Research Spotlight: Amna Salman

Her expertise lies in exploring novel approaches to construction education, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Through her research, Salman envisions a future where graduates are equipped not only with technical skills but also with adaptability and innovation.

With a profound commitment to research, Salman has proven to be a catalyst for innovation and positive change as she received two curriculum grants in her first year. She first received the Precast Concrete Institute (PCI) Foundation grant as the Principal Investigator (PI). The PCI Foundation provides $100,000 grants for schools of architecture, engineering, and construction management to create new precast concrete education programs in coordination with the local precast industry partners. “I hold a strong belief that our Building Science and Architecture programs will witness the development of an exceptional precast concrete curriculum. This confidence stems from our compelling pool of industry partners, which includes Metromont Precast, Gate Precast, PTAC Engineering and Contech Engineered Solutions,” she stated.

The second grant is the Gulf Scholar Program (GSP), designed to enhance the capabilities of colleges and universities in the Gulf of Mexico region by equipping undergraduate students with the skills and mindset to create a more sustainable, equitable and resilient future. The GSP is funded via a $550,000 grant (based in the College of Liberal Arts) from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine. Salman will serve as the innovation and entrepreneurship lead on the project team and will organize the virtual learning projects in partnership with Auburn’s Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning. “I am so excited about the Gulf Scholars Program because of the impact our students and graduates will make on the region and because it is the type of program Auburn is perfectly suited to build,” she stated. “With the collaboration of the College of Liberal Arts, the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and the College of Architecture, Design and Construction, we can tackle topics at the intersection of design, environment, sustainability and technology in our courses and class projects that directly impact this region.”