Research Team
Current Research Team Members:
2022-2023 Research Team
From Left to Right: Adriana Rodriguez, Maddy Bullis, Amanda Bao, Zico Arachie, Mi-Andre Hughes.
From Left to Right: Amanda Bao, Toan Cao, Mi-Andre Hughes, Enrique Cardoso-Najera.
2021-2022 Research Team
From Left to Right: Nate Bedard, Aaron Khan, Monse Villarreal Rios, Amanda Bao, Madison Bowman, Dennis Kirby, Jr., Nick Templeton
Past Research Assistants:
2019-2020 Research Team
Bottom row: Amanda Bao, Middle row (left to right): Jordan Parris, Rebecca Lopez, Victor Altamirano, Ying Li, Top row (left to right): Matt Ganley, Briana Clark, James Denkenberger
From left to right: Rocco Urgo, Tucker Kelly, Amanda Bao, Peter Williams, Alana Moraes
2018-2019 Research Team
From left to right: Caleb Guillaume, Ying Guo, Max Evans, Amanda Bao, Rocco Urgo (in Richie costume), Peter Williams, Alana Moraes, Tucker Kelly
Alana Moraes
Briana Clark
I am a fourth year Civil Engineering Technology student, expecting to graduate in May 2021. I am interested in a Structural Design focus of civil engineering. I participate in many clubs and activities within the CETEMS Department. I have been a member of the Steel Bridge team and heavily participated on the concrete canoe team, this year the division head for the hull design. I am also s President of RIT's ASCE student chapter, formerly serving as event coordinator and secretary.
Ying Li
I am currently a fourth year civil engineering technology student graduating in May 2021. I have gained my interest in structural design as I pursue my BS degree in civil. I have had a co-op experience at Ostrow Electrical company as a project engineer. I am involved in Steel Bridge - fabrication team, in RIT Student Environmental Action League (SEAL) club., and in Sigma Psi Zeta sorority at RIT. I was the former president of the sorority and am still actively involved.
Rebecca Lopez
I am a fourth year Civil Engineering Technology student, minoring in Communications, expecting to graduate in May 2020. I am focusing on a professional option of Structural Design. I am currently the President of RIT's Associated General Contractors club and formerly the Treasurer. For the past two years I have been part of the Heavy Civil team competing in the ASC Competition every November. Upon graduation I am returning home to NYC to pursue a Master's Degree in Structural Engineering while continuing to work.
Matt Ganley
Matt Ganley is a 4th year Civil Engineering Technology Major at Rochester Institute of Technology. He has co-op experience at Granite Construction working as a field Engineer on the Phase II Kosciuszko Bridge in New York City. Matt has an interest in working for a design or contracting company after graduation. Some of his hobbies include Sports including basketball and football, Greek life and admiring innovative bridges and buildings. His expected graduation in May 2021.
James Denkenberger
James Denkenberger is a 4th year Civil Engineering major. He is working with the earthquake shake table team as well as the integral abutment bridge study team. He has interned at Granite Construction, Stantec Consulting, Economy Paving, and Denkenberger Land surveying. On campus before this research position he worked as a surveying lab teaching assistant and a multivariable and differential equations learning assistant. He has an interest in building and bridge structural design. Outside of the industry, he has a passion for business management, sports, and Greek life. James is expected to graduate spring 2021 with his civil engineering degree and a master’s in business administration.
Jordan Parris
My name is Jordan Parris, and I am a fourth year student in the Civil Engineering Technology program. I am an international student from Brampton, Ontario, Canada, and my interests include being a mentor and influence to students in all fields, especially those of minorities. I have a strong interest in Construction Management, but my passion and talents lead me to pursue Structural Design engineering. I aspire to learn as much as I can within my field to be the best, we’ll-rounded engineer I can be.
Caleb Guillaume
I am a fourth-year student in the RIT Civil Engineering Technology program, with a minor in environmental science; I expect to graduate in May of 2019. I have extensive work experience in surveying, construction, and construction management, and am working towards a career in civil design. The RIT CVET program has continually deepened my interest in civil engineering, and has provided countless opportunities to learn from experienced professors and alumni. In my free time, I’m involved with the RIT honors program, play drums in the RIT players’ pit orchestra, and play for the RIT club ultimate frisbee team. Upon graduation, I look forward to applying what I’ve learned in the real world, and ultimately expect to pursue my Professional Engineers license.
Nadezhda (Nadya) Levitova
I am a fifth-year student graduating in May 2018 with a Civil Engineering Technology degree with a structural design concentration. During my time at RIT, I have participated on the Steel Bridge team and am currently the Design Captain. This design competition gave me some practice applying the concepts I learned in class to an actual model. I was able to further my understanding of structural engineering over my last co-op at Thornton Tomasetti in the Property Loss Consulting and Renewal practices. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, and sketching.
Andrew Walker
I am a fifth year Civil Engineering Technology student, expecting to graduate in May 2018. I am pursing a professional option in Structural Design. I participate in many clubs and activities within RIT and the CETEMS Department. I have been involved with New Student Orientation for 3 years, as well as an Intramural Student Manager. Within the department, I am entering my 3rd year on the concrete canoe team. I am also serving as vice-president for the ASCE student chapter, formerly serving as fundraising coordinator. This year, I joined the ASC Heavy Civil competition team as well. My interests within the field of civil engineering is in transportation, bridges, and building structures. In my spare time I enjoy watching college football & basketball, working out, and being outdoors.
Marquis Mark
My name is Marquis Mark and I am a 4th year Civil Engineering Technology student at RIT. I am expected to graduate in May 2019 and plan to pursue a Master Degree in Structural Engineering. I am originally from Los Angeles and hope to return to Southern California for graduate school. I have prior work experience as a Transportation Engineer for HDR and a Assistant Lab Technician for Marvin Engineering. In my free time I enjoy hiking, rock climbing and listening to music.
Christopher Satter
I am a fifth-year student graduating in May 2018 with a BS in Civil Engineering technology and a professional option in structural design. I am from Boulder, Co. I plan to return there after graduation to pursue a MS in Structural Engineering from CU boulder. My previous co-ops and classes at RIT have directed me to pursue a career in Structural design and inspection. I am a student athlete on RIT’s Crew team. In my free time I enjoy reading, painting, and playing video games.
Deondre Roseboro
Mike Gulasey
I am a fifth-year student graduating in December 2017 with a BS in Civil Engineering technology and a professional option in structural design. RIT has presented numerous classes and opportunities to cultivate my passion for engineering. My final co-op is with an engineering design firm named POWER Engineers. There, we provide structural analysis and design on transmission line structures. My positive experience at POWER catalyzed my interest in the design field, and I will aggressively pursue a career therein upon graduation. In my free time, I enjoy writing, reading novels, hiking and staying in shape.
Emilio Moran
I am fifth year student graduating in May 2017. Before coming to Rochester I grew up in beautiful Southern California. My last two co-ops have been with Terracon Consulting here in Rochester, and after graduation I plan to pursue a career in project management. In 2015, I participated in the ARM developer competition at Imagine RIT, for which we built a flying “Hexaquad,” or basically a flying six legged robot. This robot won us second place in the competition at the festival. Besides classes and research, I spend my free time golfing, rock climbing, and working on cars. I am also a cook at a local restaurant, and plan to open a food truck in several years.
CJ Powell
I am a fourth year Civil Engineering Tech student set to graduate in May of 2017. Upon graduation from RIT, I will be pursuing a Master's degree in Structural Engineering. Outside of classes, I am the Captain of the RIT Steel Bridge Team, a member of the RIT chapter of ASCE, and have been a grader for various professors within the Civil Department. I play intramural soccer during the semester, and I spend my spare time watching sports and listening to music.
Joshua Lawrence
I am actively pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering with a certificate in Structural engineering and design. I have participated in various activities and events through the Civil Engineering department, the most recent of which being the ASC Design-Build competition in which I helped our team place third for the first time in 10 years. I am working to eventually secure a career in the field of structural design dealing with large scale structures such as commercial buildings or bridges. In my spare time I enjoy taking part in various sports activities; mostly football, lacrosse, and golf, and I also enjoy playing the guitar.
Van Hopson
I am a fifth year Civil Engineering Technology student expecting to graduate in May 2014. I have just finished a summer internship with The Pike Company working on the Upstate Medical University Cancer Center in Syracuse, NY. This internship educated me in construction management, but has directed my career desires toward structural engineering. This semester, I am researching with Amanda and assisting with STAAD Pro instruction. I was a student athlete for four years on RIT’s Swimming and Diving team, but I still remain avid about health and fitness.
Nikens Toussaint
I am a 3rd year student who is pursuing a degree in civil engineering. Besides classes, I am a student manager at the Ritz Sport Zone. I am very active in on campus activities and clubs. I am the treasurer for sport debate club, and also a member of NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers). I am also part of the Greek life at RIT and a founding father of Phi Sigma Kappa. I am doing research in summer 2013 with Dr. Bao to develop physical models for demonstrating structural behavior of beams subjected to bending and shear. As hobbies, I enjoy anything related to sports (soccer, basketball, football, etc……). Favorite thing to do is most likely watching Sports Center and playing FIFA.
Danyelle Greene
My name is Danyelle Greene. I am a fourth year Civil Engineering Technology student. I expect to graduate from this program in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree. While in school I have worked at the Campus Center Welcome Desk for two years as well as completed a co-op at Lamont Engineers in Cobleskill NY. I was a member of the Design Build team last year for ASC Construction Management Competition. I am also a member of ASCE student chapter, Women in Technology, NY Water and Environment, and a co-founder of the Association of Environmental and Civil Professionals club. In my free time I enjoy snowmobiling, camping, and line dancing.
Matt Puzio
My name is Matthew Puzio. I am currently a 4th year student studying Civil Engineering Technology at RIT and will graduate in May 2013. I was a member of the ASCE student chapter at RIT. My hobbies include outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, hunting and fishing. I also have a hobby of fixing and restoring cars in my spare time.
Alexa Hiller
My name is Alexa Hiller, I am currently a 4th year Civil Engineering Technology major. I have been a member of the RIT ASCE for 3 years and a captain on the RIT Club Field Hockey team. I am interested in bridge work and highway design upon graduating. I will also be graduating with my structural certificate.
Andrew Rietz
Andrew secured funding for his third consecutive quarter of work with Dr. Bao by applying for and receiving a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) through the Center for Student Innovation. This summer’s research will be a continuation of the finite element modeling (FEM) work done in the winter and spring quarters. The work focuses on the three dimensional modeling of soil-structure interaction of bridges subjected to seismic loadings. Andrew’s prior research in this area was presented at the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute’s (EERI’s) National Conference in April 2012. In addition to his work as a research assistant, Andrew has been involved in many athletic organizations at RIT, including the Ultimate Frisbee team and the Cycling team. Currently, Andrew is strongly committed to the RIT Rock Climbing Team which placed seventh at the 2012 Collegiate Climbing Series National Competition and has been a regional powerhouse for the last three years. In addition to rock climbing, Andrew enjoys playing sports and spending time outdoors during his free time.
Kevin Herlihy
Kevin is currently working with Amanda Bao on the Provost's Learning Innovations Grant for Faculty at Rochester Institute of Technology. Currently they are working on building this website as well as creating screencast videos for Civil Engineering Technology Courses. During Kevin's time at Rochester Institute of Technology he took part in the ASCE club where his team placed 1st in Northeast ASC Construction Management Heavy-Highway Competition as well as participating on the Steel Bridge Team. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys a variety of sports and outdoor adventures. He plays on local sports leagues as well as pickup games.
Steven Halewski
Steve began working with Dr. Bao in the summer of 2011. He assisted her with finite element modeling of bridge foundations subjected to seismic loading. The research was presented at the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute’s (EERI’s) National Conference in April 2012. During his time at RIT, Steve worked as a teaching assistant and tutor, as well as participating on the concrete canoe team, and rowing on the crew team. He graduated in 2011 with his Bachelors of Science degree and Structural Design Certificate, and obtained his FE certification. He currently works as a structural engineer at General Dynamics Electric Boat. In his free time, Steve enjoys various outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and canoeing, and he also competes in triathlons.
Chad Stevens
Chad began as Amanda’s research assistant in December of 2010. Together, they explored the use of Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) in concrete. Encouraging results were presented at the 2011 Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute Convention and National Bridge Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. The research was also published and patented. Chad graduated in March of 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology from RIT and has attained his Fundamentals of Engineering certification. During his time at RIT he was the ASCE chapter’s vice president as well a participant in the ASC Construction Management Competition and Concrete Canoe teams. He also graduated from the RIT Honors Program and volunteered as a First Year Enrichment Peer Mentor.