He received his PhD in 2009 from the University of Nevada, Reno, and stayed there as a Research Scientist. His engineering research includes the study of next-generation materials and systems for multihazard mitigation and novel repair technologies for aging bridges. His latest research endeavor, however, is on creativity in engineering education, with a focus on the unique potential of students with ADHD. Supported by NSF, his research was highlighted in the Prism Magazine of the American Society of Engineering Education.