Dr. Esther Obonyo

Biography

Esther Obonyo is a Professor and the Director of the Global Building Network at Penn State University, specializing in Architectural Engineering. Her research interests encompass Building Construction, Engineering Design, Humanitarian Engineering, and Social Entrepreneurship. With a Doctorate in Civil Engineering from Loughborough University, Obonyo has authored various publications addressing sustainability and low-income housing, notably through collaborative learning approaches in areas such as the water-energy-food nexus. Her work emphasizes innovative educational practices and the integration of emerging digital technologies within construction and building design. She has actively contributed to multiple research initiatives, focusing on resilience in low-income housing and climate change impact on communities. Obonyo is a respected figure in academia and has engaged in various leadership roles within professional societies, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion in engineering education. Her expertise extends to energy efficiency in housing and developing advanced digital solutions for construction safety. Additionally, she has served as an advisor for several student organizations and has been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to the field.

Research Interests