Vistasp Karbhari

Vistasp M. Karbhari is a Professor in the Departments of Civil Engineering, and Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he served as the 8th president from 2013 to 2020. He is passionate about the mission of public universities and focuses on issues related to enhancing access, inclusivity and comprehensive excellence, transfer pathways, returning adult students, the importance of impactful research and innovation, credentials and certifications, online/digital learning, and the integration of academic knowledge and skills needed for success in the workforce.

Prior to joining UTA, Dr. Karbhari served in administrative, teaching and research roles at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, the University of California, San Diego, and the University of Delaware. Dr. Karbhari earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree with a specialization in structures, both from the University of Poona in India, and a Ph.D. with a dissertation in composite materials from the University of Delaware.

An internationally reputed researcher, Dr. Karbhari is an expert in the processing and mechanics of composites, durability of materials, infrastructure rehabilitation, and multi-threat mitigation and has authored/coauthored over 460 papers in journals and conference publications and is the editor/co-editor of 6 books. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); the National Academy of Inventors (NAI); the American Society of Civil Engineers; ASM International; the International Institute for Fiber-reinforced Polymers in Construction; the International Society for Structural Health Monitoring of Intelligent Infrastructure; ASCE’s Structural Engineering Institute, and is an elected member of the European Academy of Science and Arts.