Ali Behdad

Research Assistant and Ph.D. Candidate in Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering with a focus on unsaturated soil mechanics and permafrost. Demonstrated expertise in investigating the multi-physical phenomena in partially frozen soil, along with extensive experience in subsurface contaminant transport, remediation techniques, and seismic analysis. Proficient in physical modeling and laboratory testing, contributing to a deeper understanding of geotechnical challenges. Committed to leveraging advanced research skills to address critical environmental issues.

• The Effect of Soil-Cement Barriers in Containing the LNAPL contaminants Transport in Unsaturated Soil: a Physical Modeling, Sediment Contamination: An International Journal, 2021, 10.1080/15320383.2021.2000364
• Modeling of Soil Freezing Water Characteristic Curve Considering Phase Change, Geo-EnvionMeet, 2025, Louisville, KY, 10.1061/9780784485705.017
• Physical Modelling of Voluminous Spill and Migration of LNAPL Contaminants in Unsaturated Soil, Geo-EnvionMeet, 2025, Louisville, KY, 10.1061/9780784485699.022
• Effects of Freeze-Thaw Cycles on the Unconfined Compressive Strength of Lime- and Cement-Stabilized Soils, Geomechanics and Engineering (GAE), Submitted, 01/01/25
• Evaluation of Water Retention Characteristics in Frozen Sandy Soils Using an Environmentally Controlled Column Test, Cold Regions Science and Technology, Submitted, 01/01/25
• A Thermo-Hydraulic Constitutional Model for the Frozen Sandy Soil Using a Numerical-Experimental Integrated Approach, Ready to be submitted
• HYMOD3: A Simple Conceptual Hydrologic Model for Flow, Evaporation, and Snow Processes, Under Preparation

• Space Grant FY23 Mini-Grant Student, NASA, 2023.
• Ranked 5th in M.Sc. Geotechnical Engineering, University of Tehran, 2019.
• Ranked 41st among about 40000 participants in the Iranian University Entrance Exam for master’s in civil engineering field, 2017.
• Ranked within the Top 10 Students among about 70 undergraduate Civil Engineering students, Iran University of Science & Technology, 2017.

• Conference Paper Reviewer, GeoEnvironMeet 2024, ASCE
• Guide Presentation, Building a Resilient Future in Geo-infrastructure Sustainability for Climate Action, 04/01/24, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Omaha, NE

• Lurish, Native/Bilingual
• Persian, Native/Bilingual
• English, IELTS: Overall Band Score: 7.0 (Reading 7.5, Listening 7.5, Speaking 6.5, Writing 6.5)

GRE: 310 (Quant: 168, Verbal: 142, Analytical Writing: 3.5)

• ITA (International Teaching Assistant), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 07/01/23
• PFF (Preparing Future Faculty), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 05/01/24