Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Hoehn Room 238
(205) 934-8479
Department: Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
Education:
- B.S., Auburn University, Environmental Science
- M.S., University of Alabama, Environmental Engineering
- Ph.D., University of Alabama, Civil Engineering
Jason Thomas Kirby has a strong teaching portfolio that includes five UAB Civil Engineering required courses and 10 electives offered at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels. Topics address environmental engineering, water resources and the emerging field of sustainable engineering. Courses have been offered via traditional classroom lecture, the Interactive Intercampus Telecommunication System (ITTS), study away, and online/blended instruction to support student and departmental needs. Student evaluations have consistently indicated that his teaching performance is excellent.
Kirby has similarly proven to be a collaborative researcher and has helped secure in excess of one million dollars of extramural funds for UAB. He has served as principal investigator or co-investigator on numerous research grants in the areas of environmental engineering, water resources, and sustainable construction. His work has been presented at numerous international, national, and regional venues. He has contributed to several book chapters, external research reports, and multiple publications in peer reviewed journals; in addition to preparing a number of papers for peer reviewed proceedings.
Kirby is currently focusing his research efforts into the development of new green/sustainable building materials. Active/ongoing projects are examining innovative composite materials, non-traditional construction systems, energy efficient technologies, green roof installations, and the comprehensive design of affordable, energy efficient residential housing that exhibits superior indoor air quality.
He conducts extensive student outreach and recruiting activities in support of UAB’s educational objectives. Among these efforts he coordinates the Civil Engineering department’s outreach at local high schools, science and technology fairs, Boy and Girl Scout troops, and he represents UAB Civil Engineering at the annual Open House events.
Kirby is heavy involved in his respective professional association, The American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE), and has served as the UAB ASCE student chapter’s faculty advisor. In this role he helps reinforce engineering fundamentals, the importance of professional licensure, and the value of professional ethics. He encourages students to volunteer in community outreach and has led the regional competition team to win several awards on behalf of UAB.
In 2010, he started UAB’s “Order of the Engineer” chapter. This national organization is devoted to the promotion of engineering ethics.
Kirby and his wife Ellen live in the Hoover area with their son Henry. He is an avid hobbyist (too many to name), gear head, and movie enthusiast.