Taylor J. Sorensen, Ph.D.

I'm an Assistant Professor of Civil and Construction Engineering at Brigham Young University, where I research sustainable and resilient structural systems. My work focuses on large-scale experimental testing of structural components and exploring innovative materials like FRP, aircrete, and natural pozzolans. I’m especially interested in how structures perform under extreme conditions—such as earthquakes, fires, and other hazards—and how we can design smarter, safer, and more sustainable buildings and infrastructure.

I’m passionate about engineering education—not just as a researcher, but as a teacher and mentor. I believe that nearly everything we do in life is a form of teaching: formal instruction in the classroom, mentoring students one-on-one, or conducting research where we learn and share knowledge with others. I find deep meaning in helping the next generation of engineers grow in both confidence and purpose.

I’m also a husband, father, and active member of my community. I currently serve as the Elders Quorum President in my local ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and enjoy finding ways to connect gospel principles with the process of learning and discovery. I believe that God is the source of all truth, and consistent with the aims of BYU, I strive to integrate Gospel methodology into my teaching and research. I believe that religious and secular learning need not be at odds—they strengthen each other. It’s impossible to separate my faith from my work, and I consider that integration to be one of the most meaningful aspects of my career.

Outside of academia, I love hiking, playing board games, and reading (favorites include Brandon Sanderson, The Lord of the Rings, and literary classics). I’m also a bassoonist, spreadsheet enthusiast (ask me about my birthday freebie tracker!), and someone who enjoys puzzles and fixing things around the house—with more enthusiasm than skill. I'm the oldest of 11 kids, served a mission in the Campinas region of Brazil, and still speak Portuguese fluently (I practice every day using Duolingo—connect with me here if you’d like to practice!).

Feel free to reach out—whether you're a student interested in research, a collaborator with a new idea, or just someone who enjoys chatting about concrete… or Português… or bassoon… or Brandon Sanderson.