Nontawat Srisapan, PhD in Geophysics, 2026
I am deeply honored to receive the Fall Finishing Fellowship from the Graduate School. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for recognizing my research and contributions to Michigan Technological University. This fellowship provides vital support at a crucial juncture, allowing me to dedicate my full focus to wrapping up my final project, successfully defending my dissertation, and finalizing my PhD journey.
My doctoral research specializes in the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of concrete using seismic-based methods. Specifically, my work focuses on understanding how guided-waves behave as they propagate through defects and cracks embedded within concrete structures. Additionally, my work involved developing repeatable and controllable wave excitation sources to produce high-quality wave signals. Establishing this analytical framework is critical for modern structural health monitoring; by accurately detecting and locating internal voids early on, engineers can implement proactive remediation strategies to prevent catastrophic structural failures and ensure public safety.
Beyond my laboratory work, the broader Michigan Tech community has been instrumental in fostering both my academic and professional growth. The university’s collaborative environment has allowed me to build lasting connections with peers from diverse backgrounds and build meaningful relationships with faculty members both within and outside my department. Their unwavering guidance, kindness, and support have made my time in the PhD program an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience.
Lastly, I want to extend my appreciation to the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) for providing the exceptional laboratory spaces and facilities that made this work possible. I am also grateful to my PhD advisor, Dr. Radwin Askari, for his mentorship throughout my research endeavors, and for his vital recommendation for this fellowship.