Dr. Issam Elias Harik is the Raymond-Blythe Professor of Civil Engineering, and Program Manager of the Structures Program at the Kentucky Transportation Center. He received his PhD from Wayne State University in Detroit in 1982 and joined the University of Kentucky the same year. His research interests are in the areas of fiber reinforced polymer composite components and structures, structural evaluation and retrofit of bridges, natural and man-made hazard management of highway structures, field testing of bridges, and structural health monitoring and remote sensing of highway structures. Since joining the University of Kentucky in August 1982, Dr. Harik has directed or co-directed the research on more than 95 funded projects and is currently directing or co-directing 12 research projects. He has directed or is currently directing the research of more than 50 visiting professors/post-docs/scholars, 95 graduate students, 55 undergraduate students, and 20 high school students. He currently serves as a member of 9 societies and 9 committees. He has organized and chaired national and international conferences, workshops, and technical sessions. He has authored or co-authored more than 320 technical publications.
My research encompasses analytical and experimental evaluation, analysis, design, and retrofit of concrete and steel structures using high performance materials. Field deployments on more than 40 bridges highlight the cost savings of using the new materials relative to traditional alternatives
Ph.D., Civil Engineering (Structures), Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, 12/82
M.S., Civil Engineering (Structures), Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, 12/78
B.S., Civil Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, 6/77
July 2000 – Present: Raymond-Blythe Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
March 1993 – 2004: Program Manager, Structures and Coatings Section, Kentucky Transportation Center, University of Kentucky (Head, Structures Section: March 1993 – July 2004)
July 2001 – June 2006: Chair, Department of Civil Engineering (Interim Chair: July 2000-June 2001)
July 1994-June 2000: Professor of Structures; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky
July 1987 – June 1994: Associate Professor of Structures, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky
August 1982 – June 1987: Assistant Professor of Structures, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky
