CIR Research students, advised by Dr. Navid Jafari, Associate Professor in the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, made their mark at the Geo‑Extreme Conference in November 2025. They presented cutting‑edge studies that push the boundaries of geotechnical innovation, showcasing both their individual achievements and CIR’s commitment to preparing future leaders who are ready to meet the challenges of an ever‑changing field.
Cyrus Bahman presented his research on how hurricanes and seasonal weather affect the coastline along southwest Louisiana. His presentation, “Integrated Geotechnical and Geophysical Assessments of Erosion Dynamics in a Chenier Plain Shell Beach Following Hurricanes and Seasonal Weather Events,” focused on using seismic methods to visualize stratigraphic layers and in turn to evaluate how the shoreline changes after with and without major storms.
By combining different types of ground‑based measurements, Cyrus was able to get a clearer picture of how erosion happens over time and what factors make these unique shell beaches more vulnerable. His work helps improve our understanding of coastal change and supports efforts to protect and manage fragile Gulf Coast environments.
Mohamed Hassan presented his research on how mangrove roots help strengthen and protect coastal wetlands. To study this, he created a lightweight, 3D‑printed testing device that can be used directly in the field to better understand how wetlands hold up during storm surge and extreme weather.
His findings showed that wetlands are stronger when they have more live roots and deeper root systems. He also discovered that a mangrove site in Galveston, TX behaved differently than expected, showing how factors like local landscape and soil type also play an important role in wetland stability.
Mohamed’s work helps explain how roots and soil work together to keep coastal areas intact and offers useful guidance for wetland restoration and nature‑based solutions that protect our shorelines.
Hamed Nasiri presented his studies on how the unique crushed‑shell deposits found in chenier plains affect erosion along the Gulf Coast. These coastal areas, which stretch from Galveston, Texas, to Vermilion Bay, Louisiana, are experiencing significant land loss, sometimes as much as 45 – 55 feet per year.
Hamed’s research examines the geotechnical properties of these shell‑rich layers to better understand why erosion happens so quickly in certain spots. By improving our knowledge of how these sediments behave, his work aims to help identify solutions that can slow erosion and protect these vulnerable coastal landscapes.
The work presented by the students at the Geo‑Extreme Conference demonstrates not only their dedication, but also the strong foundation of resources, expertise, and real‑world focus that CIR provides. Our center is uniquely equipped to tackle the complex challenges facing today’s coastal and geotechnical environments, and we are proud to support research that leads to meaningful solutions.
Seeing our students share their findings with industry professionals and engage in conversations that shape the future of resilient infrastructure is one of the most rewarding parts of our mission. Their contributions reflect the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and impact that drives CIR forward, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth as emerging leaders in the field.
