Dr. Mustafa Mashal, vice president for research and economic development and professor at East Texas A&M University, has been elevated to Fellow status by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), one of the highest distinctions the organization awards and an honor achieved by just 3% of members.

ASCE, founded in 1852, is the nation's oldest engineering society and a leading developer of civil engineering standards, as well as a major provider of technical conferences and continuing education.

Fellow status is reserved for members who have demonstrated distinguished achievements and made significant contributions to the civil engineering profession. His selection was based on a combination of landmark scholarship, his work pioneering infrastructure facilities and extensive leadership in civil and structural engineering. The distinction recognizes leadership, professional accomplishments and service to the field throughout one's career.

Mashal was recently recognized during the 2026 ASCE Outstanding Projects and Leaders (OPAL) Awards Gala in Virginia, unofficially dubbed the “Oscars of Engineering,” an annual event that honors outstanding achievements within the field.

Reflecting on the honor, Mashal said:

“Receiving the ASCE Fellow distinction is deeply meaningful to me. My connection with ASCE began during my doctoral studies in New Zealand, when I was the only ASCE student member in the country and helped establish the ASCE New Zealand Section,” Mashal said. “Being recognized as a Fellow now feels like a full-circle moment. I see this honor not only as a recognition of my professional journey, but also as a reflection of the mentors, colleagues, students, and collaborators who have shaped it. It strengthens my commitment to serving the profession, advancing research that benefits communities, and supporting the next generation of civil engineers.”

East Texas A&M President Mark Rudin said that this honor was representative of the great work Mashal has undertaken in his career and continues to do for the university.

“This appointment speaks volumes of the skill and expertise Dr. Mashal displays on a daily basis at East Texas A&M,” Rudin said. “We have already made great strides in the areas of research and economic development in his relatively short time here, and I look forward to the opportunities he can continue to bring to our university. I congratulate Dr. Mashal on this prestigious honor.”

Mashal oversees East Texas A&M's research and economic development initiatives while also serving as a joint appointee at the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory. His research and leadership have advanced structural and earthquake engineering, with a particular emphasis on resilient infrastructure and environmental security.

Learn more about Mashal's role at East Texas A&M.