Elizabeth Volpe

Elizabeth Volpe

Contact Information:

Area of Research:

  • Human-Centered Design in Engineering, Autonomous Systems in Construction, Sustainability and Infrastructure Development, Ethics and Technology in Engineering, Inclusive Engineering Practices, Impact of Automation on Society, Gender Equity in Engineering, Narrative Inquiry and Qualitative Research, AI-Driven Visualizations for Inclusivity, Participatory Design and Community Engagement, Social Cognitive Career Theory and Engineering, Resilient Infrastructure and Community Needs, Workforce Sustainability in Engineering, and Mitigating bias in AI Models and Engineering Applications.

Education:

  • B.S., Civil Engineering, Clemson University 2020
  • M.S. Civil Engineering, University of Florida, (May 2023)
    • Engineering Leadership Graduate Certificate (May 2023)
    • Micro Credential Credit: Introduction to the Ethics of AI (May 2023)
  • PhD Civil Engineering, University of Florida, (December 2024)

Biography:

Elizabeth Volpe joined Simmons Research Lab at the University of Florida in August of 2020 as a Ph.D. student. Elizabeth is an accomplished civil engineer with a focus on broadening participation in engineering. She combines advanced research in autonomous construction technologies with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in engineering education. With a proven track record in interdisciplinary collaboration, grant acquisition, and developing transformative learning environments, Elizabeth aims to redefine the role of civil engineers as leaders who prioritize social responsibility and inclusivity.

Her research emphasizes human-centered design and integrates advanced technologies like building information modeling (BIM) and AI methodologies to address real-world challenges in resilient infrastructure. Committed to fostering inclusive engineering practices, she actively mentors underrepresented students and focuses on building inclusive cultures that empower diverse voices in engineering decision-making.

Elizabeth has successfully led projects aimed at bridging the gap between technological advancements and their societal impacts, ensuring that innovations serve all communities equitably. Her commitment to advancing civil engineering research is reflected in her proactive pursuit of funding opportunities, including recent NSF grant proposals focused on enhancing diversity in engineering. Elizabeth envisions a future where cutting-edge technologies are integrated with human-centered design principles to create infrastructure that is resilient, adaptive, and responsive to societal needs. You can refer to her CV here