Dr. Pessiki’s research interests include the behavior and design of structures; non-destructive evaluation of materials and structures; earthquake engineering; fire effects on structures; and innovative structural materials and systems.

As a consultant, he has investigated the field performance of numerous concrete, steel, masonry, fabric, and timber structures, including commercial and industrial buildings, bridges, dams, silos, chimneys, pavements and slabs, water tanks, and domes.

Dr. Pessiki has authored more than 200 papers and reports and delivered numerous invited lectures, keynote addresses, and presentations. His work is widely recognized and cited. He is a Fellow of both the American Concrete Institute and the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute. He was an Honorary Visiting Professor at the University of Jinan (2013-16), China; a Visiting Scholar at Tongji University in Shanghai, China (2013); and a Visiting Professor at Purdue University (2004).

Dr. Pessiki has taught a wide array of undergraduate and graduate courses in structural engineering, structural design, materials, nondestructive evaluation of materials and structures, and condition evaluation of structures. A dedicated teacher, Dr. Pessiki has taught thousands of students in a career that spans almost 30 years. He was awarded the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science Teaching Excellence Award in 2007; the College of Engineering and Applied Science Teaching Excellence Award in 1997; the Lehigh Award for Distinguished Teaching in 1996; and was a finalist for the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching (Lehigh University’s highest recognition for distinguished teaching) in 1993. In 2002, he was recognized as a distinguished educator by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute.

From 2005 through 2011 Dr. Pessiki served as Chair of Lehigh’s department of civil and environmental engineering.