Ziyu Jin, assistant professor at the Department of Construction Management at Colorado State University, is researching construction health and safety while providing students with fulfilling, hands-on and collaborative learning experiences.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I was born and raised in Suzhou, China, often referred to as the “Venice of China.” The city is also known for its classical Chinese gardens. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in construction management in my hometown before studying abroad. My first stop in the U.S. was Syracuse University, where I earned my master’s degree in engineering management. After gaining a few years of industry experience, I pursued and completed my Ph.D. in civil engineering with a focus on construction at Oregon State University. Outside of academia, I enjoy cooking, hiking, traveling, playing video games, and more recently, I’ve developed a strong interest in working on Legos and jigsaw puzzles!
What brought you to the Department of Construction Management at CSU?
Throughout my Ph.D., I started to become aware that the students in the CM program at CSU were performing exceptionally well in the Associated Schools of Construction competition that takes place every year, as students from OSU also participate in the same competition at the same place. After reviewing the faculty profiles, I was amazed by the extensive range of research and teaching interests among the faculty members. Furthermore, the CM Cares Program provides an opportunity to give back to society and help people in need. All these aspects combined to strongly motivate me to become a part of this program, alongside outstanding students, faculty, and staff.
What are your research and/or teaching interests, and how did you get interested in that topic?
My research interests center on improving construction safety and health, with a specific emphasis on exploring how modern technologies (e.g., BIM, sensors, etc.) can be used and further developed to advance this effort. My interest was sparked by my exposure to the New York City Department of Buildings’ campaign “Experience is Not Enough,” a message I frequently encountered while working in the city and visiting the DOB. It highlighted the importance of safety on construction sites is never too much. Moreover, the construction industry tends to be conservative in embracing changes, including the adoption of new technologies, despite the potential benefits of doing so. I would like to contribute to the effort by empowering the industry with technology-enhanced solutions and a workforce equipped to foster a safer and healthier working environment. My teaching interests align closely with my research interests, such as safety management, virtual design and construction, among other topics.
I want to help my students grow in the ways they desire, both professionally and personally. Beyond construction sites, I hope to encourage individuals to rethink safety and health, recognizing potential hazards and knowing how to address them in their daily lives, creating an improved safety culture in society.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy focuses on three key aspects: hands-on learning experiences, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Firstly, students acquire knowledge faster if they understand the significance of study topics, if they realize study materials are practical and could be applied to real life, and when they learn by doing. Providing hands-on learning experiences are vital for knowledge retention. Secondly, the construction industry requires collaboration among various parties. Equipping students with collaborative skills in college is essential for their preparedness in the industry. Lastly, I believe in nurturing a lifelong learning mindset, enabling students to continuously explore the world of science and engineering, and effectively apply their acquired knowledge in real-world scenarios beyond their academic journey.
What is your favorite thing about CSU so far?
So far, my favorite thing at CSU is the Oval. It brings back memories of my time at OSU during my Ph.D. We had a similar green space in front of my old department building, Kearney Hall, except it was not oval-shaped. I also love that it is right in front of Guggenheim Hall!
The Department of Construction Management is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
