 |
Carlos M. Chang, Ph.D., P.E. Associate Professor e-mail: cachang@fiu.edu Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Florida International University (FIU), Miami, Florida, USA  |
||
The President’s MessageDear iSMARTi Members and Friends, |
|||
Presidents of iSMARTiFrom: Carlos M. Chang, Ph.D., P.E. |
|||
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Waheed Uddin 1st President |
Paulo Pereira and T.F. Fwa 2nd and 3rd President |
Hosin “David” Lee 4th President |
João Virgilio Merighi 5th President |
|
Valuable Lessons and Memories Having been actively engaged in iSMARTi activities for more than 15 years, I’ve had the pleasure of participating in conferences held in various corners of the world. This journey has afforded me the privilege of meeting all the Presidents and a substantial number of the members. I have gathered a treasure trove of great memories, and beyond the academic insights gained, I’ve also garnered valuable lessons at a personal level. The diverse experiences and interactions throughout all this period have enriched my perspective, making my involvement with iSMARTi not only professionally rewarding but also personally fulfilling. While there are countless more memories to share, given that iSMARTi boasts exceptional members both professionally and personally, I will begin with our former Presidents, aiming that this will foster the enthusiasm of our new members and friend of our society. |
|||
 |
Dr. Waheed Uddin, first President of iSMARTi, was a visionary who left an indelible mark through his relentless dedication as a founder member. Every encounter with Waheed revealed him deeply engrossed in multiple projects and contemplating new endeavors. I vividly recall a meeting where, arriving half an hour early, I found him diligently reviewing conference papers. Upon inquiry, he shared that there were 20 papers to be reviewed before the meeting commenced. I asked him if that was feasible and offered my humble assistance. His response was a mere smile, signaling his unwavering commitment. Waheed’s tireless work ethic was complemented by an understanding of the significance of social interaction. Despite his rigorous schedule, he always embraced the opportunity to share a dinner table and engage in thoughtful conversations. I remember him passionately preparing for a virtual seminar series and seeking insights about Peru, as his plan was to attend ICTI-5 in 2022. Even after his passing, Waheed’s influence lingers in the corridors of iSMARTi activities. His words of advice echo in my mind, a constant reminder of his enduring presence and the lasting impact he made on our organization. | |
 |
Paulo Pereira, Ph.D., our esteemed second President, undertook the formidable task of expanding iSMARTi, and he navigated this challenge with remarkable success. I had the privilege of sharing dinner with him on several occasions, and each time, I found our conversations to be enriching and enjoyable. Dr. Pereira is not only exceptionally educated in academic matters but also possesses a profound understanding of cultural topics and traditions, making our interactions both intellectually stimulating and culturally enlightening. | |
 |
Tien Fang Fwa, Ph.D., the esteemed third President, is a remarkable individual whom I hold in high regard as one of my mentors, particularly during times when I sought valuable advice. His wealth of knowledge in technical matters is truly commendable, and he consistently demonstrated a proactive approach in ensuring the well-being and success of our members. Dr. Fwa’s unwavering commitment to upholding our organization’s standards and bylaws has been a source of inspiration for all. My visit to Singapore to meet him was not only a professional engagement but also an opportunity to forge truly wonderful memories. Dr. Fwa’s encouragement and guidance played a pivotal role in keeping my motivation alive, and he has become a quintessential role model for me in terms of exemplary conduct. His leadership and genuine concern for the welfare of the organization and its members have left an indelible mark on my life journey, and I am immensely grateful for the positive impact he has had on both my professional and personal development. | |
 |
Hosin “David” Lee, Ph.D., our esteemed fourth President, commands not only my respect but also my deep admiration. Dr. Lee exudes boundless energy and unwavering commitment in all his endeavors, making him a go-to person when tasks need to be accomplished promptly and with exceptional quality. When faced with a challenge, one can confidently turn to Dr. Lee, who tackles the task with unparalleled determination, even shouldering the entire workload if necessary. The seamless fusion of his professional acumen, endurance, and diligent work ethic creates a potent recipe for success. During Dr. Lee’s presidency, I had the privilege of visiting South Korea and witnessed firsthand that his talents extend far beyond the academic realm. Dr. Lee is a multifaceted individual with a wealth of abilities and skills. His versatility is truly inspiring, and I find myself in constant awe of the breadth of his capabilities. I hold Dr. Lee in high regard not only as a professional but also as a mentor from whom I have much more to learn. His advice has been invaluable, and I deeply appreciate the insights he generously imparts. | |
 |
João Merighi, Ph.D., our fifth President, embarked on his tenure during the challenging times imposed by the onset of the COVID pandemic, which significantly impacted every facet of human activity. I distinctly recall preparing a statement for the elections, but upon recognizing João’s insightful vision, I wholeheartedly endorsed it. I am very respectful of seniority in an organization. Over time, our professional association has evolved into a genuine friendship, and I had the pleasure of experiencing João’s unwavering support for ICIT 5 in Peru. Interacting with him at a personal level only deepened my admiration for his character. João is, without a doubt, a person with a remarkable heart and noble values. His openness and approachability extend to everyone he encounters. It is impossible to speak of João without acknowledging the indispensable role of Dr. Rita Moura Fortes, our Executive Vice-President in several periods. Rita reflected the spirit of iSMARTi and contributed significantly to our society. I feel profoundly fortunate to count on the unwavering support of both João and Rita to my vision statement for iSMARTi. Our connection extends beyond the confines of a professional relationship; it is a genuine friendship that I hold dear. | |
 |
Dr. Chang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Florida International University (FIU). Prior to joining FIU, Dr. Chang worked as an Associate Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), Associate Researcher at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), and a consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and engineering companies. He is recognized as a global expert on infrastructure specializing in pavements and bridges. Dr. Chang’s research focuses on developing innovative concepts, methodologies, and practical tools for engineering and management applications. Methods employed encompass multi-decision criteria analysis, optimization techniques, risk analysis, statistical analysis, and simulation. With over 30 research projects in a leading role as a Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI), Dr. Chang’s academic work is extensively documented in over 250 publications including journal articles, conference proceedings, and technical reports. Driven by his passion for education, Dr. Chang has also built an extensive teaching portfolio with more than 20 academic and professional development courses delivered in 25 countries. | |