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What were you doing prior to joining the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering?

Before graduate school, I worked as a design engineer in Costa Rica on new design projects as well as conducted seismic assessments and retrofits of existing buildings.

In 2025, I obtained my PhD in civil and environmental engineering from the ³Ô¹ÏÍø of California, Berkeley, under Associate Professor Dimitrios Konstantinidis. My doctoral work focused on the performance of seismic isolation devices, systems that reduce how much earthquake shaking reaches a building. This is done by placing flexible devices between foundations and buildings. During an earthquake, the ground can move, but the building above moves more slowly and less violently—helping prevent damage and collapse. These systems can achieve higher performance than traditional approaches in which buildings resist earthquakes by permitting damage in specific elements such as beams, columns or walls. The building stays standing, but those parts are damaged and often need major repairs.

My work combined mechanical theory, advanced numerical modeling and large-scale laboratory testing to understand how these devices perform and quantify their limits.Ìý

What are your main research interests or focus areas?

My research sits at the intersection of structural mechanics, earthquake engineering and innovative structural systems. As mentioned, one focus is developing affordable, sustainable, low-damage seismic protection devices. A second focus is the development of computer models that look at buildings from a microscopic scale toÌý the entire structure. This helps us better understand how buildings behave under extreme conditions, especially when they use unconventional materials.

What drew you to CU Boulder?

I was drawn to CU Boulder and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences for their strong commitment to innovation that creates real-world impact and sustainable solutions, supported by a strong culture of collaboration and interdisciplinary research. I believe this environment will enrich my work and amplify its impact. I was also deeply attracted to the institution’s inclusive culture. Of course, the proximity to the Flatirons and Rocky Mountains doesn’t hurt either.

How does your work connect to real-world problems or applications?

Natural hazards continue to cause significant human and economic losses worldwide because many buildings and infrastructure systems are not designed to withstand extreme events.

My work focuses on developing new technologies that make buildings and infrastructure safer and more reliable while keeping them affordable and environmentally friendly. This involves both hands-on testing and computer simulations to understand how these new technologies and materials behave under different conditions.

Are there any specific projects or collaborations you’re excited to start here?

I’m excited to use the facilities of the Center for Infrastructure, Energy and Space Testing (CIEST) to carry out material and large-scale tests that are necessary for the work I envision. I also believe that my work on computational simulations will foster valuable collaborations with other faculty and researchers of civil, mechanical and aerospace engineering. From a teaching standpoint, I’m looking forward to using the Integrated Teaching and Learning Laboratory, a unique resource that provides engineering students with hands-on learning experiences.

What’s something you’re passionate about outside of work?

I’m a tennis fan who enjoys playing on the weekends—when the weather cooperates—and I follow professional tournaments. You’ll also find me exploring new hikes and parks with my family and my beloved dog, Iga. And last, but not least, I’m a coffee enthusiast who enjoys a freshly brewed cup in the afternoon, as well as sampling beans from around the world.