Dr. Mohammad Jamal Khattak receives 2021 Distinguished Professor Award

It is with great honor and pride that we announce, Dr. Mohammad Jamal Khattak, McDermott International and M. Eloi Girard/BORSF Endowed Professor of Civil Engineering, as the University’s 2021 Distinguished Professor Award honoree.

The UL Lafayette Foundation’s Eminent Faculty Awards recognizes educators for their outstanding efforts and dedication in the classroom, as researchers, and to contributions to their professions and to campus life.  “Dr. Khattak is a very caring and generous person who is always open to sharing ideas and does not hesitate to offer his assistance,” said Dr. Ahmed Khattab, Dean of the College of Engineering.

For over 21 years, Dr. Khattak has been teaching and conducting research at UL Lafayette in transportation infrastructure with widespread impacts on infrastructure development in Louisiana and throughout the United States.  Recognizing his scholarly efforts, he earned the UL outstanding doctoral mentor award and was awarded the prestigious McDermott International as well as the M. Eloi Girard endowed professorships through BORSF.

Dr. Khattak’s research has been implemented and became a part of standards and specification of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). Many other state agencies have also adopted his recommendations and methods. Several of his completed studies in pavement materials and management have resulted in cost savings of about $150k-$300k per lane-mile of pavement system in Louisiana. The impact is not only in saving millions of taxpayer’s dollars but also aiding in the state’s economy.

Dr. Khattak is a nationally and internationally recognized scholar.  His research has been recognized through several US Patents and two of his publications have received the “best Paper” award. He established the Infrastructure and Transportation Materials Lab (IML).  Through IML, Dr. Khattak incorporates the real laboratory and field findings of his completed research studies into his graduate and undergraduate courses.  So liked by his students, he has received the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) favorite professor and the Senior Student’s appreciation awards voted in by students. Many of Dr. Khattak’s students have gone onto prosper in their careers as project engineers, managers and administrators.

As a leader, Dr. Khattak has been involved in several university, college and department committees. He is a member of professional organizations like ASCE and Chi Epsilon honor societies. He has also served as ASCE President and Past President for Acadiana branch and was a member of ACSE Board of Louisiana section. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Louisiana. Due to his scholarly and professional achievements, he was awarded the Certificate of Sponsored Research and Innovations awards and the esteemed Louisiana Professionalism in Engineering award.

Congratulations Dr. Khattak, we are so proud to have you as part of our engineering family.