Biography

Ph.D. candidate in Civil Engineering and Master of Computer Science student with over 5 years of research experience. I specialize in automating engineering processes using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. My primary research focuses on automating inspection processes of damaged steel bridges and enhancing load rating methods by coupling finite element analysis (FEA) and numerical simulations with machine learning algorithms. Additionally, I develop software tools for state agencies to aid in the decision-making process of infrastructure maintenance and management.

A core task of my research involves data collection and analysis from numerical simulations to deliver end-to-end machine learning solutions that balance the trade-off between simulation accuracy and computational cost. Working as a research assistant has equipped me with the essential skills required to not only identify challenging problems but also develop innovative solutions to resolve these problems. I am skilled with a variety of engineering and software development tools including Abaqus finite element, Python, Pytorch, Tensorflow, Keras, VS Code, Linux, and Git. These tools allow me to efficiently and effectively conduct research and work on current projects.

I hold a M.S. in structural engineering and a B.S. in construction engineering management. I believe learning is a never-ending journey, but the results of my efforts are what truly count.

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞: Automation, finite element analysis, machine learning and computer vision for smart infrastructure, deep learning, image processing, LLMs, generative AI, software development, data analysis, and data visualization.

Education

• Ph.D. Candidate, Civil Engineering University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA 2021 - Present

• Master of Computer Science student, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA 2025 - Present

• MSc. Structural Engineering University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA 2021

• BSc. Construction Engineering Management, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 2019

Professional Societies

• Member of Association for Computing Machinery (2025 - Present)

• Member of National/Illinois Society of Professional Engineers (2024 - Present)

• S.M. American Society of Civil Engineers - Structural Engineering Institute (2021 - Present)

• Member of Saudi Council of Engineers (2019 - Present)

Research Interests

• AI-driven frameworks for smart infrastructure

• Machine learning and computer vision for inspection of damaged structures

• Software app development, database systems, and user-centered machine learning

Publications

• Schissler, L. R., Ahershinge, S., Ibrahim, A. E., Fahnestock, L. A., LaFave, J. M., & Elbanna, A. E. (2024). Report on Agency Survey and National Bridge Inventory Analysis for Damaged Steel Girders (No. FHWA-ICT-24-021). Illinois Center for Transportation.

• Ranoa, D. R. E., Holland, R. L., Alnaji, F. G., ... Ibrahim, A., et al. (2022). Mitigation of SARS-CoV-2 transmission at a large public university. Nature communications, 13(1), 3207.

• Ibrahim, A. E., Arnoos, A., AlSari, A., Terkawi, A., Ayoub, J., Mosaf, Y., & Khahro, S. H. “A Comparative Study of Normal Cement Concrete with Wood Ash Concrete.” 4 th Undergraduate Research Forum. (2018). Prince Sultan University.

Conferences

• Ibrahim, A., Schissler, L., Fahnestock, L. A., LaFave, J. M., & Elbanna, A. E. (2024). Assessment of Steel Bridge Girders Damaged by Overheight Vehicle Strikes. 2024 Illinois Structural Engineering Conference. Champaign, IL, USA.

Honors

• Recipient of Illinois Chapter Arab American Association of Engineers & Architects (AAAEA) Scholarship

• Peer Reviewing for Journal of Building Engineering

Teaching Experience

• CEE460 - Steel Structures I

• CEE572 - Earthquake Engineering

• Machine Learning Course (Github)