For more than two decades, Dr. Pedro Romero has been a cornerstone of the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CvEEN). Known for his approachable teaching style and his passion for sustainable construction materials, pavement design, and durable infrastructure, Dr. Romero has helped shape the next generation of engineers while advancing research that directly impacts Utah’s infrastructure.

Bridging Academia and Industry

Dr. Romero’s research focuses on the use of materials in civil engineering applications—including asphalt, concrete, and composites—with a particular interest in how material properties influence the durability of structures. His work doesn’t just remain in the classroom or laboratory; it makes its way onto Utah’s roads.

That connection between theory and practice has been recognized by both construction companies and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), representing his impact across multiple industries. In 2024, Romero was presented the Friend of the Industry Award by the Utah Asphalt Paving Association. The distinction recognized his advancement of policies and initiatives that have not only improved quality and safety but also reduced costs. Additionally, UDOT awarded him the Trailblazer Award in 2017 for his excellence in applicable transportation research.

By actively applying his academic research to the local industrial landscape, Dr. Romero is enhancing transportation infrastructure of communities throughout Utah, making life better for the traveling public.

An Advocate for Sustainability, One Student at a Time

Students can always tell when Dr. Romero is on campus—the giveaway is his bike, parked right outside his office door. His choice to bike to work is more than a habit; it’s a reflection of his commitment to sustainability, a value that extends deeply into his teaching and research.

In his Construction Materials Lab, Dr. Romero mentors his Ph.D. students as they develop innovative materials designed to reduce CO₂ emissions and provide more sustainable alternatives to traditional construction practices. His group is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in environmentally responsible engineering, from developing recycled construction materials and reducing waste in our landfills to working towards the lowest CO2 footprint possible in modern construction practices.

For Dr. Romero, being environmentally conscious isn’t just a personal lifestyle—it’s a professional mission. By guiding the next generation of engineers toward greener solutions, he ensures that his impact will be felt long after his students leave the classroom.

Beyond his own courses, Dr. Romero has been instrumental in curriculum reform, ensuring that CvEEN students graduate with the most up-to-date education possible. As the department’s Director of Undergraduate Studies, he is constantly looking for ways to help struggling students progress towards their degree. His leadership in maintaining ABET accreditation underscores his commitment to both academic excellence and real-world readiness.

Ask any student, and they’ll tell you Dr. Romero cares deeply about their success. He often reminds students to “find balance in your life”—advice he practices himself.

Dr. Romero, center, celebrating with two students before graduation convocation in April of 2025.