Masoud Gheisari, M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management
What is your current role and what does it entail?
I am an Assistant Professor in the Rinker School of Construction Management at the University of Florida where I lead the Human-Centered Technology in Construction (HCTC) research group. I consider myself an educator and a researcher focusing on theoretical and experimental investigation of human-computer/robot systems in construction. I conduct research in the areas of human-computer/robot interaction, unmanned aerial systems/vehicles (UAS/UAVs), real/virtual humans in mixed reality environments and human-technology interaction in educational settings. I also teach various courses in the area of building information modeling and technology applications in construction.
How long have you been at DCP and what previous roles have you served here?
I came to UF and the College of DCP in Fall 2015, after working for 2 years as an Assistant Professor at the Mississippi State University. I serve as a reviewer for several academic journals, conferences and funding agencies and have also been involved with research groups and committees of different educational and research entities. I also serve on several school committees here at the Rinker School.
What inspires you?
I love working with students and watching them grow academically and professionally. Their curiosity and thirst for knowledge inspires me to be a better educator and researcher.
Who are the most influential people in your life?
The most influential person in my life is my wife. She is consistently positive and motivating and her kindness has impacted all aspects of my life.
What do you think is the most exciting trend in your field today?
New cutting-edge technologies are becoming more important than ever in the construction industry.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (aka drones), 3D/4D/…/nD building information modeling, laser scanning & photo-/videogrammetry, 3D printing & contour crafting, augmented/mixed/virtual reality, wearables and head-mounted displays/glasses are just some of the examples of these new cutting-edge technologies. The industry requires professionals in the construction field who are prepared to use and implement such technologies and who have knowledge beyond that of a traditional construction manager. In response to this need, we need to train students to understand construction challenges and to explore how new technologies may help resolve those challenges.