Dr. Aditya Kumar
Associate Professor
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Email: kumarad@mst.edu
Office: +1-(573)-341-6994
Dr. Aditya Kumar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He is also the Interim Director of the Materials Research Center (MRC). He joined the Missouri S&T faculty in September 2015 as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor of MSE and granted tenure in September 2021. Dr. Kumar received his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).
Dr. Kumar’s research is focused on the convergence of experiments, multiscale simulations, and artificial intelligence to design, discover, and implement sustainable materials for construction of infrastructure. This includes the development of original, theory-guided artificial intelligence platforms to inform and guide the design and performance-optimization of energy- and carbon-efficient construction materials, formulated by replacing more than half of the cement with industrial wastes such as fly ash and slag and geologically-sourced materials such as limestone and quartz. Recent research is focused on the development of original experiments and thermodynamically-guided machine learning models to enable pilot-scale production of Portland cement and other alternative cements at low temperatures, with substantially lower carbon intensities compared to state-of-the-art production methods. Dr. Kumar’s research is supported by several state and federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Army Research Labs, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration. Dr. Kumar has published over 80 papers in peer-reviewed journals. He serves on the editorial board of several journals, including Cement and Concrete Composites, Journal of the American Ceramic Society, and Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering.
Research Scientist
Dr. Taihao Han
Assistant Research Professor
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Email: thy3b@mst.edu
Dr. Taihao Han is a senior scientist in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He joined Dr. Kumar’s group as a Ph.D. student in 2019 and received his Ph.D. degree in 2022.
Dr. Han’s research is focused on multiscale modeling and artificial intelligence, all aiming to develop sustainable construction materials. This involves the creation of innovative AI platforms, rooted in theoretical guidance, to steer and enhance the design and performance of construction materials that are both energy and carbon efficient. His investigations are directed towards developing thermodynamic/kinetic-based machine learning models to optimize the use of supplementary cementitious materials in traditional cement. Dr. Han has published more than 20 papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Duy Hai Vo
Postdoctoral Researcher
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Email: dvnm6@mst.edu
Dr. Duy Hai Vo is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He joined Dr. Kumar’s group at the beginning of 2025. Before this role, he obtained a PhD in Civil Engineering from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology in 2019 and held a postdoctoral position at the same university from 2019 to 2024.
Dr. Vo’s research primarily aims to develop sustainable infrastructure materials utilizing industrial waste by-products. Throughout his research career, he has worked on various projects related to green binder materials, including alkali-activated materials, cement-free materials, green concrete, and high-performance concrete made with recycled aggregates (such as recycled concrete aggregate, quarry fines, steel slag aggregates, and mine tailings) as well as high-volume supplementary cementitious materials (like fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and construction demolished waste). To date, Dr. Vo has published over 30 papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Graduate Students
Bryan Aylas Paredes
Ph.D. Student
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Email: b.aylasparedes@mst.edu
Bryan Aylas is a graduate research assistant in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (S&T). He joined the S&T team in August 2022. Bryan received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the National University of Engineering in Lima-Peru. He holds +7 years of industry experience in glass and oil & gas processing.
His research focuses on the experimental and thermodynamically simulated characterization of cement binders for the construction of infrastructure and early-age properties development. Bryan also studies the thermodynamic effect on iron alloys for steel matrix cermets.
Joya Rani Das is a graduate research assistant in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (S&T), having joined the S&T team in August 2023. He earned his B.Sc. in Industrial and Production Engineering from Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh.
Joya’s research primarily centers on data mining, simulation, and machine learning modeling applied to concrete durability and the prediction of compressive strength. Through these methodologies, he aims to enhance the understanding of concrete performance and durability characteristics, thereby contributing to the development of more resilient and long-lasting infrastructure materials. Joya’s work holds promise for advancing the field of materials science and engineering, particularly in the realm of concrete technology and construction materials.
Mahmuda Sharmin is a graduate research assistant in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (S&T), where she began her Ph.D. studies in January 2025. She holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Engineering from Daffodil International University, Bangladesh, and an MBA in International Business from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Sharmin’s primary interest is in machine learning, simulation,n and data science. Her research lies at the intersection of construction materials and machine learning. She applies advanced data-driven techniques to analyze and predict the behavior of construction materials, while integrating traditional materials theory to ensure scientific accuracy and practical relevance. With a strong foundation in programming, data visualization, and system modeling, she brings a unique perspective to the field. Her work aims to enhance the understanding of material performance, durability, and failure mechanisms, ultimately contributing to the development of smarter, more sustainable infrastructure systems.
Syed Muhammad Talal Tirmazi
Ph.D. Student
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Email: stv58@mst.edu
Syed Muhammad Talal Tirmazi is a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (S&T). He joined the S&T research team in 2025. Syed earned his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Taxila, Pakistan. During his undergraduate studies, he co-authored two peer-reviewed publications focused on the mechanical and thermal performance of high-strength concrete reinforced with steel and coir fibers.
His current research focuses on the thermodynamic simulation and experimental characterization of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) systems. Using tools such as GEMS and FactSage, he investigates phase formation, hydration behavior, and early-age properties of CAC-based binders. His work aims to enhance durability, optimize performance under extreme conditions, and support the development of sustainable, high-performance cementitious materials for infrastructure applications.