Prof. Dr. Pablo Torres Rodas , Universidad San Francisco de Quito , Ecuador.
Dr. Pablo Torres Rodas 🇪🇨 is a civil and structural engineering expert with deep roots in academia and industry. Currently a professor at Universidad San Francisco de Quito 🎓, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine 🇺🇸, where he also served as a teaching assistant. His work blends theory and practice, focusing on performance-based earthquake engineering 🌍⚙️. With experience spanning construction inspection, design, and education, Dr. Torres Rodas has contributed significantly through research publications and teaching 📚. His dedication to seismic safety and structural reliability positions him as a leader in engineering resilience 🏗️🔬.
Publication Profile
Education & Experience
🎓 Education:
👨🏫 Teaching Experience:
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📐 Geometry TA – Universidad de Cuenca (2005–2007)
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🧱 Lecturer: Concrete & Statistics – Universidad de Cuenca (2013)
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🌍 Earthquake Eng. TA – UC Irvine (2016)
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🏗️ Steel Design TA – UC Irvine (2017)
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🌲 Timber Design TA – UC Irvine (2018)
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🎓 Structural Engineering Lecturer – USFQ (2018–present)
👷♂️ Professional Experience:
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🛠️ Civil Construction Inspector – Coca-Codo-Sinclair Dam
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🧱 Construction Supervisor – Municipio de Nabón
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🚧 Infrastructure Projects – Cuenca, Ecuador
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🏢 Structural Design – Various buildings in Cuenca
Summary Suitability
Dr. Pablo Torres Rodas is a leading candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional contributions to the field of structural and earthquake engineering. As a professor at Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Dr. Torres Rodas has consistently demonstrated research excellence, academic leadership, and impactful innovation. His work focuses on the development of analytical and numerical models that advance Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering (PBEE) — a critical area for building resilience in seismic-prone regions.
Professional Development
Dr. Torres Rodas is committed to ongoing professional growth through teaching, research, and real-world structural engineering 🌐🏗️. At Universidad San Francisco de Quito, he educates future engineers while advancing analytical and numerical modeling in seismic performance studies 📊📘. His international academic journey, from Ecuador to the U.S., reflects a dedication to excellence and cross-cultural collaboration 🌎🤝. His published research in leading ASCE journals 📄🧠 contributes to safer, more resilient structures. He actively bridges theoretical knowledge with applied engineering, emphasizing innovative methods in structural analysis and design under seismic loading conditions 🌋📐.
Research Focus
Dr. Torres Rodas’s research lies in Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering (PBEE), a field that seeks to enhance structural safety and resilience during seismic events 🌍🏢. His work centers on developing both analytical and numerical models to simulate how structures respond to earthquake-induced forces 📉💥. By exploring column base connection behaviors and embedded connection stiffness, he contributes critical knowledge to structural engineering design standards 📚⚙️. His insights help engineers design buildings that can better withstand tremors, minimizing damage and saving lives. His goal is to merge academic rigor with real-world safety innovation 🔬🏗️.
Awards and Honors
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🎓 SENESCYT Scholarship – Awarded by the Ecuadorian government for doctoral studies abroad (2013–2017)
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🏅 Best Lecturer Award – College of Science and Engineering, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (2019–2020)
Publication Top Notes
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Torres-Rodas, P., Fayaz, J., Medalla, M. (2024). Statistical evaluation of steel moment frames response under crustal and subduction seismic environments. Journal of Building Engineering.
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Torres-Rodas, P., Flores, F., Pozo, S., Astudillo, B.X. (2021). Seismic performance of steel moment frames considering the effects of column-base hysteretic behavior and gravity framing system. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 144, 106654.
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Hassan, A.S., Torres-Rodas, P., Giulietti, L., Kanvinde, A. (2021). Strength characterization of exposed column base plates subjected to axial force and biaxial bending. Engineering Structures, 237, 112165.
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Torres-Rodas, P., Fayaz, J., Zareian, F. (2020). Strength resistance factors for seismic design of exposed base plate connections in special steel moment resisting frames. Earthquake Spectra, 36(2), 537–553.
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Villacreses, J.P., Granados, J., Caicedo, B., Torres-Rodas, P., Yépez, F. (2021). Seismic and hydromechanical performance of rammed earth walls under changing environmental conditions. Construction and Building Materials, 300, 124331.
Conclusion
Dr. Torres Rodas exemplifies the qualities of a best-in-class researcher: innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal impact. His groundbreaking work enhances the global understanding of seismic design, making infrastructure safer and more resilient. With a strong publication record, international engagement, and ongoing contributions to engineering science, he is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award.