Burcu Akinci Named ASCE Distinguished Member

Burcu Akinci(opens in new window), Hamerschlag University Professor and department head of Civil and Environmental Engineering(opens in new window) at Carnegie Mellon University, has been named a Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)(opens in new window) as part of its 2025 class — the most prestigious honor in the civil engineering profession.

ASCE selected Akinci in recognition of her transformative research in facility and construction information systems. Her work has advanced the integration of building information models with sensing technologies like 3D imaging and embedded sensors to develop digital twins — virtual representations of infrastructure used to monitor, manage and optimize operations in real time.

Throughout her career, Akinci has combined her background in construction management with expertise in computer science to address complex infrastructure challenges. Her research has informed a wide range of academic studies and led to real-world applications, including the launch of LeanFM(opens in new window), a CMU-based startup that uses AI to improve building energy efficiency.

"I am truly honored and humbled to be named a Distinguished Member of ASCE," said Akinci. "This recognition reflects not only my own efforts, but also the hard work of the many students and collaborators I’ve been fortunate to work with over the years. I’m deeply grateful for what we've built together."

A faculty member at Carnegie Mellon since 2000, Akinci is also known for her commitment to graduate student mentorship and for her leadership in creating more inclusive academic communities within the civil engineering field.

Her election as a Distinguished Member underscores her lasting impact on the future of smart infrastructure and the broader civil engineering profession.