EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION & SERVICE

Curriculum vitae.

Dr. Aria Ghabussi
Structural engineer & computational mechanics researcher

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Research record and experience · September 2026

Profile

Dr. Aria Ghabussi is a structural engineer and computational mechanics researcher specializing in nonlinear finite element analysis, structural integrity, and steel and composite systems. His work spans seismic performance, thermal response, fracture and fatigue, and probabilistic reliability. He connects advanced simulation and machine learning with structural assessment, engineering judgment, and practical design and repair decisions.

Education

2024

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering · Structural

Texas Tech University

Dissertation: Improving the Seismic Performance of a Cold-formed and Hot-rolled Steel Wall System Equipped with a Novel Curved Steel-composite Dampers.

2018

M.S. in Structural Engineering

Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch
2015

B.S. in Civil Engineering

Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch

Professional experience

Mar 2026–present

Structural Project Engineer

Thornton Tomasetti · Miami, Florida
  • Structural condition assessments and forensic investigations.
  • Three-dimensional finite element modeling of structural assemblies and mechanical and thermal response.
  • Technical reports, repair recommendations, and coordination with multidisciplinary project teams.
May 2024–Mar 2026

Shell & Plate Engineer II / Computational Analysis Engineer II

Matrix PDM Engineering · Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Analysis and assessment of aboveground and cryogenic storage tanks and shell-and-plate structures.
  • Finite element analysis of structural, thermal, fatigue, seismic, and combined load effects.
  • Structural integrity evaluations, repair recommendations, and technical reporting.

Teaching & mentoring

Mar 2026–present

Ph.D. Committee Member & Research Mentor

Texas Tech University · Civil Engineering

Doctoral committee service, research guidance, qualifying examination participation, and mentorship in civil and structural engineering and computational analysis.

Sep 2021–Jan 2024

Teaching Assistant

Texas Tech University

Teaching support, problem sets, assessment, tutoring, and project guidance across five core course areas.

StaticsDynamicsMechanics of MaterialsReinforced Concrete DesignConstruction Cost Estimating
Academic service

Volunteer Alumni Mentor

Career Advancement Mentoring Program · Whitacre College of Engineering, Texas Tech University

Publications & scholarly service

24 journal publications · 2,031 citations · h-index 21
Research metrics reported in September 2026.

Browse the complete publication list
2019–2026

290+ manuscript reviews

Peer review for international engineering and materials journals

Selected journals include Engineering Structures, Structures, Ocean Engineering, Engineering with Computers, Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, and Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering.

2023 & 2024

Book proposal reviewer

Taylor & Francis

Composite materials, structural engineering, nanocomposite materials, and smart structures.

Technical expertise

Methods & applications

Nonlinear finite element analysisComputational solid mechanicsMaterial & geometric nonlinearityContact & friction modelingStructural dynamicsSeismic performance assessmentFragility & reliability analysisMonte Carlo simulationSteady-state & transient heat transferThermal stress analysisShell & plate mechanicsBuckling & structural stabilityFracture mechanics & XFEMFatigue assessmentStorage tank integritySteel & composite systemsSmart & piezoelectric structuresMesh convergence & model verificationMachine learning surrogatesEngineering optimizationForensic structural assessmentRepair evaluation & technical reporting

Engineering & computation

AbaqusANSYS Mechanical APDLLS-DYNAOpenSeesMATLABPythonRMathcadSAP2000ETABSSAFESTAAD.ProAutoCADQGISBluebeam