Endowed chair established in construction management

Reza Akhavian, an associate professor in civil, construction, and environmental engineering at San Diego State University and an expert on the integration of innovative digital, robotic and AI systems in construction engineering, has been named the inaugural recipient of an endowed chair.

The College of Engineering’s Jim Ryan Chair in Construction Management is a $2.5 million endowment made possible through philanthropic contributions from the San Diego chapter of Associated General Contractors and its member companies. The chair is named in honor of Jim Ryan, former CEO of the chapter.

Akhavian is head of the DiCE Research Lab, for Data-Informed Construction Engineering, and the 2021 recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER Award for promising junior faculty members.

“The Jim Ryan Chair was created to attract and retain exceptional faculty for the JR Filanc Construction Engineering and Management Program,” said the director of the program., Professor Thais Alves, AGC-Paul S. Roel Chair in Construction Engineering.

Akhavian leads SCIBER-CT (Smart Construction, Infrastructure and Buildings through Education, Research and Cutting-edge Technology), funded by a $4.5 million NSF award to help ensure graduate education in construction engineering keeps up with innovative digital, robotic and AI systems now used extensively in the industry.

“Holding a chair named after an industry advocate like Jim Ryan is a true honor,” Akhavian said. “I am incredibly humbled and energized by this appointment, which is a testament to the powerful support of our industry partners.

“This endowed position motivates me to push the boundaries in my area of work on construction AI and robotics while training the next generation of innovative industry leaders who will shape the future of how we build.”

Industry partners providing support for the endowed chair include AGC San Diego, NECA San Diego, Balfour Beatty, Beavers Charitable Trust, Bergelectric, Clark Construction, EC Constructors, Harper Construction, Hazard Construction, Filanc Construction, Mark and Kim Filanc, Marathon Construction, McCarthy Building Companies, TC Construction, and Swinerton.

The JR Filanc Construction Engineering and Management Program was founded in 2008 with support from the Jack and Jane Filanc family. Over 500 students have graduated from the program, with more than 60% remaining in Southern California to contribute to the local workforce.

“Dr. Akhavian’s leadership in integrating advanced digital, robotic, and AI technologies into construction engineering reflects the forward-looking innovation that defines the College of Engineering,” said Dean Eugene Olevsky. “This endowed chair ensures that our students are prepared to lead in a rapidly evolving industry and continues our strong tradition of collaboration with the construction community in our region.” 

For information on how to support the JR Filanc Construction Engineering & Management Program, please contact Kate Carinder, Senior Director of Development, at [email protected].