The unimaginable unfolded on September 11, 2001, as two aircraft struck the World Trade Center in New York City. Beyond the immediate tragedy, the structural response of the Twin Towers presented an unprecedented engineering challenge. Existing building codes hadn’t accounted for the catastrophic impact and subsequent fires that compromised the steel framework, leading to a progressive, “pancaking” collapse. Today, a new generation of engineers is working to ensure such a failure is never repeated. Leading this charge is IEEE Senior Member Sena Kizildemir, whose innovative disaster simulations are reshaping the future of structural safety.
Simulating the Unthinkable: A New Era of Structural Resilience
As a project engineer at Thornton Tomasetti’s applied science division in New York City, Kizildemir specializes in modeling how structures fail under extreme conditions – from the impact of vehicular attacks to the devastation of explosions. Her work isn’t about predicting if disaster will strike, but rather understanding how structures will respond, allowing designers to proactively implement mitigation strategies. “Simulations allow us to explore potential scenarios before they happen in the real world,” Kizildemir explains. “This foresight is crucial for effective planning and, ultimately, saving lives.”
Kizildemir’s approach leverages the power of finite element modeling, a computational technique that breaks down complex structures into smaller, interconnected elements. By simulating realistic catastrophic events – a truck bomb detonating near a building’s foundation, for example – engineers can identify vulnerabilities and refine designs to enhance resilience. This process goes beyond simply meeting existing building codes; it anticipates threats not yet explicitly addressed by current standards.
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From Istanbul to Global Impact: A Journey of Engineering Excellence
Kizildemir’s passion for engineering was ignited early in life. Growing up in Istanbul, Türkiye, she was captivated by the mechanics of the world around her, spending hours constructing intricate structures with Legos, even building miniature homes for local ants. This innate curiosity led her to excel in mathematics and physics at a STEM-focused high school.
Her academic journey continued with a full scholarship to Işik University in Şile, where she chose to study civil engineering, recognizing its potential for broad societal impact. Inspired by professors who were alumni of Lehigh University, she pursued a master’s degree at Lehigh, again on a full scholarship. Her master’s thesis focused on a critical issue in transportation infrastructure: crack propagation in railroad tracks.
This research, conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration and the Department of Transportation, investigated the root causes of rail fractures – often invisible to the naked eye – and developed new testing protocols and simulations to detect them earlier. The findings are already informing revisions to rail-building guidelines and inspection procedures, with the first phase of the research published in 2024.
Following her master’s, Kizildemir continued her research at Lehigh, earning a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering while interning and later joining Thornton Tomasetti. She credits the collaborative environment at Thornton Tomasetti, and their motto – “When others say no, we say ‘Here’s how.’” – with fostering her innovative spirit.
Beyond the Simulation: Mentorship and Community Engagement
Kizildemir’s commitment extends beyond her technical work. She was recognized as one of Professional Women in Construction’s “20 Under 40” for 2025, a testament to her achievements and leadership. She is deeply invested in mentoring young engineers, particularly through IEEE’s mentorship programs and her involvement with the IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society. She also actively contributes to IEEE’s Collabratec platform.
What role does fostering the next generation of engineers play in ensuring a safer, more resilient future? And how can we better encourage young women to pursue careers in STEM fields?
Kizildemir believes that engineering offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact on the world. “Engineering doesn’t have a gender requirement,” she emphasizes. “If you’re curious and enjoy understanding how things work, and you’re excited to solve difficult problems, engineering is for you.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Structural Engineering and Disaster Simulation
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What is disaster simulation in structural engineering?
Disaster simulation involves creating computational models to predict how structures will behave under extreme events like impacts, explosions, or natural disasters. This allows engineers to identify vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies.
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How does Sena Kizildemir’s work contribute to building safety?
Sena Kizildemir uses finite element modeling to simulate catastrophic scenarios, providing insights into structural weaknesses and informing the development of more resilient designs.
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What is finite element modeling?
Finite element modeling is a numerical technique that breaks down complex structures into smaller elements to analyze their behavior under various loads and conditions.
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Why is it important to simulate events like the 9/11 attacks?
Simulating past disasters, like the 9/11 attacks, helps engineers understand the limitations of existing building codes and develop new strategies to prevent similar failures in the future.
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What role does the IEEE play in Kizildemir’s professional development?
The IEEE provides a platform for Kizildemir to network with other engineers, share her research, and mentor aspiring professionals, fostering collaboration and innovation.
The Future of Structural Engineering: Proactive Resilience
The field of structural engineering is undergoing a paradigm shift, moving from reactive design – responding to failures after they occur – to proactive resilience. This involves anticipating potential threats and incorporating mitigation strategies into the initial design phase. Kizildemir’s work exemplifies this approach, utilizing advanced simulation techniques to create structures that are not only strong but also adaptable and capable of withstanding unforeseen challenges.
This proactive approach is particularly crucial in the face of evolving threats, such as climate change and increasing urbanization. As extreme weather events become more frequent and cities become more densely populated, the need for resilient infrastructure becomes paramount. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into structural engineering promises to further enhance our ability to predict and prevent failures.
For further information on the latest advancements in structural engineering and disaster resilience, explore resources from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Share this article to help spread awareness about the vital work being done to build a more resilient future. Join the conversation in the comments below – what innovative approaches do you think will be crucial for enhancing structural safety in the years to come?
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