CURRENT GROUP MEMBERS

Postdoctoral Research Associates

Qinang Hu
Ph.D. Oklahoma State University (2015)
M.S. Oklahoma State University (2011)
B.S. China University of Mining and Technology, China (2009)

​Research interests: Cement hydration, X-ray microscopy, Image processing, Finite element analysis

"I’m always motivated to learn and try new things. And the coolest thing of our group is that people from different backgrounds and different research directions can collaborate together and share their knowledge. We have a great team that is always ambitious to work on challenging problems and competent to solve them as a team."

Xiaodan (Sonia) Li
Ph.D. Texas A&M University (2017)
M.S. Texas A&M University (2012)
B.S. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2009)

​Research interests: Cement hydration, Thermodynamics, Viscoelasticity, Dissolution, Finite element analysis

​"One of the best things I enjoyed about our group is that it is always enthusiastic and energetic. It gives a very positive atmosphere to study and research in. Meanwhile, as multiple areas are being covered in this team, it makes learning new things much more convenient through communicating with each other. The meaning of life is to enjoy every moment, and I would love to achieve this goal at OSU for this period of my life."

Ph.D. Students

Ghazal Sokhansefat​
Ph.D. Candidate
M.S. University of Tehran, Iran (2013)
B.S. K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Iran (2010)
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Research interests: X-ray Computed Tomography, Concrete Technology, Biomass, Freezing and thawing in concrete, aggregate gradation
Dissertation: Study of concrete exposed to freezing and thawing cycles through X-Ray Micro Computed Tomography.
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"I joined the group in fall 2013 and started my research on microstructure of novel biomass material to be used as fuel sources. My current research involves studying concrete deterioration mechanisms due to freezing and thawing by X-Ray Computed Tomography. I am very enthusiastic about working hard on complicated and interesting problems in our group."

Shinhyu Kang​
Ph.D. Student
M.S. Kyonggi University, South Korea (2012)
B.S. Kyonggi University, South Korea (2010)
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Research interests: Chemical and microstructural characterization of concrete materials, Improvement of method for using supplementary cementitious materials and by-product materials such as fly-ash
Dissertation: The Physicochemical Characteristics of Fly-ash and the Resulting Properties in Concrete
"My major for M.S. and B.S. was Materials Science and Engineering. My research topics were on sintering mechanisms in high-temperature processes, and the development of eco-friendly materials such as artificial lightweight aggregates manufactured by recycling coal-ash.  My current research is on the classification of fly ash and determining the performance in concrete."

Bret Robertson​, PE
Ph.D. Student
M.S. Oklahoma State University (2010)
B.S. Oklahoma State University (2008)
​Research interests: Cement Hydration, X-ray microscopy, Concrete Durability and Testing

Dissertation: Improving current methods to measure the water to cement ratio of fresh concrete; Using 3D in-situ structure and chemistry imaging techniques at the nano and micro scale to improve sustainability, economy, and mechanical properties of binders for concrete.
"I came back to the group in August 2016 and started research on multiple micro and macro concrete topics. I worked at the Bureau of Reclamation for six years as a Civil Engineer. I had the opportunity to be involved in projects that looked at each phase of mass concrete construction including, specifications, structural and mix design, construction, and testing. I also worked on many research projects related to concrete dams. I hope to add to our team with field and lab experience."

Amir Behravan​
Ph.D. Student
M.S. Isfahan University of Technology (IUT), Iran (2012)
B.S. Islamic Azad University, Iran (2009)

Research interests: Cementitious materials, Durability of concrete, Special concrete (SCC- HPC-HSC-FRC-...), Material characterization, Non-destructive testing, Modern constructional materials, Reinforced Concrete (RC) Structures (Analysis and Design), Concrete dams ( analysis and design)
"My previous research experiences were in advanced concrete technology, with focusing on the durability of concrete and its mechanical behavior. Although I carried out series of research on special concretes, admixtures, pavements and special cement materials. Now I am focusing on concrete durability with emphasis on using modern techniques to understand the exact mechanism of ions diffusion into concrete."

​Hope Hall​
Ph.D. Student
M.S. in Civil Engineering, Oklahoma State University (2017)
B.S. in Architectural Engineering, Oklahoma State University (2015)

Research interests: Improving the lifespan of structural concrete.
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"I am a third generation engineer, but a first generation female engineer.
​The best part about Ley's research team is that no one comes from the same background. You get to work with people from all over the world to accomplish a goal that no one has ever accomplished before. This team teaches you to communicate and collaborate on a daily basis."

​Riyadh Alturki
Ph.D. Student
M.S. Oklahoma State University (2016)
B.S. King Saud University, Saudi Arabia (2012)

Research interests: ​Workability of concrete, workability tests, and the effects of aggregate characteristics on concrete.

"I really enjoy working as part of our highly committed and professional team. The work environment in our group is super great, which encourages us to accomplish our goals. "

Lichun Chen
Ph.D. Student

Research interests: ​Structure Health Monitoring && Data Analysis

"Our group is full of energy and creative ideas."

​M.S. Students

Justin Becker
M.S. Student
​B.S. Oklahoma State University (2016)

Research interests: Pumpability and the impact on concrete mixtures
"I am driven by the challenges associated with learning and accomplishing new things. The cool thing about our team is the high level of collaboration and teamwork that allows for greater levels of success."

Zane Lloyd
B.S. Student

Research Interests: Fly ash blend performance in concrete, utilizing various sources of fly ash. Developing field tests for Pulp Cure. 
"​The reason I enjoy working at OSU is the spirit of teamwork all the employees have. Everyone is willing to throw in a helping hand where it is needed. It is also a great opportunity to work with the professors and learn outside of the classroom."

Undergraduate Students

Chad Stevenson​
B.S. Student

Research interests: Workability and pumpability of concrete, Optimized graded concrete.
"The new Bert Cooper Lab gives us the space to efficiently run our concrete pump. This lab allows us to run tests that many universities never get the chance to run. I have the opportunity to work alongside many of the most talented researchers of concrete. I have learned how you run a variety of test on fresh and hardened concrete. It has been an honor to work with so many innovative people here at Oklahoma State University."

Jason Toney
B.S. Student
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"My favorite thing about working in the lab is the ability to see the application of material learned in our engineering classes.   
Interesting Fact: While in Southeast Asia on a trip I got the opportunity to ride an elephant."

Muwanika Jdiobe
B.S. Student in Aerospace Engineering
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Research interests: Air content in the concrete

"Working with Dr. Ley and the group is just fun and motivating. I do sample preparation of concrete for hardened air void analysis."

Megan Buchanan
​B.S. Student
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​Research interests: Hardened Air Void Analysis, Lightweight Concrete

"Through a research position at OSU, I appreciate the opportunity to practically apply and explore what I learn in my classes. I also love getting to work alongside people from different backgrounds and research interests. In my copious amounts of free time as an engineering student, I enjoy trying random hobbies and YouTube surfing."

Mark Finnell
​B.S. Student in Civil Engineering
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Research Interests: Fly-ash analysis, concrete workability and durability

Fun Fact: "I help analyze the chemical compositions of fly-ash using electron microscopy.
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Matthew McCormick
​B.S. Student in Civil Engineering
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"I enjoy working in an environment where everyone loves learning, and strives to
solve complex engineering problems everyday. I plan on attending medical school after I graduate with a civil engineering."​

Levi Voss
​B.S. Student in Construction Management Technology

Research Interests: Curing Concrete, Test Development
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"I really like how motivated everyone is, and how friendly everyone is as well."​​

Sage Ellis
​B.S. Student in Construction Management Technology

"I enjoy getting to learn about things at the lab that I wouldn't typically get to learn about in construction management."​​

Tyler Root
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Mayra Salazar
​B.S. Student in Civil Engineering

Research Interests: Improving the stability of concrete.
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 "Coming from a country where research doesn’t exist for students, I am grateful to have the opportunity to be part of an energetic team where everyone is willing to help. What I like about the lab, it’s not only what I learn about concrete but what I learn from the people in the team."

Alyssa Rogers
​B.S. Student in Civil Engineering

Research Interests: Improving the lifespan and stability of concrete.
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 "Getting a hands on experience with concrete has been fun yet challenging at times. The people I am surrounded by are always willing to lend a hand when needed and know how to make working fun. I learn something new every time I step into the lab, it doesn't matter if it is something about concrete or some random fact about a fellow coworker from a different part of the world, everyday is new experience."

Kasee Hayes
​B.S. Student in Civil Engineering

Research Interests: Improving current methods to measure the water content of fresh concrete. 

"Working in the lab has shown me the importance of teamwork. Every single person is always willing to help out or lend a hand. On top of that, I am able to use what I’m learning in my classes and apply it to what I am studying in the lab."
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Duncan Smith
​B.S. Student in Construction Management Technology
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"I love researching all the various applications of concrete in our evolving world.
I have enjoyed my time working on what truly interests me, with people who are devoted to their work."
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FORMER GROUP MEMBERS

Ph.D. Students

Mostafa Ghashgesh, Spring 2012
Daniel Cook, Summer 2015
Quinang Hu, Fall 2015
Mohammed Aboustait, Fall 2015
Mehdi Khanzadeh, Fall 2016
Amir Hajibabaee, Fall 2016
Masoud Moradian, Spring 2017

M.S. Students

Sid Patil, thesis, Spring 2009
Bret Robertson, thesis, Fall 2010
Shardul Kadam, thesis, Spring 2010
Hari Rotithor, thesis, Spring 2011
Robert Frazier, thesis, Spring 2011
Rahel Kedebe, creative component, Spring 2011
Binyam Jemal, creative component, Spring 2011
Hari Kotha, thesis, Fall 2011
Quniang Hu, thesis, Fall 2011
Amir Hajibabaee, thesis, Fall 2011
Robert Felice, thesis, Spring 2012
John Michael Freeman, thesis, Fall 2012
Basil Abdulkareem, thesis, Spring 2012
Ali Abbaszadeh, thesis, Fall 2012
Spencer Woestman, thesis, Spring  2012
Bryan Sudbrink, thesis, Spring 2013
Travis Ebisch, thesis, Spring 2013
Daniel Cook, thesis, Spring 2013
Jerod Wilkins, thesis, Fall 2013
Isabella Velasco, thesis, Fall 2013
Ashkan  Ghaeezadeh, thesis, Spring 2014
David Welchel, thesis, Fall 2014
Morteza Khatibmasjedi, thesis, Summer 2014
Gaurang Malviya, creative component, Spring 2015
Nick Seader, thesis, Spring 2016
​Jacob Peery, Spring 2017
Riyadh Alturki, thesis, Fall 2017
Bijaya Rai, thesis, Fall 2017
Hope Hall, thesis, Fall 2018