The AI in Civil Engineering Workshop Series was launched in December 2025 by Dr. Qianyun (Gloria) Zhang, Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at New Mexico State University, and Pouya Almasi, a Ph.D. candidate in Civil Engineering. This initiative was developed in response to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies in transforming civil engineering practice, research, and education.
The primary objective of this workshop series is to expose students to emerging technologies and real-world applications of AI in civil engineering, while bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation. The series aims to help students better understand how AI can be integrated into areas such as infrastructure inspection, construction safety, asset management, and smart infrastructure systems. It also encourages interdisciplinary thinking, engagement with industry and academic leaders, and preparation for the evolving demands of the engineering workforce.
Since its inception, the series has hosted several distinguished speakers from both academia and industry, offering a wide range of perspectives:
Dr. Mostafa Namian, Associate Professor at East Carolina University, delivered an introductory session on AI in Civil Engineering, covering the evolution of AI, current trends, and its potential applications across various civil engineering domains.
Dr. Reihaneh Samsami, Assistant Professor at the University of New Haven, presented “Construction Safety Monitoring with Computer Vision,” highlighting the use of AI-driven computer vision techniques to improve safety monitoring and support data-informed decision-making in construction environments.
Dr. Ali Khaloo, Founder and CEO of Aren, presented “Bringing Digital Twin & AI to the Civil Infrastructure Asset Management Community,” demonstrating how AI, computer vision, and UAV technologies are being applied to bridge inspection and infrastructure management through advanced digital platforms.
These sessions have attracted strong participation from both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty members, reflecting the growing interest in AI across the civil engineering community. The interactive format of the workshops, combined with real-world case studies and industry insights, has provided participants with valuable exposure to how emerging technologies can enhance efficiency, improve safety, and support data-driven decision-making in the built environment.
Overall, the AI in Civil Engineering Workshop Series has established a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and professional development within the department. The series will continue throughout the academic year, with additional sessions planned to further explore innovative applications of AI across different subfields of civil engineering.
