Akanshu Sharma has been named the Jack and Kay Hockema Associate Professor in Civil Engineering. This professorship has a 5-year term that will extend through Fall 2029.

Dr. Sharma has made outstanding contributions to the field of reinforced concrete (RC) structures and structural engineering through his research focused on enhancing the safety of RC structures under both normal and extreme conditions. His work integrates large-scale experimentation with advanced numerical modeling, providing critical insights into the behavior and design of RC elements.

Notably, his models for the performance of anchorages under extreme conditions and interfacial shear (bond) between concrete and steel rebars have been incorporated into international design standards. His research has significantly impacted global construction practices, particularly in Europe, where his work on post-installed reinforcement has led to a substantial increase in its usage, representing a huge economic value.