the People behind cic

Assessment and improvement of Sustainability education for engineering students

Behavioral Dynamics of Lean Construction Teams and Their Impact on Methods Implementation

Topic Pending

Operational Digital Twins for Capital Facilities – An Implementation Framework and a Case Study

To develop a structured procedure to define digital and physical requirements for an operational digital twin (ODT) for capital facilities to achieve high-value use cases.

Achieving Automated Construction Progress Monitoring using Image Segmentation Approaches and Building Information Modeling

Implemented U-Net, DeepLabV3+, and Mask R-CNN to perform steel segmentation from jobsite images, and evaluated their robustness visually and quantitatively; Created a framework to automatically identify completion status of each structural steel element by comparing segmented site images and rendered 4D model images.

Capability Maturity Model for Trade Contractors

Construction Robot Schema for Construction Planners

The research is to develop a data schema of construction robotics for construction planners to collect and exchange data in order to facilitate making decisions and planning projects in operating robotics.

Mental Health & Suicidal Ideation for Construction Workers in the US

To understand the cultural, organizational and structural influence of the working conditions in the construction industry, with a primary focus on challenges supporting craft labor.

Leveraging Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality to Improve Construction Workforce Training

Identify design features that could potentially impact the pedagogical value of VR and AR-based construction workforce training; Integrate these elements into the development process of VR/AR training modules; Assess the educational efficacy of these VR/AR training solutions, with a primary focus on learning outcomes and user experience.

Constructability Assessment on Construction Robotics​

To present a simulation method for using a rule-based framework for robotic constructability assessment checks of design BIM to support robotic constructability checking proactively

Assessing 4D Collaborative (Multiuser) Construction Plan Reviews Using Augmented Reality: A Comparative Study

This research invistigates the effect of using an immersive environment to review 4D construction plans. The study compares two different review environments, screen-based and augmented reality to compare both environemts.

Daulet Rakhymzhan
MEng in AE. Advisor: Somayeh Asadi. Topic: Application of Building Information Modelling in Building Energy Retrofit. CIC activity: Website developer for Computer Integrated Construction (CIC) Research Group.

Junqi Zhao
Ph.D.: PhD in AE. Advisor: Esther Obonyo. Towards a Real-time Data-Driven Approach for Proactive Injury Prevention in Construction.

Wenxiu ‘Joni’ Zhang
MS in AE. Advisor: Somayeh Asadi. A review and evaluation of BIM application in the prefabrication process: Analysis of BIM uses that facilitate information exchange during the prefabrication.

Mai Sherif
MS in AE. Advisor: Somayeh Asadi.

Aurore Badré
MS in AE. Advisor: John Messner. Smart and Connected Jobsite Technology.

Madhu Ayyamperumal
MEng in AE. Advisor: John Messner. BIM for FM within the Healthcare Sector.

Yumna Kurdi
Ph.D.: PhD in AE. Advisor: Somayeh Asad. Regenerative Sustainability approach for the built environment for large facility owners.

Sagata Bahwani
Ph.D.: PhD in AE. Co-Advisors: John Messner & Robert Leicht. Developing a Lean Construction Domain Ontology for Lean Implementation: Sagata’s research focuses on developing a lean construction domain ontology capturing the foundational concepts, methods, practices in lean construction to address the inconsistency observed in lean implementation, as observed on AECprojects.

Jennifer Lather
Ph.D.: PhD in AE. Advisor: John Messner. A Hybrid Simulation Approach for Healthcare Facility Layout Problems: Jennifer’s research investigates operations research methodologies integrated with planning and design practices to deliver high-performance healthcare facilities which are optimally designed for healthcare practitioners and patient workflows.

Ali Karji
Ph.D.: PhD in AE. Advisor: John Messner. Model-centric Integrative Delivery of Projects.

Saratu Terreno
Postdoctoral Scholar, Embedded researcher in the Office of Physical Plant Architectural Engineering. Advisor: John Messner. BIM for Facility Management: Sub-areas include external project support, internal adoption strategies, Revit standards implementation, data transition to asset management and quality control and assurance for asset data integrity.

Shin Ota
Research Scholar. Advisor: John Messner. Smart and Connected Construction Site Technologies: Mr. Ota is a visiting scholar from Fujita Corporation. He is developing a framework for smart and connected jobsites.

Loukas Kalisperis
Ph.D.: Emeritus Professor of Architecture. Focus Areas: Virtual Reality, Architectural Visualization. Kalisperis retired from Penn State on June 30, 2020.

Fadi Castronovo
Ph.D.: PhD in AE: Advisor, John Messner.  Current Position: Assistant Professor, University of California, East Bay.

Issa Ramaji
Ph.D.: Post-Doctoral Scholar: Advisor, John Messner; PhD in Architectural Engineering; Advisor: Ali Memari; Current Position: Assistant Professor, School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management, Roger Williams University.

Yewande Abraham
Ph.D.: PhD in AE: Dec. 2017: Advisor, Chimay Anumba.  

Pelin Gultekin
PhD in AE, Topic: An Integrated Process Model and Decision Support System For Energy Efficient Retrofits.

Li Jiang
Ph.D.: PhD in AE; Advisor, Robert Leicht.  

Jean Laurent
MS in AE, Advisor, Robert Leicht; Current Position: Project Engineer with DPR.

Saratu Torreno
Ph.D.: PhD in AE; Advisor, Somayeh Asadi; Current Position, Postdoctoral Scholar in AE at Penn State (see above).

Allison Townes
MS in AE; Advisor, Robert Leicht; Current Position: Project Engineer, Davis Construction.

Fu-ju Wu
Ph.D.: PhD in AE, Advisor, David Riley; Current Position: Project Engineer, Adolfson & Peterson Construction

Xiao (Michelle) Yang
Ph.D.: PhD in AE (Dec. 2016); Advisor, David Riley: Current Position: Senior Consultant, EY.

Ehsan Mostavi
Ph.D.: PhD in AE; Advisor, Somayeh Asadi.

Miaomiao Niu
Ph.D.:   PhD in AE; Advisor, Robert Leicht.

Yifan Liu
Ph.D.:  PhD in AE; Advisor, John Messner. Current Position: Google.

Fangxiao Liu
Ph.D.: PhD in AE; Advisor, Chimay Anumba: Current Position: Assistant Professor at Appalachian State University.

Gretchen Macht
Ph.D.: PhD in Industrial Engineering; Post-Doctoral Scholar, August 2015; Thesis Title:  Engineering Selection Protocols for Team Performance; Current Position: Assistant Professor, Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island

Bryan Franz
Ph.D.: Post-Doctoral Scholar: January 2015 – July 2015; Ph.D. in AE; December 2014;  Advisor: Robert Leicht; Thesis Title: Organizing Project Delivery Teams for Collaboration; Current Position: Assistant Professor, Rinker School of Construction, University of Florida 

Russ Manning
Ph.D.: Ph.D. in AE; December 2014; Advisor, John Messner; Thesis Title: Healthcare Facility Acquisition Outcomes: The Relationship of Delivery, Procurement, and Contracting To Cost and Schedule Performance; Current Position:  Penn State Office of Physical Plant.

Ruoyun (Ryan) Gao
MS in AE; 2014; Advisor, John Messner. Thesis Title: Developing The Construction Phase Of The Integrated Building Lifecycle Process Model For Retrofit Projects: Current Position: Director of Project Consulting Business, China Shenhua Energy Group.

Sreelatha Chunduri
Ph.D. in AE; August 2014; Advisor, John Messner. Thesis Title:  Development of Planning and Design Phases of an Integrative Building Lifecycle Process Model for Advanced Energy Retrofit Projects; Current Position: Digital Construction Specialist at BAM.

Tabitha Sprau Coulter
Ph.D. in AE; August 2014; Advisor, Robert Leicht; co-Advisor, David Riley; Ph.D. Thesis Title:  Improving Energy Audit Process and Report Outcomes Through Planning Initiatives; M.S. in AE; May 2009; MS Advisor, Michael Horman; M.S. Thesis Title: Process Metrics for Predicting Sustainable Building End Performance; Current Position: Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering at King’s College. 

Steve Ayer
Ph.D.. Post-Doctoral Scholar: August 2013 – July 2014 Ph.D. in AE; August 2013; Advisor, John Messner; co-Advisor, Chimay Anumba Thesis Title: Sustainability education of engineering students using augmented reality and simulation games  Current Position: Assistant Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University. 

Eric Nulton
M.S. in AE; August 2013;  Advisor, John Messner Thesis Title:  Analysis of Legal Concepts for Projects Implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the United States Current Position:  Electrical Engineer, The Office of Physical Plant, The Pennsylvania State Univeristy. 

Atefeh Mohammadpour
Ph.D. in AE; Advisor, Chimay Anumba; co-Advisor, John Messner Thesis Title:  Retrofitting Healthcare Facilities to Enhance Patient Safety and Energy Efficiency Current Position: Assistant Professor, Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW). 

Sanghoon Lee
Ph.D., Post-Doctoral Scholar, August 2010 – May 2014 Current Position: Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department, The University of Hong Kong. 

Ryan Solnosky
Ph.D. in AE; May 2013; Advisor, Kevin Parfitt. Thesis Title:  Integrated Structural Process Model: An Inclusive Non-material Specific Approach to Determining the Required Tasks and Information Exchanges for Structural Building Information Modeling Current Position: Assistant Teaching Professor at Penn State University. 

Sai Yerrapathruni
M.S. in AE; Advisor, John Messner Thesis Title:  Use of 4D CAD and Immersive Projection Displays to Improve Construction Planning Current Position: Sr. Director of Business Development at Skanska USA Building Inc. 

Ralph Kreider
Ph.D. in AE; December 2013; Advisor, John Messner; co-Advisor, Chimay Anumba Thesis Title: An Ontology of the Uses of Building Information Modeling Current Position: BIM Program Manager, MBP.

Sonali Kumar
Ph.D. in AE; May 2013; Advisor, John Messner; co-Advisor, Chimay Anumba Ph.D. Thesis Title:  Experience-based design review of healthcare facilities using interactive virtual prototypes M.A. in Architecture; December 2008; Advisor, Katsu Muramoto M.A. Thesis Title:  Virtual Architectural Workspaces Digitally Mediated Collaboration in the Architectural Design Process Current Position: Technology Process Manager at Balfour Resource Group. 

Colleen Kasprzak
M.S. in AE; December 2013; Advisor, John Messner. Thesis Title:  A Planning Procedure for the Identification and Development of Owner Information Exchange Requirements for Capital Facility Projects Current Position: Senior Building Information Specialist at WeWork.

Ashwin Ramesh
M.S. in AE; Advisor, John Messner. Research Area: Planning the Quality Assurance and Control for Facility Information Handover. Current Position:  VDC Coordinator at Clayco.

Craig Dubler
Ph.D. in AE; August 2011; Advisor, John Messner. Research Area: Implementing Building Information Modeling in the Construction Industry Current Position: Virtual Facilities Engineer, The Office of Physical Plant, The Pennsylvania State University.

Dragana Nikolic
Ph.D. in AE; August 2011; Advisor, John Messner Research Area: Development of Simulation Games for Construction Engineering Education Current Position: Lecturer in Digital Architecture at University of Reading 

Abdou Jallow
Ph.D., Post-Doctoral Scholar: November 2011 –  August 2013 Research Area: Energy Efficient Building (EEB) Hub Project  Current Position: Instructor and Program Coordinator of IST at Penn State New Kensington. ​ 

Elena Enache-Pommer
Ph.D. in AE, December 2011, Advisor: John Messner, co-Advisor: David Riley. M.S. in AE, May 2008, Advisor Michael Horman. Ph.D. Thesis Title: A Synergistic Approach to Green Building Delivery, Lean Principles and Building Information Modeling in the Design of Healthcare Facilities.  M.S. Thesis Title: Lean and Green Healthcare Facilities: Improving the Delivery Process of Children’s Hospitals. Current Position:  Sustainability & Application Development Leader – Dow Building Solutions R&D at Dow Chemical.

Tanyel Turkaslan-Bulbul
Ph.D. Post-Doctoral Scholar, August 2009 – May 2010; Current Position: Associate Professor, Department of Building Construction, Virginia Tech.

George Joseph
M.S. in AE: Advisor, John Messner. Research, Topic: Driving Forces for Using Global Engineering Services; Current Position: Project Engineer at The Clark Construction Group, Inc. 

Nevena Zikic
M.S. in AE; 2009; Advisor, John Messner. Research Area: Impact of Immersive Display Media for Design and Construction Visualization; Current Position: MEP Project Manager, The Clark Construction Group.

Robert Leicht
Ph.D. in AE; May 2009;  Advisor, John Messner. Research Area: The Impact of Interactive Workspaces on Team Performance in Construction; Current Position: Assistant Professor, Architectural Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University (see Faculty information above).

Chitwan Saluja
M.S. in AE; December 2009; Advisor, John Messner. Research Area: Process Mapping Procedure for Planning BIM Execution on a Building Construction Project. Current Position: Director of Technology, PM/CM North Region, Jacobs 

Rajitha Gopinath
M.S. in AE; Advisor, John Messner. Research Area: Investigating Tacit Knowledge Externalization with Virtual Building Prototypes.

Shrimant Jaruhar
M.S. in AE; 2008; Advisor, John Messner. Research Area: A Virtual Construction Simulator for Engineering Education; Current Position: Associate, A.T. Kearney.

Alexandre Zolotov
MEng in AE; Spring 2007; Advisor, John Messner. Research Area: Using Virtual Reality to Improve Construction Engineering Education Current Position:  VDC Director – Mission Critical, Skanska.

Ling-yun ‘Grace’ Wang
M.S. in AE; Spring 2007; Advisor, John Messner. Research Topic: Learning Application for 4D Modeling;  Current Position: CAD/BIM Technical Program Manager, Google.

Adam Platt
M.S. in CE M.S. in CE; Summer 2007 Research Topic: 4D CAD for Highway Projects Current Position: Environment Superintendent, Mosaic Company 

Chuan ‘Victor’ Chen
Ph.D. Ph.D. in AE; Spring 2006; Advisor, John Messner. Research Topic: Entry Strategies in International Construction Markets. Current Position: Professor of Engineering Management, Business School, Sichuan University.

Bo ‘Chris’ Tan
M.S. in AE; Advisor, John Messner Research Topic: Developing a Construction Trade Space Planning Methodology in Immersive Environments Current Position: BIM Director at Asia Pacific, HCI, Inc. 

Abiola Akanmu
Ph.D. Ph.D. in AE; Advisor, Chimay Anumba, Co-advisor, John Messner. Research Area: Wireless Sensing and Building Information Modeling. Current Position:  Assistant Professor at Western Michigan University.

Marwa El Wardani
M.S. in AE; Advisor, John Messner Research Topic: Evaluating Design-Build Procurement Methods Scott Shaulis M.Eng. in AE; Advisor, John Messner. Current Position:  Operations Action Officer at NAVFAC Headquarters F. 

Idil Akcetin
M.S. in AE; Advisor, Robert Leicht. Current Position:  Assistant Project Manager, Arup.

Bevan Mace
Ph.D. Ph.D. in AE; Advisor, Victor Sanvido. Current Position:  Vice President, Balfour Beatty Construction Company. 

Ju Gao
PhD: M.S. in AE; Advisor, Victor Sanvido. Completed PhD at Sanford.  Current Position: Assistant Professor at University of Hong Kong.

Hisham AbulHassan
Ph.D. in AE; Advisor, Victor Sanvido. Current Position: Preconstruction Manager at The Haskell Company.

Amit Garg
MS in AE; Advisor, Victor Sanvido. Current Position: Managing Director and head of APAC operations at Secretariat International.

Mark Konchar
Ph.D.:  Ph.D. in AE; Advisor, Victor Sanvido. Current Position: Balfour Beatty.

Ted Lynch
Ph.D.:  Ph.D. in AE; Advisor, Victor Sanvido. Current Position: President, Southland Industries 

Emily (O’Connor) Nochez
M.S. in AE; Advisor, Victor Sanvido. Current Position: Project Executive at Charles Pankow Builders

David Riley
Ph.D.:  Ph.D. in AE; Advisor, Victor Sanvido. Current Position: Professor of Architectural Engineering, Penn State 

John Messner
Ph.D.:  Ph.D. in AE; Advisor, Victor Sanvido. Current Position: Charles and Elinor Matts Professor of Architectural Engineering, Penn State (see Faculty information abov)

Kirby Kuntz
Ph.D.:  Ph.D. in AE; Advisor, Victor Sanvido. Current Position: Project Manager at Hensel Phelps Construction Company 

Eric Hanlon
M.S. in AE; Advisor, Victor Sanvido.

Kevin Potter
M.S. in AE; Advisor, Victor Sanvido. Current Position: Senior Project Manager at Jones Lang LaSalle

Anthony Vesay
M.S. in AE; Advisor, Victor Sanvido.

Greg Perkinson
M.S. in AE; 1991: Advisor, Victor Sanvido. Current Position: Vice President for Finance and Administration at Southern Oregon University

Awad Hanna
Ph.D.:  Ph.D. in AE; Advisor, Victor Sanvido. Current Position: Boldt Company Professor in Construction and Engineering Management, University of Wisconsin – Madison

Kevin Lesniak
BS in IST.

Emily Roary
BAE in AE: May 2017; Current Position, Junior Estimator, Hatzel & Buehler, Inc.

Eric Luttmann
BAE in AE: May 2016; Current Position: BIM Project Engineer, DPR

Will Lesieutre
BAE in AE: May 2012; Current Position: Applications Engineer at The Lighting Quotient

Emily (O’Connor) Nochez
BAE in AE; Current Position: Project Executive at Charles Pankow Builders

Michael Toole
Ph.D.:  Previous PACE Fellow (2016/2017), Current Position: Dean, College of Engineering, University of Toledo.

Robert Amor
Ph.D.:  Previous PACE Fellow (2015-2016), Current Position: Professor, Department of Computer Science, University of Auckland.

Steve Rowlinson
Ph.D.:  Previous PACE Fellow (2014-2015), Current Position: Professor, Hong Kong University.

George Otto
Previous Technology Management Support, Visualization and Virtual Reality Specialist, Information Technology Services.  Retired.

Victor Sanvido
Ph.D.:  Previous Director and Founder, CIC Research Program, The Pennsylvania State University Previous Professor of Architectural Engineering and Director, PACE, The Pennsylvania State University,  Current Position: Senior Vice President, Southland Industries

Randolph Thomas
Ph.D.:  Emeritus Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University. Retired.