Current Students
Muhammad Shekaib Afzal
My name is Shekaib and I am born and brought up in Pakistan. I did my Bachelor of Science (Civil Engineering) from University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan in 2012. Later, I moved to Qatar and worked as “Site Engineer” in an infrastructure project for one year. After that, I completed my Master Degree in Structural Engineering from Qatar University (2016) with the thesis title: “Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beams with Textile-Reinforced Mortars (TRM)”. I also worked as a full-time “Teaching Assistant” at Qatar University (2016-2022) and was actively involved in research activities.
I joined the UT Structural Engineering Ph.D. program in Fall 2022. I am currently working with Dr. Anca Ferche on modeling and analysis of corrosion-damaged reinforced concrete elements. In my spare time, I love engaging in sport activities. I am a good player of squash, badminton, and lawn tennis. I also adore traveling to new places. I am quite happy to be part of UT and FSEL.
Abhishek Agoramurthy
I am a recent graduate with an M.S. in Structural Engineering with a graduate portfolio certification in Robotics from UT Austin. I am continuing my work on a research project on deployable and adaptable structures. I received my B. Tech. in Civil Engineering from IIT Delhi. I did a semester‐long internship at Thornton Tomasetti, Mumbai, and a summer research internship at UCSD during my undergrad. I have worked in the industry for around three years in technical and managerial roles. I worked as an intern at Walter P. Moore’s Austin office during my grad school, and I am taking up a full‐time role as a graduate engineer at Thornton Tomasetti, Chicago. I am tech‐savvy and like to implement new things in monotonous workflows. My hobbies are singing, playing table tennis, chess, and badminton.
Yucel Alp
I received my bachelor’s degree from Akdeniz University, Turkey. I worked for two years in a structural engineering firm after graduation. During this period, I realized the importance of pursuing a master’s degree. I came to the UT to complete my MS degree under the supervision of Dr. Engelhardt, and I focused on finite element analysis of eccentrically braced frame shear links. After completing my MS degree in 2019, I stayed at UT to pursue my Ph.D. Currently, I am involved with composite bridge research.
Aidan Bjelland
aidandrewbjelland@gmail.com
As a kid growing up in Arizona, I always enjoyed building things whether that be with Lego bricks or train sets. Later on in life, I reached the conclusion that I wanted to continue that passion in civil engineering. So, I attended Arizona State University and obtained a B.S.E. in civil engineering and a M.S. in structural engineering. Through achieving those degrees, my mind toiled with the idea of whether I wanted to pursue a life out in the field or in academia. However after being a teaching assistant, I learned of my love of teaching and decided professorship was my long term dream. Here in Austin, I plan to realize that dream with a PhD in structural engineering.
Other Interviews:
https://barretthonors.asu.edu/news-events/news/graduating-senior-aidan-bjelland-grew-academically-and-professionally-arizona-state
https://fullcircle.asu.edu/graduate/aidan-bjelland/
Andrea Campos Sanchez
I joined the FSEL team in Spring 2022 as a Structural Engineering master’s student at UT Austin! I was born in Monterrey, MX, but I grew up in Laredo, TX, a small city along the Mexican border. I graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and a minor in Business Administration from The UT Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in Fall 2021. During my undergrad, I did research on autonomous vehicles and asphalt materials. Ultimately, research has taught me that even the smallest of innovations have a high impact in society. My current research at FSEL is on investigating the strength of struts crossing cold joints under the supervision of Dr. Ferche and Dr. Bayrak. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, traveling, and walking my dog, Toby.
Juan Castano
I am originally from Pereira, a small city in the Colombian coffee region. I moved to Louisiana, where I completed my bachelor’s degree at McNeese State University. My passion for innovative, sustainable, and resilient buildings made me want to pursue a master’s degree at UT. Here, I will be part of the change the structural engineering industry needs to create better, and more sustainable structures. I am currently studying the behavior of bent to column joints subjected to extreme loading. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, hiking, and playing tennis. Also, I am on the quest of finding the best pizza place in the US.
Xiaoyi Chen
xiaoyi.chen@utexas.edu
I am a first-year PhD student working with Dr. Juan Murcia-Delso on the development of advanced computational and experimental techniques (DIC) to characterize the inelastic behavior of concrete structures. I received my BS from Shandong University, China and MS from Tongji University, China. During my Master’s, I mainly focused on the structural dynamics and vibration control. I am very glad to be a member of FSEL. I enjoy photography and exercises, such as doing yoga, running and playing badminton.
Anas Daou
My name is Anas Daou, from Dalhoun, a small town in Chouf, Mount Lebanon. I was born in United Kingdom and lived in Beirut. After completing my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Beirut Arab University, I was involved in the master’s program in civil Engineering at the American university of Beirut, as a graduate research assistant.
Joining the Ph.D. program FSEL at University of Texas at Austin will offer me broad research opportunities in the field of Structural Engineering. My passion towards the field of Structural Mechanics, shall be always guiding me to impact the lives of people locally and internationally. In short, joining University of Texas at Austin would allow me to convert my potential into useful work that is able to contribute to science and the welfare of mankind.
While I do enjoy research, my skills are not limited to that. I enjoy swimming and playing football in my free time.
Anas has received the George J. Heuer, Jr. Ph.D. Endowed Graduate Fellowship Fund from the Cockrell School of Engineering for 2023-2024
Alana De Moraes
alanamoraes@utexas.edu
I am a first-year Civil Engineering Ph.D. student from Brazil. I graduated with my BS in Civil Engineering Technology from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2020 and received my MS in Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech in 2021. My focus has always been structural engineering, and my research has always been related to corrosion in bridges – steel and prestressed concrete. I am looking forward to learning more about my field and exploring Austin and Texas in general!
Xianjue Deng
XD2349@utexas.edu
Hey there! Thanks for watching my profile. I grow up in Chongqing, China. I received my bachelor degree in civil engineering at Southeast University, China. Then I came to UT-Austin to pursue my master and PhD degree. I am current working on strengthening and seismic retrofit of concrete shear walls. I like hanging out with friends and watch movies in my spare time.
Amjad Diab
amjad.diab@utexas.edu
I was born and raised in Amman, Jordan. I’ve previously received my B.Sc. and M.Sc. from the University of Jordan, I came to UT Austin for my Ph.D. degree shortly after finishing my M.Sc. in Jordan. I am currently working with Dr. Ferche on the shear behavior of UHPC concrete beams. I am particularly interested in integrating finite element analysis and machine learning with the experimental testing as an approach to accurately predict the structural behavior of concrete. I generally enjoy visiting new places, trying new things, and swimming in my free time.
Liam Duran
I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in the Fall of 2022. During my undergraduate studies, I competed with the ASCE student chapter in the geo-wall and steel bridge design and conducted undergraduate research to facilitate water quality evaluation. Since then I joined the FSEL team as a graduate student in Structural Engineering as of Spring 2023. I am currently working under the supervision of Dr. Bayrak on the development of knowledge in the application of strut-and-tie modeling. Aside from engineering, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and playing/listening to music.
Christian Galvin
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California where my passion for bridges began! I was exposed to the beauty and importance of bridges from a very young age through my parents who are in the transportation industry. I was lucky enough to ride in a helicopter while taking pictures of the numerous historic Los Angeles River Bridges, as well as film them with my hand built drone. I furthered this passion for bridges by completing a B.S. in Civil Engineering from UT Austin in 2021. I am now pursuing a Masters in Structural Engineering under Dr. Bayrak studying NextGen Texas Bridge Deck design here at UT Austin (the best bridge school in the nation). Hook 'em! In my free time, I enjoy cooking tasty meals for friends and family, as well as taking my dog down to Shoal Creek to enjoy nature.
Dagoberto Garza
My name is Dagoberto Garza, but I go by Dago for short! I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I received my BS in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University in December of 2021. Having a strong passion for structures, I decided to pursue a structural engineering master's degree at The University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, I look forward to studying the structural behavior of concrete bridges under Dr. Bayrak. I enjoy traveling, playing billiards, and running in my free time.
Joseph Gilroy
joseph.j.gilroy@utexas.edu
I was born in the Misawa Air Force Base in Japan, and moved around a few times before landing in a little city called Schertz, Texas, just outside of San Antonio. I received my BS in Civil Engineering here at UT Austin in May 2017. I decided to continue my education at this university, currently pursuing my Master’s degree and conducting research under Dr. Clayton. I like to spend my free time playing billiards and going out on Lady Bird Lake, canoeing or kayaking.
Hansol Jang
let908@utexas.edu
I was born and raised in South Korea. I received my BS and MS from Hanyang University. I am interested in reinforced concrete mechanics and analysis, so I am glad be studying and working in UT and FSEL. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and shopping with my wife.
Soon Kwang Jeong
skjeong12@utexas.edu
I was born and raised in South Korea. I received my Bachelor's degree from Korea University and Master's degree from Texas A&M University. My current research focuses on the performance of the structure incorporating the fiber reinforced concrete. I mostly use my free time to do the workout. These days, I am learning the piano.
Korkut Kaynardag
korkut.kaynardag@utexas.edu
I come from Izmir, Turkey which is also a southern city. So I came prepared for the heat here. I completed my bachelor and master degrees at Bogazici University in Istanbul, which was the first American college founded out of USA almost 150 years ago. After working in subjects such as vibration based identification, finite element modeling and seismic hazard, now I became a part of the Structural Health Monitoring/ Nondestructive Testing Laboratory here under the supervision of Dr. Salamone. Besides loving what I study, I love the green and outdoor sports activities in Austin. I also like swimming, sailing, piano, tennis, latin dances, books, movies and traveling.
Nidhi Khare
nk9253@utexas.edu
I am from Indore, India and I did my undergraduate studies in civil engineering at Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, India. Before coming to UT for my masters and doctorate, I worked for two years as an assistant structural engineer at Arup India Pvt. Ltd. I am very glad to be a part of UT and FSEL. In my free time, I enjoy dancing and watching movies.
Chakravarthi Kotha
Most of my friends call me Chakri (Chuck-ree) and I have spent all my life in Hyderabad, a southern city in India. I have completed my bachelors in civil engineering (Minor in materials science and engineering) at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus. Thanks to a wide variety of research projects during my undergraduate studies, inspired me to pursue masters in structural engineering. I have gained an abundance of knowledge related to structural engineering during my time at UT. Under the supervision of Prof. Oguzhan Bayrak, I am working as a graduate research assistant focusing on reinforced concrete-related research (Strut and Tie). During my free time, I play Badminton, table tennis and I love watching movies and anime!
Danielle Krug
dtkrug@utexas.edu
I grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, but my parents hated the cold, so my family now lives in Arizona. I graduated from The University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) in May 2021, where I received my B.S. in Architectural Engineering. I also graduated with minors in Structural Engineering and Mathematics. Currently, I am pursuing my Master's Degree in Structural Engineering. I am doing research under Dr. Hebdon on additive friction stir deposition and its effects on material strength. When I am not in the research lab, I enjoy spending time with my friends, drawing or painting, and playing video games.
Brandon Li
My name is Brandon, a Ph.D. student working on research related to reinforced concrete structure. I obtained my BS and MS in Civil Engineering from National Taiwan University. After the experience I had during my graduate research in Taiwan, I discovered my passion toward investigating the behavior of concrete structure and deciphering the physical explanation behind the structural response. It is my pleasure to study more about reinforced concrete and corresponding research approaches in UT under Dr. Bayrak and Dr. Ferche. Aside from research, I enjoy different kinds of sports in my free time. Among all the sports, kickboxing is one of my favorites. I am also a big fan of jogging and swimming.
Loveleen
I am Loveleen from Jaipur, India, and I joined UT’s Structural Engineering Ph.D. program in Fall 2022. I obtained my Master’s (Structural Engineering) and Bachelor’s (Civil Engineering) degrees from IIT Bombay (Mumbai, India) in 2009. For my Master’s thesis, I studied the structural response of concrete beams retrofitted with FRP laminates. During my professional stint of 10 years in the construction industry in Oman, I worked on a wide spectrum of residential, commercial, and industrial projects, including oil and gas refinery projects. The varied engagements of my academic and professional life enabled me to perceive the engineering fraternity’s modern-day challenges and seek solutions leveraging the latest technological advancements. I tie my future goals to gaining a deeper knowledge of my interests and sharing my professional insights with the upcoming fraternity of engineers and scientists. I believe that the myriad of cutting-edge research facilities, distinguished faculty, and multifaceted research opportunities available at CAEE and FSEL engender the much-needed supportive and stimulating backdrop to shape my research career. I am thrilled to be a part of the UT community.
Seda Mursel
sedamursel@utexas.edu
I come from Istanbul, Turkey. Right after receiving my B.S. in civil enginering from Bogazici University, I started my graduate education at UT Austin starting Fall 2019. Currently, I am studying my Master’s degree and conducting research under the supervision of Dr. Murcia-Delso. In my free time, I enjoy swimming!
Tanakorn Ngamjarungjit
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy in Thailand, I served as an Engineer Officer for four years. My time as an Army Engineer Officer has amplified my desire to research new and innovative ways to solve Civil Engineering Problems which led to my attending Virginia Tech for a Master of Science degree. After graduation, I performed studies into the design and manufacturing of military bridging technologies for deployment by the Royal Thai Army. Through this experience, I decided to continue my PhD studies to explore my area of interest in bridge engineering. Currently, I am working on the design guidelines for bridge deck overhangs with heavy railings and sound walls. I love watching movies and TV shows, especially MCU.
John Chunsuk Park
I received a BS in architectural engineering from INHA University, South Korea. After graduation, I worked as a Civil Engineer for GS E&C(Formerly LG E&C, Korean Company) and ETEX Group(Belgium Company) for about 13 years in South Korea, the Middle East, and the Caspian region. My passion for structural engineering brings me to the University of Texas at Austin, and I am grateful for working as a Research Assistant for FSEL. I enjoy swimming and cooking in my free time, and I also love to teach math to my children.
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Sangwook Park
swpark.ce@utexas.edu
I received BS and MS in architectural engineering from Yonsei University. Yes. I am from South Korea. My research focus is on the Earthquake Engineering with structures. I often work out in Gregory gym and enjoy watching all kinds of sports games in free time. I am glad be studying and working in UT and FSEL.
Michelle Sabers
I grew up in Orange County, California. As a child I always enjoyed seeing structures built and often attempted to reconstruct buildings and bridges I saw using various building blocks. My passion for structures is what pushed me into the amazing field of structural engineering. In June 2022 I received my B.S. of Civil Engineering with a specialization in Structural Engineering from the University of California-Irvine. I am now continuing my path to become a full-fledged Structural Engineer by pursuing my Masters in Structural Engineering here at UT-Austin!
Bhushan Raj Selvaraj
bhushan@utexas.edu
I was born in Chennai, a southern coastal city in India. I received my bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Anna University and a master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. As a Structural Engineer in Larsen & Toubro Mumbai for 5 years, I designed structures for transportation projects that include the iconic taxiway bridge in Delhi Airport. My love for bridges made me pursue PhD at UT Austin, known for its bridge engineering research. I am currently working on developing design guidelines for bridge deck overhangs with heavy railings and sound walls. I enjoy stargazing, exploring the lakes and trails of Austin, playing table tennis, and watching sports.
Konstantinos Sitaropoulos
sitaropoulos@utexas.edu
I am a MS student and I am originally from Athens, the capital of Greece. After graduating from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), I worked in a Construction Company as an Engineering Intern, which was the time that I decided to continue my studies as a graduate student in the US. I chose the University of Texas at Austin because of its program and the fact that I would like to do research on Ferguson Lab, and here I am. I am particularly interested in Structural Health Monitoring and Non Destructive Evaluation of structures. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities and sports, traveling and meeting with friends.
Junghoon Sohn
I was born and raised in South Korea and received my BS and MS from Yonsei University. I am interested in structural health monitoring. I enjoy sports, watching movies, and playing guitar in my free time.
Dulce Trejo
After graduating with a B.S. in Architectural Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin I worked as a forensic civil engineer where I investigated building and road failures, primarily of concrete structures. These investigations taught me the importance of understanding the fundamentals behind the design and construction of a structure and led me to pursue a masters in structural engineering at UT where I am conducting research regarding bridge deck inspections as part of the Concrete Bridge Engineering Institute (CBEI). When I am not behind the desk, I am having brunch with my sister, watching movies, and going on walks with my chihuahua.
Thomas Varner
I am originally from Boulder, Colorado, where my love of buildings and mathematics sprouted into a passion for structures. I received my B.S. in Architectural Engineering from UT Austin in 2022, and am currently undertaking a masters in Structural Engineering with research focused on high strength steel in bridge design. Outside of class and research, I create furniture, sketch, and play instruments. I also enjoy reading about philosophy and architecture.
Lu Wan
My name is Lu Wan. I am from Chengdu, China. I graduated from Southwest Jiaotong University in China and got my master’s degree at Columbia University. I am now working with Dr. Engelhardt to do research in composite structures. It’s a great experience to do my PhD at UT. In my free time I enjoy watching movies and running.
Chi Yang
chiyang@utexas.edu
I was born and raised in Taiwan and received my B.S and M.S at National Cheng Kung University. I am a Ph.D. student in smart structures research group supervised by Dr. Salamone. My research interests are structure health monitoring and computer-aided structural analysis. I enjoy playing both acoustic and electric guitar in my free time.
Yousun Yi
ysyi89@utexas.edu
I was born and raised in Pohang a coastal city of South Korea. I recieved my BS degree in Chung-Ang university and MS degree in Seoul National University, and after received MS degree, I continued my research work as a research assistant in Seoul National University for one year. My research interests are reinforced concrete mechanics and its analysis, so I am really glad to pursue my PH.D degree at UT and start research work at FSEL. I enjoy watching movies, playing the guitar(basic level though), and traveling around with my wife in my free time.
Yongjae Yu
yyjanble@utexas.edu
I was born and raised in South Korea. I received my MS and Ph.D. degree from Seoul National University. After graduation, I continued my research work as a postdoctoral fellow in Seoul National University for one year. My research interests are reinforced concrete structures mechanism and its analysis. In particular, my thesis focuses on the development of experimental method and investigation of behavior of reinforced concrete members under impact loading. I am so excited to join FSEL. I enjoy walking, jogging and traveling around in my free time.
Esteban Zecchin
ezecchin@utexas.edu
I am a MS student from Cordoba, Argentina. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at Universidad Nacional de Cordoba and working at a Structural Engineering Consulting Company for three years I came to UT Austin with a Fulbright Scholarship.
I am particularly interested in Bridge Engineering and will be working with Dr. Helwig and Dr. Engelhardt during my time at UT. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities and meeting with friends. Being at UT and working at FSEL will be for sure an amazing experience both personally and academically.
Zhenghao Zhang
My name is Zhenghao Zhang. I was born in Shanghai China, the best city in the world from my perspective. I’m currently working as a Ph.D. student with Dr. Williamson on a tall haunch project assigned by TxDOT. My bachelor’s degree was granted by Department of Port, Waterway & Costal Engineering in Shanghai Maritime University in June 2017. Due to my particular interest in structure, I went to Virginia Tech to pursue the master’s degree in structural engineering and graduated in May 2019. In the future, I tend to go to the industry because I define myself as an engineer rather than academician. Being off the academic work, I’m a gamer and animation lover. I’m very happy to work on research in FSEL. I love UT Austin.