Heather A. K. McLeod

 

Heather is a 2003-2007 Self Fellow pursuing a Ph.D. in civil, environmental, and architectural engineering. She received a B.S. (1997) in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and an M.S. (2005) in civil engineering from the University of Kansas. Heather was one of two students to receive the American Concrete Institute International Student Fellowship in 2003. She has worked professionally as a structural engineer for two years and lived in Asia for three and a half years. Heather's research interests are related to the the durability of concrete structures through improved materials, design, and construction techniques. Her current project includes oversight of the construction of 20 full-scale bridge decks in Kansas and other states with the goal of preventing corrosion and reducing live-cycle costs. By limiting the formation of cracks, which are a pathway for chlorides to reach the reinforcing steel, corrosion can be prevented and the $8.3 billion annual cost of bridge corrosion in the U.S. will be reduced. These techniques have the potential to impact concrete construction worldwide. Mentor: David Darwin, Distinguished Professor, Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering