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Issam Harik Named University Research Professor for 2021-2022

May 04, 2021

Since 1994, Harik has been at the helm of a group of students researching the deployment of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in bridges and buildings.

Issam Harik: College of Engineering University Research Professor for the 2021-2022 academic year

Issam Harik: College of Engineering University Research Professor for the 2021-2022 academic year

Issam Harik, Raymond-Blythe Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, has been named a University Research Professor for the 2021-2022 academic year.

These awards recognize excellence in research and creative work that addresses scientific, social, cultural, economic and health challenges in our region and around the world.

“The impact of these faculty to the university, and to the Commonwealth, cannot be overstated,” said Lisa Cassis, UK vice president for research. “They are shining examples of the tireless work that is moving the research enterprise forward, creating new knowledge, discovering new cures, and empowering the next generation of scientists and scholars under their mentorship to change their world for the better.”

The University Research Professorships were established by the UK Board of Trustees in 1976 to recognize outstanding research achievements. The professorships program recognizes excellence across the full spectrum of research, scholarship and creative endeavors within each college at UK. College leadership developed criteria for excellence within their area of expertise and then nominated faculty who excelled at these criteria. Each University Research Professor receives a one-year award of $10,000 to be used to further their research, scholarship and creative endeavors.

Since 1994, Harik has been at the helm of a group of students researching the deployment of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in bridges and buildings. Through funding from the Department of Defense, Federal Highway Administration, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, The National Academies and the Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation, he and a team of talented students have developed innovative products—dubbed CatStrong—for restoring bridges.