Dr. Lamya Amleh

A central theme of Lamya Amleh’s career is her passion for gaining a deep understanding of her field. “When I first went into research, I was discovering so much,” she recalls. "I felt a rush every time I learned something new." This drive to build knowledge continues; it’s been a constant presence in Amleh’s research into the durability of infrastructure.

A structural engineering researcher, Amleh is developing non-invasive techniques to assess the health of concrete structures without having to drill or damage them. “By the time cracks or corrosion are visible, it is very late stage,” she says. “If we had techniques similar to diagnostic medical imaging like an X-ray or MRI, we could be far more proactive about the maintenance and rehabilitation of infrastructure.”

Aside from her research, Amleh also works to build understanding among key decision makers about the infrastructure issues facing cities. “Politicians have so many demands on their attention and resources. If we can communicate about the health status of infrastructure in a more clear and evident manner, we can empower governments to be more effective.”