UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1312

Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Michael Elwardany
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: He/him/his
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?: Dr.
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): melwardany@fsu.edu
Position Title: Faculty
FSU College (if applicable): FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/21156/IMG_9041.jpg

Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above): {Empty}
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Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: Pavement Performance Simulation
Project Keywords: Fatigue Cracking, Pavement Performance, Predictive Models
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: Yes
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 2
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Other Engineering Majors

Project Location:: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?: FSU Buss Services
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s):: Partially Remote
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work?: 8 hours a week
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work?: Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Overall Research Project Description:
As machine learning increasingly becomes a transformative tool in engineering research, high-quality datasets are essential for training robust, predictive models. In pavement engineering, predictive models can significantly improve decision-making related to design, performance, and maintenance. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive datasets capturing the effects of material properties and environmental conditions on pavement cracking behavior.

This project aims to use FlexPAVE, a finite element-based pavement analysis software, to simulate cracking performance in flexible pavements constructed with various asphalt mixtures. The primary objective is to systematically run simulations across a wide matrix of material and environmental conditions to generate a large and consistent dataset for future machine learning applications. While the long-term goal involves predictive modeling, the current focus is solely on simulation design, execution, and structured data collection.


Research Tasks:
Literature review
Data analysis
Documentation and reporting of outcomes


Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Required: 
Basic research skills
Basic data analysis skills
Basic Excel
Recommended:
Coding skills

Mentoring Philosophy:
I believe undergraduate research should be an enjoyable and motivating experience that fosters curiosity, confidence, and independence. My approach emphasizes regular weekly meetings to provide structure, guidance, and feedback, while also celebrating progress and keeping students engaged. I encourage students to take ownership of their projects, develop problem-solving skills, and see research as both a process of discovery and a source of personal growth. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, I aim to help students enjoy the research journey, stay motivated through challenges, and build transferable skills that will serve them in graduate school, professional practice, and beyond.

Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=bCev1f8AAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate
Please add any additional information here (if applicable)::
UROP Research Mentor meeting by appointment. Please email me at melwardany@fsu.edu


Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable?: No
Roundtable times and Zoom links:
N/A

UROP Program Elements
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Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication: Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation: Yes
Materials Grant: Yes
UROP Poster Presentation: Yes

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Year: 2025
update url: https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?element_parents=elements/research_mentor_information/headshot_optional_&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=tQDo26aMVRYr3Yz_wX8SLJgZCgm3HUICImkbBnkepX4