Emmanuel Salifu
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650 E Tyler Mall Room 124 Tempe, AZ 85281
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Mail code: 3005Campus: Tempe
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Emmanuel Salifu is an assistant professor of bio-geotechnical engineering in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. He is an expert in bio-geotechnical engineering, soil erosion mitigation and bioremediation, with interests in environmental impact analysis of products and projects. Salifu provides courses that will deepen students’ worldview, sharpen their engineering intuition and promote varying perspectives to solve problems.
- PhD Civil and Environmental Engineering University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. 2019
- PhD Structural, Geotechnical, and Seismic Risk Engineering. University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy. 2019
- PGCert Researcher Professional Development. University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. 2019
- MSc Environmental Engineering. Distinction. University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. 2014
- BEng Agricultural and Environmental Engineering. First Class Hons. University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria. 2009
Applying interdisciplinary (Ag-Env-Bio-Geotech) engineering research perspectives and approaches in developing climate-resilient nature-based solutions for food security, contaminant remediation, ecological restoration, soil erosion and dust mitigation, anti-desertification, and decarbonization of the built environment.
- Engineered living materials/systems.
- Soil improvement: environmental geotechnics, biogeotechnics (microbial/macrofungi-mediated; enzyme; biochemicals).
- Mycoremediation of contaminated lands.
- Soil and water management (health & quality) for agriculture.
*Land sustainability, Circular economy, EIA, LCA/LCSA/TEA, Multi-criteria Decision Analysis
- Salifu, E., Tuckett, T., & Yu, X. (2025). Fungal-Mycelium Biocover: A Novel Biogeotechnology for Improving Soil Resistance to Water and Wind Erosion. Geo-EnvironMeet 2025, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784485682.001
- Tuckett, T., Adegoke, A., & Salifu, E. (2025). Optimizing Fungal Growth Duration and Concentrations of Cementation Solutions for Fugitive Dust Mitigation via FICP. Geotechnical Frontiers 2025. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784485996.0
- Scott B, Zaloumis JL, Salifu E, Alaufi, S., Adesola, H.A., Fraser, M., Kavazanjian, E., Garcia-Pichel, F., 2024. Abiotic crust formation in fallow agricultural desert soils through carbonate cementation reduces fugitive dust. Cambridge Prisms: Drylands. Published online 2024:1-28. DOI:10.1017/dry.2024.5
- Salifu, E., Simeone, G.D.R., Russo, G., Rao, M.A., Urciuoli, G. and El Mountassir, G., 2024. Influence of environmental conditions on the growth of Pleurotus ostreatus in sand. Biogeotechnics, p.100137. DOI:10.1016/j.bgtech.2024.100137
- Bhurtel, A., Salifu, E. and Siddiqua, S., 2024. Composite biomediated engineering approaches for improving problematic soils: Potentials and opportunities. Science of The Total Environment, p.169808. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169808
- Park, J.S., Lin, H., Moe, W.M. and Salifu, E., 2023. Hydraulic Properties of Sands Treated with Fungal Mycelium of Trichoderma virens. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 149(11), p.04023093. https://doi.org/10.1061/JGGEFK.GTENG-11111
- Patil, M., Dalal, P.H., Salifu, E., Iyer, K.K. and Dave, T.N., 2023. Biostabilization of soils as sustainable pathway for anti-desertification: Present and future perspectives. Materials Today: Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.04.216
- Lunn, R.J., Turner, R.J., Minto, J.M., Salifu, E. and El Mountassir, G., 2022. Biomineral sealing of cracks in degraded concrete structures. In Waste Management Conference 2022 (pp. 1-5).
- ElMouchi, A., Siddiqua, S., Salifu, E. and Wijewickreme, D., 2022. Muskeg Soil Stabilization Using the Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation Technique by the Urease Active Bioslurry Approach. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 148(11), p.04022092. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002910
- ElMouchi, A., Siddiqua, S., Salifu, E. and Wijewickreme, D., 2022. Stabilization of Muskeg soils using two additives: sand and urease active bioslurry. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, (ja). https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2021-0209
- Salifu, E., El Mountassir, G., Minto, J.M., Tarantino, A. 2021. Hydraulic behaviour of fungal treated sand. Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gete.2021.100258.
- Salifu, E. and El Mountassir, G., 2021. Fungal-induced water repellency in sand. Géotechnique, 71(7), pp.608-615. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeot.19.P.341. ICE
- Salifu, E., Gutteridge, F., Witte, K. 2021. Recent advances in engineered microbial technologies for the construction industry. Young Researchers’ Forum YRF-V: Innovations in Construction Materials, Glasgow Caledonian University, 22 April 2021. United Kingdom (Presenter). YRF-V Proceedings.pdf (gcu.ac.uk)
- El Mountassir, G., Schellenger, A., Salifu, E., Lunn, RJ. 2021. Engineering Fungal Networks for Ground Improvement. RM4L2020 International Conference, September 2021. Paper number: 194 Cambridge, UK. Accepted RM4L2020 - M4L
- Knapp, C.W., Turner, R., Salifu, E., Khan, S., Stillings, M. and Tonner, R., 2021. Climate change: any dangers from antimicrobial resistant bacteria? In Microbiomes and the Global Climate Change (pp. 145-171). Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-4508-9_10
- Tarantino, A., El Mountassir, G., Wheeler, S., Gallipoli, D., Augarde, C., Urciuoli, G., Romero Morales, E.E., Priegue Mayán, Á.D., Fraccica, A. and Karagianni, P., 2020. TERRE project: interplay between unsaturated soil mechanics and low-carbon geotechnical engineering. In E3S Web of Conferences (Vol. 195, pp. 01002-1). EDP Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202019501002
- Salifu, E., El Mountassir, G. 2019. Preliminary observations of the shear behaviour of fungal treated soil. 7th International Symposium on Deformation Characteristics of Geomaterials (IS-Glasgow 2019), E3S Web of Conferences 92, 11017. (Presenter) https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20199211017
- Ogbeh, G.O., Tsokar, T.O. and Salifu, E., 2019. Optimization of nutrients requirements for bioremediation of spent-engine oil contaminated soils. Env. Engineering Research, 24(3): 484-494 https://doi.org/10.4491/eer.2018.237
- El Mountassir, G., Minto, J.M., van Paassen, L.A., Salifu, E. and Lunn, R.J., 2018. Applications of microbial processes in geotechnical engineering. Advances in applied microbiology, 104, pp.39-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.aambs.2018.05.001
- Salifu, E., MacLachlan, E., Iyer, K.R., Knapp, C.W. and Tarantino, A., 2016. Application of microbially induced calcite precipitation in erosion mitigation and stabilisation of sandy soil foreshore slopes: A preliminary investigation. Engineering Geology, 201, pp.96-105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2015.12.027
- Salifu, E., Enokela, S. 2016. Groundwater fluctuations and its implications along the Niger-Benue Confluence of Nigeria – A Pilot Study. American Journal of Water Resources 4(6): 130-136. DOI:10.12691/ajwr-4-6-2
- Enokela, S.O. and Salifu, E., 2012. Evaluation of Groundwater Quality for Fadama Irrigation Lands in River Niger-Benue Confluence of Lokoja-Nigeria. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 2(9), pp.2250-3153.
- Synergistic Integration of Enzyme-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation and Engineered Biocrust Restoration for Stabilizing Erosion-Prone Arid Lands. Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), Department of Defense (DoD). Role: Co-Investigator; PI: Edward Kavazanjian; other Co-Is: Nariman Mahabadi, Ferran Garcia-Pichel. 2025-2028 (Awarded)
- Fungi-Biopolymer synergistic application in soil stabilization, UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Early Career Researcher Int'l Collaboration Grants. Role: Senior Investigator / International Collaborator PI: Dr Sravan Magudu-Viswanath (Durham University, UK). 2023-2025
- Slope surface stabilization using EICP to limit mine waste and contaminated soil, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Role: Co-Investigator; PI: Dr Hamed Khodadadi Tirkolaei (ASU) 02/2023 – 02/2024
- Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Technologies for Fugitive Dust Suppression and Improvement of Soil Fertility in Fallow Fields, TRIF ABOR Proposal in Response to Air/Soil Problem Statement. Role: Senior Investigator; PI: Prof Garcia-Pichel, CoIs: Prof Kavazanjian, Prof Fraser, Prof Herckes. (ASU) 05/2022 – 07/2025
- Bio-mediated treatment of organic soil with fungal strain Penicillium Chrysogenum and wood fly ash. NSERC Canada, Alliance Catalyst. Role: Senior Investigator; PI: Dr Siddiqua (UBC-Okanagan, Ca). 09/2022 – 08/2023
- Biological degradation of discarded cross-linked polyethylene plastic cables, Salt River Project SRP and Arizona State University, Joint Research Fund. Role: PI; Co-PI: Prof. Deng at ASU 08/2022 – 08/2023
- Enhancement of Concrete Façade using Lichen-based Bio coating, StrathWide Internally Awarded Grant for Interdisciplinary Collaborative Project, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. Role: CoPI with Dr Witte (CoPI) & Ms Gutteridge (CoPI) at University of Strathclyde, UK. 09/2020-08/2021
Courses
2025 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CEE 792 | Research |
2025 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CEE 790 | Reading and Conference |
| CEE 792 | Research |
| CEE 792 | Research |
| EVE 499 | Individualized Instruction |
2024 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CEE 590 | Reading and Conference |
| CEE 599 | Thesis |
| CEE 790 | Reading and Conference |
| CEE 792 | Research |
| CNE 351 | Geotechnical Engineering |
| CEE 351 | Geotechnical Engineering |
| CEE 351 | Geotechnical Engineering |
| CEE 351 | Geotechnical Engineering |
| CNE 351 | Geotechnical Engineering |
| CNE 351 | Geotechnical Engineering |
| CEE 351 | Geotechnical Engineering |
| CNE 351 | Geotechnical Engineering |
2024 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CEE 792 | Research |
2024 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CEE 790 | Reading and Conference |
| CEE 792 | Research |
| CEE 557 | Geoenvironmental Engineering |
2023 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CEE 790 | Reading and Conference |
| CEE 792 | Research |
| ASU 101-CEE | The ASU Experience |
Mistletoe Research Fellowship awarded by the Momental Foundation, Redwood California, USA, 2022-2023.
Institute of Concrete Technology (ICT) Award for Best Paper Presented at the Young Researchers’ Forum YRF-V: Innovations in Construction Materials, Glasgow Caledonian University, United Kingdom, 2021
Best Research Pitch Award SILBERSALZ Science and Media Festival, Halle Germany, 2020
1st Place Winner & Audience Prize Falling Walls Lab –MSCA, Research Pitch Contest, Brussels, Belgium. And Finalist at the Falling Walls Lab Finale, Berlin, Germany. 2019
David Livingstone Centre for Sustainability (DLCS) Prize for the best graduating student on the MSc Environmental Engineering programme, University of Strathclyde, UK. 2014
University Prize for Overall Best Graduating Student awarded by the University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria at the Convocations, 2010
Member, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), since 2021
Member, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), since 2016
Member, Institute of Agricultural Engineering (IAgrE), since 2016
Member, American Chemical Society (ACS), since 2023
Member, Mycological Society of America (MSA), since 2022
Member, Society for Ecological Restoration (SER), since 2023
Member, Institute of Mining, Materials and Minerals (IOMMM), since 2019
Member, International Geosynthetics Society (IGS), since 2023
Member, International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE), since 2021
Member, The United States Universities Council on Geotechnical Education and Research (USUCGER), since 2023
Associate Fellow, Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), 2020
Certified Associate, Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning, CIRTL, 2022
Chartered Engr. (CEng), UK Engineering Council (2021-2023)
Registered Engr. (R.Engr.), Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) since 2019
Assistant Professor, Arizona State University, Tempe USA 2023 - Present
Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow, Arizona State University, Tempe USA 2021 - 2023
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow United Kingdom 2019-2021
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom & University of Naples Federico II, Italy 2016-2019
Graduate Assistant, Lecturer II, Lecturer I - University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria 2012-2021