AUS professor named region’s youngest dual fellow of ASCE and Structural Engineering Institute

From Sharjah to the world stage, faculty at American University of Sharjah (AUS) are redefining what it means to lead in higher education and research. That leadership is once again reflected in the accomplishments of Dr. Mohammad AlHamaydeh, Professor of Civil Engineering, who has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)—one of the highest professional honors in the field.

This latest recognition builds on a significant milestone in 2021 when Dr. AlHamaydeh became the first engineering professional in the MENA region to be named a Fellow of ASCE’s Structural Engineering Institute (SEI). With this new election, he is now the youngest dual ASCE/SEI Fellow in the MENA region.

“Being elected a Fellow of both ASCE and SEI reflects the global reach of the work we do at AUS,” said Dr. AlHamaydeh. “It’s a testament to years of profound and innovative research, collaboration, and teaching that extends far beyond the region.”

The ASCE Fellowship recognizes civil engineers who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the profession. Dr. AlHamaydeh’s work focuses on seismic design, structural dynamics, and advanced technologies, such as machine learning, to enhance structural safety.

An expert in earthquake and structural engineering, Dr. AlHamaydeh’s work focuses on making buildings and infrastructure safer, more durable, and better equipped to withstand extreme conditions. His research spans seismic isolation systems, reinforced concrete behavior, advanced modeling, and innovative design technologies.

He has over 150 technical publications leveraging strategic collaboration with academic and industry partners worldwide. His leadership extends to key ASCE/SEI technical committees—including ASCE/SEI 7-22, ASCE/SEI 41-23, and ASCE/SEI 7-28—the pinnacle of global building design codes and standards. He is also a prolific contributor to ASCE journals and conferences.

“This fellowship creates new opportunities to engage with global experts, expand my research in seismic resilience, and enhance the learning experience for students at AUS,” he said.

Dr. AlHamaydeh earned his PhD in structural engineering from the University of Southern California in 2005. He has received several awards for his professional achievements, including the ASCE Region 10 Distinguished Service Medal. His research covers various areas, including nonlinear structural analysis, soil-structure interaction, performance-based seismic design, and intelligent infrastructure systems.

Through this fellowship, he will continue contributing to ASCE’s mission by advancing research, supporting global technical leadership, and mentoring the next generation of civil engineers.

“Our goal at AUS is to give students access to the best education and real-world knowledge,” he added. “This recognition brings additional visibility and connects our students to wider professional networks.”

Dr. AlHamaydeh will be formally honored at upcoming ASCE events and remains actively involved in shaping the future of engineering education and practice at AUS and beyond.

The AUS Department of Civil Engineering is home to internationally recognized faculty and forward-thinking research. Through its undergraduate and graduate programs, the department equips students to address complex challenges in areas such as structural design, sustainable infrastructure, environmental systems, and transportation engineering. AUS is ranked second (tied) in the UAE and among the top 275 universities globally for civil and structural engineering, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. Click here to learn more about the department and its offerings.