Michelle (Shelby) Bensi

Dr. Michelle (Shelby) Bensi is passionate about advancing the fields of civil and environmental engineering through her dedicated research and teaching. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role, particularly in the areas of risk and reliability, infrastructure resilience, and natural hazards engineering. Her academic journey is marked by a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, an M.A.Sc. from the University of Delaware, and a B.A. from the University of Toledo. Dr. Bensi leads the RISE Lab, where she and her team focus on developing innovative solutions to enhance the resilience of infrastructure systems against natural hazards. Her work is instrumental in shaping policies and practices that aim to mitigate risks and improve the reliability of critical infrastructure. Her research not only contributes to academic discourse but also has practical implications for engineering practices and disaster preparedness. In addition to her research, Dr. Bensi is committed to educating the next generation of engineers. She is known for her engaging teaching style and her ability to inspire students to think critically about the challenges facing modern infrastructure. Her courses often incorporate real-world case studies, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in civil and environmental engineering. Dr. Bensi is actively involved in various professional organizations and frequently collaborates with industry partners to bridge the gap between academia and practice. Her contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous awards and publications. She is always eager to engage with students and colleagues during her office hours, which are held on Wednesdays from 9-10am and 3-4pm in 1170 Glenn L. Martin Hall.