Dr. Samer Adeeb is a professor and Chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, specializing in numerical modeling using finite element analysis for biomedical engineering and pipeline applications. He earned his Ph.D. in 2004 from the University of Calgary, focusing on the mechanical behavior of diarthrodial joints. His early career involved working at TransCanada Pipelines, where he contributed to research and development for over two years.
In 2007, Dr. Adeeb joined the University of Alberta, where he established two research groups in biomechanics and pipeline engineering. His biomechanics team has made significant contributions, including proving the bilateral symmetry of the talus bone and developing a template for talus bone replacement, which has been successfully implanted in patients. His group also introduced a mathematical method to assess scoliosis progression using surface topography, now being explored for commercialization. Recently, his team has been investigating the use of statistical shape modeling in musculoskeletal applications.
In pipeline engineering, Dr. Adeeb has collaborated with major industry players like Enbridge and TransCanada Pipelines. His research focuses on developing models to predict pipeline behavior under operational stresses, such as ground movement and mechanical flaws. His team was among the first to use Extended Finite Element Analysis to study crack propagation in pipelines. He also collaborates with experts in structural reliability to provide robust tools for assessing pipeline reliability.
Dr. Adeeb furthered his expertise by earning an M.Sc. in Mathematics in 2014, enhancing his empathy for students by experiencing life as both a professor and student. He has held various leadership roles, including interim chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering, associate chair, and associate dean, gaining extensive experience in academic administration.
His achievements have been recognized through numerous awards, including the University of Alberta Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching (2020) and APEGA’s 2022 Excellence in Education award. Outside academia, Dr. Adeeb is a dedicated squash player, achieving a top-45 provincial ranking in 2019.