Statement of Research Interests

My research interests are primarily in the field of advanced materials for the development of sustainable
structures as well as repair and rehabilitation of civil infrastructure. Recent scientific and technological
advances have led to the development of new and innovative construction materials, including fiber
reinforced polymers, structural adhesives, high-performance cementitious materials, and high strength
steel. These materials are characterized by significant improvements of strength, stiffness and
environmental durability and reduced weight. These characteristics can be exploited to facilitate a
quantum leap in the advancement of constructability, serviceability, sustainability and ultimate capacity
of structural systems. My research goals are to explore the use of these advanced materials for
engineering practice through rigorous research leading to the development of new structural systems and
design, detailing and construction techniques. The effective implementation of new materials for
structural applications requires a thorough understanding of the material behavior and its applicability to
new structural systems. My research will include optimization of structural members and systems to take
advantage of these new fundamental material characteristics to enhance structural performance. One of
the fundamental goals of my research is to simplify the complex research findings into simplified
guidelines which can be used by practitioners for the design and construction of structures using the
unique properties of advanced materials. It is also essential to pursue the effective transfer of technology
from academics to practice. I feel that the most effective research approach achieves a balance between
experimental investigation and the support of properly implemented analytical tools. As such, I favor a
combined research approach which implements experimental research of structural systems and
materials combined with rigorous analysis tools as needed to develop a complete understanding of the
behavior of materials, structures and systems. I strongly believe that collaborative research efforts, which
include the contributions of experts in their respective fields, both within the department and between
disciplines, are essential to solve complex engineering problems which cannot be addressed by a single
researcher or a small group with a limited focus.
Completed Research Projects

I was involved in several research projects during my graduate studies. My primary research during my
Master’s and Ph.D. was related to the development of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP)
strengthening system for steel bridges and structures. Specifically I evaluated the behavior of
strengthened members under the effect of fatigue and overloading conditions. This research led to the
development of design guidelines and installation recommendations to enhance the flexural strength and
live-load carrying capacity of steel girders strengthened using CFRP materials. During my Ph.D. program I
extended my research to include a thorough evaluation of the bond characteristics and environmental
durability of the proposed strengthening system. My research involved both experimental and analytical
components. In addition to my primary research, I was involved in a research project to study the behavior
of concrete flexural members reinforced with high-strength reinforcement steel. I was also part of an
interdisciplinary research which included colleagues from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace
Engineering at NCSU to develop an optical fiber based, self-monitoring FRP system for strengthening civil
engineering structures. I believe that the successful completion of these projects has laid a strong
foundation for my future success as a researcher.
On-going Research

As a post-doctoral research associate I am currently involved in three different research projects which
are broadly related to improving the sustainability of civil structures using innovative materials. The first
project is to evaluate the shear and bond behavior of a new lightweight concrete. The lightweight concrete
is manufactured using engineered polystyrene beads making it possible to produce lightweight concrete
in regions where lightweight aggregates are not readily accessible. The second project is a pilot study to
develop a lightweight, natural-fiber reinforced concrete using the bast fibers of the locally grown Kenaf
plant. The microstructure of these fibers exhibits several unique features which are promising to reduce
the unit weight and enhance the residual tensile strength of the concrete. The first stage of this project is
designed to evaluate the fundamental material characteristics of the fiber reinforced concrete. The third
project involves the development and optimization of a transport truck trailer fabricated using innovative
glass fiber composite sandwich panels. The potential weight savings which can be achieved by using
composites can result in increased payloads on transport trailers thereby reducing shipping costs and fuel
consumption and enhancing the economics and sustainability of the shipping model. Further, the
optimized panels can be used for sustainable, lightweight construction such as pedestrian bridges and
portable structures. My involvement in these projects has extended the breadth of my research
experience while giving me the opportunity to supervise and mentor several graduate students and to
train other highly qualified personnel.
Grants and Proposals

I have been extensively involved in the preparation of several research proposals. These include three
proposals at the federal level which were submitted to the National Cooperative Highway Research
Program (NCHRP). I have also been involved in preparing two proposals which were submitted to the
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Further, I have been responsible for the
preparation of four different proposals which were submitted to industry members of the National
Science Foundation center on Repair of Buildings and Bridges with Composites (RB2C). The proposed
research programs were designed to address specific engineering problems which were expressed by the
industry. As a result of my past experience I feel that I am well prepared to apply for external funding and
to establish a successful, independently funded research program.

Future Research Plan and Funding Opportunities

I am enthusiastic to establish an independent research program to continue my study of the use of

innovative materials for the development of sustainable structures. I also recognize that diversity is
essential to the success of any researcher. Consequently, I am eager to apply my talents to new challenges,
to develop new research strengths and to collaborate with other faculty members within the department
and in other disciplines. I will actively pursue funding opportunities through federal agencies such as the
National Science Foundation, Federal Highway Administration, Department of Defense and Department
of Homeland Security. I will also pursue funding opportunities through State DOT’s and the private sector.
Additional details of my accomplishments and my publication record are provided in my attached
Curriculum Vita.
Statement of Teaching Philosophy The focus of my teaching philosophy is to instill enthusiasm in my
students to motivate them to learn and understand the course materials rather than simply ‘doing what
it takes to make it through the course’. I believe that learning is an interactive and participative process.
Therefore, I try to incorporate different teaching tools and presentation styles to accommodate different
students with different backgrounds, ability levels and learning styles. My teaching experience during the
last several years included preparing course notes, lecturing in-class and for distance education students
and conducting tutorial sessions. I found that class discussion stimulated healthy interaction with the
students. I am also interested in using computer based teaching tools and online resources to motivate
students which emphasizes the technology driven nature of the engineering profession. I encourage
students to understand concepts rather than to memorize equations. I believe homework problems
should be based on realistic engineering problems which require students to exercise their engineering
judgment while also applying the fundamental engineering principles covered in class. I also believe that
a commitment to teaching requires a commitment to learning. As such, I seek out opportunities to
enhance my teaching by carefully considering student evaluations and by being receptive to peer-
evaluation. I am enthusiastic about teaching and continuously improving my skills as an educator. From
my personal experience, I have found that students learn best when their instructors are dedicated to
their success. I recognize that different students have different academic goals and my role as a teacher
is to help the students to achieve their goals. I feel it is also important to establish a rapport with students,
to encourage them to pursue independent learning outside of class and to be available to address their
questions. As an instructor-in-training for an undergraduate reinforced concrete design course, I received
informal evaluations of my teaching which indicated that students were impressed by my commitment to
teaching and my sincere interest to present difficult material in a way that was easy for the students to
understand, both in the classroom and outside of class during office hours. My involvement in the
undergraduate teaching laboratory portion of the course further helped me to develop a rapport with the
students which proved invaluable in helping them to understand the course concepts. I value the
opportunity to give undergraduate students practical laboratory and research related experience. As an
instructor-in-training I was responsible for the practical lab portion of the reinforced concrete design class.
For the lab the students designed, constructed and tested a total of four large-scale reinforced concrete
beams. Students expressed that the experience helped them to gain an appreciation of the fundamental
concepts taught in class. This further taught the students practical skills such as teamwork and time
management which are essential to a successful engineering career. I strongly believe that these
experiences encourage undergraduate students to advance their education by pursuing graduate studies.
Providing research opportunities for undergraduate students is another way to motivate students to
pursue higher education while simultaneously achieving the teaching and research missions of the
university. I am open to teaching a wide range of structures related courses, on-campus and by distance
education, at all levels including statics, solid mechanics, materials, structural analysis and design courses.
At the graduate level I am interested in teaching advanced concrete or steel courses and feel capable to
teach an introductory finite element analysis course. I am enthusiastic about the opportuni