Dayton Engineer

We sat down with Dr. Bear Jiang, post-doc to tenure track fellow in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, to learn more about his career and research. 

Jiang joined the School of Engineering through our Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) program. He will continue research with faculty mentors, as well as teach and mentor students. After a two-year review, post-docs in the PDRF program may be offered a tenure-track faculty position.

You recently joined the School of Engineering as a post-doc to tenure track fellow. Where did you complete your Ph.D.?

I completed my Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at Case Western Reserve University.

Describe your research area?

My research revolves around geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering and intelligent infrastructure. I specialize in numerical simulations, remote sensing applications and machine learning-driven data analysis. I have worked on multi-physics and multi-scale modeling and  bio-mediated solutions to enhance infrastructure resilience and sustainability.

You’re currently mentored under Dr. Jack Wang. What projects will you be working on with him?

Working with Dr. Jack Wang is an exciting experience, as we frequently discuss interesting research ideas.

These ideas include:

1) Developing innovative frameworks for geomaterials characterization using advanced thermal and optical sensing techniques to better understand material properties and behaviors.

2) Employing multimodal sensor techniques to study multiphysical and multiscale problems, allowing us to capture complex interactions in geotechnical and infrastructure systems.

3) Integrating numerical simulations, sensors and machine learning to achieve intelligent engineering design and infrastructure health evaluation, leading to more efficient and data-driven decision-making in civil engineering.

Dr. Wang’s work deals a lot with utilizing virtual reality. Have you used VR before in your research? How do you plan to utilize the technology in our Greg and Annie Stevens Intelligent Infrastructure Lab?

While I have not directly worked with VR in my previous research, I have experience playing VR games. My experience has shown me that it is a fascinating technology capable of creating immersive 3D virtual environments. It can overcome spatial and temporal limitations often encountered in real-world engineering projects or lab experiments, thereby improving problem-solving efficiency. I have extensive research experience in numerical modeling, which aligns well with VR applications in engineering. One promising application is digital twin technology, which Jack and I are currently exploring.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

My interest in engineering comes from my passion for mathematics, physics and chemistry. I enjoy applying these subjects to solve real-world problems, and engineering provides an excellent platform for doing so.

Because of this, I am particularly drawn to interdisciplinary engineering challenges. I find it exciting and fulfilling to integrate knowledge from different fields, develop new approaches and solve complex engineering problems. For example, my research on multiphysics coupling involves using mathematical and physical principles to address intricate engineering issues. Additionally, I explore how biotechnology can be applied in engineering, such as using fungi to improve soil properties. These interdisciplinary studies make my work both fascinating and impactful.

Much of civil engineering research solves a problem facing our infrastructure and environment. Does your research aim to solve a problem, and if so, which problem?

One of my primary research focuses is finding effective ways to evaluate and enhance the sustainability and resilience of infrastructure. More specifically, I work on geo-infrastructure, including pipelines, slopes, retaining walls, tunnels, pavements, dams and so on. These structures face a variety of challenges, such as aging, climate change-induced failures, extreme weather impacts and natural disasters.

Evaluating and enhancing the sustainability and resilience of infrastructure are the areas where both my expertise and passion align.

What is your biggest career goal you’re looking to accomplish as a postdoctoral researcher here at UD?

As a postdoctoral researcher at UD, my biggest career goal is to continuously refine my research methods and identify the right research direction—one that is promising, sustainable, scientifically valuable and highly expandable.

Finding such a direction is crucial for shaping a long-term research career. A well-chosen research focus should address pressing engineering challenges, attract potential collaborators and open up more funding opportunities. By working in an interdisciplinary environment at UD, I hope to explore innovative approaches that have both academic significance and practical impact.

Ultimately, my goal is to develop a strong foundation for future research that not only advances knowledge but also provides real-world solutions to critical infrastructure problems.