Team Overview
Led by Dr. Aly, our dedicated team of graduate and undergraduate students specializes in Wind Engineering and Structural Optimization. We focus our research on advancing resilient and sustainable coastal infrastructure, with a core objective of enhancing safety and reducing costs associated with windstorms and earthquakes. Our collaborative approach spans various disciplines, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and the value of diverse perspectives. We believe that a range of experiences fuels innovation and strengthens our capacity to tackle complex challenges in a dynamic environment. By fostering an inclusive atmosphere, we cultivate a rich tapestry of ideas that drive our research forward.
Our research employs advanced methodologies and technologies to optimize infrastructure resilience while ensuring sustainability. We bridge the gap between theory and practical application, developing tools that assist homeowners, local governments, and insurance companies in effectively managing natural hazards. Motivated by a collective commitment to positive impact, we continuously enhance our understanding of wind dynamics, structural behavior, and optimization techniques. Equipped with cutting-edge facilities and advanced computational tools, our rigorous research generates valuable insights for academia, industry, and policymakers.
We invite you to join us as we redefine the boundaries of Wind Engineering and Structural Optimization. Together, we aim to shape a future that prioritizes safety, resilience, and inclusivity for our communities. Our passion for sustainable infrastructure is matched by our dedication to embracing diverse perspectives and driving meaningful change.
Current Members
Faculty
Aly Mousaad Aly, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Professor
Director, WISE Research Lab @ LSU
3230H Patrick F. Taylor Hall
Phone: (225) 578-6654
Email: aly@lsu.edu. Curriculum Vitae [PDF] (Last update on March 2nd, 2023)
Graduate Students
Binura J Kudagam
Ph.D. Student, Wind Engineering
Feng Xie, P.E.
Ph.D. Student, Wind/Structural Engineering
M.S. in Civil Engineering, Syracuse University
Husam AlShannaq, Ph.D. Student, Renewable Energy.
Amro Zahrawi, Ph.D. Student, Renewable Energy.
Undergraduate Students
Thomas H. O'Donnell III
Undergraduate Student Researcher
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Long Tran
Undergraduate Student Researcher
LSU President's Future Leaders in Research.
Jonathan M Russell,
Undergraduate Student Researcher
College of Coast and Environment | Ogden Honors College | LSU Stamps Scholar
CES - Coastal Meteorology | Climatology & Disaster Science Management
LSU Student Government Gov. Relations | CRCL Future Leader
LASAL Scholar | Gulf Scholar | Shell Honors Scholar
Anthony T Nguyen
Undergraduate Student Researcher
LSU President's Future Leaders in Research.
Ethan N Nguyen
Undergraduate Student Researcher
LSU President's Future Leaders in Research.
Alumni
Postdoctoral Researchers
Dr. Milad Rezae, P.E.
Civil Engineering, LSU, 2017
Current Position: Structural Engineer at AECOM
Dr. Hamzeh Gol-Zaroudi, PE, CEEM
Civil Engineering, LSU, 2017-2018.
Current Position: Senior Catastrophe Modeling Analyst, Brown & Brown Insurance
Graduate Students
Md Faiaz Khaled, Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Wind/Structural Engineering,
Thesis: Aerodynamics of Low-Rise Buildings: Large-Scale Open-Jet Testing and CFD Simulation
Current Position: Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Suvash Chapain, Ph.D. , EIT
Ph.D. in Control/Structural Engineering,
Thesis: Vibration Control in High-Rise Buildings and Wind Turbines to Achieve System-Level Performance Under Multiple Hazard Loads
Current Position: Structural Design EngineerStructural Design Engineer, Ferrovial Construction
Milad Rezaee, Ph.D., P.E.
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, LSU, 2017-2018
Thesis: Vibration Control in Wind Turbines for Multihazards
Current Position: Structural Engineer at AECOM
Hamzeh Gol-Zaroudi, Ph.D., P.E.
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, LSU, 2017.
Thesis: Atmospheric Boundary-layer Processes to Mimic Peak Pressures on Low-Rise Buildings: CFD Versus Full-scale and Wind Tunnel Measurements
Current Position: Senior Catastrophe Modeling Analyst, Brown & Brown Insurance
Jack Clarke, M.S. Student, Renewable Energy, Engineer at Joule Energy
Hannah DiLeo
M.S. Student, Structural/Bridge Engineering,
B.S. in Civil Engineering, Louisiana State University.
Emily Rone
M.S., Wind/Structural Engineering, McLaughlin Medalist.
Patrick Crifasi
M.S. Student, Structural Engineering
James Lawson Powers
M.S. Student, Structural Engineering
B.S. CEE, Louisiana State University
Matthew Thomas, E.I.
M.S., Wind/Structural Engineering, 2021
B.S. in Civil Engineering, Louisiana State University.
- LCOPRI ASCE scholarship recipient, Project: Open-Jet Testing;
- 2018 LSU Discover Scholar Awardee
Current Position: Engineering Associate IIEngineering Associate II, LCRA
Bianca Goodlow
M.S., Heat Island Effects, 2020
B.S. in Civil Engineering, Louisiana State University
Nader Yousef, EIT
M.S., Wind/Structural Engineering, 2020
B.S. in Civil Engineering, Universidade Anhanguera Uniderp
Area: Experimental and computational investigations of wind-induced loads on low-rise
buildings.
James Benson
M.S., Structural Engineering, 2020
Thesis: CFD Study of Wind Loads on Overhead Sign Structures
B.S. in Civil Engineering, Louisiana State University.
Erin Dougherty
M.S., Structural Engineering, 2019
Thesis: CFD ANALYSIS OF BRIDGE PIER GEOMETRY ON LOCAL SCOUR POTENTIAL
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT
Jennifer Whipple, EIT
M.S., Wind/Structural Engineering, 2020
Thesis: Investigation of Wind Loading on Ground-Mounted Solar Arrays: A Comparative Study
B.S. in Civil Engineering, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Marc Hoffmann, P.E.
M.S. in Civil Engineering, LSU, 2018.
Thesis: Over-Height Vehicle Impact Reduction on Bridges: A Case Study
Laura Iverson
M.S. in Civil Engineering, LSU, 2016.
Thesis: Aerodynamic Mitigation of Roof Suction Using Solar Panels.
Srinivasa Adithya Sailesh Abbur, EIT
M.S. in Civil Engineering, LSU, 2015.
Thesis: Vibration Mitigation in High-Rise Buildings Under Multi-Hazard.
Amar Cumurovic, P.E.
M.S. in Civil Engineering, LSU, 2014.
Area: Dynamic response and mitigation of steel stacks under wind loads
Mujahed Shalabi, P.E.
M.S. in Civil Engineering, LSU 2014.
Area: Flow validation in a new open-jet simulator at LSU
Current Job: Project Design Engineer at Quds Engineering & Design
Brian Carrington II, P.E., LEED AP
M.S. in Civil Engineering, LSU, 2014.
Area: Aerodynamic retrofitting of roof geometry on low-rise buildings to reduce uplift
Current Job: Project Manager at ARCO/Murray Design Build·
Undergraduate Students
Jacob Conerly
Undergraduate Student, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Ryan T Clancy
Undergraduate Student, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
LSU President's Future Leaders on Research Awardee.
Eli P Barbin
Undergraduate Student, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
LSU President's Future Leaders on Research Awardee.
Hong Zhu
Undergraduate Student, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
2021 LSU Discover Scholar Awardee (Spring and Fall Semesters)
Matthew Thomas, EIT
Undergraduate Student, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University,
LCOPRI ASCE scholarship recipient, Project: Open-Jet Testing;
2018 LSU Discover Scholar Awardee
Current Position: Engineering Associate II, LCRA
Emily Rone, E.I.
Undergraduate Student, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University.
McLaughlin Medalist.
Raymond Poche
Undergraduate Student, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University
2018 LSU Discover Scholar Awardee
Talk a little about your Research, Involvement, or skills learned at LSU.
My research at LSU focuses on the effects of wind loads on roofs and roof-mounted solar panels. I am studying why solar panels fail when subjected to loads often less than the advertised load capacity. Many variables affect how the panels withstand these wind forces, including the location of solar arrays to the roof, the array shape and size, inclination angles, mounting scheme, wind direction, and even the aerodynamics of the roof design itself. In performing this research, I learned about the fluid mechanics and dynamics of wind and rain computational fluid dynamic simulations in the OpenFOAM software to visualize flow fields and measure pressure and velocity profiles at various locations. In my research and my classes at LSU, I developed many skills that I believe will help me for the rest of my life. These include diligence, self-discipline, time management, communication, motivation to improve my skills, and even the ability to learn new information quickly while building upon previous fundamental material. I have applied these skills to the best of my ability here at LSU, allowing me to publish a journal with my research mentor, maintain a 4.2 GPA, earn several scholarships, and build new friendships along the way. I hope to continue this success in years to come.
Sunny Nguyen
Undergraduate, B.S.
Area: Wind Engineering
Lisa Goodgion, EIT
Undergraduate, B.S.
Area: Hurricane Engineering and Open-Jet Testing
Joseph Richard Bresowar
Undergraduate, B.S.
Area: Open-Jet Testing and Aerodynamic Mitigation
Dalton R Guidry
Undergraduate, B.S.
Area: Wind Engineering.
K-12 Student Researchers
Brice Sanders, Kenilworth Science and Technology School, 3rd Place Winner, 2018 Region VII Science Fair
Derrick Batiste, Kenilworth Science and Technology School, 3rd Place Winner, 2018 Region VII Science Fair
Jordan Freeman, Kenilworth Science and Technology School, 4th Place Winner, 2017 Region VII Science Fair
Kolby Trosclair, Kenilworth Science and Technology School