Faculty Fanfare: Maryam Hojati
Engineering professor will study fire-resistant construction with NSF CAREER Award
A UNM engineering professor has received the prestigious NSF CAREER Award to support her work developing fire-resistant materials for use in areas prone to wildfires such as New Mexico.
Maryam Hojati, an assistant professor of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, said she is honored by the opportunity.
“It is especially meaningful to receive this recognition at this stage of my career, as I prepare for promotion to associate professor,” she said. “The award affirms the importance of my research direction and motivates me to continue advancing both the scientific and broader societal impact of my work.”
The CAREER award is considered the most prestigious honor given by the National Science Foundation to early-career faculty. It recognizes the potential for significant research contributions as well as a strong commitment to integrating education and research. The award supports the development of innovative, long-term research programs while fostering the training of the next generation of engineers and scientists, making it a transformative milestone in an academic career.
One goal of Hojati’s work is to understand how construction materials behave when exposed to fire, with the aim of developing building methods and materials that can better withstand fire.
The work will integrate materials science, structural engineering, and fire safety to address a critical and growing challenge, Hojati said.
Hojati, whose research has also included the development of innovative, green construction materials and the use of 3D printing with concrete, said the award will be transformative.
“It will enable me to expand into new, fundamental areas of study related to material behavior in fire conditions, while also supporting student training and interdisciplinary collaboration. Importantly, it will help establish a long-term research direction centered on developing innovative solutions that improve the resilience of built environments in wildfire-prone communities,” she said.
Students working with Hojati in the future will be able to engage in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials science, structural engineering, and fire safety, gaining hands-on experience in developing fire-resistant construction materials for wildfire-prone regions. The collaboration will involve departments across engineering, including civil engineering and materials science, and will offer opportunities to connect with researchers and stakeholders focused on community resilience.
“The CAREER Award provides a unique opportunity to integrate research and education while addressing pressing societal challenges,” Hojati said. “For me, it represents not only support for scientific discovery but also a platform to engage students and communities in meaningful ways. I would encourage colleagues to view the award as a chance to pursue bold, impactful ideas that bridge fundamental research with real-world needs.”