Hamed Khodadaditirkolaei

Assistant Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment

Dr. Hamed Khodadadi Tirkolaei is an Assistant Professor in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment (SSEBE). His research focuses on developing sustainable solutions to the challenges that vex geosystems through bio-mediated, bio-inspired, and circular-material approaches. His group investigates how biopolymers, enzymes, microbes, and biogeochemical processes can be leveraged for applications in geotechnical, geoenvironmental, and mining engineering. His lab also explores the use of waste materials, such as plastics and mine wastes, to create novel materials for foundation and mining systems, as well as to enable the extraction of critical minerals that power modern technologies and energy systems. Overall, his goal is to advance resilient, economical, and sustainable infrastructure through innovative material design and process integration across natural and engineered systems.
Dr. Tirkolaei’s research is supported by multiple funding agencies and industries, including the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and various mining companies. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers. Additionally, Dr. Tirkolaei serves on the editorial board of Biogeotechnics, reviews manuscripts for several high-impact journals, and contributes to Geo-Congresses.