Office Hours with ORP: Dr. Alaaeldin Elsisi
Posted July 2, 2025
Discipline(s): All
Over the past four years, Dr. Alaa Elsisi has emerged as a dynamic force in structural engineering research, securing over $2 million in competitive funding through his roles at SIUE and the University of Missouri (MU). As an Assistant Professor in the Civil Engineering department at SIUE, Dr. Elsisi has combined technical expertise with strategic collaboration, contributing significantly to the academic and applied research landscape.
In this video link Dr. Elsisi shares his experiences working with SIUE’s Office of Research and Project, offers insights into his research journey, and emphasizes the importance of institutional support and interdisciplinary collaboration. His work continues to drive innovation while inspiring the next generation of engineers and researchers.
Dr. Elsisi’s research portfolio spans several high-impact areas, including structural engineering, blast protective design, seismic engineering, polymers and composite materials, bridge engineering, and sustainable materials. His work addresses some of the most pressing challenges in infrastructure resilience and innovation, reflecting both technical depth and societal relevance.
A testament to his research leadership, Dr. Elsisi has received funding from prominent institutions such as the U.S. Army, the Missouri Department of Transportation, and the University of Missouri’s Center of Protective Design. He has also been a recipient of internal support from SIUE, including the Research Equipment and Tools Funding Program, the Seed Grants for Transitional and Exploratory Projects (STEP), and the New Faculty Incentive Program (NFIP). His efforts have extended beyond his own research, as he actively mentors students in securing competitive grants such as the Competitive Graduate Award (CGA), Research Grants for Graduate Students (RGGS), and Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) grants.
In recognition of his outstanding research contributions, Dr. Elsisi was honored with the 2024 School of Engineering Outstanding Researcher Award.
More information about the process of working with the Office of Research and Projects can be found on our Internal Funding page.