Core Faculty

Dr. Burak F. Tanyu

​

Co-Director of the SGI Research Group - Professor of Geotechnical/Geotransportation Engineering in the Civil, Infrastructure, and Environmental Engineering Department of George Mason University.

Prior to joining George Mason, Burak Tanyu worked as a senior geotechnical engineer for 8 years. 

Education:

• Ph.D., Geo-Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 2003
• M.S., Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas, Arlington, 1999
• B.S., Geological Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, Turkey, 1996

Dr. Kuo Tian

​

Co-Director of the SGI Research Group - Assistant Professor of Geotechnical/Geoenvironmental Engineering in the Civil, Infrastructure, and Environmental Engineering Department of George Mason University.

Prior to joining George Mason, Kuo Tian worked as a researcher (post-doc) at the University of Virginia for 2 years. 

Education:

• Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 2015
• M.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 2012
• B.S., Civil Engineering, Huazhong University of Sci. & Tech., China, 2010

Doctoral Students

Sana Ullah

PhD Student     Joined in Spring 2024

Research Topic: Leaching of Microplastics from Geosynthetic Materials Under Ageing Conditions

Education:

• M.S., Geotechnical Engineering, NUST Institute of Civil Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan, 2022
• B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan, 2018

Abdulrahman Almalki

PhD Student     Joined in Spring 2024

Research Topic: Geotechnical Infrastructure Resilience of Near-Coastal Arid Regions

Education:

• M.S., Geotechnical/Geoenvrionmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, 2023
• B.S., Civil Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, KSA, 2015

Furkan Egemen Kahya

PhD Student     Joined in Spring 2024

Research Topic: Resilience of Geo-Infrastructure to Coastal Effects of Climate Change

Education:

• M.S., Civil/Geotechnical Engineering, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey, 2022
• B.S., Geological Engineering, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey, 2019

Benjamin Stark, P.E. 

PhD Student     Joined in Fall 2022

Research Topic: Elevated Temperature Landfill Reactions and Triggering Mechanisms

Prior to joining George Mason, Benjamin Stark worked as a geotechnical project engineer for 6 years. 

Education:

• M.S., Engineering (Civil/Geotechnical), University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 2022
• B.S., Geological Engineering; Geology and Geophysics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 2015

Sezgin Sarak

PhD Student     Joined in Fall 2022

Research Topic: Evaluating the Compatibility of PVC Coated Geogrid to be Used in MSE Structures that Contain Recycled Aggregate

Education:

• M.S., Geotechnical Engineering, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey, 2022
• B.S., Civil Engineering, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey, 2018

Haiping Fu

PhD Student     Joined in Fall 2021

Research Topic: Service Life Prediction of Co-Extruded Geomembranes with an Ethylene Vinyl-Alcohol (EVOH) Layer

Education:

• M.S., Geotechnical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (China), 2019.
• B.S., Civil Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (China), 2016.

Hanrui Zhao

PhD Student     Joined in Fall 2021

Research Topic: Failure Mechanisms of Bentonite-polymer Geosynthetic Clay Liner and Geomembrane Composite Systems

Education:

• M.S., Master of Engineering in Transportation Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering), Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, Southeast University, China, 2020
• B.S., Bachelor of Engineering in Geological Engineering (National Training Plan for Excellent Engineers), Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China, 2017

Yasin Karakus

PhD Student     Joined in Fall 2021

Research Topic: Behavior of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Inclusion at Integral Abutment Bridges

Education:

• M.S., Geotechnical Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey, 2021
• B.S., Civil Engineering, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey, 2019

Li Dong

​

Graduated August 2023

Research Topic: Numerical Model to Predict the Hydraulic Conductivity of Geosynthetic Liner Systems​

Education:

• Ph.D., Geotechnical Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2023
• M.S., Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing, China, 2016
• B.S., Hydraulic Structures Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, China, 2013

Aamir Ahmad

​

Graduated May 2023

Research Topic: Subsurface Transport Phenomenon of PFAS

Education:

• Ph.D., Geotechnical Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2023
• M.S., Geotechnical Engineering, NUST Institute of Civil Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan, 2015
• B.S., Military College of Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, Risalpur, Pakistan, 2013 

Emre Akmaz

​

Graduated December 2023

Research Topic: Stabilization of Foundation Soils in Roadway Systems with Geosynthetics

Education:

• Ph.D., Geotechnical Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2023
• M.S., Geotechnical Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, 2018
• B.S., Civil Engineering, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey, 2014 

Sandarva Sharma

​

Graduated December 2022

Research Topic: Assessment of Service Life of Salt Water Detention Ponds

Education:

• Ph.D., Geotechnical Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2022
• M.S., Civil Engineering,University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, 2018
• B.S., Civil Engineering, Pokhara University, Nepal, 2014 

Yashar Alimohammadlou

​

Graduated

Research Topic: https://geotrans-dev.vsnet.gmu.edu/node/57">Landslide Forecasting in Transportation Corridors: A Consistent Framework Using Digital Elevation Models

Education:

• M.S., Geotechnical Engineering, Azad University, Zanjan, Iran, 2015
• B.S., Civil Engineering, Azad University, Tabriz, Iran, 2013

Fitsum T. Gebremariam

​

Graduated 

Research Topic: https://geotrans-dev.vsnet.gmu.edu/node/54">Boundary Conditions for Composite Behavior of Geosynthetically Reinforced Structures (GRS)

Education:

• Ph.D., Geotechnical Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2019
• M.S., Geo and Water Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, 2012
• B.S., Civil Engineering, Jimma University, Ethiopia, 2007 

Saad Ullah

​

Graduated 

Research Topic: https://geotrans-dev.vsnet.gmu.edu/node/49">Developing Design Methodology To Incorporate Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in Flexible Pavement Systems

Education:

• Ph.D., Geotechnical Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2018
• M.S., Geotechnical Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan, 2015
• B.S., Civil Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan, 2013

Aiyoub Abbaspour

​

Graduated 

Research Topic: Suitability of Using Recycled Concrete Aggregate with Filter Geotextiles in Road Construction

Education:

• Ph.D., Geotechnical Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2017
• Post M.S., Geotechnical Engineering, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey, 2010-2012
• M.S., Hydraulic Structures, University of Tabriz, Iran, 2010
• B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Mohaghegh, Ardabil, Iran, 2008  

Masters Students

Monica Paulina Benavides

Graduated December 2022

Research Topic: Liner Systems for Municipal Solid Landfill Waste under Elevated Temperatures

Education:

• B.S., Civil Engineering, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia, 2015

Andres Cruz

​

Graduated

Research Topic: Liner Systems for Municipal Solid Landfill Waste under Elevated Temperatures

Education:

• B.S., Civil Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, 2019

Zainab Binte

​

Graduated

Research Topic: Liner Systems for Aggressive Coal Combustion Product Leachates

Education:

• B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan, 2016

Jackelin L. Gastelo Diaz

​

Graduated

Research Topic: Hydraulic Conductivity of GCL Overlap Area

Education:

• B.S., Civil Engineering, San Ignacio de Loyola University, Lima, Peru, 2017

Siddharath (Sid) Singh

​

Graduated

Research Topic: Effects of Cross-Anisotropy Within Frictional Materials to Shear Strength As Defined by Single Hardening Constitutive Model​

Education:

• M.S., Geotechnical Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2019
• B.S., Civil Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2015

Emre Akmaz

​

Graduated

Research Topic: https://geotrans-dev.vsnet.gmu.edu/node/106">Evaluating the Use of Alternative In-Situ Instruments to Be Used for Quality Control for RAP/VA Road Bases

Education:

• M.S., Geotechnical Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2018
• B.S., Civil Engineering, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey, 2014

Tshreya Bhattarai

​

Graduated

Research Topic:  Evaluation of Using Tactilus Cells to Estimate Horizontal Stresses in GeoStructures

Education:

• M.S., Geotechnical Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2017
• B.S., Civil Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal, 2012

Mariamawit K. Borga

​

Graduated

Research Topic: https://geotrans-dev.vsnet.gmu.edu/node/58">Effect of Scour on Residential Building Damage After Hurricanes

Education:

• M.S., Geotechnical Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2016
• B.S., Civil Engineering, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, 2014

Co-advised with Dr. Celso Ferreira

Clayton Cook

​

Graduated

Research Topic: https://geotrans-dev.vsnet.gmu.edu/node/50">Effects of Particle Shape on Performance and Durability of Aggregates Used in Road Construction

Education:

• M.S., Geotechnical Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2015
• B.S., Civil Engineering, Westren Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY, 2013

Moustafa I. Awad

​

Graduated

Research Topic: https://geotrans-dev.vsnet.gmu.edu/node/53">Frictional Connection Strength Between Geotextile Reinforcements and Concrete Facing Blocks of MSE Walls.

Education:

• M.S., Geotechnical Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2013
• B.S., Civil Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2011

Undergraduate Research Students

Mera Shabti

​

Andres Cruz

​

Elisabetta Iannetti

​

Jeffress Trust Project

Wetlands as a Means of Natural Defense against Storm Surges

Research topics included:

• Effects of aggregate shape on durability - (Neha and Brian-Volunteers)
• Variability of index properties of recycled concrete aggregates - (Sid, Rita, and Marco -Summer Interns)
• Evaluating the suitability of micro-deval apparatus to assess the durability of aggregates used in common wealth of Virginia on road construction - (Nicole-OSCAR scholarship)
• Developing a testing program for suitability of using microbial calcite precipitation for dust control - (Sean-OSCAR scholarship)
• Correlation between safety of corn silos and shear strength of aged corn - (Tom-OSCAR scholarship)
• Use of Hazus: MH flood model to estimate damage after hurricane sandy - (Danny-OSCAR scholarship and Khanh-Volunteer)
• Field Instrumentation Calibration and Installation (Mahyar)
• Flume Tests to Quantify Contribution of Vegetation to Coastal Resiliency (Mera)
• Correlation Between Safety of Corn Silos and Shear Strength of Aged Corn (Thomas)
• Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation in Fly Ash Ponds (Sean)
• Characterization of Post-Wildfire Soil Properties (Thu)
• Hydraulic Concuctivity of Bentonite-Polymer Geosynthetic Clay Liners (Kyle)
• Soil-Water Retention Curve of Bentonite (Larua)
• Updates to EPA Subtitle D Training Manual (Andrea)

Anny Kreiser

Jorge Briones

Sulaiman Alghammas

Siddharath Singh

Neha Seth

Khanh Pham

Mahyar Moradian

Marco Padilla

Rita Soelwin

Sean Lindenmuth

Daniel Scolose

Nicole Nmair

Thomas Barham

David Stiles

​

Andrea Sveinsson

Research Associates

Dr. Aiyoub Abbaspour

​​

Post-doctoral Research Fellow (August 2018 thru Present)

Research Topic in GMU: https://geotrans-dev.vsnet.gmu.edu/node/139">Field Performance of Drainage Systems in Highways with RCA Base Course

Visiting Scholars

Dr. F. Erol Guler

​​​

Visiting Professor (August 2017 thru Present)

Visiting From: Bogazici University-Istanbul, Turkey

www.ce.boun.edu.tr/?q=erolguler">http://www.ce.boun.edu.tr/?q=erolguler">www.ce.boun.edu.tr/erolguler">http://www.ce.boun.edu.tr/erolguler

International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) University Online Lecturer

https://texasmedialink.website/videos/geosynthetic-functions-online-lect...">https://texasmedialink.website/videos/geosynthetic-functions-online-lect...

Dr. Poul Lade

​​​

Research Professor in SGI Group and Adjunct Faculty (August 2016 thru Present)

Retired From: Catholic University of America, Washington, DC

https://civil.vse.gmu.edu/people/poul-lade">https://civil.vse.gmu.edu/people/poul-lade

Dr. Xiangtao Xu

​​​

Visiting Professor (August 2019 thru October 2020)

Visited From: Chengdu University of Technology-Chengdu, China

http://hgycg.cdut.edu.cn/teacher/10201400628">http://hgycg.cdut.edu.cn/teacher/10201400628

Dr. Bahadir A. Yavuz

​​​

Visiting Professor (July 2013 thru June 2014)

Visited From: Dokuz Eylul University-Izmir, Turkey

http://debis.deu.edu.tr/akademik//index.php?cat=3&akod=19930921">http://debis.deu.edu.tr/akademik/

Saad Ullah

​​​

International Summer Intern (July 2014)

Visited From: National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan

Community Outreach

Akul Mehra
​​​

Highschool Student Summer Intern (July 2015 and July 2016) 

Volunteered to spend three days a week in SGI research laboratory to learn more about geotechnical engineering and associated laboratory experimentation.

Education:

• Junior and Senior in Langley High School, Great Falls, VA.

Maximiliano Kittsteiner

​​​

Highschool Student Summer Intern (July 2014)

Volunteered to spend two days a week in SGI research laboratory to learn more about geotechnical engineering and associated laboratory experimentation.

Education:

• Senior in Forest Park High School, Woodbridge, VA.