Geosynthetics Society Bestows Highest Honor on Engineering Professor


Jie Han


A career dedicated to researching and developing materials to help strengthen and stabilize paved and unpaved roads has earned international recognition for a professor from the University of Kansas School of Engineering.

Jie Han, professor of civil, environmental and architectural engineering, received the most prestigious award from the International Geosynthetics Society, the IGS Award, for his extensive body of research on geocells – three-dimensional synthetics used for earthen stabilization – and the development of well-received design methodologies for paved and unpaved roads.

Han received the IGS Award on Sept. 24 at the 10th International Conference on Geosynthetics in Berlin.

“I am very honored to receive this prestigious award in our profession,” Han said. “This award is the outcome of the joint efforts with my colleague, Bob Parsons, professor of civil, environmental and architectural engineering; external collaborators and students; together with strong support from the geosynthetics industry, the KU Transportation Research Institute, the CEAE department and the School of Engineering at KU in the past few years.”

Dave Darwin, distinguished professor of civil, environmental and architectural engineering and department chair, praised Han for his research and dedication to the field.

“Professor Han is at the center of one of the best teams in conducting leading research in geosynthetics in the nation and world,” Darwin said. “It’s great to see this recognition. He is very deserving of this honor.”

From its website, IGS outlines its goals as encouraging producers, users, consultants and scientists to perform special achievements in the field, of manufacturing, application and knowledge of geosynthetics, and related products and associated technologies. The IGS Award is presented to individuals or groups of individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the development and use of geosynthetics, related products or associated technologies, through their scientific and technological work. IGS has 41 chapters and more than 3,000 members and 163 corporate members.