Dr. KC Choi, a distinguished thought leader in construction science and intelligent infrastructure innovation, has dedicated his career to addressing complex challenges in urban infrastructure, education, and sustainable next-generation workforce development. With a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from UC Berkeley, Dr. Choi has held influential positions since 2008 and established himself as a prominent figure in interdisciplinary research. He currently serves as an endowed professor and a specialty editor for leading academic journals, such as the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management and the Journal of Management in Engineering by ASCE, contributing to the advancement of construction science with a focus on rigor and relevance to grand global challenges.

In his recent research, Dr. Choi has significantly advanced the applications of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to address pressing transportation management issues. Since earning tenure in 2016, he has secured over $5.35 million in external research funding and formed interdisciplinary teams spanning engineering, urban planning, computer science, education, and sociology. These collaborative efforts reflect his ability to unite diverse perspectives to solve complex problems, earning him the prestigious Chancellor EDGES Fellowship in 2020 and three teaching excellence awards that underscore his commitment to both mentorship and academic impact.

Dr. Choi’s current work pioneers the integration of GenAI, digital twins, and immersive metaverse applications for next-generation learning platforms. By developing self-directed, simulation-based learning models inspired by game-based methodologies, he enables students to gain knowledge in interactive, virtual environments. This interdisciplinary approach fosters autonomy and accelerates skill acquisition, advancing educational theory and enhancing the student learning experience. 

Dr. Choi’s research has profound societal impacts spanning technological, educational, and environmental realms. His projects have substantially contributed to critical areas such as transportation management and operations, sustainability, and infrastructure rehabilitation, yielding potential cost savings and enhancing transportation safety and efficiency. His innovative tools and workforce strategies extend beyond academia, with applications in public safety, workforce training, and construction logistics, demonstrating his commitment to creating inclusive and diverse STEM learning environments. These impacts underscore the significance of his work in improving our communities. Dr. Choi’s work also promotes sustainability, aligning with national goals in workforce development, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure modernization. His initiatives contribute to fuel consumption reduction, emissions control, and the development of greener urban spaces, supporting a vision for a technologically advanced and eco-friendly society.

When it comes to teaching, Dr. Choi treasures the integrative aspects of construction management and strives to spark students to engage in transformational learning and interdisciplinary critical thinking. Dr. Choi provides truly significant innovative and transformational learning benefits to his students at Texas A&M. He is a dedicated teacher and educator who works tirelessly to expand and enhance the program and lead the department’s strategic planning efforts. His teaching has been recognized by three prestigious teaching awards. He was selected as the Flour Educator of the Year in 2013 and 2015. In addition, he was named the university-wide Montague-CTE Scholar given by the Center for Teaching Excellence for outstanding teaching performance.