Visiting Scholar - Ghaith Khresat
Visiting Scholar Ghaith Khresat, from College Station, Texas, joined the Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering Department for the academic year. Khresat completed his Ph.D. at KU in 2023.
Khresat came to the CEAE Department from Texas A&M University, where he works as a postdoctoral researcher. His research focuses on the PANDA-AP software, which enhances airport infrastructure by improving the analysis of airfield pavements. During his time at the University of Kansas, Khresat plans to further develop the software to more accurately predict the response of runway pavement structures under aircraft loads.
What made you decide to be a visiting scholar? Have you had any interesting collaborations with faculty, students or staff here?
During my time here, I have collaborated with faculty and students on the development and refinement of PANDA-AP. Engaging with KU researchers has provided valuable insights that help enhance the accuracy and usability of the software.
How does your work impact the academic community or society at large? What takeaways do you hope to bring back to your institution?
PANDA-AP software can serve as a valuable tool for the research community, providing a finite element analysis framework for pavement structure analysis. Its ability to predict pavement responses under aircraft loads will more accurately contribute to better airport infrastructure planning and maintenance, benefiting both researchers and industry professionals.
I hope to take back valuable insights on pavement analysis and software development that will contribute to further research and improvement in the PANDA-AP tool at Texas A&M.
What are some key differences between your home institution and KU CEAE?
Since I graduated from KU, coming back as a visiting scholar has felt like a return home. The biggest difference I’ve noticed between KU and Texas A&M is the weather! Otherwise, KU still offers the same welcoming and collaborative environment I remember from my time here.
What are some of your favorite spots in Lawrence? What do you like most about our community?
Mass Street is always a great place to take a walk and enjoy the atmosphere of Lawrence. I love how friendly and welcoming everyone is here.
What advice would you give to students or early-year researchers?
My advice to early-career researchers is to be patient and persistent. You will rarely get good results on your first attempt, and while this can be frustrating, it ultimately deepens your understanding of your research topic. Every setback is a learning opportunity.