Aaron Costin

M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management
Associate Professor
352-273-2121
RINKER 324

Ph.D. Civil Engineering, 2016, Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology M.S. Civil Engineering, 2013
Georgia Institute of Technology B.S. Civil Engineering, 2011

Areas of Focus:

Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Construction and Engineering; Internet of Things (IoT); Data Interoperability; Digital Twin (DT); Building Information Modeling (BIM); Digital Infrastructure

Affiliations:

  • Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment
  • University of Florida Transportation Institute (UFTI)
  • Warren B. Nelms Institute for the Connected World
  • Artificial Intelligence Academic Initiative Center (AI2)

Bio:

Dr. Aaron Costin is an Associate Professor at the University of Florida’s M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management, and holds an affiliate appointment to the Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment. His academic journey led him to earn a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Costin’s expertise lies in the nuanced integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Twin (DT), Information Communication Technologies (ICT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance construction and infrastructure management. His research specifically focuses on leveraging AI to improve interoperability among diverse construction technologies and platforms, facilitating seamless data exchange and enhancing collaboration across the construction industry’s various sectors. This focus on AI and interoperability is central to Dr. Costin’s work, aiming to push the boundaries of how technology can be utilized to make construction processes more efficient, accurate, and sustainable.

Dr. Costin leads the Smart Construction Informatics (SCI) laboratory where they research emerging technologies and interoperability for the built environment. His research is at the intersection of construction management, civil engineering, and computer science, focusing on interoperability, wireless network systems, design computing, and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in construction. His work significantly impacts construction safety, productivity, and sustainability, leveraging emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data analytics. He has collaborated extensively with industry and academic partners globally, contributing to the advancement of smart cities and intelligent transportation systems.

A multidisciplinary researcher, Dr. Costin has received substantial external funding, including a notable grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop a cyberinfrastructure service for IoT-based construction research and applications. He is also a key investigator on three multimillion dollar national BIM for Bridges and Infrastructure projects. His projects aim to revolutionize construction and engineering practices by fostering a more connected, efficient, and safer industry.

An active member of the academic and professional community, Dr. Costin chairs and serves on multiple committees to advance emerging technology and interoperability and is involved in several international groups focused on developing standards for ontologies and linked data in the AEC industry. He is a pioneer in promoting BIM and Digital Twin for bridges and structures, leading efforts to create open data exchange standards, and serving as the chair for various national and international standardization initiatives.

Dr. Costin’s dedication to teaching and mentorship is evident in his dynamic and interactive approach, preparing students for real-world challenges by integrating research into education. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field with awards for both teaching and research excellence, including the University Scholars Program Faculty Mentor Award at the University of Florida.

Beyond his academic achievements, Dr. Costin is committed to student service, being the faculty advisor to Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity, CRU at UF, and the DCP entrepreneurship club. He also advises and mentors dozens of undergraduate researchers from various disciplines across UF.

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