The ASCE Transportation and Development Institute (T&DI) proudly announces long time ISCP member Dr. Halil Ceylan as the 2023 recipient of the esteemed Robert Horonjeff Award. Dr. Ceylan, a Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and an Endowed Professor at Iowa State University, is recognized for his exceptional contributions to the field of air transportation engineering. The award acknowledges his groundbreaking work in advancing the understanding and design of airfield pavement systems.
Dr. Ceylan’s academic journey, spanning from Dokuz Eylul University to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), showcases a commitment to innovation. His doctoral research at UIUC, focused on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in airfield pavement analysis and design, has paved the way for more efficient and practical engineering solutions. His work at the Federal Aviation Administrationās National Airport Pavement Test Facility has been instrumental in gathering crucial data for the development of advanced engineering tools.
Currently serving as the Pitt-Des Moines, Inc. Endowed Professor of Civil Engineering and the Director of the Program for Sustainable Pavement Engineering and Research (PROSPER) at Iowa State University, Dr. Ceylan’s impact extends beyond academia. His research on electrically conductive concrete heated pavement systems, funded by various sources including the Partnership to Enhance General Aviation Safety, has led to transformative outcomes. This includes the creation of the world’s first electrically conductive concrete heated pavement test site at Des Moines International Airport, addressing issues of snow- and ice-covered airfields and contributing to the safety and accessibility of transportation infrastructure.
Dr. Ceylan’s exceptional career is characterized by over 420 peer-reviewed research articles, extensive mentoring of graduate students, and leadership roles in professional committees. His recognition as a High-Value Research project and Innovation Initiative Focus Technology by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials underscores the significant impact of his work. Dr. Ceylan’s multifaceted contributions in research, teaching, service, and mentoring make him a deserving recipient of the Robert Horonjeff Award, affirming his pivotal role in advancing pavement engineering.