Erik C. Backus – Construction Management – Best Researcher Award

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Erik C. Backus - Construction Management - Best Researcher Award

Clarkson University - United States

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

SUMMARY

Dr. Erik C. Backus is a recognized leader in construction engineering and facility decision-making, currently serving as Professor and Director of the Construction Engineering Management (CEM) program at Clarkson University. His career spans academia, the military, and public infrastructure, blending leadership, research, and strategic planning. A retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, he has managed multimillion-dollar construction projects globally. His work emphasizes sustainability, resilience, and holistic planning. Through teaching, publications, and service, Dr. Backus advances infrastructure innovation while mentoring future engineers and influencing policy on energy-efficient, sustainable, and smart facilities.

EDUCATION

Dr. Backus holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Science from Clarkson University, where he developed a decision-making framework for facilities management. He also earned Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering, concentrating on construction engineering and infrastructure technologies. His academic journey underpins his expertise in strategic facility planning, systems thinking, and construction innovation. His doctoral work forms the foundation of his contributions to sustainable planning systems and resilient infrastructure. By combining rigorous technical education with practical experience, Dr. Backus has built a reputation for bridging the gap between engineering theory and the challenges faced in real-world facility operations.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Dr. Backus’s extensive experience includes academic, military, and institutional leadership roles. He has directed Clarkson University's CEM program since 2014, leading curriculum development, research, and industry partnerships. His previous roles include Engineering Planner and Project Manager at George Mason University and Chief of Engineering at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. A U.S. Army combat veteran, he managed infrastructure in conflict zones, overseeing over $300 million in projects. He has also served as Battalion Commander, Design Engineer, and Project Officer in the Army Reserve. These diverse roles reflect a career committed to excellence, resilience, and sustainable construction practices.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Dr. Backus focuses on decision-making frameworks for facilities and infrastructure projects, sustainable construction methods, and community resilience. His research integrates engineering design, data-driven planning, and sustainable systems, including LEED for Communities certification. He is the lead investigator in studies assessing holistic planning in multi-jurisdictional regions and contributes to the New York State Climate Impacts Assessment. He explores how facilities systems can adapt to environmental challenges through informed, strategic decisions. His research bridges environmental engineering, infrastructure development, and policy, offering transformative solutions for smart, resilient, and efficient built environments in education, defense, and municipal sectors.

AWARD AND HONOR

Dr. Backus has received numerous awards including the Bronze Star Medal, Best Paper Awards, and honors from APPA and USGBC. He was named “Professor to Know” in Civil Engineering and has been a recipient of community leadership awards such as the USGBC Community Leader of the Quarter. His Army commendations reflect excellence in combat engineering and public works, while academic awards highlight his teaching impact and research contributions. Recognized for sustainable infrastructure leadership, he played a central role in securing the first multi-jurisdictional LEED for Communities certification, illustrating his pioneering role in green urban planning.

RESEARCH SKILL

Dr. Backus brings expert-level knowledge in infrastructure decision-making, facilities management, sustainability assessment, and project planning. He is skilled in software like AutoCAD, ArcGIS, MS Project, and RS Means for estimating. His technical strengths include LEED certification processes, construction programming, resilience planning, and informatics for facility management. He has led facility-related consulting initiatives, authored national guidelines, and applied systems thinking to climate impacts. Dr. Backus’s research skills extend to integrating technical standards with strategic policy, enabling high-performance building systems. He combines military engineering precision with academic insight to drive sustainable and resilient infrastructure practices.

PUBLICATIONS

  • Title: Balancing practicality and aspiration: A comparative analysis of sustainable holistic planning system toolkit designs

  • Authors: Anne E. Mosher (A.E. Mosher), Stephen D. Bird (S.D. Bird), Santosh K. Mahapatra (S.K. Mahapatra), Joséph D. Skufca (J.D. Skufca), Erik Carl Backus (E.C. Backus)

  • Journal: Landscape and Urban Planning

CONCLUSION

Dr. Erik C. Backus stands at the intersection of engineering practice, academic leadership, and public service. His interdisciplinary expertise enables him to develop sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective infrastructure systems. As a veteran, educator, and planner, he blends rigorous research with practical implementation, influencing policy and teaching the next generation of engineers. With proven leadership in military and civilian sectors, and a strong publication and grant record, Dr. Backus continues to drive progress in climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable facility management. His work exemplifies innovation and integrity in advancing the built environment for communities and institutions alike.

Rahma Permata – Construction Management – Best Researcher Award

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Rahma Permata - Construction Management - Best Researcher Award

National Taiwan University - Taiwan

SUMMARY

Rahma Permata is a doctoral researcher in Civil Engineering at National Taiwan University, with a strong foundation in structural engineering and project management. She has academic and practical experience in seismic evaluation, steel connections, and construction site inspection. With a career spanning international education and corporate roles, Rahma integrates technical acumen with cross-cultural communication. Her previous work as a civil engineer and management trainee enriched her interdisciplinary skills across design, supply chain, and scheduling systems. Passionate about engineering development, she is recognized for her ability to manage complex workflows and contribute to innovative, data-driven construction solutions.

EDUCATION

Rahma Permata earned her master’s degree from National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, where she focused on structural seismic performance in steel beam-column joints. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at National Taiwan University, under guidance from experts in structural analysis and construction engineering. Her academic training combines theoretical design, computational modeling, and field applications. Her early studies in Indonesia laid the groundwork for her technical and professional excellence. Across her education, Rahma has focused on structural safety, modeling accuracy, and the dynamic behavior of building systems during seismic events.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Rahma has diverse work experience ranging from international internships to engineering roles in private companies. At Continental Engineering Corporation, she contributed to project scheduling using Primavera P6 and collaborated on technical drawings with AutoCAD. She previously worked at PT Luxindo Raya in various departments including sales, water systems, marketing, and supply chain. Her role spanned communication with stakeholders, quality assurance, and project coordination. She also interned at the Palembang Education Authority, recalculating structural components using SAP2000. Her experience demonstrates versatility in engineering functions, team collaboration, and integration of technical and managerial responsibilities in large-scale infrastructure projects.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Rahma’s research focuses on the seismic behavior and structural integrity of civil engineering systems. She explores how detailed modeling and strength variability affect the seismic performance of steel joints in buildings. Her interests extend to computer-aided structural analysis using tools like SAP2000, ETABS, and ANSYS. Her doctoral work aims to improve the resilience and safety of buildings in seismic zones by refining modeling accuracy and evaluating structural failure mechanisms. With a commitment to sustainable and disaster-resistant construction, Rahma continues to investigate the integration of design precision and real-world performance in structural engineering practice.

AWARD AND HONOR

Rahma has gained recognition for her dedication and achievements through her selection as a research assistant and academic collaborator at top Taiwanese institutions. Her appointment under professors at National Cheng Kung University and National Taiwan University highlights her academic potential. She held a key role as secretary of the Muslim Students Association at NCKU, reflecting her leadership and organizational engagement beyond academia. While formal awards are not explicitly listed, Rahma’s growing responsibilities and consistent involvement in both research and community initiatives illustrate the respect and trust she has earned within academic and professional circles.

RESEARCH SKILL

Rahma is proficient in structural analysis software including SAP2000, ETABS, ANSYS, and AutoCAD. She also has experience using Primavera P6 for construction scheduling and Microsoft tools for data reporting. Her expertise includes interpreting seismic data, preparing as-built drawings, conducting field inspections, and optimizing structural models. Her analytical capabilities allow her to evaluate the performance of engineering systems under dynamic conditions. With a blend of hands-on site knowledge and computational modeling, Rahma brings a balanced approach to solving engineering problems. She is also skilled in technical communication and managing engineering documentation within multidisciplinary teams.

CONCLUSION

Rahma Permata represents the new generation of civil engineers with a global outlook, advanced technical training, and a passion for solving real-world problems through engineering innovation. Her experience spans field operations, academic research, and international collaboration. She brings a multidisciplinary and systems-based approach to structural design, combining theoretical rigor with practical implementation. Rahma’s dedication to continuous learning and improvement makes her a valuable contributor to both academic research and industry projects. With strong analytical tools, leadership experience, and a focus on seismic safety, she continues to shape the field of sustainable and safe civil infrastructure.

PUBLICATIONS

Title: Life Cycle Assessment of Integrated Energy and Seismic Retrofits for Existing Buildings
Authors: [Author information not provided in the available sources.]
Journal: Journal of Building Engineering

Title: Integrated Retrofitting Strategies for Aging Buildings: Bridging Seismic Risk Mitigation and Sustainability
Authors: Rahma Permata and Szu-Yun Lin
Journal: EGU General Assembly 2025 (Preprint)