Ankitha Arvan, Ph.D., M. ASCE, is a Structural/Geotechnical Engineer and researcher with over 10 + years of experience in research design, project management, and data analysis. Her work spans major projects with several DOTs, USDOT, USACE, FHWA and NCHRP, where she has contributed to innovative infrastructure and geotechnical solutions. With her expertise in managing and conducting research, Ankitha has developed a comprehensive skill set encompassing research design, project management, data analysis, and results dissemination. Her extensive experience has enabled her to effectively oversee research initiatives from conception to completion, ensuring timely, efficient, and high-quality outcomes.
Ankitha has demonstrated exceptional skills and expertise in the field of Civil Engineering, which has been evident by her work for ASCE and has been constantly producing outstanding work that has earned her a great reputation in the community. Her Doctoral Dissertation work includes working with Artificial Intelligence techniques and the development of a standalone open-source software, GEOS © Version 1.0. Her published work has been widely appreciated, especially for overcoming the scarcity and developing a user-friendly geotechnical software in understanding complex soil-pile models which will be of benefit to the researchers, practicing geotechnical professionals and for academia purposes.
She has been honored with the 2022 3MT Thesis Scholarship Award for her exceptional ability to condense her PhD research into a captivating three-minute presentation for a broad general audience. Her published work has been awarded with the 2023 ASCE State-of-the-Art of Civil Engineering Award and her work has been added to the ASCE’s Special Collection for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG): SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 13: Climate Action; SDG 14: Life Below Water; and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which informs Civil Engineers and help them develop sustainable practices. Additionally, her work has also been featured on ASCE Kudos for contributing to the UN SDG.
Ankitha has been selected as one of the five recipients for the 2024 Women in Deep Foundations (WiDF) Professional Development Grant from the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI). The DFI Educational Trust and the WiDF Committee are proud to provide professional development grant opportunities to women involved in design and construction of deep foundations.
She has recently been selected as a finalist for The Top 50 Women Leaders of Florida and Florida’s Most Influential Women for 2025, an honor presented by Women We Admire, a national organization that recognizes and connects outstanding women leaders across various industries.