Dr. Ignatius Fomunung joined the faculty of the College of Engineering and Computer Science in 2005 as Associate Professor of Civil Engineering. Over the past twelve years he has been recognized for his efforts as teacher, student organization mentor, researcher, and volunteer to area professional organizations.
A native of Cameroon, Dr. Fomunung earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Nanjing Institute of Technology, China. In doing so, he studied the Mandarin Chinese language – a linguistic skill that he has effectively employed throughout his academic career. Most recently, his teaching Civil Engineering courses to students of Changsha University has been of assistance in the establishment to the College’s partnership with that institution. That partnership is leading to the UTC enrollment of Changsha students in 2018-19. After earning his BS degree, Dr. Fomunung studied at Clark Atlanta University and Georgia Tech, earning a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Georgia Tech in 2000.
Prior to graduate study, he worked as a civil/hydraulic engineer for the Cameroon Development Corporation and the Del Monte Corporation. As a research and teaching assistant at Clark Atlanta and Georgia Tech he recognized and explored his desire to be a faculty member, by pursuing student instruction and research. Prior to coming to UTC, he worked as an Assistant Professor at Clark Atlanta University.
Dr. Fomunung serves as advisor to the College’s student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and led the Chattanooga Branch of the ASCE through service as the organization’s secretary, treasurer, and president.
In addition to his teaching and research responsibilities, Dr. Fomunung is the Director of the College’s Advanced Vehicle Test (test track) Facility. In that capacity, he works closely with faculty colleagues, students, TVA, and other CECS partners who utilize the test track for research and instruction. His areas of expertise are Application of Wavelet Theory in Transportation Analysis, Transportation Air Quality Planning and Analysis, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Human Factors and Safety in Transportation, and Smart Materials in Infrastructure Health Monitoring. He is the author of dozens of research studies including two international peer-reviewed conference proceedings, and serves as reviewer for several scientific journals.
Dr. Fomunung and his wife, Lilian Nukuna, are the parents of three daughters. The Fomunungs have joined with other family members and friends in establishing a foundation that supports educational and economic development initiatives improving the lives of women and children in their native Cameroon.
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