Biography

Dr. Sravan Muguda Viswanath is an Assistant Professor in Sustainable & Resilient Infrastructure at the Department of Engineering, Durham University, whose work bridges civil engineering, biological processes, and sustainable materials to address some of the most urgent challenges in infrastructure resilience. With dual PhDs awarded through the prestigious Marie Curie TERRE-ITN programme, he brings an international, interdisciplinary perspective to geo-environmental research. His expertise lies in bio-geotechnics, nature-based engineering, and the development of environmentally responsible soil stabilisation technologies, including fungi–biopolymer composites, enzyme-based binders, and low-carbon alternatives to cement. He is currently leading an EPSRC-funded project and is developing a distinctive research portfolio aimed at accelerating the adoption of nature-inspired solutions in engineering practice.

Across his academic career, he has contributed to the generation of new knowledge by integrating biological mechanisms with geotechnical behaviour to create rapid-curing, low-emission ground improvement systems. His work also focuses on the long-term durability and recyclability of bio-stabilised soils, offering pathways toward circular-economy models in infrastructure engineering. As he continues building research independence, he collaborates closely with senior faculty across engineering, environmental science, and biosciences, positioning his research at the intersection of multiple disciplines.

Sravan is committed to developing others and fostering inclusive learning environments. He has supervised a growing number of BEng, MEng, and MSc projects and co-supervised several PhD candidates, guiding them in laboratory methods, research design, and professional development. His teaching portfolio includes surveying, site investigation, and laboratory-based civil engineering modules, where he integrates his industrial experience into hands-on, practice-focused learning. He also leads departmental laboratory modernisation initiatives, ensuring alignment with current industry standards.

His service to the broader research community includes mentoring Early Career Researchers, participating in accreditation visits, collaborating with international partners, and contributing to diversity and inclusion efforts within engineering education. Beyond academia, he engages with industry, environmental organisations, and community stakeholders to translate research into real-world impact, particularly in areas related to climate resilience, disaster recovery, and sustainable construction.

Through his evolving research agenda, Sravan aims to unlock the full potential of nature-based engineering to deliver resilient, low-carbon, and regenerative solutions for the built environment.