Daniel Castro, associate professor, is the new chair of the School of Building Construction in the College of Architecture.     

An expert in material procurement, automation protocols and sustainable energy alternatives for buildings, he is tasked with advancing the school’s education and research and with expanding its international outreach.

Castro was a finalist selected by a 12-member search committee, a mix of academics and senior figures in the construction industry.

“I am certain that Daniel’s leadership will strengthen and redefine the character of the School of Building Construction in response to transforming industry — an industry in which Georgia Tech graduates have played a strong role, and which will continue to be a major contributor to the nation’s economy,” said Alan Balfour, dean of the College of Architecture. “He will bring a broad and distinct international perspective to the ambitions of the school.”

As interim chair in 2011, Castro prepared the proposal for a new PhD degree with a major in building construction (final approval is expected in fall 2011) and also led the winning bid to host the American Society of Civil Engineers Construction Research Congress at Georgia Tech in 2014.

Castro joined the Georgia Tech faculty in 2006 after teaching at Ohio University. He holds a PhD in civil engineering from Purdue University, a master’s in construction management from University of Reading (United Kingdom) and a bachelor’s in civil engineering from the Universidad de Los Andes (Colombia).