Postdoctoral Research Associate
Dr. Pratik Gujar
PhD, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, India (2022)
M.Tech, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India (2015)
B.Tech, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (BATU), India (2013)
Polymer coatings on concrete – strength and durability, Characterization of Construction materials, Fracture mechanics, Phase-field method for brittle fracture (Finite Element Modeling), Composite materials
“My research focuses on designing sustainable infrastructure materials using the principles of materials science and structural engineering. I am a highly driven and enthusiastic researcher who is interested in working at the intersection of material science and mechanics. On the other side, I like being in shape, which entails frequent workouts and runs. I enjoy listening to Bollywood, Marathi bhajans, and semi-classical music.”
PhD Students
Beng Wei Chong
PhD, Texas State University (2026, anticipated)
MS, University of Malaysia Pahang, Malaysia (2022)
BE, University of Malaysia Pahang, Malaysia (2019)
Thesis topic: Alternative binders
“I am a research enthusiast who enjoys the process of discovery and knowledge-creation. My research aims to produce green construction material concrete with addition or replacement of waste materials for a more sustainable future. At the same time, I am motivated in education and am always ready for discussion and guidance. In my personal time, I enjoy creative writing and have published a few stories in anthologies. ”
Precious Aduwenye
PhD, Texas State University (2026, anticipated)
MS, Texas State University (2023)
BS, University of Benin, Nigeria (2018)
Thesis topic: Sustainable ultra-high-performance concrete
“I hold bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in civil engineering with a specific interest in improving construction materials. My current research work focuses on UHPC. I am super excited to be here!”
Md Nasir Uddin
PhD, Texas State University (2027, anticipated)
ME, Tongji University, China (2023)
BE, China University of Mining and Technology, China (2020)
Thesis topic: Sustainable, High-Performance fiber reinforced construction materials
“My research interest focuses on the extensive characterization of recycled fiber-reinforced construction materials incorporated with recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) using innovative tools and methodologies. A key aspect of your current work is the use of recycled steel fiber from scrap tires to reinforce cement-based materials. This approach addresses the significant global issue of scrap tire waste, which poses environmental hazards due to its non-biodegradable nature, flammability, and potential for toxic leaching.”
MS Students
Amlan Majumder
MS, Texas State University (2024, anticipated)
BS, Ahsanullah University of Science & Technology (AUST), Bangladesh (2018)
Thesis topic: Agro-wastes in concrete
“I enjoy making specimens and laboratory testing to find out the best solution for the next generation. My current focus is on agricultural waste utilization in concrete for sustainable and resilient future. I feel like I am on cloud nine.”
Catalina Gonzalez
MS, Texas State University (2025, anticipated)
BS, Texas State University (2023)
Thesis topic: Lunar concrete
“I have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas State University. I am currently beginning research on lunar concrete and geopolymers. I am very excited to see where my educational journey takes me.”
Picasso Debnath
MS, Texas State University (2025, anticipated)
BS, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Bangladesh (2022)
Thesis topic: Concrete internal curing
“I am Picasso Kumar Debnath. I graduated from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in the Department of Civil Engineering (2022). At present, I am doing my M.Sc. degree in Civil Engineering at Texas State University. I am currently working as a Graduate Instructional Assistant (GIA) under the supervision of Dr. Xijun Shi.”
Joseph Ely
MS, Texas State University (2024, anticipated)
BA Geography, Minors Spanish and Architecture, University of Texas at Austin (2007)
Thesis topic: Lunar concrete, digital twin modeling
“I want to model and prototype the machines and systems that will help NASA to establish a permanent presence on the Moon and beyond.”
Undergraduate Students
Emma Catron
Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellow, Co-advised by Dr. Feng Hong
BS, Texas State University (2024, anticipated)
We have several funded MS and PhD positions from Spring or Fall 2024. The SHI group is looking for candidates whose research background is concrete materials or pavement engineering. Applications are open now! Please send Dr. Xijun Shi an email if you are interested.
Former Members
Dr. Solomon Debbarma, Former Postdoctoral Research Associate (2021-2022), Current Position: Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Mehrab Nodehi, Former MS student (2020-2022), Current Position: PhD student at the University of California, Davis
Debo Brata Paul Argha, Former MS student (2020-2022), co-advised by Dr. Anthony Torres, Current Position: Staff Engineer at Intertek PSI
Maryam Ghadami, Former MS student (2021-2023), co-advsied by Dr. Robert McLean, Current Position: Transportation EIT at HDR
Rudy Castillo, Former undergraduate student (2021-2023)
Colby She, Former undergraduate student (2022-2023)
Billiard LeFranc, Former undergraduate student (2022-2023)
Jeremiah Soliz, Former undergraduate student (2022-2023)
Simren Pokhrel, Former undergradaute student (2022-2023)
Paola Huynh, Former undergraduate student (2023-2023)