Dr. Muhammad Umer

• Position: Assistant Professor
• Department: Civil Engineering and Construction Management
• Office Location: Building 70, Room 122
• mumer@uwf.edu
• Campus: 850.474.2380

Biography

Dr. Muhammad Umer
Educator | Researcher | Innovator in Construction Engineering & Management

Muhammad Umer is an accomplished educator, researcher, and innovator whose work bridges cutting-edge technology and real-world challenges in the construction engineering and management domain. Currently completing his Ph.D. in Building Construction at Auburn University’s McWhorter School of Building Science, his research focuses on autonomous item localization on active construction sites, leveraging Boston Dynamics’ Spot® robot, Bayesian filtering, and advanced object detection to revolutionize construction material inventory management.

With over 15 years of combined academic, research, and professional experience, Umer has taught and mentored at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, inspiring the next generation of construction professionals. His teaching philosophy blends innovation with inclusivity, creating learning environments that not only drive academic excellence but also cultivate leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking. He has delivered numerous workshops at Auburn University, covering topics that range from technical writing and proposal development to the use of AI in the writing process across various disciplines.

Umer’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master’s in Engineering Management (Construction) from NED University of Engineering & Technology, where he also served as a lecturer and later as an assistant professor for over a decade. His teaching portfolio spans core construction management courses, building information modeling (BIM), quality and safety management, entrepreneurship, and project planning. His research interests cover automation and robotics in construction, AI applications, safety integration, procurement efficiency, and education innovation.

Recognized for his excellence, Umer is a recipient of multiple awards, including consecutive College Awards from the Auburn Research Student Symposium (2023, 2024), the prestigious Presidential Fellowship at Auburn University, and induction into Sigma Lambda Chi, the International Construction Honor Society. He has published extensively in top-tier journals and conferences, including the ASCE Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, the Associated School of Construction Conference Proceedings and the Construction in the 21st Century (CITC) conference series. His scholarly contributions explore intersections of robotics, AI, machine learning, safety, and construction education, with several works currently under review and in progress.

Beyond the classroom and research lab, Umer actively engages in outreach, mentoring, and professional service. He has contributed to global research collaborations, reviewed procurement practices for the World Bank, and participated in projects funded by the Enel Foundation. As a competition coach and participant, he has represented Auburn University in national student construction competitions, securing top placements.

A member of professional bodies such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (IAARC), Umer remains committed to advancing knowledge and practice in the field. His vision is rooted in the belief instilled by his parents, teachers, and mentors that excellence is not just about personal achievement but about uplifting others and bringing out the best in those around you.

Whether developing autonomous systems for construction sites, mentoring emerging scholars, or designing innovative curricula, Muhammad Umer’s work exemplifies the fusion of technology, leadership, and a deep commitment to building a better, smarter, and more inclusive future for the construction industry.

Degrees & Institutions

• PhD Auburn University
• MEM NED University of Engineering & Technology
• B.E NED University of Engineering & Technology

Special Interests

Construction automation and robotics, sensor-based safety management, AI-enabled teaching and pedagogy, and leveraging data for decision-making.

Publications

BOOKS EDITED
1. Ali, S. Mir; Adnan, Muhammad; Umer, Muhammad, “Fourth International Symposium on Infrastructure Engineering in Developing Countries, IEDC 2013” Available at:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/procedia-engineering/vol/77/suppl/C.

JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS

PUBLISHED
2. Khan, R. A., & Umer, Muhammad. (2020). “Impact of Delays on Cost of Construction Project-A Cross-Sectional Study of Pakistani Construction Industry.” Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 39(4), 815-825. (Status: Published). DOI: https://doi.org/10.22581/muet1982.2004.14

ACCEPTED FOR PUBLICATION
3. Umer, Muhammad; Wetzel M. Eric; Powell, Caleb (2025), “Spotting Inventory: Using RFID, a Boston Dynamics Spot robot, and a Bayesian Filter algorithm toward automated material count and localization.” Accepted for publication in ASCE’s Journal of Construction Engineering and Management.

SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW
4. Wetzel M. Eric; Umer, Muhammad; Powell, Caleb; Sands, Kenneth S. (2025), “COTVIS: A Novel Core Temperature Visualization Device for Enhanced Peer Awareness.” Submitted for review at Automation in Construction.
5. Basgier, Christopher R; Umer, Muhammad (2025), “Generative AI in Writing Center Consultations: A Narrative Inquiry.” Submitted for review at Writing Center Journal (WCJ), International Writing Centers Association (IWCA).
6. Umer, Muhammad; Farooqi, Rizwan (2025), “Teaching Through a Screen: The Emotional Tone of Remote Lectures and its Effect on Student Exam Scores During the Covid-19.” Submitted for review at International Journal of Construction Education and Research.