MAINS LAB
Contact info: Farahnaz.Soleimani@oregonstate.edu
Office phone: 541-737-7168
Sonia holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil and Geomatics Engineering from Tabriz University in Iran, where her academic journey began. She then advanced her studies by pursuing a Master's degree in Geodesy-Seismology at the same institution. To further broaden her knowledge and expertise, Sonia embarked on a new academic adventure and earned another Master's degree in Geosciences, this time at Virginia Tech. Currently, Sonia is passionately dedicated to her Ph.D. research within the MAINS lab. Her research involves the application of state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to develop multi-hazard demand models and fragility functions for structures. The primary objective of her research is to improve the assessment of structural vulnerabilities and contribute to the advancement of methods for measuring resilience in the face of extreme events.
​
Beyond her academic endeavors, Sonia finds immense joy in hiking through the breathtaking landscapes of Portland. These hikes allow her to connect with nature and experience a sense of tranquility in the peaceful surroundings.
Dr. Farahnaz Soleimani
(Director)
Farahnaz is an Assistant Professor in the School of Civil & Construction Engineering at Oregon State University (OSU) where she is the Director of the Multi-hazard Assessment of Infrastructure and Structures Lab. She specializes in probabilistic modeling and seismic performance-based analysis of structures with a focus on developing computationally efficient tools using emerging machine-learning techniques. Her current research focuses on two primary areas of I) multi-hazard evaluation of structures, and II) resilience assessment of infrastructure systems.
She holds a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from Georgia Tech, where she worked on improving the seismic fragility models of existing bridges in California. Before joining OSU, she was a Research Scientist and before that a Postdoctoral scholar at Georgia Tech where she gained interdisciplinary research interests and experience in the areas of learning analytics and neuroscience.
Sonia Zehsaz
(Ph.D. Student)
Waqas Iqbal
(Ph.D. Student)
Waqas earned his master's degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Structures from the University of Delaware in Spring 2024. He has worked on various infrastructure projects in Pakistan, including hydropower, highways, buildings, and bridges. During his master’s program, he conducted research on the vulnerability analysis of bridges and roads subjected to hurricanes and sea level rise inundation. His research interests focus on the resilience of coastal bridges in response to natural hazards like hurricanes and tsunamis. Waqas is continuing his research by developing fragility models for bridges facing extreme hazard events, leveraging his past experience while striving to achieve new milestones in his research career.
Outside of work, Waqas enjoys walking, biking, bowling, and playing badminton. He is also eager to learn new skills such as archery and tennis.
Danny O'Brien
(Master Student)
Danny completed his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Seattle University in 2023. Continuing his academic journey, he is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Civil Engineering program at OSU. His research focuses on the application of machine learning techniques to evaluate the vulnerability of bridges when subjected to seismic events. Danny’s academic interests revolve around resilience and sustainability. He aspires to contribute to the advancement of knowledge that enhances our capabilities to assess and repair the built environment, ensuring its durability in the face of various challenges.
Beyond his academic and research commitments, Danny enjoys listening to music, cooking, and hiking around the Pacific Northwest.
Mahan Samiadel
(Ph.D. Student)
Mahan obtained a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Sharif University of Technology. Currently, he is dedicated to pursuing his Master's and Ph.D. degrees in Structural Engineering. His research focus lies in the predictive modeling of concrete and soil properties using novel computational techniques. Mahan's primary research interests encompass probabilistic and numerical modeling, structural reliability, risk and resilience analysis, as well as the applications of machine learning in structural and earthquake engineering.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Mahan enjoys watching movies, reading books, spending time with friends, and hiking.
Taylor Megy
(Post-baccalaureate Student)
Taylor was born and raised in Salem, Oregon, and is currently a Junior postbaccalaureate student at Oregon State University. His research in the lab centers on analyzing the seismic demands on Oregon bridges for risk assessment. Taylor's primary interests are in structural engineering and enhancing the resilience of structures to withstand natural hazards. Being in construction at an early age instilled in him an interest in how structures work and an appreciation for the labor required for making various construction projects run smoothly and efficiently.
On his off-time Taylor enjoys hiking around the Willamette valley, lifting weights and playing guitar.
Alumni
Jacob Atkins
(MS.c.)
Jacob successfully completed his MS.c. in Structural Engineering in Spring 2024 with a Minor in Wood Science. He is currently working at IMEG as a Structural Designer, mainly on ground support and operations for the space industry. He is involved in the mass timber and AI task forces at his company. He achieved his Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in Civil Engineering and Forest Engineering from OSU in 2022 and seamlessly transitioned into his graduate studies. His academic pursuits have led him to become a valuable member of the lab, where his research endeavors revolved around harnessing the potential of machine learning to address structural engineering challenges, particularly in the context of predicting seismic resilience.
Jacob's diverse interests include carpentry, product design, graphic design, creative writing, biking, hiking, and cherishing quality time with his family.