SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Lawrence Technological University associate professor Ahmed Al-Bayati, PhD, PE, has received a national award recognizing his impact on safety education and workforce protection.
Al-Bayati was named the 2026 recipient of the William E. Tarrants Outstanding Safety Educator Award from the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). He will be honored at the organization’s annual conference this summer in Anaheim, California.
Al-Bayati, who is the founding director of the Construction Safety Research Center (CSRC) and an associate professor in the LTU Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, focuses on preparing students to identify risks, prevent injuries, and improve safety outcomes across construction and the built environment.
“Safety is about protecting people every day,” said Devesh Misra, PhD, dean of LTU’s College of Engineering. “Dr. Al-Bayati brings that focus into his teaching and research. This award reflects the real-world impact of his work and the leadership he brings to the profession. He is helping shape how safety is taught and practiced, and preparing graduates to lead in environments where the stakes are high.”
Dr. Elin Jensen, chair of the LTU Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, said the recognition highlights both Al-Bayati’s contributions and LTU’s role in advancing the field.
“Dr. Al-Bayati’s impact on our students and the profession is both measurable and meaningful,” Jensen said. “He connects classroom learning with real-world application, ensuring students graduate with both the knowledge and nationally recognized credentials to lead in the field.”
The Tarrants award recognizes educators for excellence in teaching, research, and leadership in occupational safety and health.
“I am deeply thankful to the members of the ASSP award committee,” Al-Bayati said. “I am also grateful to the members of the Construction Safety Research Center (CSRC) for their significant contributions to advancing safety education, methods, and practices. As the construction industry continues to evolve, safety engineering and mangement has become an essential and integral component. Education plays a critical role in preparing the next generation to meet those challenges.”
Lawrence Technological University is one of only 13 independent, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932, and offers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences, as well as Specs@LTU, which offers communication training programs of the former Specs Howard School, and LTU’s growing Center for Professional Development. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation’s top 11 percent of universities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTU among the nation’s top 10 percent. U.S. News and World Report lists it in the top tier of best in the Midwest colleges. Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on, “theory and practice” education with an emphasis on leadership. Activities on Lawrence Tech’s 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.
The Construction Safety Research Center (CSRC) at Lawrence Technological University advances research, education, and industry collaboration to improve construction site safety. The CSRC collaborates with industry leaders to enhance safety performance by leveraging their expertise and knowledge to develop practical, data-driven solutions that help control workplace risk, protect workers, and strengthen safety culture. Through applied research, partnerships, and workforce development, CSRC and its members support the next generation of safety leaders while contributing to safer job sites nationwide.