Updated: November 26, 2025

Dr. Ming Xiao is a Professor of Civil Engineering at Penn State University and the Past President of the U.S. Permafrost Association (USPA). His research specializes in the performance of civil infrastructure under permafrost degradation in the Arctic, including permafrost coastal erosion and remediation. He investigates fundamental mechanisms to field-scale performances of levees, dams, bridges, and roads using experimental and numerical methods, with a focus on seepage and erosion. His pioneering work includes the SCC-CIVIC-FA Track A project: Resilient Arctic Innovations for Sustainable Communities in Extreme Environments (RAISE), which aims to develop innovative solutions for sustainable communities in Arctic regions. This research supports the design and maintenance of resilient infrastructure in extreme environments, addressing challenges posed by climate change and permafrost thaw.