James Eminent Scholar Chair in Civil Engineering. He is a licensed professional engineer registered at the Province of Alberta, Canada. His work focuses on the development of new technologies as well as design and analysis models for various underground construction methods and condition assessment techniques. He is the recipient of the Ontario Premier Research Excellence Award (2001), University Research Award (2005, 2008), the Engineering and Science Foundation's Award (2006), Louisiana Engineering Foundation Professional Award (2010), Best Technical Paper NASTT No-Dig Show (2011) and the Governor of Louisiana Technology Product of the Year Award (2012).