We would like to congratulate Ahmad Abu Sharea for his recent patent disclosure! Ahmad is a 2021 Construction Science alumnus whose patent application is currently under review. The design is a new shape of steel section that will be embedded in concrete to form a concrete-steel composite column. The steel section is a lighter weight than the conventional steel I section that is generally used in the United States. According to Ahmad’s theoretical analysis, his proposed steel section has a similar or higher compressive strength compared to the steel I section.
“I’m excited to see where my patent will lead the research community and whether it’ll be sustainable and economical for designers and contractors in the construction industry,” said Ahmad Abu Sharea.
Currently, Ahmad is preparing for his PE exam to become a licensed engineer and is looking for PhD opportunities to continue his research. He hopes to conduct experiments in his PhD studies to find out if his theoretical results align with his experimental results.
Featured Image: Ahmad Abu Sharea (center) with his colleagues.
During the Spring 2026 semester, students in Interior Design Studio IV and Graduate Studio IV gained hands-on experience in educational facility design through a semester-long partnership with MA+ Architecture.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture congratulates Dr. Tammy McCuen, Robert E. Busch Professor of Construction Science, on beginning her term as president of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC), an international organization dedicated to advancing construction education through teaching, research and service.
Following years of contributions to the College’s research and strategic initiatives, Gibbs College shares that Associate Dean for Research and External Engagement Angela M. Person, PhD, will step down from her position at Gibbs College as she moves to Tucson with her family, effective June 30, 2026.
