Partnership grant for commercializing 3D-printed wrist replacement technology Lead of $4.3M DARPA project to develop corrosion-resistant materials for naval systems Cross-disciplinary work with architecture and environmental sciences on sustainable 3D-printed soil structures Labs/Teams: Directs the Advanced Additive Manufacturing and Materials Group, focusing on innovation in material design, process optimization, and application-driven solutions for industry and healthcare.
Dr. rer. nat. Xu Li is a researcher at the Institute of Semiconductor Technology within the TU Braunschweig (Technische Universität Braunschweig), Germany. Affiliated with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Physics , Xu Li contributes to interdisciplinary research spanning materials science, environmental science, and computer engineering. Fields of Interest : Materials Science, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Sensor Technology, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, IoT Contact : xu.li@tu-braunschweig.de Xu Li's research focuses on: Materials Science : Developing magnetoelectric sensors with energy harvesting capabilities, exploring concrete shrinkage mechanisms using porous aggregates. Environmental Science : Investigating microplastic impacts on soil ecosystems and carbon dynamics in tea plantations. Biotechnology : Advancing PCR-based mutation detection for viral pathogens. Computer Science : Innovating face recognition algorithms and agricultural IoT systems.
Dr. Alison Paul serves as Reader in Physical Chemistry and Innovation within the School of Chemistry at Cardiff University. She has established a multidisciplinary research program bridging physical chemistry, materials science, and biomedical applications with particular expertise in colloidal systems and polymer science. Her work demonstrates strong industry connections through the Cardiff University Commercial Advisory Panel which she chairs. Her research interests focus on formulation in colloidal systems, physicochemical characterization of macromolecules in solution, and scattering methods to determine structures at small length scales. She investigates relationships between molecular structure, solution conformation, and functionality of novel polymers, with applications in drug delivery, structural materials, and degradable plastics. Her work integrates molecular dynamics with experimental data to advance understanding of complex systems. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward biomedical applications of polymer science, particularly in drug delivery systems for cancer therapy and anesthesia. Her work increasingly incorporates sustainable chemistry principles, as evidenced by research on chemically recyclable polymers and environmentally friendly surfactants. The interdisciplinary nature of her research is reflected in collaborations spanning chemistry, materials science, civil engineering, and medical fields. Dr. Paul actively supervises postgraduate students, with Taylor Young currently listed as her supervisee. She serves on important institutional committees including as co-chair of the Cardiff Materials Research Network and chair of the Cardiff University Commercial Advisory Panel, demonstrating her leadership within the university community. Her teaching portfolio includes Year 2 Physical Chemistry (focusing on thermodynamics of colloidal systems), Year 2 Medicinal Chemistry, laboratory classes for Years 2-3, and Advanced Materials for Year 4 and postgraduate students. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes connecting fundamental chemical principles to real-world applications students encounter daily.
Dr. Evangelos Kordatos serves as the Associate Head of the School of Engineering and Built Environment at Sheffield Hallam University, where he has held roles including Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, and Principal Lecturer since 2013. He leads the Mechanical Engineering area and oversees course accreditation with Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies such as IMEchE and IET. His research focuses on Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) methodologies for advanced materials, particularly composites and additive-manufactured materials. Education: MEng in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Ioannina, Greece (2008) MSc in Chemistry and Materials Technology, University of Ioannina (2013) PhD in Materials Engineering, University of Ioannina (2013) Postdoctoral Research Associate at Texas A&M University (USA), specializing in aerospace materials and shape memory alloys. Research Interests: Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) via ultrasonics, acoustic emission, and IR thermography Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) for early damage detection Mechanical and fracture behavior of advanced materials Additive Manufacturing of composite materials He leads projects such as the EU-funded IAPETUS initiative and collaborates with institutions like Texas A&M University and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. His work includes over 60 peer-reviewed publications and editorial roles in Applied Sciences and other journals. Teaching includes modules on Materials Science, Fracture Mechanics, and Non-Destructive Evaluation across Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Packaging Professional programs. He has advised numerous MSc/MEng projects and supervises PhD students in SHM, NDE, and sustainable composites.
Leon Wegner is a Professor in the Department of Civil Geological and Environmental Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Engineering. He holds a B.E. from the University of Saskatchewan, an M.A.Sc. from the Technical University of Nova Scotia, and a Ph.D. from MIT. His research focuses on structural engineering and materials, including fretting fatigue of bolted connections, structural health monitoring, cold weather masonry materials, composite materials mechanics, and cement-based materials. Current projects include developing antifreeze admixtures for subfreezing masonry construction and improving fatigue evaluation for potash mineshafts. He has openings for one PhD and two MSc students in industry-sponsored research on bolted steel connections. Education: B.E. (Saskatchewan) M.A.Sc. (Technical University of Nova Scotia) Ph.D. (MIT) Research Interests: Fretting Fatigue Structural Health Monitoring Cold-Weather Materials Composite Mechanics Cement Chemistry Recent Work Trends: His publications emphasize vibration-based damage detection for bridges, optimization of composite materials, and cold-weather construction solutions. He combines experimental and numerical approaches in projects like Diefenbaker Bridge monitoring and potash mine shaft evaluations. Grants and Advising: Supervises graduate students on industry-sponsored projects. His work aligns with infrastructure durability and material innovation in harsh environments.
Lisbeth M. Ottosen is a Professor and Head of the Section for Materials and Durability at the Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). She leads the department’s focus area on 'Circularity in Civil Engineering' and was the lead professor in DTU’s sector development project 'Circular Construction 2019–2020'. She is also a member of the Academic Council at DTU since 2018. Her research centers on the recovery of resources from secondary waste streams and the sustainable use of these in construction materials. Key areas include urban mining of phosphorus and heavy metals from sewage sludge ash and incineration residues, and the application of electrokinetic processes for resource extraction. She also investigates the use of secondary materials such as fly ash, mine tailings, and recycled concrete in cement, bricks, and fiber-reinforced concrete. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in sustainable construction, waste valorization, and electrochemical remediation. Work spans from laboratory experiments to pilot-scale applications, emphasizing circular economy principles and contributions to UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially in responsible consumption and climate action. Scientific Awards: Annual DTU Award for Developing Teaching and Learning (2017) BIOFOS Ressourcepros 2023 She actively supervises multiple PhD students and leads significant research projects such as 'Recovery of Resources from Ashes' and 'GREENCO: Education for Green Transformation of the Construction Sector'. Her work integrates research, education, and industrial collaboration to advance sustainable practices in civil engineering. She is involved in several laboratories and research teams focused on materials durability, electrochemical processing, and circular construction. These teams collaborate across disciplines and with external partners to develop scalable solutions for waste-to-resource technologies.
Dr. Lauren Stewart serves as Associate Professor and Director of the Structural Engineering and Materials Laboratory (SEML) at Georgia Tech's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. She holds the Williams Family Professorship and serves as Associate Chair for Graduate Programs. Her leadership encompasses a 18,000-square-foot facility housing blast, shock, and impact research capabilities with specialized equipment including servo-controlled hydraulic actuators and overhead cranes. Education: B.S. in Structural Engineering, University of California, San Diego (2004) Ph.D. in Structural Engineering, University of California, San Diego (2010) Dr. Stewart's research pioneers experimental methods for structural response to extreme hazards, with national recognition as one of the top blast researchers in the US. Her work spans blast engineering (steel columns, CLT panels, UHPC systems), mechanical shock (ROOSTER apparatus development), seismic resilience , and infrastructure durability (ASR mitigation, concrete preservation). Current projects address ballistic timber applications, UHPC retrofits, and blast-resistant construction with military relevance. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates computational mechanics with large-scale physical testing. Her research portfolio demonstrates consistent focus on protective structures and infrastructure resilience, with recent publications emphasizing timber-based ballistic systems, ASR damage detection, and UHPC applications. The work bridges military needs (CLT for temporary construction) and civilian infrastructure challenges (bridge deck longevity). Scientific Awards: National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellow 2017 Rising Star in Structural Engineering CEE Excellence in Research Program Development Award (2017) NSF/NDSEG Fellowship mentor for students Dr. Stewart actively mentors military-affiliated scholars, with advisees including LTC Kate Sanborn (first woman to lead USACE Hawaii District) and LTC Marc Sanborn. Her research program has secured over $773k in recent grants including Wood Innovations Grants ($200k+) for CLT military applications and GDOT contracts for concrete durability. She directs the CEE London program taking students to structural landmarks in London, Edinburgh, and Paris. As SEML Director, she oversees Georgia Tech's blast testing capabilities including the Blast, Shock, and Impact Laboratory. Her team collaborates with USACE, ERDC, West Point, and ARL on force protection research, with recent projects focused on rapid-deployment timber structures and high-g shock measurement systems.
Kenneth Clark Hover is a Professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University. He holds a B.S. (1972) and M.S. (1974) in Civil Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, and a Ph.D. (1984) from Cornell University. His career spans over 40 years in structural design, construction, and academic research, with a focus on concrete materials analysis and rehabilitation. Hover has been a key figure in forensic engineering investigations, including the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse and post-earthquake assessments in Haiti (2010). Research interests include concrete durability, materials science, and construction methodologies. He has received prestigious awards such as the Stephen Weiss Presidential Fellowship (2000) and was named one of the 'Ten Most Influential People in the Concrete Industry' (2006). Hover is a Fellow of the American Concrete Institute and a member of multiple international engineering societies. His academic leadership includes teaching roles and administrative contributions to Cornell's engineering programs. Recent work involves material analysis for structural failures, with a focus on evaporation effects, temperature impacts on strength, and maturity prediction models. His investigations combine field experience with advanced testing methods to improve construction safety and material reliability.
Dr Levingshan Augusthus Nelson is a Lecturer at The University of Salford's School of Science, Engineering & Environment, affiliated with the Centre for Future Engineering. He holds a PhD in Structural Engineering from the University of Cambridge (2012) and a BSc Eng (Hons) in Civil Engineering from the University of Moratuwa (2006). His research focuses on robustness of structures, retrofitting, sustainable materials, and quasi-brittle fracture mechanics. He has received awards including the Clancy Prize (2023), Research into Practice Award (2022), and Lundgren Research Award (2010). Teaching includes courses like Tall Building Design and Civil Engineering Surveying . He supervises PhD students and contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to resilient infrastructure and sustainable cities. Recognitions include roles as an ICE Chartered Professional Reviewer, EPSRC Peer Review College member, and editorial roles in journals like Masonry International . His research outputs span advanced analytical models for FRP-concrete interfaces, scaling laws for progressive collapse studies, and innovative masonry arch bridge assessment methods. Key projects include KTP collaborations with industry and studies on geomechanical effects in shale production.
Dr. John Provis is the Group Leader for Cement Systems at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in the Laboratory for Waste Management (LES). He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Melbourne, Australia, and was previously the Professor of Cement Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield, UK (2012–2023). His research focuses on cement chemistry, sustainable construction materials, and nuclear waste management, with a strong emphasis on standardization and beamline analysis. Provis has authored over 300 journal articles and secured major grants, including an ERC Starting Grant. He is a Fellow of multiple prestigious societies and has received awards such as the RILEM Robert L'Hermite Medal and a Doctor Honoris Causa from Universiteit Hasselt. He has supervised over 100 PhD/postdoc researchers and serves as an editorial board member for journals like Cement and Concrete Research and Materials and Structures . His research interests span cement durability, geopolymer development, and the environmental impact of construction materials. Provis also advises governments and agencies globally on funding and policy, contributing to projects like the Hanford Nuclear Reservation review. His work bridges academic research with industrial applications, emphasizing innovation in low-carbon materials and waste management solutions.
