Associate Professor, Engineering
kirkvoha@jmu.edu
Contact Info
Education
- Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, from University of Kansas in 2009
- M.S. in Civil Engineering, from University of Kansas in 2005
- B.S. in Civil Engineering, from University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1997
Experience
Prior to joining JMU, Dr. Kirkvold was the Concrete Research Engineer with the Kansas Department of Transportation. Her concrete materials research focused on extending the life of the DOT concrete pavement and bridge systems by increasing durability. She has also worked as a structural engineering designer at The Schemmer Associates, Inc. in Omaha, NE.
Scholarly Interests and Research Topics
Research
- Bridge deck testing and condition surveys
- Concrete durability
- Construction methods for durability
- Soundwall durability
- Large-scale infrastructure planning decision making and the inclusion of public stakeholders
Engineering Education
- Entrepreneurial Mindset Learning (EML) and Problem Based Learning (PBL) based on industry situations
- Student transitions to industry
- The first-year engineering experience
Courses Taught
- ENGR 431 Engineering Design V
- ENGR 432 Engineering Design VI
- ENGR 314 Mechanics and Materials
- ENGR 112 Introduction to Engineering Decision Making
- ENGR 322 Engineering Project Management
- ENGR 498 Green Building and Construction
College of Integrated Science and Engineering
