Our Team

Dr. Oudah’s research interest is in structural assessment and retrofit using novel techniques. Fostering innovation and addressing the research needs for the industrial sector are key elements to Dr. Oudah’s research. His work in structural reliability and retrofit using advanced material was applied in assessing the safety of existing structures, optimizing the repair of deficient structures, and the design of structures subjected to extreme loads in Canada and abroad.

Dr. Oudah serves as a voting member in the following committees:

• Standing Committee on Structural Design at the National Research Council (SD-NRC). This committee is responsible for Part 4 of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC)
• ACI Committee on Fatigue of Concrete (ACI 215)
• ACI Committee on FRP stay-in-place form (ACI 440-0J)

Ahmed M. Abdelmaksoud, Post-doctoral Fellow (PDF)

Research: Application of Advanced Reliability Techniques in Managing Bridge and Marine Infrastructure

• PhD: McMaster University
• MASc: Cairo University
• BEng: Cairo University

Why Structural Engineering? Ever since I was young, I have always been intrigued by the importance of the various types of structures in our daily lives and national development, whether it be large-scale structures, such as bridges and factories, or small-scale ones, such as commercial and residential buildings. Therefore, safe structural design, construction, and operation are necessary. Consequently, this motivated me to pursue a career in structural engineering, giving me the joy and honor of impacting my society and nation.   

Hobbies: Tennis, Traveling, and Reading books.

Abdalla Alhashmi, PhD

Research: Phenomenological-Based Reliability Analysis of Structures using FE-DIC Techniques

• MASc: Western University
• BEng: United Arab Emirates University

Why Structural Engineering? Witnessing the mega projects in my hometown, Dubai, moved in me the passion to understand and discover the structural and construction industries. Therefore, I started to explore and read extensively in the field of structural engineering. Specializing in structural engineering will equip me with the skill set and joy needed to transform crazy dreams and imaginations into reality.

Hobbies: Tennis, Traveling, and Reading books.

Sahand Salili, PhD

Research: Application of Spatio-Temporal Random Fields in Structural Engineering

• MASc: Sharif University
• BEng: Sharif University

Why Structural Engineering? A structural engineer should be a multi-skilled person, who is always willing to increase their knowledge, and who not only knows how to design different kinds of structures but should also be aware of the laws, ethics, and safety, have a high level of self-esteem, and thus, be able to manage dozens of day-to-day challenges. Were you a structural engineer, you should be a focused introvert to design a safe structure, and when necessary, must switch to the extroverted kind of yourself to work efficiently with your colleagues. They are just some lovely aspects of this field that make me proud of calling myself a structural engineer.   

Hobbies: Swimming, Reading, Travelling, Listening to Persian Music

Elizabeth Buckley, PhD

Research: Blast Assessment and Repair of Structures

• MASc: Dalhousie University
• BEng: Dalhousie University

Why Structural Engineering? I was once told by a Professor that you do not get to choose your career, it chooses you. At first, I did not believe them, that of course I get the choose. I now realized that my Professor meant that you do not get to choose the opportunities presented to you, and that it is in those opportunities that your career progresses. They meant that one should not turn down an opportunity when given one, as opportunities are only presented to those who show ambition, knowledge of the subject, and potential. To clarify, I let structural engineering choose me, because sometimes it takes the observations of others to identify one’s strengths and weaknesses.

Hobbies: Painting, reading, playing the violin and kayaking.

Almothanna Karfoul, MASc

Research: Novel SMA Buckling Restrained Brace for the Seismic Retrofit of Structures

• BEng: Dalhousie University

Why Structural Engineering? My passion for structural engineering began during childhood. I used to live in the UAE, a country filled with skyscrapers and magnificent structures. The common sight of engineering marvels all around me grew in me an interest for how these structures could stand and withstand all the loads applied on them. Furthermore, I was provided much insight into the engineering world at a young age from an architect and an engineer for parents. The path that I would choose was thus obvious. Specializing in structural engineering would provide me with the knowledge required to understand how these structures worked and would allow me to contribute towards a more magnificent future.

Hobbies:Music/playing the flute, reading, writing and playing soccer

Adam Hassan, MASc

Research: Stochastic Time-Dependent Reliablity-Based Assessment of RC Wharf Structures

• BEng: Dalhousie University

Why Structural Engineering? I am intrigued by structural engineering because of its power in serving society. It is amazing how people continuously use facilities that structural engineers design, without ever worrying about the structure failing.

Hobbies: Weightlifting, programming, and reading

DeZhen Chen, MASc

Research: Seismic Retrofit of Dry Precast Concrete Column-Beam Connection using Superleastic Shape Memory Alloy.

Why Structural Engineering?  I have great enthusiasm toward analysing structures. I have curiosity to figure out how different components can work together to support structures under various service conditions.

Hobbies: Running and reading.

Edward Steeves, MASc

Research: Computer Application to Assess the Structural Robustness of Bridges 

• BEng: Dalhousie University

Why Structural Engineering? Structural engineering has been Ed’s passion since childhood, where building and designing miniature structures was a typical activity for him. Ed’s fascination with structural engineering revolves around the ability to design innovative solutions that are implemented in real life and have the potential to positively impact the people that they serve. Solving challenging problems, trying new ideas, and working with new and diverse groups of people are all integral to Ed’s pursuit of structural engineering.

Hobbies: Reading, playing guitar, listening to music, exercising, and volunteering

Caleb Wood, MASc

Research: Structural Assessment of Marine Structures

• BEng: Dalhousie University

Why Structural Engineering? I grew up in Enfield, Nova Scotia, taking frequent trips to Halifax, often travelling over either the A. Murray MacKay or Angus L. Macdonald bridges to get across the harbour. I remember my younger self looking at these two bridges, along with the other large structures found within the city of Halifax. I never quite understood how it was possible to construct a project of that scale, let alone how they remain standing for years on end. These thoughts remained in my mind for my entire life, and it wasn’t until I reached high school that I truly began to realize how much work goes into a large-scale structural project, and that is when I got my true spark to be a structural engineer.

Hobbies: Spending time with family, watching sports, and being outdoors

Aleksa Mitrovic, MEng

Research: Post-tensioned Concrete Elements using Smart Materials

• BEng: Queen's University

Why Structural Engineering? I am attracted to structural engineering due to the fulfilment it brings seeing something you designed get built, and knowing it will stay there and serve the public for decades. I am particularly interested in bridges due to their beauty and quiet social impact. I am also interested in the design of infrastructure, as I believe it presents unique challenges that require the use of innovative technologies and approaches in design and construction.

Hobbies: Camping, guitar, origami, gardening

Bhavikkumar Modi, MASc

Research: Hybrid Simulation of Structural Elements

• MTech: Institute of Technology, Nirma University.
• BEng: Gujarat Technological University

Why Structural Engineering? I have always been curious about bridge structures, ever since my childhood, and this curiosity guided me to the vast field of structural engineering. I am more drawn to constructions with varied materials and geometries because of how they all behave differently, which makes them more complex. Additionally, putting new concepts and innovations into practice while optimizing structural design inspires me to research this area further. I'm always proud to provide society with the best structures possible in terms of economy, optimization, and safety.

Hobbies: Traveling, Cooking, Swimming, Reading

Yianni Trihopoylos, NSERC USRA

Research: Post-tensioned Concrete Elements using Smart Materials

• BEng: Dalhousie University

Why Structural Engineering? My interest in structural engineering stems from an upbringing in and around building construction and property management. From a young age, it was always amazing to see building concepts develop from designs into construction projects and, finally, into magnificent structures. Thus, when deciding what type of engineer I wanted to become someday, the choice was simple. I hope to see myself as a structural engineer who will one day be a helping hand in bringing great structures to fruition and an integral part in developing a field I find so fascinating

Hobbies: Soccer, cooking, gardening, and traveling

Tareq Abdelmalek, NSERC USRA

Research: Quantum Computing for Structural Analysis

• BEng: Dalhousie University

Why Structural Engineering? Growing up with both my parents as engineers, I was hooked on mathematical and scientific concepts from an early age which helped me develop an interest in these subjects. Structural engineering captured my curiosity as it allowed me to combine my interest in mathematics and science. The idea of creating structures that can withstand various forces and circumstances fascinated me, and I was drawn to the idea of finding the most optimized solutions. This led me to explore different techniques for analyzing structures, and I became captivated by the use of computational tools to model and optimize designs.

Hobbies: Biking, Reading, and Soccer

Koosha Khorramian, Post-doctoral Fellow (PDF)

Research: Active Learning Kriging for Applications in Structural Engineering

• PhD: Dalhousie University
• MASc: Sharif University
• BEng: Sharif University 

Why Structural Engineering? I find structural engineering as a practical field of study since I can see and feel the material I study. I found myself connected with the analysis, design, and behaviour of structures. A structural engineer is a committed person who works to save lives by designing safe structures subjected to extreme loads and work to optimize resources. I am proud of selecting this field of specialization and I hope to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the structural engineering profession.

Hobbies: Opera singing and performance.

Connor Petrie, MASc

Research: Reliability-Based Optimization of External FRP Reinforcement for Flexural, Shear, and Torsional Strengthening of RC Beams.

• BEng: Dalhousie University

Why Structural Engineering? My passion for structural engineering was sparked starting as a construction labourer, seeing how structures go together and continues to grow with my studies in physics and engineering. The work structural engineers do has an incredible, long-lasting impact and is a field that allows me to combine, math, skill, art and creativity.

Hobbies: Biking, writing music, guitar and hiking.

David Idemudia, MASc (Co-supervised by Dr. Newhook)  

Research: Reliability-Based Durable Bridge Deck Design for Nova Scotia.

• BEng: Dalhousie University

Why Structural Engineering? David’s interest in structural engineering begins at home. With a childhood of being exposed to construction sites and engineering projects, as a result of his father’s company, David has long wanted to be a structural engineer. The thrills associated with creating structures that last for generations and have positive impacts on society are what drives David to become a successful structural engineer. In his spare time, David finds ways to give back to society by organizing events or by volunteering.  

Hobbies: To remain physically active, David finds time to play basketball with friends around the university campus.

Elizabeth Buckley, MASc  

Research: Adaptive Kriging-Based Method for Reliability Evaluation of Bridges

• BEng: Dalhousie University

Why Structural Engineering? I was once told by a Professor that you do not get to choose your career, it chooses you. At first, I did not believe them, that of course I get the choose. I now realized that my Professor meant that you do not get to choose the opportunities presented to you, and that it is in those opportunities that your career progresses. They meant that one should not turn down an opportunity when given one, as opportunities are only presented to those who show ambition, knowledge of the subject, and potential. To clarify, I let structural engineering choose me, because sometimes it takes the observations of others to identify one’s strengths and weaknesses.

Hobbies: Painting, reading, playing the violin and kayaking.

Adam Hassan, NSERC USRA, BSc

Abdelmoneim Elnaggar, NSERC USRA, BSc