The UCF Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering has partnered with Ardaman and Associates to establish a new lecture series with a focus on geotechnical engineering.
The Nadim F. Fuleihan Lecture Series will debut in Spring 2026 and is meant to be a premier geotechnical engineering event in Orlando that connects practitioners, academic faculty and students from around the country.
“We are excited about creating a lasting tradition at UCF that honors Dr. Fuleihan, and the energy and innovation of the geotechnical community,” says Kevin Mackie, the chair of the CECE department. “In addition, this new series provides a platform to highlight UCF’s growing presence in the geotechnical field and to support its continued development as a hub of engineering excellence.
The new lecture series was inspired by the Anwar Wissa Lecture Series hosted by the University of Florida and the University of South Florida in partnership with Ardaman and Associates. Nadim F. Fuleihan was a former president of the organization, as was Wissa before him.
Mackie, says the key facets of this lecture series are student involvement, renowned speakers and community engagement.
“Over the years, these lectures have featured nationally recognized speakers, showcased academic research, and fostered professional dialogue,” he says. “By bringing this model to UCF, we aim to create a similarly engaging, educational and inspirational platform.”
Several Ardaman and Associates employees are UCF alumni and several others have served as adjunct faculty in the department. With a long-standing tradition of supporting engineering education in Florida, and its corporate headquarters located in Orlando, Ardaman’s partnership with UCF allows them to invest in the next generation of geotechnical engineers, Mackie says.
Although the Nadim F. Fuleihan Lecture Series will offer an opportunity to network with professionals, present research and hear from industry experts, Jason Parker, the vice president and director of business development for Ardaman and Associates says that this event is more than just a lecture series.
“It is a meaningful commitment to the future of geotechnical engineering and a lasting tribute to Dr. Fuleihan’s legacy,” Parker says. “It connects generations, blends academic and practical knowledge, and strengthens the profession through shared learning. We are thankful to UCF for its support and are excited to collaborate on something that will benefit students, faculty, and the wider engineering community for years to come.”
- Written by Sydney Ford