Leading Innovator, Academic Tapped as New Civil Engineering Chair 

August 20, 2024 – The Herff College of Engineering at the University of Memphis welcomes Rouzbeh Ross Nazari as the next chair for its Department of Civil Engineering.  

Nazari is a distinguished academic and innovator and previously served as an associate professor and the director of the Sustainable Smart Cities Research Center (SSCR) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. With a dual appointment in the Department of Civil, Construction,  Environmental Engineering and the School of Public Health, Nazari is a leading authority in damage and resiliency assessment of urban infrastructures and community vulnerability to natural disasters. His groundbreaking work has significantly contributed to resiliency planning in  New York and New Jersey. 

“We are excited to have someone of Dr. Nazari’s caliber joining our ranks,” said Dr. Okenwa Okoli, dean of the Herff College of Engineering. “His expertise and influence will help us as we work toward reaching our aggressive goals and taking Herff to new heights.” 

Collaborating with numerous small towns and cities, Nazari has spearheaded the development of community-based solutions aimed at enhancing preparedness and response to environmental challenges. Notably, his efforts have resulted in implementing state-of-the-art flood alert systems, demonstrating his commitment to innovation and societal impact. 

Nazari is the founder and CEO of two technology startups — Planetary Resilience and CanAiry —made possible through funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Planetary Resilience leverages Nazari's patented work to deliver the world's premier high-resolution asset-based resiliency decision-making system. CanAiry represents a paradigm shift in real-time environmental exposure and respiratory health assessment, seamlessly bridging the gap between environmental data, patients and healthcare providers.  

Nazari's research endeavors have garnered more than $19M in federal, state and industry funding. Esteemed organizations such as the NSF, USDA, EPA, FEMA and DOT have recognized the significance of his work, providing vital resources to advance his groundbreaking initiatives.  

"I am truly honored to have the opportunity to join the esteemed faculty at the Herff College of Engineering and lead the Department of Civil Engineering. My passion lies in leveraging my expertise in sustainable smart cities and community resilience to further the University's mission of advancing knowledge and serving our communities,” said Nazari. “I eagerly look forward to nurturing our academic, research and outreach endeavors, fostering an inclusive environment where tomorrow's engineering leaders can thrive. With immense gratitude, I embrace this chance to contribute to the vibrant community at the University of Memphis.” 

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MEDIA CONTACT: 
Jennifer Godwin 
Director of Media and Public Relations 
jennifer.godwin@memphis.edu 
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