Zhili “Jerry” Gao, associate professor, has been appointed chair of the NDSU Department of Construction Management and Engineering. He has served as interim chair of the department since January 2017.

Gao, who joined the NDSU faculty in 2006, is director of the Concrete Materials and Performance Laboratory and the Integrated Virtual Design and Construction Laboratory.

His research interests include pavement quality assessment and assurance, advanced concrete techniques such as sustainable concrete and new concrete materials, and virtual design and construction.

Gao earned his doctorate in civil engineering from Iowa State University, Ames. He is a licensed professional engineer and certified professional constructor.

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