ENGINEERING TO EDUCATION: AMIR BEHZADAN
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
FROM | Tehran, Iran
BS | Sharif University Of Technology – Civil Engineering
MS | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor – Construction Engineering and Management
PHD | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor – Civil Engineering
ON WHAT HE’S BEEN UP TO RECENTLY:
- Teaching
- Structural Design Principles
- Construction Soils and Foundations
- Construction Surveying
- Statics
- Researching
- Construction workflow simulation for quality and productivity improvement
- Augmented reality visualization and collaborative learning technologies
- Construction workflow simulation for quality and productivity improvement
- Exploring Springfield
- Trying different BBQ places in search of good brisket
- In his free time
- Hiking and enjoying the natural beauties of the Ozarks
- “I love traveling, especially to destinations that are not necessarily touristy, such as South America, or East/Central Asia.”
- Hiking and enjoying the natural beauties of the Ozarks
His interest in building started young. He would build sand castles and have toy trucks and excavators move around them. He says he has “always been fascinated by how buildings, roads, and dams are built.” As he grew up, he developed a strong passion for science – math and physics. Ultimately, he realized that the best way to use his science skills was to build things that help people live better and healthier lives.
While an undergraduate, Dr. Behzadan had the opportunity to be an intern for a multinational construction firm in Tehran, Iran. Through this internship he was able to work on a 64-story high-rise construction project. This internship ended up turning into a full time job where he “was responsible for construction supervision, quality control, and field inspection of materials.” He says that this experience resulted in him later deciding to pursue construction engineering and management at the graduate level.
Before coming to Missouri State University, Dr. Behzadan taught at the City University of New York and University of Central Florida.
ON HIS THOUGHTS ON SPRINGFIELD AND MSU:
He says that he likes the Midwest. “It has the best of everything, even including the weather!” Over the last few months, he has been searching for his new favorite BBQ place with a good brisket – but so far, has been unsuccessful.
He thinks that MSU’s campus looks great and is well taken care of. “Missouri State turns out to be an up and coming school.” When interviewing here, he says he was impressed with the resources, facilities, collegiality among faculty and staff. The only complaints would be the long line at Subway in the PSU.
ON HIS TEACHING STYLE AND ADVICE TO GRADUATES:
Dr. Behzadan says that his teaching style is shaped around student participation. He does not like dry lectures where the professor talks and the students fall asleep. He thinks the best learning experiences occur when students participate and discuss problems among themselves. He tells his students to come to class prepared, show enthusiasm, be respectful, and do their best, and leave the rest up to him.
Throughout the years, he has learned that you can always wish for what you want to be or what you want to have, but there is no guarantee that you will get what you want. “However, nothing should keep us from thinking big and being ambitious. At times it is hard and even frustrating when you see others get what they want while you are struggling. But always remember nothing in this world is meant to be fair and balanced. The universe is expanding and so are opportunities.”
If he were to give advice to soon-to-be-graduates, it would be to “make connections with the right people, learn many new things (both inside and outside the classroom), interact with successful people, and establish the cornerstones of your future life.” Dr. Behzadan goes on further to say to “take this time very seriously; you will never have it back, but the experiences you will gain can transform your life in ways you could never imagine.”