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) at Arizona State University. His research focuses on developing sustainable solutions to challenges facing 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 technologies for the extraction and recovery 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 is a recipient of the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award, recognizing his research in biogeotechnical engineering. His research has been supported by federal and state agencies and industry, including the NSF, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Arizona Transportation Institute (AZTI), and mining industry partners. He has published more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers. Dr. Tirkolaei also serves on the editorial board of Biogeotechnics, reviews manuscripts for several leading journals, and contributes to Geo-Congresses and other professional activities.