Dr. Andy Nguyen is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering at the University of Southern Queensland. He holds a PhD from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), an MEng from the National University of Civil Engineering (NUCE), and a BEng from NUCE. His research focuses on structural health monitoring, integrating machine learning and deep learning techniques to assess infrastructure integrity. Key areas include damage detection in bridges, pavements, and buildings, as well as sustainable construction materials like bamboo. Nguyen leads projects such as the 'Next Generation Living Laboratory for Engineering Education and Engagement,' emphasizing real-world applications of technology in civil infrastructure. His work spans crack detection algorithms, finite element model updating, and vibration-based structural analysis. He collaborates on AI-driven solutions for autonomous vehicle object detection and smart maintenance planning. Nguyen’s contributions include over 50 peer-reviewed publications and active supervision of postgraduate research in composite materials and transport infrastructure. His research outputs highlight advancements in computational mechanics, sensor technologies, and data-driven methods for infrastructure resilience. Nguyen’s expertise bridges civil engineering challenges with cutting-edge machine learning, advancing both theoretical and applied solutions for sustainable and safe structures.
Khurram K. Afridi is a Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Cornell University's College of Engineering. With a BS from Caltech and SM/PhD from MIT, he leads the High-Frequency Power Electronics and Control (HFPEC) research group. His work focuses on high-frequency power electronics, wireless power transfer systems, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Dr. Afridi's research spans capacitive wireless power transfer systems for electric vehicles, high-frequency power converters , impedance control networks , and power density optimization . His team has developed innovative approaches for multi-MHz wireless power transfer, reduced-fringing-field systems, and high-efficiency power conversion architectures. Recent work emphasizes practical implementation challenges including thermal management, pavement-embedded systems, and dynamic charging applications. His publications reveal a strong focus on high-power-density systems , wireless charging technologies , and advanced power conversion techniques . The research spans both theoretical modeling and practical implementation, with numerous papers in top conferences like APEC, ECCE, and IEEE journals. Key themes include improving power transfer efficiency at multi-MHz frequencies, developing novel matching network designs, and creating practical systems for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. First Place Prize Paper Award, IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics, 2023 First Place Best Contribution Award, IEEE WPTCE, 2023 Second Place Prize Paper Award, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, 2022 Distinguished Lecturer, IEEE Vehicular Technology Society, 2022 Cornell Engineering Research Excellence Award, 2021 NSF CAREER Award, 2016 Dr. Afridi has successfully advised numerous graduate students who have received multiple Outstanding Presentation Awards at major conferences. His research has been supported by significant funding including the NSF CAREER Award. The HFPEC group maintains strong industry connections and focuses on translating theoretical advances into practical power electronics solutions with real-world impact. Current research directions include electrified roadways, dynamic wireless charging systems, and high-power-density power conversion architectures for next-generation applications.
Samer Madanat is the Xenel Distinguished Professor of Engineering Emeritus and former Director of the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Berkeley. He holds a Ph.D. in Transportation Systems from MIT and specializes in transportation infrastructure management with focus on facility performance modeling and developing optimal management policies under uncertainty. His research interests center on lifecycle maintenance optimization for bridge networks, pavement resurfacing policies minimizing costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and decision support systems for infrastructure planning. He has led significant research projects on network reliability and maintenance optimization under multiple constraints. Dr. Madanat received the Science and Technology grant from the University of California Office of the President in 2000 and served as Editor-in-Chief of the ASCE Journal of Infrastructure Systems from 2001-2011. His research group has included graduate students investigating large-scale infrastructure optimization challenges.
Cristina Torres-Machi is an Assistant Professor of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder, holding the Beavers Professorship of Construction Engineering. She earned her PhD in Civil Engineering from Universitat Politècnica de Valencia and Universidad Católica de Chile (2015), a MSc in Planning and Management in Civil Engineering (2012) and BSc in Civil Engineering (2008) from Universitat Politècnica de Valencia. Her research focuses on infrastructure asset management, sustainability/resilience in transportation, and decision-making optimization systems. She leads the Innovation for Resilient Infrastructure (IRI) research group, advancing methodologies for long-term infrastructure management. Recognized with awards including the Abertis International Award (2016) and excellence in PhD dissertation (2015/2017), she serves as Chair of ASCE’s Construction Research Council and Vice-Chair of TRB’s Transportation Asset Management committee. Her work integrates machine learning, predictive analytics, and data science to improve pavement performance and lifecycle cost analyses. Professional affiliations include the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and active roles in TRB committees. Research emphasizes pavement rehabilitation strategies, flood impact modeling, and equitable infrastructure adoption trends. Over 60 publications (60+ citations) span journal articles, conference proceedings, and book chapters, with projects funded by public/private agencies. Current projects explore satellite-based monitoring, EV infrastructure impacts, and disaster-resilient traffic systems. Her recent work addresses procurement fallacies in design-build projects and integrates social vulnerability assessments in natural hazard planning.
Jason Weiss is a Professor and the Miles Lowell and Margaret Watt Edwards Distinguished Chair in Engineering at Oregon State University’s College of Engineering, where he is affiliated with the School of Civil and Construction Engineering. He previously served as Head of the School from 2015 to 2020 and was a long-time faculty member at Purdue University, holding the Jack and Kay Hockema Professorship and directing the Pankow Materials Laboratory. His educational background includes a B.A.E. from Pennsylvania State University, and M.S. and Ph.D. from Northwestern University in 1997 and 1999, respectively. Dr. Weiss’s research centers on the behavior of cement and concrete, with a strong emphasis on early-age shrinkage, cracking, durability, transport properties, internal curing, and performance prediction of concrete structures. He is widely recognized for developing and advancing test methods such as the ring test, dual ring test, and electrical resistivity measurements for assessing cracking potential and durability. His work has significantly influenced specifications for concrete pavements through the FHWA’s Performance Engineered Mixtures program. He has authored over 425 publications, including more than 225 peer-reviewed journal articles, and his editorial leadership includes serving as Editor-in-Chief of the American Concrete Institute’s Journal of Materials, Associate Editor of the Transportation Research Record, and former Editor-in-Chief of both the ASTM journal Advances in Civil Engineering Materials and the RILEM journal Materials and Structures. NSF Career Award RILEM L'Hermite Medal ACI W. P. Moore, Young Member, Philleo, Wason, and Arthur Anderson Awards ASCE Huber Award ESCSI Erskine Award ACPA Knutson Award Multiple teaching awards including the University Murphy Award and induction into the Purdue Teaching Academy Dr. Weiss has been deeply involved in mentoring and advising, recognized through multiple teaching and advising awards. He has led large research teams and secured significant funding for infrastructure materials research. His work is supported by federal agencies and industry partners, particularly in advancing performance-based specifications for durable and sustainable concrete. He leads research within the Infrastructure Materials Laboratories at Oregon State, including the Concrete Performance Lab and Kiewit Building Materials Lab, focusing on innovative mixture designs, durability testing, and field implementation.
Morten Birkved is a Professor at the Department of Green Technology, University of Southern Denmark, and Head of SDU Life Cycle Engineering. He leads the SDU Climate Cluster and actively contributes to research on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) , Circular Economy , and Environmental Sustainability . His work spans cross-disciplinary collaborations in Denmark and internationally. Education: M.Sc. in Environmental Chemistry, PhD in Sustainable Development His research interests focus on integrating LCA with circular economy principles, analyzing environmental impacts of construction materials, and developing sustainable solutions for agriculture and energy systems. Recent projects include microbial protein production, green fuels in shipping, and biorefineries for organic waste valorization. Recent publications highlight 2025 advancements in: Eco-design strategies for buildings Hybrid wastewater treatment systems Carbon-storing asphalt pavements Comparative LCA of housing typologies These studies emphasize Denmark as a case study region and leverage both parametric and probabilistic modeling approaches. Scientific Awards Recipient of SCC Fast Track Prize (2025) Teaching & Supervision Supervised PhD research on circular agriculture and plastic circularity Lectured on chemical processes and environmental impacts since 2019 Labs & Projects Coordinates EU-funded initiatives like FLAVOURFERM (plant-based fermentation) and AgriLoop (circular agriculture) Develops microbial platforms for waste-to-protein conversion Advances biostimulants for sustainable agriculture
Ayman Habib is the Thomas A. Page Professor of Civil Engineering at Purdue University's College of Engineering. He serves as Co-Director of the Civil Engineering Center for Applications of UAS for a Sustainable Environment (CE-CAUSE) and Associate Director of the Joint Transportation Research Program. His work focuses on integrating remote sensing technologies like LiDAR and UAV systems into infrastructure monitoring, environmental management, and transportation engineering. Key areas include sensor calibration, mobile mapping systems, and applications in forest inventory, pavement maintenance, and stockpile monitoring. Research interests span remote sensing, geomatics, and UAV-based solutions for civil engineering challenges. He actively develops methodologies for automated data processing, LiDAR intensity normalization, and machine learning-driven infrastructure assessment. His projects address sustainability through precise environmental and transportation systems analysis. Selected publications highlight advancements in LiDAR-based road cracking detection, forest reconstruction via neural networks, and UAV calibration for agricultural and environmental applications. His work emphasizes scalable solutions for infrastructure maintenance and environmental monitoring, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches in civil engineering and computer science.
Dr. Md S Hossain is a Professor of Civil Engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington, directing the Solid Waste Institute for Sustainability (SWIS). He holds a B.S. from IIT Bombay, an M.E. from AIT Bangkok, and a Ph.D. from North Carolina State University. His research focuses on sustainable waste management, bioreactor landfills, geotechnical engineering, and slope stabilization, with notable contributions to landfill gas-to-energy and recycled materials utilization. He has over 6 years of professional experience in geotechnical and geoenvironmental projects globally. Research Interests: Sustainable waste management, landfill engineering, slope stabilization, recycled materials, geotechnical site investigations. Key Roles: Director of SWIS, Principal Investigator on numerous grants, and advisor to over 50 graduate students. Dr. Hossain has secured millions in grants from agencies like NSF, EPA, and TxDOT, focusing on waste-to-energy, landfill mining, and slope stabilization using recycled plastics. His awards include the ISWA Leadership Award and Distinguished AIT Alumni recognition. He actively collaborates with international organizations like CCAC and ISWA, advocating for sustainable waste solutions in developing countries. His work spans 50+ projects in Bangladesh, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S., emphasizing practical applications like recycled plastic pins for slope stabilization and ET cover systems for landfills. SWIS, under his leadership, promotes global sustainable waste management through education, research, and policy advocacy.
Yuxia Hu is a Professor at the University of Western Australia, affiliated with the School of Engineering (Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering) and the School of Social Sciences, Planning and Transport Research Centre. Her research focuses on geotechnical engineering, particularly in large deformation FE analysis, offshore foundation systems, and soil-structure interaction. She has contributed to advancements in suction caissons, plate anchors, and computational mechanics, with applications in offshore wind energy and infrastructure stability. Research Interests: Large deformation FE analysis of soils, soil-structure interaction, offshore foundation systems, soil mechanics, and pavement engineering. Awards: Telford Premium, British Geotechnical Association Prize, and Significant Junior/Senior Paper Award. Grants: Leads projects on offshore anchors, carbon capture in pavements, and road maintenance optimization. Her work addresses challenges in geotechnical design and sustainable infrastructure, with a focus on numerical modeling and experimental validation. Collaborations span academia and industry, emphasizing practical solutions for complex soil-structure systems.
Caterina Valeo is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Victoria's Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, holding a PhD from McMaster University. Her research focuses on environmental systems modeling with applications in forest management, urban water infrastructure, and climate resilience. Her work spans disturbance modeling in forested regions (including pine beetle infestations and forest fire impacts on watershed hydrology), sustainable urban water development through low-impact design tools like bioretention cells and permeable pavement, and climate change analysis using artificial neural networks for flood frequency prediction. She integrates hydrological, hydraulic, and water quality models to study pollutant dispersion in rivers and nearshore ecosystems, with emphasis on macrophyte-periphyton dynamics and dissolved oxygen impacts on aquatic habitats. Her research provides practical solutions for forest regeneration planning, stormwater management in Canadian climates, and climate-adaptive water infrastructure design through advanced computational approaches including fuzzy logic and neural network quantile estimation.
Nina Kristiina Raitanen is a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Aalto University . Her work focuses on quiet pavement technologies , sustainable transportation systems , and project-based learning (PBL) in civil engineering education. She has contributed to research on noise reduction in road infrastructure and lifecycle thinking for sustainable development. Her recent publications highlight trends in transportation engineering , emphasizing materials science and environmental engineering to address urban noise pollution and improve road sustainability. Topics include quiet pavement design, product requirements, and evaluation metrics for acoustic performance.
Patrick Singleton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Utah State University, specializing in transportation research. His work bridges travel behavior, safety analysis, and health impacts of transportation systems, with a focus on active transportation and data science applications. Academic Background: PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Portland State University, 2017) Research Areas: Travel behavior, transportation-electrification, pedestrian safety, health-wellbeing in transport Recent research trends emphasize data-driven approaches to pedestrian and bicycle safety, transportation electrification, and the impact of environmental factors like air quality on travel patterns. His lab develops tools for pedestrian data analysis and systemic safety improvements. Scientific recognition includes multiple UDOT awards and a 2017 Best Paper award. He mentors graduate students in transportation modeling and safety analysis.
Ebenezer Fanijo is an Assistant Professor at the School of Building Construction, part of the College of Design at Georgia Institute of Technology. He joined in Spring 2023 and specializes in sustainable and smart-resilient infrastructure, focusing on low-carbon construction materials and alternative energy sources. His work addresses carbon emissions in building materials and processes through advanced research on cementitious composites, recycled materials, and green technologies. Dr. Fanijo holds a B.S. in Building Construction (Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria), M.S. in Civil Engineering (University of Idaho, 2019), and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a concurrent MEng in Materials Science and Engineering from Virginia Tech (2022). He is also a Professional Engineer (P.E.) and LEED Green Associate with over five years of construction sector experience. Education: B.S. Building Construction, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria (First Class Honours) M.S. Civil Engineering, University of Idaho (2019) Ph.D. Civil Engineering & MEng Materials Science, Virginia Tech (2022) Research Interests: His research spans sustainable construction materials, concrete durability, green technologies using recycled/by-product materials, 3D-printed cementitious materials, and advanced sensing for structural monitoring. He emphasizes decarbonizing infrastructure and developing innovative composites to reduce lifecycle emissions. Awards: NSBE Golden Torch Award (2022) – Recognized as Graduate Student of the Year National/international awards for research excellence Teaching & Advising: Dr. Fanijo teaches courses on construction materials, green technologies, and sustainable practices. He developed core curricula such as Construction Materials and Methods and Green Construction Technology . His advising focuses on student mastery of material properties and their integration into environmental performance frameworks. Professional Contributions: He has led funded research projects, published widely in peer-reviewed journals, and pioneered work on alkali-silica reactivity mitigation, asphalt mix design optimization, and corrosion monitoring. His lab integrates AI and nanoscale techniques for material analysis.
Dr. Andy Nguyen is a Senior Lecturer in Structural Engineering at the University of Southern Queensland, within the School of Engineering. He is an active researcher and educator, specializing in the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of critical civil infrastructure such as bridges, buildings, and transport tunnels. Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), NUCE, 1999 Master of Engineering (MEng), NUCE, 2003 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2014 Dr. Nguyen's research is at the forefront of integrating advanced technologies into civil engineering. His primary focus is on developing and deploying sophisticated SHM systems that utilize sensors, data analytics, and machine learning to provide real-time insights into the structural integrity of ageing infrastructure. His work aims to enable proactive maintenance, extend the lifespan of structures, and enhance public safety. He has successfully implemented monitoring systems on major bridges and high-rise buildings in Queensland and New South Wales, with systems capable of even detecting distant earthquake events. His research interests span Structural Health Monitoring, Machine Learning for Engineering, Damage Detection, Finite Element Model Updating, Sustainable Building Materials like bamboo, and the application of AI for automated condition assessment of transport infrastructure. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong and consistent research trajectory centered on the application of data-driven and AI methods to solve practical problems in civil infrastructure. His work frequently combines signal processing techniques (like Stockwell Transform) with deep learning models for tasks such as crack detection in concrete and pavement. He also conducts significant research on model updating for complex structures like cable-stayed and arch bridges, using vibration data and optimization algorithms. The integration of machine learning for overload classification and the development of cost-effective, automated monitoring systems are key trends in his recent output. Advanced Queensland Fellow (2024-2027) Dr. Nguyen is actively involved in research supervision and collaboration. He is currently supervising several postgraduate students on projects related to AI-powered condition assessment, bamboo as a sustainable building material, and railway track design. He receives research funding from the Queensland Government through his Advanced Queensland Fellowship. His research has direct practical applications, as evidenced by his public engagement, such as writing for The Conversation on safeguarding ageing bridges, and his work with the Australian Network of Structural Health Monitoring. Dr. Nguyen's work embodies the development of a next-generation 'Living' Laboratory for engineering education, where research, teaching, and real-world infrastructure monitoring are integrated. His current projects involve creating smart, automated fault detection systems and advancing 'digital twin'-based monitoring platforms for infrastructure.
Dr Md Habibullah Bhuyan is an Adjunct Lecturer at the School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Australia. His research focuses on geotechnical engineering with an emphasis on soil mechanics, electromagnetic measurement methods, and pavement material characterization. He can be contacted at h.bhuyan@uq.edu.au . PhD, Geotechnical Engineering, The University of Queensland (2018) Masters, Geotechnical Engineering, Saitama University (2013) Bachelor, Civil Engineering, BUET (2006) His expertise includes non-destructive testing of unbound granular materials, geo-hydraulic characterization of soft soils in saline environments, and electromagnetic monitoring of soil moisture, density, and deformation. He investigates drained/undrained shear strength, unsaturated soil mechanics, and phase transitions in granular media such as erosion and liquefaction. Recent publications highlight railway ballast deformation (2025), tailings consolidation (2023), TDR sensor challenges (2022), and applications of electromagnetic methods in pavement and coastal engineering. Key themes span unsaturated soil behavior, erosion processes, and advanced geotechnical instrumentation. His teaching spans 12 years across Australia, Japan, and Bangladesh, covering Soil Mechanics , Geotechnical Engineering , Advanced Soil Mechanics , and Transportation Engineering .
