What I Do From the engineering perspective, I simulate different natural hazards (e.g., tornadoes, hurricanes, storm surge and floods, etc.) numerically and experimentally and investigates their actions on built environment, and studies vulnerability of communities to natural hazards, as well as develops innovative approaches mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts. I promote convergence scientific/engineering research and community encouragement to enhance national community resilience through collaboration among wind engineering, climatology, geoscience, urban planning, social science, psychology, economics, and finance; I also promote international collaboration to address global warming and climate change faced by the entire earth.
My Day At Work “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life” – Mark Twain. This quote has resonated deeply with me as I have found my true calling in the role of a professor. Education and teaching have become more than just a career path; they have become a source of immense joy and fulfillment. In the professor position, I have the privilege of sharing my passion for engineering with younger generations and positively influencing the future of Civil Engineers. It is incredibly rewarding to play a part in shaping the next generation of professionals in the field of civil engineering. Moreover, this role continuously inspires me to learn and grow. Each day it brings me new opportunities to expand my knowledge and explore novel ideas. The prospect of acquiring new insights excites me, making me look forward to starting each day with enthusiasm.
Best Part Being Tapped to Provide Professional Opinions after Destructive Tornadoes. Being called upon to offer my professional expertise in the aftermath of destructive tornadoes is both an honor and a fulfillment of my passion. I am deeply committed to sharing the knowledge I have acquired to empower communities in tornado-prone areas to better prepare for future tornado events. For instance, in the wake of the 2021 Midwest Tornado Outbreak, I had the privilege of being interviewed by St. Louis Post-Dispatch, NPR Illinois News, KMOV-TV and CGTN, leading to two articles and two videos, respectively. These opportunities provided me with a chance to convey vital information and practical insights to the public, helping them understand the impacts of tornadoes and the measures they can take to protect themselves and their communities. In those moments, I felt a sense of gratification knowing that the work I have been devoted to is making a tangible difference in real-life situations.
Proud Moments In 2022, my team achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully constructing a physical large-scale tornado simulator.