FlU Graduate Students

Ph.D. Dissertations  

Chair

• Salas, Raoul. “Development of a Hybrid Bayesian Neural Pavement Performance Model for Strategic Management.” Chair: Dr. Chang, FIU, July 2026.

• Mahnaz, Syeda Lamiya. “Development of a Holistic Smart City Agile Framework: Integrating Infrastructure with Collaborative Governance”.  Chair: Dr. Chang, FIU, December 2025.

• Hossain, Abid. “An Integrated Holistic Framework for Bridge Deterioration Modeling, Data Integrity, and Climate Adaptive Risk Management”. Chair: Dr. Chang, FIU, May 2025.

• Makahaube, Johanes. “Performance Measure Methodology of Project Management Practices in Local Government Agencies”, Chair: Dr. Chang, UTEP, December 2020.

• Vavrova, Marketa. “Development of a Multi-objective Approach for Asset Management Decision Making", Chair: Dr. Chang, UTEP, May 2016.

• Ramirez, Rafael.” A Stochastic Approach for Pavement Condition Projections and Budget Needs the MTC for Pavement Management System”, Chair: Dr. Chang, UTEP, May 2015. [Download]

• Al-Zou’bi, Mazin. “Development of Systematic Approach to Manage Missing Data in Pavement Management Systems., Chair: Dr. Chang, UTEP, May 2013.

Committee Member

• Gocol, Dorothy, “Exploring the Impact of STEM Student Agency on Institutional Change in Higher Education: A Story Telling Approach.” FIU, Dissertation, Chair Dr. Monica Cardella. Qualifying Exam, Fall 2026.

• Reid, Carla. “Sulfate Induced Corrosion of Steel Rebar in Reinforced Concrete”. Chair: Dr. Lau, FIU, July 2026.

• Jiayi, Ding. “ Durability of Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Structures”, Chair: Dr. Mehrabi, FIU, December 2022.

• Gutierrez, Rafael. “Effect of Curing Time and Conditions upon Cementitious Interface Behavior”. FIU, Chair: Dr. Anil Misra, July 2025.

• Tripathi, Priya. “A Unified Framework for Description of Co-Evolving Particle Shape and Size in Comminution: A Power-law based Approach”. Chair: Dr. Seung Jae Lee, FIU, July 2025. 

• Rojali, Aditia. “Investigating Potential Implication of Sea-Level Rise of Pavement Infrastructure”, FIU, Chair: Dr. Fuentes, December 2023.

• Muhammad Atif, Anwer. “Use of All Lightweight Concrete in Conjunction with UHPC Connection of Pre-Fabricated Barrier System”, Chair: Dr. Azizinamini, FIU, May 2023.

• Rodriguez, Danniel. “Performance Life of Various Hot Mix Asphalt Mixtures in Texas”. Chair Dr. Nazarian, UTEP, August 2015.

• Zokaei Ashtiani, Mohammad Ali. “Development of Finite Element Based Software for Analyzing the Rigid Pavement (NYSlab)”. Chair Dr. Carrasco, UTEP, May 2014.

• Mazari, Mehran. "Modulus-Based Construction Specification for Compaction of Earthwork and Unbound Aggregate". Chair Dr. Nazarian, UTEP, May 2014.

• Azari, Hoda, “Numerical Study on Performance and Sensitivity of Seismic Nondestructive Methods to Identify Deterioration in Concrete Structures,” Chair Dr. Nazarian, UTEP, May 2013.

• Islam, Mouyid. "Modeling Large-Truck Involved Crashes: An Econometric Modeling Framework". Chair Dr. Hernandez, UTEP, December 2012. [Download]

• Celaya, Manuel. “Evaluation of NDT Technologies to Assess Presence and Extent of Delamination of HMA Airfield Pavements”, Chair: Dr. Nazarian, UTEP, May 2011.

• Abdallah, Imad. “An Expert System Approach to Improve and Preserve Flexible Pavement at Intersections”, Chair: Dr. Nazarian, UTEP, May 2011.

• Galicia, Luis. “Methodology for Bus Rapid Transit Ridership Estimation and Deployment Phases Implementation”, Chair: Dr.  Cheu, UTEP, December 2010.

• Vidaña Bencomo, Jose Osiris. “Methodology to Convert Transportation Planning Origin-Destination Matrix into a Microscopic Traffic Simulation Origin Destination Matrix”, Chair: Dr. Cheu, UTEP, December 2011.

• Wanyan, Yaqui. “Expert System Design Guide for Lower Classification Roads Over High PI Clays”, Chair: Dr. Nazarian, UTEP, December 2008.

Master Thesis

• Rodriguez, Edgar. “A Quality Control Performance-Based Methodology for Pavement Management Systems.” UTEP, August 2018.

• Ortega, Oscar. “A Sustainable Performance-Based Methodology to Address the Impact of Climate Changes on the “State of Good Repair” of Transportation Infrastructure.” UTEP, May 2018.

• Ramirez, Armando. “Optimization for the Allocation of Funds for Pavement Maintenance in Pavement Management Systems,” May 2018.

• González, Oscar UTEP, “Quantification of the Impact of Roadway Condition on Gas Emissions.” UTEP, December 2017.

• Gutierrez, Sandra. “Asset Management Tools to Support the Development of Preservation Programs for Guardrails.” UTEP, May 2017.

• Jaña Arellano, Cristian Gonzalo. “Implementation of the AASHTO 2008 Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide in Piura,” Universidad de Piura, Perú, May 2016.

• Montes, Edith. “Using Fair Division Methods for Funding Allocation,” UTEP, May 2014.

• Saenz, Daniel. “Improvement in Pavement Ride, Distress, and Condition Based on Different Treatment Types,” UTEP, December 2013.

• Mena Abadía, Wilmer Bernardo, “Calibration and Implementation of the MEPDG Climatic Model AASHTO 2008 in Colombia.” Universidad EAFIT, Colombia, April 2013.

• Vavrova, Marketa. “Development of an Electronic Vehicle Miles Traveled Toll Model.” UTEP, May 2012.

• Gallegos, Alejandra. “Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement Performance Models for Pavement Management,” UTEP, May 2012.

• Huaman, Nestor. “Permanent Deformation in Asphalt Mixes and the Deterioration of Pavement in Peru.” Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, December 2011.

• Quintana, Luis. “Development of a GIS Fiber Optics Asset Management System for the City of El Paso.” UTEP, August 2011.

• Francis, Dora. “Asset Management Applications to Improve Right-of-Way Acquisitions.” UTEP, December 2009.

• Gandhar, Wazalwar. "Optimizing Sample Size for Acceptance Plans in Highway Construction,” UTEP, December 2009.

• Camacho, Gema, “GIS-based Tool for Assessing Hydraulic Performance of Drainage Infrastructure System in El Paso,” UTEP, May 2009.