Civil Engineering Associate Professor Appointed Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers

University Relations

Dr. Gary Prinz, associate professor of civil engineering

The American Society of Civil Engineers has announced that Gary Prinz, associate professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the U of A's College of Engineering, has been named an ASCE Fellow. This peer-endorsed recognition is the highest honor bestowed by the society, with fewer than 3% of ASCE members receiving this recognition. Prinz joins a select group of civil engineers who are shaping the profession through their expertise and research.

Prinz's appointment as an ASCE Fellow is a testament to his contributions to structural engineering, particularly in seismic design, structural steel and the behavior of materials under various stress conditions. Through both experimental and analytical approaches, he aims to enhance the safety and resilience of infrastructure, especially in seismic-stress regions.

Since joining the U of A in 2014, Prinz has been a significant member of the engineering faculty, mentoring numerous students and leading groundbreaking research projects. Alongside his teaching, he also serves as the director of the Grady E. Harvell Civil Engineering Research and Education Center, a multi-million-dollar state-of-the-art research and teaching facility that opened on the U of A campus in July 2021. His work on innovative construction materials and techniques continues to push the boundaries of traditional civil engineering.

Throughout his tenure at the U of A, Prinz has helped secure over $10 million in research funding grants. Notably, his award from the National Science Foundation's Faculty Early Career Development Program supported his research in 3D-printed steel optimization for structural use and the STEMusic program, which uses music to teach scientific and engineering principles to grade-school children. These initiatives are just a few examples of the research that contributed to Prinz's recognition as an ASCE Fellow.

The process of becoming an ASCE Fellow involves nomination by peers within the civil engineering community. Nominees must be licensed professionals and have been members of the society for at least 10 years. Fellows are selected based on their contributions to the civil engineering profession; achievements in research, innovation and engineering practice; and leadership.

"I am honored to be associated with such a great organization as ASCE and so grateful to be a part of the civil engineering profession," Prinz said. "As a long-standing member of ASCE, I have had the privilege to serve as an associate editor for both the ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering and the ASCE Journal of Bridge Engineering and have served on several technical committees, including chairing the Methods of Design Committee."

Prinz is also an active member of other professional societies, including the Swiss Society for Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, the European Association for Earthquake Engineering and the American Institute of Steel Construction.

For more information about Prinz and his work, please visit these websites: NSF Awards-Gary Prinz, Civil Engineering Research and Education Center or Structural Engineering Research Lab.

About the American Society of Civil Engineers: The American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 160,000 members of the civil engineering profession in 177 countries. Founded in 1852, ASCE is the nation's oldest national civil engineering society. ASCE stands at the forefront of a profession that plans, designs, constructs, and operates society's economic and social engine — the built environment — while protecting and restoring the natural environment. Through the expertise of its active membership, ASCE is a leading provider of technical and professional conferences and continuing education, the world's largest publisher of civil engineering content, and an authoritative source for codes and standards that protect the public.

About the Department of Civil Engineering: Established in 1897, the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Arkansas is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and innovative research. Accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for successful careers in civil engineering. With a focus on hands-on learning, cutting-edge research, and industry partnerships, our faculty and students tackle critical societal challenges in sustainable infrastructure, transportation, structural, environmental engineering, and water resources. Dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, the department equips graduates with the skills and professional network necessary to excel and make significant contributions to the field. For more information, visit our website.