The Pipelines Research Symposium provides a collaborative forum for presenting and discussing the latest pipeline technologies, processes, and techniques from various sectors, including research institutions, universities, consulting/engineering companies, government agencies, and professional associations.

The Pipelines Research Symposium will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025 from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Research presentations will be 10-minute technical talks in front of the entire group. Small group discussions will follow the formal presentations discussing how to implement strategies for emerging technologies. 

Keynote Speaker

Brad Baird, P.E.
Deputy Administrator of Infrastructure, City of Tampa

Brad Baird is the Deputy Administrator of Infrastructure for the City of Tampa and a licensed Professional Engineer in Florida. He earned his B.S. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida in 1982 and has dedicated over 42 years to public service. Throughout his career, Brad has held leadership roles across the water, wastewater, and public works departments, managing over $250 million in early capital improvements.

Dr. Jian Zhang, PhD, PE
Research Principal, The Water Research Foundation 

Dr. Jian Zhang is a research principal with the Water Research Foundation. He has a Ph.D. degree in Environmental Engineering and extensive experience as a civil engineer on construction sites. He has been working with the Foundation for more than 20 years. Most of his projects fall in the field of water distribution systems, including pipe materials, condition assessment, asset management, and risk management.

Rory Jones, PE
Director, City of Tampa Water Department 

Rory Jones is the Director of the City of Tampa Water Department and a licensed Professional Engineer in Florida. He has served the City since 1998. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of South Florida. His expertise includes field surveying, inspection, design, and planning across treatment facilities and distribution systems. As Director, Rory brings a hands-on, field-informed leadership style focused on reliability, long-term planning, and strengthening community trust.

Presenters

Eric Sullivan, SewerAI

Topic: AI-Driven Capital Planning and Asset Management in Wastewater Infrastructure

Ikram Efaz, Xylem

Topic: Non-linear Analysis of Buried Steel Pipelines with Out of Roundness Defect

Inshik Park, University of Alberta

Topic: Value of Geological Information and Drilling Data for Annular Pressure Analysis in Horizontal Directional Drilling

Jeff Maier, Dewberry

Topic: Is Fully Structural SIPP Lining Possible? A Look at Current and Emerging Spray Applied Pipe Rehabilitation Technologies and SIPP Lining Design Methodologies

Sanaz Ghalambor, Framatome

Topic: What Are the Limitations of ASTM F3182 in Defining the Performance of Spray-In-Place-Polymeric Liners, and How Can They Be Resolved to Support Structural Classification and Field Qualification?

Spyros Karamanos, University of Thessaly

Topic: Finite Element Simulation of Steel Pipe Fabrication for Hydrocarbon Pipeline Applications

Organized by the UESI Younger Member Engagement Committee

Pipelines Research Symposium Chair

Ram Krishna Mazumder, Ph.D., P.E., Arcadis U.S. Inc.

Members

• Ehsan Rajaie, The University of Texas Arlington
• Harshit Shukla, Ph.D., Texas Transportation Institute
• Khalid Kaddoura, Ph.D., P.E., GHD
• Mo. Najafi, Ph.D., P.E., The University of Texas Arlington

Questions?

For more information, contact Susan Reid, UESI Senior Manager, at [email protected].