
Makes even the toughest topics accessible.
Always kind, respectful, and approachable.
Challenges students to grow and excel.
Makes learning feel effortless and fun.
Creates dynamic and thought-provoking lessons.
Dr. Thong Pham serves as Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering at Curtin University. He obtained his Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honours from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, graduating with top marks. In 2011, he was awarded a fully-funded PhD scholarship in structural engineering at the University of Wollongong, where he completed his doctorate in 2014. His PhD thesis received special commendation—the highest honour for a PhD graduate in Australia—and ranked second nationally upon review by the Concrete Institute of Australia. During his doctoral studies, he earned the 2013 Peter Schmidt Memorial Scholarship for the best performing PhD candidate in Civil Engineering and the Postgraduate Research Award for Best Performance from the Faculty of Engineering. Following graduation, Dr. Pham spent nearly nine years at Curtin University, advancing from postdoctoral research associate to Senior Lecturer. He continues as an adjunct faculty member while holding the position of Associate Professor and Enterprise Fellow in Structural Engineering at the University of South Australia.
Dr. Pham's research focuses on developing greener, cost-effective, and durable structures through advancements in prefabricated construction technology, blast and impact engineering, protective structures, fibre-reinforced polymers, and sustainable materials including rubberised concrete, geopolymer concrete, and waste-derived alternatives. His contributions enhance structural resilience against impact, blast loads, and other multi-hazards. Notable publications include 'Review on impact response of reinforced concrete beams' (2021), 'Effect of rubber aggregate size on static and dynamic compressive properties of engineered cementitious composites' (2021), 'Numerical Study on the Flexural Performance of Precast Segmental Concrete Beams with External Tendons' (2020), and chapters in 'Geopolymer Concrete Structures with Steel and FRP Reinforcements' (2023). With over 10,900 citations and an h-index reflecting top 2% global standing in civil engineering, his influence is significant. At Curtin, accolades include finalist for the 2018 Early Career Research Award, 2019 Highly Commendable Paper Award and Best Young Researcher's Paper Award, and the 2021 Concrete Institute of Australia Award for Excellence in Technology and Innovation. He has supervised PhD students securing top national prizes from the Concrete Institute of Australia.
