Christopher Swan

Biography

Dr. Swan received a Doctor of Science (ScD) degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from MIT in 1994 and both Bachelor (BS) and Master (MS) of Science degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1984 and 1986, respectively. Prior to obtaining his ScD. Dr.Swan worked for GZA Geoenvironmental, Inc., a national engineering consulting firm specializing in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering projects.

Research Interest

Dr. Swan's current research interests lie in the areas of engineering education, waste reuse, and unique soil behaviors. Specific research projects include: Impacts of community engagement on the education of engineering students. Areas of evaluation include development of technical skills and knowledge, changes in self-efficacy, attitudes, identity, and well-being. Evaluating the benefits and barriers to faculty who are involved in various community engagement in engineering education efforts. Research on the reuse of fly ash from coal burning facilities with waste plastics. This has led to the development of synthetic lightweight aggregate (SLA); a new, innovative construction material that can be used in place of traditional sand and gravel (Patent Number 6,669,773). Behavior of soils undergoing cycles of freezing and thawing; specifically, experimental and theoretical studies on changes in a soil's stress-strain-strength behavior.