Dr. Ala R. Abbas is a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Akron's College of Engineering and Polymer Science since 2005. He previously worked at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center as a Highway Research Fellow and Engineer. His research focuses on geomaterials modeling, pavement engineering, traffic noise analysis, and highway material characterization. Education: Ph.D., Civil Engineering, Washington State University (2004) M.S., Civil Engineering, Washington State University (2001) B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Jordan (1999) His research interests include quality control of aggregate materials, pavement performance modeling, and traffic-related noise measurement. He has secured over $4 million in external grants from the Federal Highway Administration and Ohio Department of Transportation as PI/Co-PI. Awards include the 2018 Outstanding Researcher Award and the Eisenhower Fellowship. Advising & Grants: PI/Co-PI on $4M+ grants No explicit student advisees listed in provided text Labs/Teams: Laboratory activities in ASEC 53 and ASEC 3 (per office listing).
Dr. Moura Mehravar is an Associate Professor in Geotechnical Engineering at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Birmingham, within the School of Engineering. Her research focuses on computational mechanics, experimental modeling, and smart infrastructure solutions for geo-energy projects such as energy piles and offshore wind turbine foundations. She also explores biomaterial applications in ground engineering and develops novel sensing technologies for infrastructure condition assessment and sustainable design. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches combining geotechnical engineering with materials science and environmental engineering. Key research areas include railway track substructure analysis, soil-water interaction monitoring, and advanced sensor technologies like polymer optical fiber Bragg gratings. Her recent publications emphasize hybrid back-analysis techniques for infrastructure condition assessment, innovative solutions for offshore energy structures, and interface characterization of 3D-printed construction materials. These contributions align with global trends toward sustainable and smart infrastructure development. Mehravar has collaborated on patents related to offshore energy foundations and actively participates in international conferences such as the International Symposium on Deformation Characteristics of Geomaterials and Transportation Geotechnics. Her research bridges theoretical modeling with practical applications in renewable energy and transportation sectors.
Dr. Angela Casarella is an Assistant Professor in Geotechnical Engineering within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London, part of the Faculty of Engineering. Her research bridges geotechnical engineering and materials science, focusing on the micromechanical behavior of clays and engineered geomaterials for civil and environmental applications. Education: PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Grenoble Alpes University, France (2018–2022) MSc in Geomechanics, Civil Engineering and Risks, Grenoble Alpes University, France (2017–2018) MEngSc in Geotechnical Engineering, Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy (2016–2018) BEng in Civil Engineering, Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy (2013–2016) Her research interests lie at the intersection of geotechnical engineering and materials science, with a strong emphasis on clay micromechanics, thermomechanical behavior, and microstructural characterization. She employs experimental techniques such as synchrotron nano-tomography and SAXS/WAXS, combined with numerical and analytical modeling, to study particle-scale mechanisms in clays. Her work has significant implications for energy geostructures, soil stabilization, and geological hazard assessment. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the fundamental behavior of clays across scales—from nanometric interactions governed by DLVO forces to macroscopic thermo-hydro-mechanical responses. Her work integrates advanced imaging, particle-scale modeling, and constitutive development, particularly in the context of temperature effects and energy applications. A strong trend toward multi-scale and interdisciplinary approaches is evident, combining colloid science, mechanics, and geotechnics. Dr. Casarella has not been awarded any listed scientific awards or fellowships in the provided text. She has not publicly listed any graduate students or advisees. Her research is supported through institutional affiliations and likely involves collaborations within the Geotechnics Section at Imperial and the International Research Center for Clay Micromechanics. She previously held a postdoctoral position at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden (2023–2025), where she led experimental campaigns on quick clays using advanced imaging techniques. Her research is conducted within the Geotechnics Section of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London, which hosts the MSc in Geotechnical Engineering and fosters interdisciplinary research in soil mechanics, energy geostructures, and advanced materials characterization.
Elham Fini is an Associate Professor at the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment at Arizona State University. She serves as a Senior Global Futures Scientist at the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation, Director of the Innovation Network for Materials, Methods and Management, and holds affiliations with the Center for Negative Carbon Emissions. Education: Ph.D. from University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign Her research focuses on Built Environment and Health , Bio-based Materials , and Multi-scale Characterization , aiming to advance sustainable infrastructure through novel material design and environmental impact mitigation. She has published over 200 scholarly works and her research has been highlighted by BBC Women in STEM, Science Nation, and Wired Magazine. Recent publications analyze bio-based rejuvenators , waste plastic integration , and biochar applications in asphalt systems, addressing carbon management , pollutant adsorption , and asphalt durability . Her work bridges chemical engineering principles with civil infrastructure challenges. Scientific Awards: NSF CAREER award, ASEE Gerald Seeley award, BEYA Emerald STEM Innovation award, NC BioTech Research Excellence award, WTS Innovative Transportation Solution award Dr. Fini serves as editor for the ASCE Journal of Materials and the Journal of Resources, Conservation & Recycling. She previously held leadership roles as ASCE North Carolina Northern Branch president and NSF program director.
Dr. Shahrzad Roshankhah serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah's College of Engineering since July 2021. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology (2015), M.Sc. from Amirkabir University of Technology (2007), and B.S. from Semnan University (2003). She maintains professional licensure as a Professional Engineer in Utah and brings extensive industry experience from six years in engineering consulting prior to doctoral studies. B.S. in Civil Engineering, Semnan University (2003) M.Sc. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (2007) Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (2015) Her research focuses on hydro-thermo-chemo-mechanical behavior of geomaterials under extreme conditions, with applications in sustainable geo-energy infrastructure and civil engineering. She employs advanced experimental techniques including neutron imaging and computational modeling to investigate fracture mechanics, thermal properties of porous media, and hydraulic fracturing processes. Her work bridges fundamental geomechanics with practical engineering challenges in energy transition and infrastructure resilience. Dr. Roshankhah's publication portfolio reveals strong emphasis on rock mechanics and geotechnical innovation, particularly in fracture analysis, thermal conductivity of granular materials, and advanced computational methods. Her recent work demonstrates increasing integration of machine learning with traditional geomechanical testing, while maintaining rigorous experimental validation. The research consistently addresses critical energy infrastructure challenges through fundamental material behavior studies. Emerging Leader (Offshore Technology Conference, 2024) Distinguished Early Career Service Award (American Rock Mechanics Association, 2023) Future Leader (American Rock Mechanics Association, 2020) Faculty Affiliate, Office of Undergraduate Research (University of Utah, 2022) She actively mentors graduate students through thesis research supervision in Ph.D. and Master's programs while teaching core courses including Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering Materials, and Advanced Foundation Engineering. Her current CarbonSAFE Phase II grant from the U.S. Department of Energy focuses on carbon storage feasibility. Professional service includes committee leadership in ASCE, ARMA, and SPE, with specialization in rock mechanics, hydraulic fracturing, and diversity initiatives. Dr. Roshankhah maintains active collaboration networks across geomechanics communities and contributes to advancing experimental methodologies for extreme-condition material characterization. Her laboratory work integrates multiphysics testing with computational modeling to address pressing challenges in energy geotechnology and infrastructure resilience.
Anne-Catherine A.M. Dieudonné, holding the title Dr.ir., is a faculty researcher at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology , within the Section of Geo-Engineering . Her work bridges fundamental geomechanics with pressing energy and environmental challenges, focusing on clays, bentonites, bio-cemented sands, geothermal systems, nuclear waste disposal, and CO₂ geological storage. Education & Training: Doctor of Engineering (Dr.ir.) – advanced doctoral degree in civil engineering/geosciences, exact institution and dates not stated in the source. Research Interests: Anne-Catherine’s research is organised around four pillars: Energy Geotechnics: thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) modelling of geothermal systems in deep mines, cold-water injection-induced fracturing, optimisation under uncertainty. Environmental Geotechnics: long-term performance of clay barriers for nuclear waste repositories, gas and fluid transport in saturated clays, self-healing of rock-salt fractures. Bio-mediated Ground Improvement: micro-scale mechanics of bio-cemented sands, influence of carbonate distribution on stiffness and strength, DEM and experimental characterisation. Advanced Experimental & Numerical Techniques: development of novel visualisation devices for fluid-driven cracks, constitutive modelling of expansive clays, zero-thickness interface elements for fracture simulation. Publication Trends: Since 2020 she has authored or co-authored more than 25 peer-reviewed articles and conference contributions. The 2025 corpus shows a strong emphasis on geothermal reservoir engineering , bio-cemented geomaterials , and deep geological disposal , with methodological advances in coupled THM modelling, discrete-element simulation, and experimental validation. Scientific Awards & Honours: ABTUS Scientific Prize – Belgian Association for Underground Techniques and Urbanism (2012) C.B.R. Heidelberg Prize (2011) Bright Spark Lecture Award (2025) Ioannis Vardoulakis PhD Prize (2017) NWO Veni Grant (2019) Supervision & Grants: Anne-Catherine has supervised at least one doctoral student, A. Zhang , on bio-cemented sands. She is principal investigator on the NWO Veni project focusing on clay fracture mechanics and participates in the European EURAD consortium for radioactive waste management research. Laboratory & Teams: She is affiliated with the Geo-Engineering Section laboratories at TU Delft, which host advanced triaxial, oedometer, and bespoke visualisation rigs for clay and sand testing. Collaborative networks span TU Delft, KU Leuven, University of Liège, and multiple European institutions within EURAD.
Dr. Mingu Kang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the School of Engineering, University of St. Thomas. His research specializes in transportation geotechnics with a focus on smart and resilient infrastructure foundations using geosynthetics and innovative sensor technologies. Education: PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign MS in Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, Korea University BS in Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, Korea University Dr. Kang's research centers on Transportation Geotechnics , Smart Infrastructure Monitoring , and Geosynthetic Reinforcement . He develops and deploys field sensors—particularly bender elements —to measure stiffness in soil and aggregate layers for pavements and railroads. His work integrates real-time sensor data with geogrid stabilization techniques to enhance infrastructure durability against degradation. Key applications include airport runways, highway pavements, and railroad ballast systems where resilience against environmental stressors is critical. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2021-2023) reveals consistent focus on sensor-based characterization of transportation infrastructure. Over 80% of his work involves bender element technology for stiffness measurement, with strong emphasis on geogrid-aggregate interaction and field validation through FAA, USACE, and state DOT test sites. Emerging themes include degradation monitoring of ballast systems and smart runway development using embedded sensors. Scientific Awards: Geosynthetic Institute (GSI) award International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) award FAA award Dr. Kang collaborates extensively with government agencies including USACE, FAA, and FHWA on infrastructure monitoring projects. His research has been deployed at operational test sites across multiple state Departments of Transportation. While no formal graduate students are listed, he guides undergraduate design projects through St. Thomas' Engineer Design Clinic and Soil Mechanics courses. Current grants focus on sensor deployment for pavement resilience but lack public funding details. He utilizes St. Thomas' Design Center lab facilities while conducting field work at external test sites operated by government partners. His team develops custom sensor arrays for real-time infrastructure monitoring, with recent deployments at FAA airfield test sections and state highway pavements. Current collaborations include the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Center for Applied AI for data integration in smart infrastructure systems.
Dr. Mohammad Saadatfar is a Research Fellow in the Department of Materials Physics at the Australian National University, where he contributes significantly to the X-ray tomography and applications research group. With a PhD qualification and over 80 publications spanning two decades, his research focuses on advanced imaging techniques and materials characterization, particularly in complex material systems. Dr. Saadatfar's research interests center on X-ray tomography applications in materials science, with particular expertise in: Granular materials and foam structures characterization Computational modeling of material deformation and failure In-situ imaging of dynamic processes in geomaterials Biomimetic materials design and analysis Micro-CT applications for failure analysis His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on applying advanced X-ray micro-CT techniques to study complex material behaviors across multiple domains. Key trends include investigating texture-breakage coupling in copper ores, wettability alteration in sandstone for carbon sequestration applications, and the mechanical properties of biomimetic and foam structures. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical engineering applications through detailed 3D analysis of material responses under various loading conditions. As an active member of the X-ray tomography and applications research group, Dr. Saadatfar collaborates with researchers across disciplines to advance imaging methodologies and their applications in materials characterization. His laboratory work leverages state-of-the-art microtomography systems for in-situ studies of material failure and fragmentation processes in diverse material systems ranging from metallic foams to geological formations.
Dr. Jose Angel Diosdado De la Peña is an Assistant Professor of Engineering at the University of Mount Union's College of Engineering. His research focuses on materials science, mechanical engineering, and additive manufacturing, with expertise in ultrasonic testing, thermal stress analysis, and structural optimization. He holds a Ph.D. in both Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering, with professional roots in Mexico. Research interests span: Advanced materials characterization techniques 3D printing of functional structures Thermomechanical processing of metals Structural integrity assessment Experimental mechanics and nondestructive testing His recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on additive manufacturing innovations, material performance under stress, and engineering education methods. The work shows strong interdisciplinary connections between mechanical engineering, materials science, and industrial applications.
Dr Lee Hosking is a Senior Lecturer in Energy Geomechanics at Brunel University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering within the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences. He holds a PhD and MEng in Civil Engineering from Cardiff University and has been recognized with a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) in 2022. Senior Tutor (Civil and Environmental Engineering) Chair of Student Experience Committee NSS Champion Digital Education Champion Lee's research focuses on numerical modelling of deep subsurface environments, particularly coupled thermal-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) phenomena, fracture network representation, and damage evolution. His work has been applied to geological CO₂ storage, unconventional geothermal energy systems, and radioactive waste disposal. Current projects funded by The Royal Society and EPSRC explore CO₂ storage injection well integrity and fluid injection-induced seismicity prediction. He teaches modules such as Energy Infrastructure Engineering, Climate Change and the Environment, and supervises PhD students in areas like coupled THM behavior of unconventional geothermal reservoirs and CO₂ injection well integrity. Lee collaborates nationally and internationally with academic and industry partners and is affiliated with the Centre for Energy Efficient and Sustainable Technologies, Two-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer, and Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering groups at Brunel. Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), 2022 Editorial Board Member - Deep Underground Science and Engineering Member - UK Carbon Capture and Storage Research Centre Member - British Geotechnical Association Member - International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering
Claudio Finocchiaro serves as a TD-A Researcher in Mineral Georesources and Mineralogical-Petrographic Applications for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (SSD GEO/09) at the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences - Earth Sciences Section of the University of Catania since January 1, 2022. He obtained the National Scientific Qualification (ASN) II band for competitive area 04/A1 on September 6, 2023. His academic credentials include: PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences (2017-2020) from University of Catania, awarded Doctor Europaeus with honors Master's Degree in Geological Sciences (LM-74) (2014-2017) Bachelor's Degree in Geological Sciences (L-34) (2010-2014) Geologist professional qualification from University of Palermo (2017) Dr. Finocchiaro's research centers on sustainable geomaterials with applications in cultural heritage preservation. His work spans development of alkaline-activated materials using industrial waste, analysis of historical artifacts (ceramics, mortars, plasters), characterization of zeolites via micro-Raman spectroscopy, and investigation of stone material degradation processes. His methodology integrates field work, advanced laboratory analysis including X-ray diffraction at synchrotron facilities, and sustainable material design principles. With 26 publications as of April 2025 accumulating 350 citations and an H-index of 9, his scholarly output demonstrates growing impact in sustainable materials science. His research shows strong thematic coherence around circular economy approaches to cultural heritage conservation. His scientific achievements have been recognized with the SIMP Award for Best Doctoral Thesis (2022) and the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei mobility scholarship (2021). Dr. Finocchiaro has contributed to significant research initiatives including the REACT-EU project, "AGM for CuHe: Advanced Green Materials for Cultural Heritage," and the SETI project. He maintains active leadership in the scientific community as chairman for multiple conference sessions on sustainable geomaterials and serves in professional associations including SIMP, AIC, GABeC, and ICERS.
Dr. Kai Wen is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Offshore Geotechnics at the University of Southampton's Department of Civil, Maritime, and Environmental Engineering. Appointed in 2023, he leads the ROBOCONE project funded by EPSRC-SFI and contributes to the Royal Academy of Engineering's Centre of Excellence for Intelligent & Resilient Ocean Engineering (IROE). BSc (2016) - Tianjin University MPhi (2019) - Zhejiang University PhD (2023) - Imperial College London Specializing in offshore foundation optimization, Dr. Wen focuses on seabed-structure interaction, computational geomechanics (FEM/PFEM), and performance-based design of foundations in challenging geomaterials like dense sands and chalk. His work combines finite element modeling, machine learning, and Python scripting for high-cycle loading analysis. Recent article trends show expertise in: 1) Computational modeling of offshore foundations in chalk and sand 2) Robotic site investigation tools 3) Lateral/torsional loading mechanics 4) Load transfer models for offshore piles 5) Wind turbine anchoring systems 6) Time-dependent soil capacity analysis. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (2024) EPSRC Supergen ORE Hub Early Career Researcher Fund Active in technical committees (ISSMGE TC102, TC209) and journal peer-review (Géotechnique, Ocean Engineering, etc.), Dr. Wen collaborates with Professors Dave White and Susan Gourvenec on advancing offshore geotechnical methodologies.
Boyoung Jeong is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology’s Armour College of Engineering. Her expertise spans geoenvironmental and biogeotechnical engineering, focusing on flow in porous media, bio-mediated geotechnics, and bio-geo materials. She holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (2022), an M.S. and B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Seoul National University (2014, 2012). Research Interests: Her work addresses microbial influences on geotechnical systems, geomaterials characterization, and sustainable engineering solutions. Key areas include microbially induced calcite precipitation, motile bacterial effects in porous media, and biofilm-mediated material repair. These studies aim to enhance environmental sustainability and infrastructure resilience. Awards 2021 George F. Sowers Distinguished Graduate Student Award 2021 Regina Sanborn Outreach Award (NSF CBBG) 2020 Paul W. Mayne Award 2016–2018 Korean Government Scholarship Publications : Boyoung’s research explores bio-geochemical interactions in engineered systems. Recent work includes studies on bacterial effects on fluid displacement in porous media, surface tension dynamics, and self-healing concrete using microbial additives. Her publications span journals like Géotechnique and Water Research , emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to environmental and geotechnical challenges. Contact: bjeong1@iit.edu | Office: Alumni Memorial Hall 228D
HUSSAIN Mazhar is a Researcher-Lecturer at CESI, affiliated with the Engineering and Numerical Tools department. His work focuses on sustainable construction materials, particularly the valorization of geomaterials and bio-based materials. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from Rouen University (2022) and a Master's in Civil and Hydraulics Engineering from Grenoble INP ENSE3 (2019). His research emphasizes raw earth construction, sediment reuse, and tropical natural fibers' applications in civil engineering. Education: PhD in Civil Engineering, Rouen University, 2022: 'Valorization of sediments in bio-based materials' Master in Civil and Hydraulics Engineering, Grenoble INP ENSE3, 2019 His research interests include material formulation, soil mechanics, and durability studies. He explores innovative ways to repurpose sediment waste into eco-friendly building materials, reducing environmental impact. Recent work involves sediment-based fired bricks, tropical fiber reinforcement, and masonry wall behavior analysis. Publications highlight trends in sustainable material development and resource optimization, with contributions to journals like Sustainability and Journal of Natural Fibers . He supervises M1/M2 research projects, fostering student engagement in applied civil engineering challenges. Grants & Labs: Part of CESI's LINEACT research team Pilot projects involving Usumacinta River sediments in Mexico
Prof. Filippo Santucci De Magistris is a Full Professor at the Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise. His research focuses on geotechnical engineering, seismic vulnerability assessment, and soil-structure interaction, with emphasis on liquefaction mitigation, pipeline stability, and seismic site response analysis. His work integrates numerical modeling, experimental testing, and field investigations in complex geotechnical systems. Key research areas include: Constitutive modeling of geomaterials under dynamic loads Liquefaction risk assessment in urban and industrial contexts Seismic safety of critical infrastructure (pipelines, healthcare networks) Advances in site response analysis methodologies His publications (2021-2025) increasingly emphasize probabilistic frameworks for infrastructure resilience, innovative bounding surface models for advanced geotechnical simulations, and interdisciplinary approaches to disaster risk reduction. He leads the StregaDynaLab research group (www.stregadynalab.tk), focusing on dynamic geotechnical analysis and mitigation strategies for seismic hazards. Notable contributions include field reconnaissance after major earthquakes (2016 Central Italy, 2015 Nepal), validation of constitutive models in OpenSees, and development of empirical fragility functions for infrastructure components.
