I am currently a Lecturer in Civil Engineering. My primary research studies the fundamental behaviour of thermo-active geo-structures, in particular, thermo-active diaphragm walls and how they interact with adjacent structures using physical (centrifuge) and numerical modelling techniques.
I obtained a First Class Honours degree in Civil Engineering from Abertay University in 2013, after which I worked as a Graduate Engineer for Mouchel for two years where I worked on a wide variety of infrastructure projects including road maintenance and flood defence schemes. I then started my PhD research at the University of Dundee working as part of the highly regarded Geotechnical Engineering Research Group. Prior to joining Abertay in February 2020, I was an Assistant Geotechnical Engineer at WSP where I was involved in mainly large infrastructure projects carrying out geotechnical investigations and designs.
I am currently Module Leader for the following modules:
EEM100
EEM206
EEM305
EEM502
EEM504
I am also involved in teaching on the following modules:
EEM102
EEM201
EEM516
My research interests lie mainly in the field of Energy Geotechnics, specifically thermo-active geo-structures. I am also interested in Environmental Geotechnics research.
I am currently Senior Vice-Chair on the ICE Tayside and Fife Branch committee.
In the past, I have been involved in STEM outreach activities with local schools. I was heavily involved in the Royal Academy of Engineering project 'On the Right Track' with colleagues from Abertay University to highlight the engineering work being carried out on the Waterfront Regeneration in Dundee.
k.smith@abertay.ac.uk
+44 (0)1382 30 8664
j.akunna@abertay.ac.uk
+44 (0)1382 30 8141