Research Areas: Experimental modeling; geotechnical centrifuge; numerical modeling; soil dynamics; liquefaction evaluation; bioremediation; AI in geotechnics
Waleed E. El-Sekelly is a Visiting Associate Professor of Civil Engineering and Technical Manager for the Center of Sand Hazards and Opportunities for Resilience, Energy, and Sustainability (SHORES) at NYU Abu Dhabi. He is a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in South Carolina, USA.
El-Sekelly completed his PhD at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in New York, where he also served as a postdoctoral researcher and adjunct professor. Additionally, he was a faculty member at Mansoura University in Egypt. His research interests include geotechnical centrifuge and full-scale testing, numerical modeling, artificial intelligence applications in geotechnical engineering, and liquefaction evaluation and settlement analysis. He has published over 50 technical journal and conference articles. El-Sekelly has received several awards from RPI, including the Founders Award of Excellence, the Bedford Prize, and the U.W. Marx Prize. He has also received international recognition, including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Middlebrooks Award for Best Journal Publication.
Summary of Research
Experimental and numerical modeling of sustainable geotechnical systems under dynamic and static loading conditions.
Bioremediation, AI-driven solutions for geotechnical challenges, and liquefaction evaluation of sands.
Implementing innovative teaching solutions through gamification of courses, and interaction with artificially intelligent synthetic characters.
Courses Taught
2 credits
Students learn about the process of design with measurable metrics, and how to incorporate appropriate engineering standards and multiple realistic constraints in the design process. Students learn how to clearly frame the design problem and follow the design process to result in an optimized solution. Students perform a review of the relevant literature, develop a preliminary design, generate solution concepts and selection criteria, and review and evaluate the chosen design. Students must consider social, economic, lifecycle, environmental, ethical, and other constraints, and must document the design process and the evolution of their design. This project culminates with a final report and presentation that proposes the actual design selected for further development and/or prototyping and testing in the subsequent semester.
Prerequisite: Declared Engineering major and have senior standing Corequisite: Two credits of disciplinary elective course in senior Fall
Previously taught: Fall 2 2016, Fall 2 2017, Fall 2 2018, Spring 2 2019, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Fall 2024
Spring 2025;
14 Weeks Waleed El-Sekelly
-
M 14:10 - 15:25
Taught in Abu Dhabi
Fall 2025;
14 Weeks Pradeep George
-
F 08:00 - 09:15
Taught in Abu Dhabi
This course appears in...
Majors > Bioengineering
Majors > Computer Engineering
Majors > Electrical Engineering
Majors > General Engineering
Majors > Mechanical Engineering
2 credits
This course introduces students to essential tools and techniques in computer-aided design (CAD) with a focus on AutoCAD, REVIT, and structural and soil analysis software. Through a hands-on, project-based approach, students will gain knowledge in drafting 2D drawings, and understanding architectural and structural layouts. The course emphasizes the use of CAD in architectural and civil engineering applications, progressing from basic AutoCAD skills to more advanced integration with structural and geotechnical design tools. Students will also explore how these software systems communicate, helping them develop workflows that link drafting, architectural modeling, and structural analysis. By the end of the course, students will have completed a series of projects that simulate real-world civil engineering scenarios, preparing them to produce professional drawings and models for engineering projects.
Prerequisite: ENGR-UH 3210 Corequisite: Must be senior standing
Previously taught: No
Fall 2 2025;
7 Weeks R 14:10 - 16:50
Taught in Abu Dhabi
Fall 2 2025;
7 Weeks Waleed El-Sekelly
-
TR 11:20 - 12:35
Taught in Abu Dhabi
This course appears in...
Majors > Civil Engineering
Majors > General Engineering
Minors > Engineering
2-4 credits
This course explores advanced topics of special interest in smart cities and applications and is designed to aid students in gaining extra knowledge in an area not covered in the program's mainstay courses. It may be repeated for credit. The course is open to junior and senior students. Students must obtain permission from their faculty mentor. NOTE: Applicability is dependent on topic.
Prerequisite: Junior standing and must be a declared civil engineer
Previously taught: Spring 1 2019, Spring 2019, Spring 2 2020, Spring 1 2021
Spring 1 2025;
7 Weeks Waleed El-Sekelly
-
TR 09:55 - 11:10
Taught in Abu Dhabi
Spring 1 2025;
7 Weeks Waleed El-Sekelly
-
T 14:10 - 16:50
Taught in Abu Dhabi
