Meet the Team

  • Saswati Ray, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher

    I am a postdoctoral researcher at Oregon State University specializing on the convergence of civil engineering and environmental sustainability. I obtained my Ph.D. from the Department of Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati where I have conducted research on the influence of heavy metals and leachates on the alteration of bentonites' characteristics. I have gained extensive expertise in working with various geomaterial systems and have also acquired practical knowledge in conducting laboratory experiments. My prior research mostly centered around the geotechnical characterization, chemical analysis, and microstructural investigation (FESEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR) of geomaterials. Additionally, I conducted adsorption studies and employed kinetic and isotherm modeling.

    Currently, my research is centered around soil modification for 3D construction printing and the development of novel materials for carbon sequestration in soil-based materials. I am dedicated to incorporating sustainable methods into engineering projects, as it demonstrates my enthusiasm for achieving a peaceful equilibrium between human progress and environmental conservation.

  • Ashish Bastola, Ph.D. Student

    I earned my Bachelor of Engineering degree from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, and later pursued a master’s degree in civil engineering from Tongji University, Shanghai. During my master’s program, I studied the effect of fines content on the liquefaction potential of silty sand.

    After completing my master's degree, I joined Resilient GeoMaterials Group in 2022 as a PhD student. My research focuses on the computational modeling of chemically stabilized soil, utilizing computational geochemistry to predict the formation of strength-enhancing products in the stabilized soil.

  • Meraz Montaseer, Master's student

    I am a Master’s student at Oregon State University. My interest lies in the field of infrastructure materials and their rheological, mechanical, durability and microstructural characteristics. My profound interest in this field is driven by a passion for understanding the intricacies of materials that form the backbone of our built environment. Through my research, I seek to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and practical applications, fostering innovation that promotes more sustainable and environment-friendly construction materials.

  • Nicholas Peterson, Master’s student

    • I decided to be a civil engineer from the age of 10 because of a CAD/woodshop class in middle school.

    • Developed an interest in geotechnical engineering being told it was the most "trade-like" of the civil disciplines.

    • Enjoy driving while listening to music, cooking/baking with friends, learning German, and playing board/video games.

  • Christopher Griffin, Undergraduate Research Assistant

    My name is Christopher Griffin, I am a senior Civil Engineering student at Oregon State University and I am predominantly interested in Geotechnical engineering. At Oregon State I have worked with Dr. Pavan Akula’s research group in the realm of carbon sequestration of lime treated soils as well as rapid stabilization of expansive soils. After graduating I aim to pursue a Master of Science in Civil Engineering, specializing in geotechnical engineering, and further our soil stabilization research.

  • Myat Su Shin, Undergraduate Research Assistant

    I am a senior Civil Engineering student at Oregon State University with a particular interest in Geotechnical and Structural engineering. At Oregon State University, I work as a lab assistant at Oregon State University for Dr. Pavan Akula's research team on soil modification for 3D construction printing (3DCP) and developing new materials for carbon capture in soil-based materials. After I graduate, I'd like to pursue a Master's in science. My enthusiasm for Geotechnical and Structural engineering has led me to pursue a Master's in Science degree to further my knowledge and expertise in the field

Past Members:

  • Jaxom Moore, Master’s student, 2021-2022, Current Position: Geotechnical Engineer at Kiewit

  • Hope Lonsford, Visiting Researcher, 2023, Summer NSF- REU student.