ISU’s 2025 Distinguished Researcher, Dr. Mustafa Mashal, ISU Structural Lab manager Jared Cantrell, and undergraduate student Prajita Budhathoki talk about engineering research that saves lives and builds a safer future for all of us. They describe recent projects that involve ISU students and partnerships that support innovations in bridge building, agriculture, and energy systems.
Guests:
Mustafa Mashal
Dr. Mustafa Mashal is the ISU 2025 Distinguished Researcher and a professor of Structural and Earthquake Engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He serves as a Special Advisor in the Office for Research, Joint Appointee at Idaho National Laboratory, and Associate Director for the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES). Mustafa is also the founder and Director of the Structural Laboratories and the Disaster Response Complex at ISU. He holds a Doctorate in Civil Engineering from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Kabul University in Afghanistan. Dr. Mashal is a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) and CAES. He has been part of more than 150 scholarly publications, four granted/filed patents, and has been serving on national technical committees tasked with the development of standards. Dr. Mashal has received more than $4.5M in funding with more than $3M as the Principal Investigator. He is the recipient of three Fulbright grants, ASCE’s Alfred Noble Prize and the Outstanding Civil Engineer of the Year (Southern Idaho Section), Idaho Business Review’s Accomplished Under 40, AASHTO High Value Research Award, University of Canterbury Visiting Erskine Fellowship, and many other national and international accolades. Dr. Mashal joined ISU in 2016 as a “Visiting Assistant Professor” after spending more than 8 years in industry in three continents. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Idaho and New Zealand. His research has been implemented in real-life structures around the globe. Dr. Mashal is a world-renowned expert in precast concrete, seismic analysis and design, and large-scale testing.
Jared Cantrell
Jared is the Manager and Research Engineer for ISU the Structural Laboratories. Currently completing his Ph.D. with an emphasis on structural engineering. He has previously earned his Bachelor's degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering in 2018 and a Master’s degree in 2021, both from ISU. He has worked full-time for ISU since the fall of 2017, both leading and supporting research projects. Through the many research opportunities, Jared has enjoyed bridging research with real-world applications through industry involvement and collaboration. His research conducted during his master’s program was used in the design of the Fort Hall interstate overpass just north of Pocatello, completed in 2024. Jared recently became an Idaho National Laboratory Joint Appointee in relation to supporting the recent SUPER Agreement between ISU and INL. Jared’s current Ph.D. research is investigating the use of innovative titanium alloy applications in areas of retrofitting and strengthening of structures. With strong industry involvement, the intent is to develop meaningful insights into the application and effective, efficient use within the construction industry.
Prajita Budhathoki
Prajita Budhathoki, originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, is currently an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. She completed her high school education at the National School of Sciences in Lainchaur, Kathmandu. Prajita is passionate about engineering and architecture, and she enjoys exploring their various dimensions while actively seeking opportunities for practical engagement. She is currently working as an intern (CPI) under the supervision of Jared Cantrell and is a part of Dr. Mashal’s research team. Alongside her academic and professional interests, she enjoys playing basketball, traveling, adventures, and cooking. Prajita is committed to deepening her understanding of civil engineering through active involvement in lab work and participation in research projects.
