Sutley Research Group
Advancing community disaster resilience through prioritizing those with the greatest needs
Who We Are
We are driven by the disparate and long-term implications of disasters on people and communities. We are passionate about identifying solutions and strategies that help all and prioritize those with the greatest needs. We integrate disciplinary frameworks spanning engineering, computing and social sciences, and use a range of methodologies to identify and solve problems. We are compelled to share our findings in ways that can help others.
Elaina J. Sutley, Ph.D., P.E.
Elaina Sutley (she/her) is an associate professor in the Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering department at the University of Kansas. Sutley started at KU in 2015, and became an associate dean in 2021. She presently serves as the associate dean for impact and belonging and the director of the Self Engineering Leadership Fellows Program.
Sutley has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in civil engineering from the University of Alabama. She has a Doctorate of Philosophy in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University. Her scholarship and professional service largely focus on community resilience, natural hazards and disasters, long-term housing recovery, interdisciplinary methodologies and manufactured and site-built houses.
Sutley has served in various national leadership roles, including...
Sutley has received many awards, including:
- 2025 University Scholarly Achievement Award, University of Kansas
- 2024 Graduate School Centennial Scholar Award, University of Alabama
- 2024 School of Engineering Bellows Faculty Scholar Award, University of Kansas
- 2021 School of Engineering Miller Faculty Scholar Award, University of Kansas
- 2019 Early Career Research Fellow, Gulf Research Program, National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine
- 2019 Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award, National Science Foundation
- 2016 American Society of Civil Engineering Excellence in Civil Engineering Education Fellow
She is also a licensed professional in engineering in the State of Kansas.