Current Graduate Student Researchers
Thomas Robbins, BSCE EIT,
Thomas graduated from Boise State University in May of 2017 with a BS in Civil Engineering and a minor in applied mathematics. Based on his undergraduate senior design project on the slope stability of a tailings dam after a seismic event, Thomas published an article in a conference organized by Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) in Sep. 2017, which won the best student paper award. His current research focusses on developing a framework that unifies sustainability, resiliency, and risk assessments for civil infrastructure, with an emphasis in geotechnical engineering.
Currently holding the position of Vice President for the Tau Beta Pi Alumni chapter in the Boise area, as well the treasurer for the ASCE student club at Boise State. Prior to pursuing his degree in civil engineering, Thomas served in the United States Marine Corps, from 2003 to 2010, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. Thomas deployed three times with the Marine Corps, two combat and one humanitarian. Thomas is an active individual who enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, riding motorcycles, swimming, biking, and camping.
Amit Gajurel, BSCE
Amit Gajurel received his bachelor’s degree from Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal in 2014. After his undergraduate work, he worked at Shah Consult International- consulting design firm specialized in geotechnical and structures. He also worked as a teaching assistant at Dept. of Civil and Geomatic Engineering, Kathmandu University. His research interests are chemical stabilization, soil structure interaction and constitutive modeling.
He is currently working on developing Guidelines for Stabilizing Problematic Soils using Calcium-Based Stabilizer for Montana Department of Transportation. The research project aims to establish protocols for conducting efficient chemical stabilization of problematic soil with/without soluble sulfates, which are native to the State of Montana. The focus of this research is to propose methods for moisture curing and conditioning of treated soils and evaluate their short-term and long-term stability.
Md. Touhidul Islam, BSCE EIT,
Md Touhidul Islam is from Bangladesh and joined Boise State University in Spring 2016. He obtained his BS in Civil Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 2013. After his graduation, Touhid worked in a multi-regional project titled “Development and Application of Potentially Important Jute Geotextiles” funded by Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), Government of India, and Government of Bangladesh. The purpose of this project was to implement the jute geotextiles, a sustainable and eco-friendly product for stabilizing soils. He assisted in preparing the standard document entitled as “Bangladesh Standard: Specification for Jute Geotextiles” which included the design and construction of jute geotextiles in rural road construction, riverbank protection, and hillslope management.
After joining at Boise State University, he worked on a project which focuses on Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) technique on expansive soils using biostimulation. Touhid was honored to receive “Civil Engineering” award for his poster presentation from Graduate Student Showcase Ceremony held at Boise State University. In Summer 2018, he successfully defended his Master’s thesis “Studying the Applicability of Biostimulated Calcite Precipitation in Stabilizing Clayey Soils”. He was also involved in the WIDER PERSIST partner project that focuses on changing educational practices in civil engineering department by adopting Evidence-Based Instructional Practice. His hobbies include: traveling, reading books, watching movies and hanging out with friends.
Tasria Rahman, BSCE
Tasria Rahman joined Boise State University in Spring 2016. She is from Bangladesh. She obtained her BS in Civil Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). After her graduation, she worked as a research assistant on a project titled “Research Study on Storage and Recharge Potential of Rainwater in Dhaka City to Promote Ideal Practice of Rainwater Harvesting System in Urban Areas” at International Training Network-ITN-BUET before coming to the US for her graduate degree. Her research primarily focuses in the area of stabilization of expansive soils with Microbial Induced Calcite precipitation technique.
