Dr. Hongyan Ma, Fransico Benavides Scholar and associate professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Kummer Impact Professorship, effective Monday, July 1. His research team is investigating carbon capture in construction materials and using waste byproducts in upcycling to improve resilience and sustainability in infrastructure design.

“Dr. Ma has made revolutionary and impactful research breakthroughs in carbon neutral and carbon negative concrete and building materials, recognized with support and awards from the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defense,” says Dr. Joel Burken, Curators’ Distinguished Professor and chair of civil, architectural and environmental engineering. “His contributions can change our profession. Dr. Ma is also an award-winning educator in the classroom, and he inspires Miners to pursue innovation and change the world.”

The Kummer Impact Professorship is a new initiative to advance leadership and technological innovation within the Kummer Institute. This professorship offers five years of discretionary funding totaling $50,000, including an annual salary stipend of $7,500 plus benefits.