Prof. M. Hesham El Naggar

Dr. M. Hesham El Naggar is a Distinguished University Professor at Western University in Canada and an internationally esteemed leader in geotechnical earthquake engineering and foundation dynamics. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Western University (1994), and earlier degrees from Alexandria University. His research has broken new ground in understanding how structures and foundations respond to dynamic loads—such as those from earthquakes, vibrations, and machinery—and in developing tools and methods for designing foundations that are resilient, safe, and efficient. He is co-developer of the software DYNA6, which is widely used around the world for the analysis and design of foundations under dynamic loading. Dr. El Naggar has published hundreds of technical papers and book chapters — over 500 according to recent counts — and supervised more than 120 graduate students.

Canadian Geotechnical Society

His work does not stay in the lab: much of it has influenced design codes and guidelines, and is used in real-world projects such as power plants, machine foundations, infrastructure subject to seismic hazards, and offshore works. He has been honoured by many professional societies. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, the Engineering Institute of Canada, and the American Society of Civil Engineers, among others. Among his awards are the Ontario Professional Engineers Medal for Research & Development, the Stermac and Meyerhof awards from the Canadian Geotechnical Society, and recognition for excellence in teaching and research.