Dr. Issam Elias Harik is the Raymond-Blythe Professor of Civil Engineering and a Research Professor at the Kentucky Transportation Center at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY. His research interests are in the areas of fiber reinforced polymer composite components and structures, structural evaluation and retrofit of bridges, field testing of bridges, and hazard management of highway structures. Since joining the University of Kentucky in August 1982, he has directed or co-directed the research of 123 funded projects, authored or co-authored 106 refereed Journal articles and 170 refereed conference articles, and more than 100 other technical publications including chapters in books. He has directed or is currently directing the research of more than 55 Post Docs, visiting professors, and scholars, 105 graduate students, 60 undergraduate students, and 25 high school students. He currently serves as a member of 9 societies. He has organized, co-organized, and chaired national and international conferences and workshops.
My research encompasses analytical and experimental evaluation, analysis, design, and retrofit of concrete and steel structures using high performance materials. Field deployments on more than 60 bridges highlight the cost savings of using the new materials relative to traditional alternatives
Ph.D., Civil Engineering (Structures), Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, 12/82
M.S., Civil Engineering (Structures), Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, 12/78
B.S., Civil Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, 6/77
July 2000 – Present: Raymond-Blythe Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
March 1993 – 2023: Manager, Structures Program, Kentucky Transportation Center, University of Kentucky
July 2001 – June 2006: Chair, Department of Civil Engineering (Interim Chair: July 2000-June 2001)
July 1994-June 2000: Professor of Structures; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky
July 1987 – June 1994: Associate Professor of Structures, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky
August 1982 – June 1987: Assistant Professor of Structures, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky
