Student Poster Presentations

Presentation Abstract: 

The effect of lowering the pH of an enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) treatment solution for fugitive dust control was investigated in laboratory setting. EICP is a bio-mediated dust mitigation technique that uses urease enzyme to catalyze precipitation of calcium carbonate via hydrolysis of urea. The precipitated carbonate binds soil particles together, creating a surface crust when applied to the soil surface, thereby suppressing fugitive dust. Prior research suggests that lowering the pH of the treatment solution increases the strength of the treated soil. Our laboratory testing indicates that reducing pH slows the rate of the hydrolysis reaction, influencing crystal morphology, and spatial distribution of the precipitated carbonate, and strength of the resulting crust. Treated specimen showed measurable increase in wind erosion resistance when using a lower pH treatment solution, as assessed through surface strength and dust emission measurements. These findings suggest that lowering the pH of the treatment solution can enhance EICP effectiveness for fugitive dust control applications.

Authors: Harshini Vaddey, Emmanuel Salifu, and Edward Kavazanjian, Jr.

Presenter:

Harshini Vaddey

Harshini Vaddey is a graduate student at Arizona State University studying Geotechnical Engineering. Her research focuses on enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) for fugitive dust control and lowering the pH of EICP for better calcium conversion efficiency. Harshini grew up in Centreville, Virginia and developed a passion for geotechnical engineering solutions from visiting her family in India over many summers. She is advised by Dr. Edward Kavazanjian Jr. and aims to contribute practical, low-impact approaches to environmental and geotechnical challenges.

Presentation Abstract: 

Microbially induced desaturation (MID) is an emerging bio-based ground improvement method for reducing liquefaction risk by generating nitrogen gas in soil pores and lowering saturation via microbial denitrification. Field trials in Portland demonstrated measurable and persistent desaturation in silty soils, while also highlighting challenges such as uneven treatment distribution and gas migration. Ongoing Vancouver research has demonstrated successful desaturation in a sandy soil while highlighting how groundwater chemistry and site-specific conditions influence denitrification, gas generation, and treatment effectiveness. Together, these efforts represent a major advance towards design and field application of MID as a non-disruptive, adaptable solution for liquefaction mitigation under and around existing facilities.

Authors: Joey Coleman, Leon van Paassen, and Edward Kavazanjian Jr.

Presenter:

Joey Coleman

Joey Coleman is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a Senior Airman and is now an Engineer-in-Training pursuing a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at Arizona State University. Specializing in geotechnical engineering, his work focuses on mine tailings, liquefaction, and resilient infrastructure. Through research, field investigations, and geotechnical design roles with ASU, Terracon, and ADOT, Joey brings military discipline, technical rigor, leadership, and a service-driven mindset to solving complex engineering challenges.

Presentation Abstract: 

This study presents a systematic review of mycelium-based leather-like materials (MBLLM) and their potential as sustainable alternatives for geotechnical applications. Following PRISMA guidelines, 15 peer-reviewed studies (2017–2024) were identified from 236 screened works. The review evaluates the mechanical properties of MBLLM, including tensile strength (0.5–40.4 MPa), Young’s modulus (3.2–2727 MPa), and elongation at break (1–69.74%), and examines how fungal species selection, substrate, and post-processing treatments influence MBLLM performance. Genetically modified Schizophyllum commune and Ganoderma lucidum emerged as the most promising species. By benchmarking MBLLM against conventional geotextile standards, the study identifies critical performance gaps and proposes four research priorities for developing mycelium-based biogeotextile materials (MBBM) for soil stabilization, erosion control, and ground improvement, offering evidence-based guidance for future sustainable geotechnical material development. 

Authors: Adesola Habeeb Adegoke, AbidemiO. Ajay, Maxwell Zhao and Emmanuel Salifu

Presenters:

Adesola Habeeb Adegoke

Adesola Habeeb Adegoke is currently a Ph.D. Candidate and Graduate Research Associate at Arizona State University, specializing in bio-mediated ground improvement and the application of Artificial Intelligence in civil engineering. He holds a master's degree by research (with Distinction) from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, where he graduated as the 2nd best student in his faculty. He is a recipient of the ASCE Trent R. Dames and William W. Moore Fellowship and the Digital GreenTalents Award by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in leading geotechnical and engineering journals. 

Presentation Abstract: 

This study evaluated the spatial distribution of carbonate content within a one-acre plot of land treated using enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) to reduce the generation of fugitive dust. EICP is an emerging dust mitigation technique that works by precipitating calcium carbonate to enhance the surface strength of a granular, dust-susceptible soil. Fugitive dust poses significant human health and environmental concerns in semi-arid environments, such as Arizona. EICP addresses these concerns by binding soil particles together with the precipitated carbonate, thereby increasing the surface strength. Carbonate content was evaluated across a one-acre plot of fallow farmland where EICP applied. Statistical analysis was used to assess whether observational variability was statistically significant. Results indicate significant spatial variability in carbonate distribution despite having a uniform application of the EICP treatment solution, suggesting that site-specific factors may influence the carbonate precipitation patterns. 

Presenters:

Mason Peterson

Enzo Mastrodicasa

Enzo Mastrodicasa and Mason Petterson are undergraduate students in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment at ASU, majoring in Environmental Engineering. Enzo’s interests include soil stabilization, surface water, and sustainable infrastructure. He expects to graduate in Fall 2027. Mason’s interests include dust mitigation and water quality systems. He expects to graduate in May 2028.

Presentation Abstract: 

Commercial acceptance of enzyme induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) for fugitive dust mitigation has been hindered by unknown environmental impact of the ammonium chloride by-product produced during EICP. EICP relies on urea hydrolysis (or ureolysis), wherein urea and calcium chloride are converted to calcium carbonate and ammonium chloride.  The calcium carbonate binds soil particles together, reducing the soil’s susceptibility to dust production.  To address the concern for the fate of the ammonium chloride by-product, we created a one-dimensional model using HYDRUS-1D to predict and quantify how the by-product is transported though soils treated with EICP.  The model provides a basis for evaluating the fate of ammonium chloride from EICP in arid environments.  The results of this study provide insight into the factors affecting the fate and transport of the ammonium chloride by-product and can be used to guide future practitioners’ on the limitations of using EICP for fugitive dust mitigation. 

Authors: Katie Currier & Edward Kavazanjian, Jr.

Presenter: 

Katie Currier

Katie is a 4th year PhD student at Arizona State University studying Environmental Engineering, with a focus on bio-mediated geotechnics, sustainable soil stabilization, and subsurface solute transport monitoring. She conducts field and laboratory research on enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) for dust mitigation. Her work combines laboratory experimentation, subsurface fate and transport modeling, and field monitoring techniques.  Katie is an active leader, serving in multiple roles within the Center for Bio-Mediated and Bio-Inspired Geotechnics (CBBG) Student Leadership Council and the Geo-Institute Graduate Student Organization at ASU. 

Presentation Abstract: 

This study investigates the coupled thermal and moisture response of fungal-treated unsaturated sand under controlled surface heating conditions. Experiments were conducted using an integrated HYPROP-VARIOS system to monitor matric suction, volumetric water content and thermal conductivity during drying. Two fungal treatments with varying biomass content and incubation durations were examined to isolate the influence of fungal colonization on soil behavior. Results show that while thermal forcing primarily accelerates drying, fungal biomass modifies the drying pathway by widening the effective saturation range and maintaining hydraulic continuity over a broader moisture interval. These effects are consistent with pore-scale restructuring associated with fungal networks. The study provides insight into bio-mediated thermo-hydraulic processes and supports the use of controlled soil column systems for investigating soil behavior.

Authors: Anna D. Kwablah, Emmanuel Salifu and Aritra Banerjee

Presenter:

Anna Dornukie Kwablah

Anna Dornukie Kwablah is a PhD student in Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering at ASU with a research focus on biogeotechnical engineering. Her work investigates thermo-hydro-mechanical-biochemical (THMBC) behavior in soils, with particular emphasis on developing instrumented soil column systems for simultaneous measurement of coupled soil processes on a single specimen. Her current research examines fungal-treated sands as a model system to understand bio-mediated effects on drying behavior. She is particularly interested in integrating experimental data from controlled soil systems into a future digital twin framework for longitudinal analysis of soil behavior.

Presentation Abstract: 

This study develops a mechanistic-empirical (ME) analysis framework to evaluate the resiliency of pavement networks subjected to flooding. Extreme precipitation events increase moisture infiltration into pavement layers, reducing soil suction and significantly decreasing the load-carrying capacity of pavement structures. The research integrates precipitation records, Thornthwaite Moisture Index (TMI) climate indicators, and numerical modeling using PLAXIS 2D to simulate suction–stress behavior and moisture variations within pavement subgrades over time. Case studies from four flood-prone regions in the United States, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona, are analyzed to quantify how different climatic conditions influence pavement performance. Results indicate that fine-grained subgrade soils experience greater long-term structural degradation under flooding conditions compared with coarse-grained soils. The developed framework provides transportation agencies with a practical tool to assess flood-related pavement damage, improve infrastructure resiliency planning, and support more accurate post-disaster recovery and FEMA funding assessments. 

Authors: Yasen Mousa Kashour and Claudia E. Zapata  

Presenter:

Yasen Kashour

Yasen Kashour is a Ph.D. student in Civil, Environmental, and Sustainable Engineering at Arizona State University. His research focuses on developing mechanistic-empirical frameworks to evaluate pavement network resiliency against flooding and climate-induced moisture variations. He holds both M.S. and B.S. degrees in Civil Engineering and has received multiple recognitions, including the Witczak Fellowship and Best Poster Presentation awards at the Arizona Pavements & Materials Conference. Yasen serves as a Graduate Student Organization President and has contributed to research in bio-mediated soil improvement and unsaturated soil behavior. His work integrates geotechnical engineering, climate analysis, and infrastructure resilience modeling. 

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Presentation Abstract: 

This study evaluates the feasibility of a novel plant-extracted biopolymer for mitigating wind and water erosion in soils and mine tailings. The material is hydrophobic, adhesive, and 100% plant-based, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical stabilizers. Laboratory and field-simulated tests were conducted to assess performance, including hydrometer analysis, penetration (crust strength) testing, rainfall-induced erosion, and wind erosion using a Portable In-Situ Wind Erosion Lab (PISWERL). Results show that treated soils developed a durable surface crust with significantly enhanced mechanical strength—up to ~30 times greater than untreated soil—and peak stresses exceeding those imposed by heavy traffic. Erosion resistance improved substantially, with less than 1% mass loss under rainfall compared to over 10% for untreated samples. Wind erosion was also reduced, with higher detachment velocity and significantly lower PM₁₀ emissions. Overall, the biopolymer demonstrates strong potential as an effective, scalable, and environmentally sustainable solution for erosion control.

Presenter:

Rashid Al-Washahi

Rashid Al-Washahi earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Arizona State University, where he was actively involved in undergraduate research in the Geosystems Engineering for Global Impacts Laboratory (GEGIL) under the supervision of Dr. Hamed Khodadadi Tirkolaei. His research was supported by the Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative (FURI) scholarship.

At ASU, Rashid worked on developing sustainable soil stabilization methods, focusing on the use of plant-based biopolymers and enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) for the surficial stabilization of soils and mine tailings. 

He is currently pursuing his graduate studies in geotechnical engineering at Clemson University.

Presentation Abstract: 

This study investigates a bio-hybrid oxidation system for degrading sulfamethoxazole (SMX) using fungal mycelium amended with a metal–organic framework (MOF). Persistent antibiotics such as SMX present a geoenvironmental challenge due to their mobility and resistance to attenuation in soil and groundwater systems. As an initial feasibility and proof-of-concept effort, Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium was combined with varying levels of Fe-BTC MOF to evaluate its potential for contaminant degradation under mild, environmentally relevant conditions. Bench-scale experiments examined the influence of MOF amendment level on SMX degradation behavior and reaction kinetics. Results indicate rapid SMX removal, with optimal performance at moderate MOF concentrations, while higher amendment levels inhibited oxidative activity. Compared to mycelium alone, the bio-hybrid material enhanced degradation rates and promoted greater mineralization. These findings suggest that MOF-amended fungal systems may serve as sustainable reactive media for future subsurface and soil-based treatment applications.

Authors: Taylor Fisher, Anna Liddle, Lilian Moffatt, Sergi Garcia-Segura, Emmanuel Salifu 

Presenter:

Anna Liddle

Anna Liddle is a third-year undergraduate student at Arizona State University in the Barrett Honors College, double-majoring in Environmental Engineering and Mathematics. She has two years of experience researching mycelium water and soil bioremediation applications under the supervision of Dr. Emmanuel Salifu in the NSF Engineering Research Center (now Consortium) for Bio-mediated & Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG). 

Presentation Abstract: 

Granular–continuum interactions are critical in geotechnical and related engineering fields—for example, in pile skin resistance, where soil–pile interface behavior governs load transfer—because particle-scale mechanisms influence bulk response. This study uses the discrete element method (DEM) interface simple shear test simulations to examine three key factors: granular packing (dense vs. loose), particle–boundary interaction coefficient, and normal stress. A full-factorial design with 18 simulations isolates their effects. Results show that representing tangential energy dissipation at particle–boundary contacts strongly controls interface shear behavior. Packing state also significantly influences how input energy is divided between boundary sliding and bulk deformation. Within the tested range, normal stress did not significantly affect the selected response measures. The findings identify distinct packing- and boundary-governed shear regimes, thereby improving the modeling of granular–continuum interface behavior.

Presenter: 

Prabhat Paudyal 

Prabhat Paudyal is a Graduate Research Associate (GRA) and a PhD candidate in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment (SSEBE) at Arizona State University (ASU). Since 2023, he has been studying the fundamental problems of the interaction between natural and built infrastructure with the subterranean environment. At ASU, he has been working in the Geosystems Engineering for Global Impact Laboratory (GEGIL) in a multidisciplinary project involving numerical modeling, advanced manufacturing tools such as additive manufacturing, and cutting-edge measurements, all aimed at optimizing the design of next-generation subsurface infrastructure such as self-burrowing probes and waste-upcycled foundation systems.

Presentation Abstract: 

This study investigates the feasibility of using mixed waste plastics from common post-consumer waste streams as a strategy to reduce recycling barriers associated with the cost and logistical complexity of extensive sorting, targeting construction materials for foundation systems and transportation infrastructure. An experimental program using four common thermoplastics (PET, PP, HDPE, and LDPE) employed a mixture design of 26 combinations, with cylindrical specimens fabricated by plastic extrusion and tested under compressive loading at strain rates of 1.3 mm/min and 0.013 mm/min, while creep behavior was evaluated using a strain energy density-based approach. The samples demonstrated compressive strengths of 15-39 MPa at 1.3 mm/min and 11-28 MPa at 0.013 mm/min, while elastic moduli ranged from 335-1026 MPa and 116-706 MPa, respectively, depending on composition. Overall, the results indicate that mixed waste plastics can form mechanically viable materials for compression-dominated applications, with properties primarily governed by composition.

Presenter:

Masum Shaikh 

Masum Shaikh is a doctoral student in Civil, Environmental, and Sustainable Engineering at Arizona State University. He earned his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering with honors from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Bangladesh, and his M.Eng. in Civil Engineering from the University of Tokyo as an ADB-Japan Scholar. His research focuses on sustainable geotechnical engineering, including the use of waste materials to improve soil and foundation performance. At ASU, he investigates the conversion of mixed and contaminated waste plastics into durable, load-bearing foundation materials and in situ foundation elements to advance sustainable solutions for geotechnical infrastructure.