UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1313

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/21161/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: Image Analysis of Composite Materials (i.e., Asphalt Concrete)
Project Keywords: Image Analysis, Composites, Fatigue Cracking, Asphalt Concrete
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):: In-person
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:
With the growing use of mechanistic-empirical models in pavement design, performance testing of asphalt materials has become increasingly important. These models rely on accurate performance data—particularly fatigue cracking behavior—to inform the structural design of pavements. However, traditional performance tests (e.g., uniaxial cyclic fatigue test) are time-consuming, require specialized equipment, and involve substantial material and labor costs.

This project explores an innovative, non-destructive approach using image analysis of asphalt mixtures to predict fatigue performance. By analyzing key characteristics such as aggregate gradation, orientation, and structure from specimen images, the goal is to establish correlations between visual aggregate features and fatigue cracking performance indicators. This image-based method has the potential to reduce reliance on costly mechanical testing, saving both time and materials for practitioners and accelerating the pavement design process.

During the UROP term, the student will assist in capturing and processing high-resolution images of asphalt mixture specimens, quantifying aggregate structure using image analysis software, and performing statistical or machine learning-based correlation with known fatigue performance data.

Research Tasks:
Data collection (Capturing images of Samples)
Literature review
Data analysis
Building software for analysis
Documentation and reporting of outcomes


Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Required:
Basic research skills
Basic data analysis skills
Programming skills
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)::
Please note: 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:
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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
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