Join us at the 2026 Pipelines Research Symposium, where innovation meets collaboration. This year’s event will bring together researchers, industry leaders, and utility professionals to explore the future of pipeline engineering and management.
The program will feature keynote insights from leading national research organizations and dynamic presentations on topics such as condition assessment, trenchless technologies, and AI-driven pipeline solutions. Attendees will gain fresh perspectives on pipeline integrity, rehabilitation strategies, and performance under challenging soil and climate conditions. A facilitated group discussion will create opportunities to shape future research priorities, standards, and partnerships—advancing safer, more resilient, and sustainable pipeline systems for years to come.
Keynote Speakers
Bridging the Gap Between Academic Research and Utility Needs in Pipeline Management
John W. Norton, Jr., Ph.D.
Director of Energy, Research, & Innovation, Great Lakes Water Authority
Dr. John Norton is the director of research and innovation for Great Lakes Water Authority, which treats 40% of the drinking water for the State of Michigan across 5 different treatment plants, as well as 30% of the wastewater for the State of Michigan at the second largest wastewater treatment plant in North America. He directs major research projects in source water monitoring, water treatment, pipeline management, and wastewater projects in phosphorus removal, solids control, disinfection technologies, and waste to energy. His team has won over $15 million dollars in external funding from the National Science Foundation, US EPA, Department of Energy, Water Research Foundation, and others.
Model-based Leakage Detection in Water Distribution Systems
Kalyan R. Piratla, Ph.D., M.ASCE
Liles Distinguished Professor, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University
Dr. Kalyan R. Piratla is a Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering at Clemson University whose research focuses on applying data-driven techniques to pipeline infrastructure management and transportation project delivery efficiency. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Madras and his Ph.D. in Construction Management from the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment at Arizona State University. His research program, supported by agencies including the National Science Foundation, South Carolina Department of Transportation, and the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, has produced more than 100 publications, numerous presentations, and supported the graduation of numerous Ph.D. students. In addition to leading Clemson’s Construction Engineering and Management group, he serves as Editor-in-Chief of the ASCE Journal of Pipeline Systems Engineering and Practice and faculty lead for international partnerships within Clemson’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. His contributions have been recognized through honors including the Clemson’s Liles Distinguished Professorship, ASCE’s Arthur M. Wellington Prize, NASTT’s Young Trenchless Achievement Award, and the Engineering News-Record’s 2022 Southeast Top Young Professionals (20 Under 40).
Symposium Theme: Intelligent Pipeline Systems Powered by AI, Digital Twins, and Machine Learning: Innovation and Advancements
Research Topics Include:
- New Standard/MOP Development
- Developments and Future Pipeline Solutions
- Needs, Research, and Development for Condition Assessment of Pipe Materials
- Pipeline Resiliency Considerations
- Pipeline Asset Management Planning
- Pipelines Performance in Difficult Soil Conditions
- Structural Evaluation of Buried Pipe
- Renewal Technologies
- Enhancements to Trenchless Technology Renewal Methods
- CIPP Emissions
Organized by the UESI Younger Member Engagement Committee
Chair: Ram Krishna Mazumder, Ph.D., P.E., Georgia Southern University
Contact: [email protected]
Co-Chair: Mo. Najafi, Ph.D., P.E., The University of Texas Arlington
Members:
- Urso A. Campos, PhD, P.E., GeoEngineers, Inc.
- Khalid Kaddoura, Ph.D., P.Eng., PMP, CCM, CM-BIM, IAM Cert., ENV SP, CLSSBB, GHD
- Inshik Park, MSc, CTech, University of Alberta
- Ehsan Rajaie, The University of Texas Arlington
- Harshit Shukla, Ph.D., Texas Transportation Institute
Questions?
For more information, contact Susan Reid, UESI Senior Manager, at [email protected].