Dr. Keith Kowalkowski received his Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from Purdue University and his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University. His specialization is in structural engineering with an emphasis in steel design, analysis, structural dynamics, and finite element applications.

From December 2005 to August 2010, he worked for Ruby and Associates, Inc., specializing in steel member and connection design, finite element applications, erection engineering, value engineering, and constructibility issues.

Since joining Lawrence Technological University in 2010, Dr. Kowalkowski has taken on leadership roles as Assistant Chair of the department and Director of multiple graduate programs, including the Master of Science in Civil Engineering, the Master of Construction Engineering Management, the Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering, and the 5-year direct entry Master of Science in Architectural Engineering program.

»  Education

• Ph.D. in Structural Engineering, Purdue University
• B.S. in Civil Engineering, Michigan State University

»  Research Interests

• Steel connection design
• Residual stresses in steel members
• Fatigue and fracture behavior of structural steel connections and components
• Erection engineering
• Effects of heat treatments on structural properties of structural materials
• Serviceability and load capacities of steel beam bridges
• Design and analysis of structures subjected to fire loading

»  Publications & Research

• Avarez Rodilla, J. and Kowalkowski, K.J. (2021a). “Determination of Capacities of Eccentric Stiffeners: Part 1 – Experimental Studies”. AISC Engineering Journal, Vol. 2, No. 2 (2nd Quarter), pp. 79-98. 
• Avarez Rodilla, J. and Kowalkowski, K.J. (2021b). “Determination of Capacities of Eccentric Stiffeners: Part 2 – Analytical Studies”. AISC Engineering Journal, Vol. 2, No. 2 (2nd Quarter), pp. 99-122. 
• Salem, S. and Kowalkowski, K. (2018). “Effects of Heat Cambering On Residual Stresses in Steel Beams”. Scholars Journal of Engineering and Technology (SJET). Vol. 6, Issue 4 (April, 2018).
• Kowalkowski, K.J., Grace, N.F., and Hodges, S.E. (2013). “Three-Dimensional Material Properties of Composites with S2-Glass Fibers or Ductile Hybrid Fabric”. International SAMPE Technical Conference, 2013, SAMPE 2013 Conference and Exhibition. 
• Kowalkowski, K.J., and Varma, A.H. (2007). “Effects of Multiple Damage-Heat Straightening Repairs on Steel Beams” Transportation Research Board: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, Issue 2028, pp. 67-77, TRB, Washington, D.C.
• Kowalkowski, K.J., and Varma, A.H. (2006). “Experimental Investigations of the Effects of Multiple Damage-Heat Straightening Repairs on the Structural Properties of Bridge Steels,” Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, Issue 1907, pp. 67-77, TRB, Washington, D.C. 1st Tier.
• Kowalkowski, K.J., and Varma, A.H. (2005). “Structural Properties of Steels Subjected to Multiple Cycles of Damage Followed by Heating Repair,” Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 133, No. 2, pp 283-296. ASCE. 1st tier.

»  Professional Experience

• Assistant Chair, Lawrence Technological University, 2019-Present
• Associate Professor, Lawrence Technological University, 2016-Present
• Assistant Professor, Lawrence Technological University, 2010-2016
• Adjunct Professor, Lawrence Technological University, 2007-2009
• Structural Engineer, Ruby and Associates, Inc., 2005–2010

» Affiliations & Service

• Member, ASCE
• Member, AEI
• Member, AISC
• Member, SEAMi
• AEI Academic Council

» Certifications & Licensure

• Professional Engineer (PE), State of Michigan
• Structural Engineering (SE) Licensure, State of Illinois