Construction Management

Jason von Meding

Jason von Meding

M.E Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management, Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience (FIBER)
Associate Professor
352-294-3374
RINKER 344
jason.vonmeding@ufl.edu

Ph.D. Construction (Disaster) Management, BArch, BSc Architecture – All Queen’s University Belfast, UK

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Areas of Focus:
Sustainability (Built Environment Resilience)

Research:
My research focuses on the injustices and inequalities that are foundational to our social system, and how disasters unveil society and show us what needs to change. At its core, my intellectual pursuits are interrogating what a sustainable social/political/economic future would look like, and demonstrating that we are not on such a pathway.

Bio:
Dr. Jason von Meding is an Associate Professor in Rinker School and a founding faculty member of the Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience (FIBER). He is a researcher, educator and communicator in disaster studies who joined the University of Florida in 2019. His research is primarily community-centered and highly participatory, focusing on how injustice and inequality are the fundamental drivers of risk in society, and therefore shape disaster impacts.

Before moving to the U.S. he spent 6 years at the University of Newcastle, Australia, where he established the Disaster and Development Research Group and was recognized as Researcher of the Year at the institution level in 2017. His Ph.D. was conferred by the Queen’s University of Belfast in Northern Ireland, where he also spent 3 years on faculty from 2010-2013 and before that trained as an architect in the early 2000s.

Jason has taught students around the world about disasters for over a decade – from the societal root causes of risk to post-disaster professional practice. At the University of Florida, he delivers courses about the history of shelter, housing and sustainable construction. He is Coordinator of CIB Working Commission 120 – Disasters and the Built Environment and is a popular speaker in the disaster studies field. As part of his focus on public facing science communication, he is co-host of the Disasters: Deconstructed Podcast and tweets @vonmeding.

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Ryan Sharston

Ryan Sharston

School of Architecture, Rinker School of Construction Management, Florida Institute for the Built Environment Resilience (FIBER)
Assistant Professor
352-294-3375
AH 246
r.sharston@ufl.edu

University of Michigan
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Areas of Focus:
Sustainability (Building Energy, Building Materials, Built Environment Resilience, Renewable Energy, Smart Buildings/Cities, Sustainable Architecture and Design, Sustainable Construction, Sustainable Technology)
I am interested in improving the energy as well as the occupant- related health performance of the built environment through advancements in building envelopes

Bio:
Dr. Ryan Sharston is an architect and a civil and environmental engineer. For nearly two decades, he has taught, researched and practiced sustainable design and construction and environmental technologies in various academic and industrial settings.

His research focuses on computational building modeling, building performance evaluation, indoor environmental quality and occupants’ health and well-being. He has taught architectural design studios and building and environmental technologies at the University of Michigan and University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

In his professional practice, he has served as lead engineer and construction manager for numerous projects, with a particular focus on technologically advanced and integrated designs and constructions.

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Eileen Pesantes-Taveres

Eileen Pesantes-Taveres

M.E Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management
Instructional Assistant Professor
RINKER 313
eileen.pesantes@ufl.edu

B.S. in Civil Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
M.S. in Engineering with concentration on Structural Engineering Mechanics and Materials, University of California at Berkeley
M.S. in Civil Engineering with concentration on Construction Engineering and Management, Stanford University
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with concentration on Construction Engineering and Management, University of Florida

Eileen Pesantes-Tavares, PhD, graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez in 1994. She earned a M.E. in Structural Engineering at the University of California at Berkeley in 1995. After working as a structural engineer, she decided to pursue a construction degree and went back to school. She earned a MS in Construction Engineering and Management from Stanford University in 1998. While teaching at her Alma Mater, she decided to pursue a PhD in Construction Engineering and Management at the University of Florida. She graduated in 2011.

Pesantes worked as a research engineer with the US Army Corp of Engineers at their Engineer Research and Development Center before graduate school. After completing two Master’s degrees, she worked in two different construction companies in the San Francisco Bay Area in projects that ranged from a small office remodeling up to a complete new campus for a major Hi-tech Company. When she moved back to Puerto Rico, she was offered a teaching position at her Alma Mater. Teaching was something that Pesantes always contemplated as a career path. After six years of teaching, she went back to graduate school. After finishing her PhD, she taught as an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering at UF, as a lecturer and academic advisor at the School of Engineering at UNF and, currently as a lecturer at the Rinker School of Construction Management at UF.

The courses Pesantes teaches are varied. Construction Materials and Temporary Structures focus on the design and materials side of construction. International Sustainable Design focuses in key concepts related to sustainable development worldwide. Introduction to Construction presents first year students the different types of work they can do in construction through weekly guest lectures that include professionals from the construction industry.

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Andrew Wehle

Andrew Wehle

M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management
Instructional Assistant Professor
352-294-0527
RINKER 312
wehleaj@ufl.edu

Ph.D. Construction Management, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Master’s of Cultural Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Bachelor’s of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

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Mark Russell

Mark Russell

M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management
Instructional Associate Professor
352-273-1172
RINKER 330
russ1307@ufl.edu

Ph.D., Design, Construction and Planning, University of Florida, 2011
M.S., Environmental Engineering, Old Dominion University, 1995
M.B.A., New Hampshire College, 1992
B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Central Florida, 1989

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Areas of Focus:
Sustainability (Sustainable Construction)
Evaluation of construction projects for sustainable principles. Use of Building Rating systems to evaluate construction projects. Performing Life Cycle Cost Analysis for decision making.

Bio:
Mark Russell joined the faculty of the ME Rinker Sr. School of Construction Management in August 2016.  As a scholar, engineer, and contractor, Dr. Russell investigates sustainable construction techniques and building rating systems.  His research focuses on effective ways to reduce building energy, water, and resources while promoting a healthy indoor environment.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Central Florida, Mark worked with the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps in a variety of construction related positions.  After earning an M.B.A. at New Hampshire College and a master’s degree in civil/Environmental Engineering from Old Dominion University, Mark retired from the U.S. Navy.  Next, he took a position with URS in Frankfort, Germany where he was responsible for design and construction projects on military bases throughout Europe.  Mark later earned his Ph.D. in Design, Construction, & Planning from the University of Florida.

Dr. Russell was the AGC Endowed Chair of Construction Management at the University of New Mexico from 2013 – 2016 and has taught courses in sustainability, civil engineering, and construction management for UF, UNM, and the University of Indonesia.   Mark Russell is also a founding partner of the consulting firm Wise Built, LLC, a building sustainability consulting firm that has worked on over 200 building projects throughout the US and in Europe.

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Rui Liu

Rui Liu

M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management
Associate Professor
352-273-1168
RINKER 321
liurui@ufl.edu

Ph.D., Design, Construction, and Planning, University of Florida
Master’s of Science, Information Systems and Operations Management, University of Florida
Master’s of Management, Construction Management, Tianjin University
Bachelor’s of Management, Project Management, Tianjin University
Bachelor’s of Science, Applied Mathematics, Tianjin University

Research Interest:

  • Building Information Modeling
  • Facility Management
  • BIM Software Development
  • GIS and BIM Integration
  • Construction Economics and Urbanization
  • Big Data and Cloud Computing
  • Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
  • Sensing and Indoor Localization
  • Smart Cities

Employer(S):

Assistant Professor, Department of Construction Science, College of Architecture, Construction and Planning, University of Texas at San Antonio

Certification:

  • CM-BIM
  • LEED AP BD+C
  • OSHA 30 Hour Outreach Training
  • Green Globe Professional (GGP)

Awards and Honors:

  • 2015 Best Paper Award, ASCE Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
  • Outstanding Presentation, The 1st International Shanghai “Global BIM” Summit, 2015
  • Best Paper Award (International), International Conference on Innovative Technologies in Construction 2014
  • Fiatech Student Scholarship
  • Rinker Alumni Fellowship
  • CEMEX Scholarship, twice
  • Rinker Material Scholarship
  • Outstanding Student, multiple times, Tianjin University

Memberships & Involvement:

  • Co-Chair: Alamo BIM Peer Group
  • Member, SOCIETY BETA GAMMA SIGMA
  • A.M.ASCE, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Construction Institute (CI)
  • Member, Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)
  • Member, ASC (Associated Schools of Construction)
  • ASCE Construction Research Congress (CRC)
  • Associated Schools of Construction (ASC)
  • American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)

PUBLICATION EXAMPLES:

  • 3D visualization of sub-surface pipelines in connection with the building utilities: Integrating GIS and BIM for facility management
  • Cloud-based deep immersive game for human egress data collection: a framework
  • Introducing Building Information Modeling Course into a Newly Developed Construction Program with Various Student Backgrounds
  • Cloud-Based Interactive Probabilistic Simulation for AEC Industry

Published Papers:

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=GycfidMAAAAJ& hl=en&oi=sra

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Aaron Costin

Aaron Costin

M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management
Associate Professor
352-273-2121
RINKER 324
aaron.costin@ufl.edu
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-costin

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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Chimay Anumba

Chimay Anumba

College of Design, Construction and Planning
Dean and Professor
(352) 294-1405
AH 331A
anumba@ufl.edu

B.Sc. Building (1st Class Honours), University of Jos, Nigeria
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, The University of Leeds, UK
D.Sc. (Higher Doctorate), Loughborough University, UK

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Areas of Focus:
Sustainability (Building Energy, Built Environment Resilience, Smart Buildings/Cities, Sustainable Construction)

Bio:

Dean Chimay Anumba graduated at 18 with a First Class Honours degree in Building and worked as a Project Engineer and Design Engineer before studying for his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (specializing in Computer-Aided Design) at the University of Leeds, UK. He then worked in industry on a wide range of building and civil infrastructure projects, becoming a Chartered/Professional Engineer in 1993. This was followed by academic appointments at a number of UK academic institutions. More recently, he was Professor and Head, Department of Architectural Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University from January 2008 to July 2016.

Dr. Anumba’s research interests are in the fields of construction engineering and management, advanced engineering informatics (AI, CPS, KBS, etc.), concurrent engineering, knowledge management, distributed collaboration, high performance buildings, and sustainable construction. He has over 500 scientific publications, including 21 books and over 200 archival journal papers, in these fields. His work has received over $150m in support from various sources – the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Institutes for Health (NIH), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC, UK), and a variety of international agencies. He has also supervised 56 doctoral candidates to completion, mentored over 25 postdoctoral scholars, and advised numerous masters’ students.

He has won several awards for his work and has held Visiting Professor/Scholar appointments at more than 10 universities in N. America, Europe, Asia and Africa – including MIT, Stanford and Tsinghua. In recognition of his substantial and sustained original contributions to the field of Construction Engineering and Informatics, Dr. Anumba was awarded the higher doctorate degree of Doctor of Science, D.Sc., by Loughborough University in July 2006. In January 2007, he was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Dr.h.c.) by Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands for outstanding scientific contributions to Building and Construction Engineering. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (the United Kingdom’s National Academy of Engineering) in July 2012. He also holds Fellowships of the following professional institutions: The Institution of Civil Engineers, The Institution of Structural Engineers, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He is the recipient of the 2018 ASCE Computing in Civil Engineering Award and a member of the U.S. National Academy of Construction.

Dr. Anumba is also Editor-in-Chief of the Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management journal, Co-Editor of the Journal of Information Technology in Construction, and Specialty Editor of the ASCE Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering. He sits on the editorial boards of numerous other journals.

Dr. Anumba joined the University of Florida on August 1, 2016 as Dean of the College of Design, Construction and Planning.

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Bahar Armaghani

Bahar Armaghani

Sustainability and the Built Environment
Director and Instructional Associate Professor; Director, UF Green Building Learning Collaborative (GBLC)
352-294-1428
RINKER 322
barmagh@ufl.edu

M.S. in Civil Engineering and B.S. in Environmental Engineering

Bahar Armaghani is the Director of the Sustainability and the Built Environment (SBE) Program and Lecturer at the College of Design, Construction and Planning (DCP) at the University of Florida (UF).  She is also the Director of UF Green Building Learning Collaborative (GBLC). She developed and teaches courses on energy, greening the build environment, and Leadership. In 2014 she established and teaches LEED Lab at University of Florida bridging the gap between education and operation arms of the university utilizing university as a laboratory for hands-on learning focusing on the skills needed in the green building industry.  LEED Lab students delivered LEED V4.1 EB: O+M Gold certification for on campus building, the first certified building by students in Florida and the eleventh internationally. Bahar established UF’s Green Building Program, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and served as director for thirteen years. She has managed and administered over 135 LEED BD+C, ID+C, Schools, Retail, and Homes Projects at UF and outside including 13 LEED Platinum certified buildings and first platinum project in the state of Florida. Under her leadership, UF was one of the leading universities in building green. Her role in administering university’s LEED projects saved the university over $6 million since the LEED program establishment. In addition, Bahar served as an Assistant Director and major Project Manager at University of Florida’s Planning, Design and Construction Division for over a decade completing over 35 projects with a total budget of $350 million. She also, initiated and directed UF’s rebate and 179D programs generating additional funding to the university. Bahar is one the first three LEED Fellows in the state of Florida. She has been active with U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) locally, nationally and internationally. She served as USGBC LEED Faculty for over a decade, established USGBC Heart of Florida Chapter and served as president for four years, and served on the board of directors for USGBC Central Florida chapter and USGBC Florida and the Caribbean Region. She also served on task forces for LEED Advisory Committee, Education and Events committee, a subject matter expert, and a Pro- Reviewer for USGBC education courses. Currently, Bahar is serving on FL USGBC Market Leadership Advisory Board, ACG Certification Council, Chamber of Commerce International Council board, and director of Sister City program Gainesville/ Duhok. Bahar has served as an international advisor, and introduced green buildings and LEED rating system to the public and private sectors in Jordan, Republic of Georgia, and Iraq (Kurdistan). She has delivered green building design, construction, and operation workshops in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sweden, and Singapore. She played a leading role in establishing the Jordan Green Building Council. Most recently, she established Kurdistan Green Building Interest group. She presents in International and National conferences Bahar is a University of Florida graduate with a MS in Civil Engineering and BS in Environmental Engineering.

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Russell C. Walters

Russell C. Walters

M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management
William G. and Aneice R. Lassiter Instructional Assistant Professor
352-273-1173
RINKER 328
rwalters@ufl.edu

BS Electrical Engineering, University of Illinois, 1987
MS Electrical Engineering, University of Florida, 1988
Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, University of Florida, 1993

Special Fields: Construction Information Technology, Alternative Energy Systems, Construction Contract Administration, Emerging Issues in Construction Management

Employers: Assistant Professor, Iowa State University; Project Manager, J.M. Walters & Son

Member: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Transportation Research Board (TRB)

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