Professor Emeritus in Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Shobha K. Bhatia was honored with the Robert M. Koerner Award from the Geosynthetics Materials Association (GMA). This prestigious award was established by the GMA in 2016 to honor renowned civil engineer Robert M. Koerner and recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on the geosynthetics industry in North America.  

As part of this recognition, Bhatia delivered a keynote lecture at the GMA and Geo-Institute’s co-located Geotechnical Frontiers Conference on March 4, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky. More than 300 participants attended her lecture.  

At the Geotechnical Frontiers Conference, Bhatia participated in a high-level Geosynthetics Industry Round Table focused on advancing the role of women in the geosynthetics industry. Joining six other accomplished women leaders from across the industry, she contributed to a discussion aimed at promoting progress through education, mentorship and professional networking opportunities.   

Bhatia also presented two technical papers co-authored with her graduate students, Zeru B. Kiffle and Nuzhath Fatema, which showcased ongoing research and innovation in the field of geosynthetics and geotechnical engineering.  She is scheduled to deliver keynote lectures at three other major conferences between 2025 and 2027, further extending the reach and impact of her work in the geosynthetics industry. 

“Receiving the Koerner Lecture Award is evidence of the significant impact that Dr. Bhatia’s extensive and innovative research has had on the field of geotechnical engineering. It further reinforces the influence that Dr. Bhatia has had across all facets of her career and her meaningful contributions to improving the lives of others through her research and outreach,” says CEE Department Chair Andria Costello Staniec.

“It is one of the greatest honors of my career to receive the Koerner Lecture Award,” says Bhatia. “This award recognizes the research contributions made by my students and me, and the measurable impact of our work on the geosynthetics industry in North America.”