Team

It's always more gratifying to chase harebrained ideas alongside others. It's been my privilege to work with a number of terrific people.

Bobby Rinehart is a Postdoctoral Fellow at CSM working on advancing the state of the art in Intelligent Compaction and Continuous Compaction Control. He received his Ph.D. from CSM in 2008. Other research interests include the design and implementation of geotechnical vibration monitoring systems and the integration of engineering into K-12 math and science curricula. When not working Bobby can be found hiking and climbing, homebrewing beer, reading and serving as co-director of Royal Family Kids Camp at The Next Level Church. Bobby is married to the beautiful Becky and "someday" they will have kids. Note that the definition of "someday" depends on whom you ask.
 
Image Norman Facas is completing a M.S. and is pursuing a Ph.D., both in Electrical Engineering. His M.S. research topic has been geostatistical analysis, roller measurement systems, feedback control, position reporting, repeatability, measurement dependence on machine parameters, and design/ implementation of quality assurance/quality control specifications. His Ph.D. research will focus on improving intelligent compaction and measurement through computational intelligence techniques. Norman received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and is from Washington D.C.
 
Odon Musimbi is pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Civil Engineering. His research is focused on finite and discrete element modeling of roller-soil and plate-soil interaction, as well as the experimental analysis of the contact mechanics associated with these problems. Odon received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kinshasa (Congo) and has spent 10 years in industry. Odon is married to Julie and has three children - Herman, Elie and Myriam.
 
Chris Senseney is pursuing a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (with a minor in Geophysics) on the topic of "Techniques for Characterization of Layered Soil Structure." Chris is from Vernon, Connecticut, and received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado - Boulder. Chris is a Major in the U.S. Air Force and will be an instructor at the U.S. Air Force Academy as a follow-on assignment. Chris is married to Lara and has two children: Thomas and Abigail.
 
Paul van Susante is pursuing a Ph.D. in Engineering Systems on the topic "Forward and Inverse Modeling of Vibratory Compactor/Soil Systems." Born and raised in the Netherlands, Paul holds a Masters degree in Civil Engineering from the Delft University of Technology and a second M.S. degree in Engineering Systems from CSM. His research interests include Intelligent GeoSystems, modeling, (inter-)planetary design and engineering, Lunar mining and geomechanics. Paul would love to work for NASA.
 
Nathan Toohey is pursuing a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering on the topic of non-linear, multi-degree of freedom system modeling for subsea vibratory soil compaction monitoring. Nathan is also completing a M.S. Thesis on the evolution of seismic properties and unconfined compressive strength of lime-stabilized soils during curing. The research includes assessment of seismic testing as a viable QA/QC technique for projecting design strength gain in lime-stabilized soils. Nathan received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Originally from near Pittsburgh, PA, Nathan has most recently worked for the past 4 years at an environmental consulting firm in Colorado.
 
Seth Goings is an undergraduate student majoring in Computer Science. His interests include programming, working with technology, playing sports (including foosball), and operating landscaping equipment. His personal website is located at www.sethgoings.com.
 

Alumni

Pat Miller completed his M.S. degree in Civil Engineering Systems in Spring 2007. His self-titled thesis work "Zen and the Art of Hammer Analysis" explored in-situ stress-strain behavior during light weight deflectometer (LWD) testing. Pat is an engineer with Olson Engineering/Instruments where he does specialty nondestructive testing for structural/geotechnical systems and geophysical instrumentation development. He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 
Bobby Rinehart received his Ph.D. in Engineering - Civil in Spring 2008 from Colorado School of Mines. Bobby's dissertation was titled, "Characterizing Soil Stiffness Measured by a Vibratory Roller Compactor and its Relationship to In-Situ Stress-Strain Response." He is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Colorado School of Mines. Bobby can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 
Vivek Khanna received his Ph.D. in Spring 2007 (Univ of Oklahoma). Vivek's dissertation was titled "Advancing Pavement Management with Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves and Impulse Response." Vivek is current the Airports Engineer for the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission where he directs statewide general aviation pavement management. Vivek can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 
Chris Nocks completed his M.S. in Civil Engineering Systems in December 2006. He worked on the research project "Improving Quality Assurance of MSE Wall and Bridge Approach Earthwork Compaction for Colorado DOT Projects." Chris is an officer in the U.S. Air Force and is currently stationed with the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. Chris can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 
Jodi Kiefer received her M.S. in Engineering Systems in 2006. She was instrumental in the development of Living Labs for Teach Engineering. Jodi currently teaches at Vantage Point High School in Thornton, and can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 
Karen Furlani received her M.S. in Civil Engineering Systems in 2005. Her thesis topic was the "Evaluation of Wireless Sensor Nodes for Measuring Slope Inclination in Geotechnical Applications." Karen currently works in the Automation Technology Group at CH2MHill in Denver, and can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .