Center for Earthquake Engineering Simulation

Ph.D., University at Buffalo
Civil Engineering

M.S., University at Buffalo
Civil Engineering

B.S., University at Buffalo
Civil Engineering

Structural Dynamics

Signal Processing

Sensors

Earthquakes

Control Systems

 Dr. Symans' research interests include:

• Structural Dynamics, Earthquake Engineering
• Seismic Isolation and Energy Dissipation Systems
• Smart Structures
• Structural Vibration Control
• Constitutive Modeling
• System Identification

Professor Symans' general field of research is structural earthquake engineering with a primary emphasis on the development of advanced seismic protection systems for application to building and bridge structures.  In addition, he has investigated methods of analysis for evaluating the seismic performance of structures, methods for identifying the dynamic properties of structural systems, and approaches for predicting the seismic performance of buried lifelines.  The overarching goal in all of his research is to improve the performance of the built infrastructure such that losses are reduced in future earthquakes.  The majority of Professor Symans' research is conducted within the Rensselaer School of Engineering Center for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (CEES).

• Early Career Award, National Science Foundation

Outstanding Research Team Award, Rensselaer School of Engineering

Invited speaker and delegate of United States at Fourth Passive Control Symposium, Tokyo, Japan

Member, Tau Beta Pi, Chi Epsilon and Pi Mu Epsilon