Faculty Directory
Ivan Mutis

Adjunct Associate Professor

Contact

2145 Sheridan Road
Tech
Evanston, IL 60208-3109

Email Ivan Mutis

Departments

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Education

Ph.D., Construction Management, University of Florida

M.S., Construction Engineering and Management, University of Florida

M.S., Civil Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia

B.S., Civil Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia


Biography

My research investigates how computational systems augment human perception, reasoning, and physical action in civil engineering and construction. I develop and evaluate methods that support engineering decisions and coordinated work under incomplete observations, heterogeneous information, and expertise distributed across project organizations. This inquiry treats engineering work as dynamic networks of people, organizations, technologies, and interdependent tasks. Within these networks, I investigate how human capabilities and responses inform the adaptive allocation of cognitive and physical functions to strengthen judgment and coordination under uncertainty. Embodied cognition provides the foundation for coupling workers with collaborative robotic systems that sense, adapt, and act through continuous interaction with the physical environment while preserving meaningful human control. I combine computational modeling and simulation with the critical synthesis of established theories across engineering, computing, and cognitive science to identify new connections and formulate testable research questions grounded in emerging engineering challenges. The research outcomes improve project delivery and strengthen the reliability, resilience, and adaptability of buildings and infrastructure throughout their life cycle, from design and construction to operation, maintenance, renewal, and adaptation.


Significant Recognition

  • NSF Awards as PI or co-PI total more than $1.5 million, including more than $1.3 million as sole or lead PI
  • Established a $38.3 million university-industry partnership with Trimble Technologies.
  • BuiltWorlds 50 Mavericks 2026 List

Significant Professional Service

  • Chair and Past Chair, Technical Council on Computing and Information Technology (TCCIT), ASCE, Education Committee
  • Associate Editor, Practical Periodicals of Design and Construction, ASCE
  • Chair and Past Chair, Global Center of Excellence in Computing, ASCE