NEWS

Louisiana Tech University Professor Dr. John Matthews was recognized in November as the 2024 United States Fellow of the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT) at the annual international conference and board meeting in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

At the same event, he was also re-elected to serve on the organization’s international board of directors. Other board members elected to serve three-year terms hail from Brazil, Finland, Germany, Colombia, and Great Britain.

Matthews is a three-time graduate of Louisiana Tech: a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering technology in 2004, a master’s in civil engineering in 2006, and a PhD in civil engineering in 2010. After working in the industry for six years in Baton Rouge, he returned to Tech in 2017 as a professor and director of the Trenchless Technology Center (TTC) and holds an Eminent Scholar Chair in Construction Engineering Technology.

“Serving on a board of directors is not only good for Louisiana Tech and the College of Engineering and Science but also helps with research and workforce development,” Matthews said. “Companies reach out to me weekly looking to fill open roles with the prepared graduates that TTC is producing.”

An active member of professional associations, Matthews has served previously on the board of directors for both the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) and an Associate Editor for the ASCE Journal of Pipeline Systems Engineering and Practice. In 2023, he was honored as the Trenchless Technology Person of the Year. Additionally, he has been the chair of the ISTT’s Technology and Education Committee since 2022 and has authored or co-authored more than 300 publications and delivered more than 200 presentations at national and international conferences.

Dr. Collin Wick, dean of the College of Engineering and Science, is especially grateful for the leadership and expertise Dr. Matthews brings to the college.

“John’s leadership on both a national and international level highlights his expertise and commitment to advancing the college’s mission. His efforts enable the development of engineers who address global challenges, drive innovation, and shape a sustainable, technologically-driven future,” said Wick. “His being named a 2024 Fellow further elevates Louisiana Tech’s reputation on an international stage.”