Dave Jones Scholarship 2020

After completing my master’s degree in the Summer of 2018 at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, I was admitted to Auburn University in the Fall of 2018 for a doctorate degree in civil engineering and joined the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) research laboratory team. At NCAT, I have been actively involved in several projects. The first one was about the modification of asphalt binder using a bio-polymer. The bio-polymer was produced from the transesterification of glycerol from the triglycerides in epoxidized soybean oil by using benzyl alcohol. The objective of the study was to understand the aging susceptibility of the new bio-polymer as compared to the conventional styrene-butadiene-styrene polymer. In this study, I was responsible for preparing asphalt mixtures, fabricating the specimens, conducting related tests, and report writing.
Recently, we finished a research project which was about the feasibility of using recycled polyethylene plastics as asphalt binder modifier. The project was funded by the Plastic Industry Association. This study focused on evaluating the chemical and rheological properties of asphalt binders modified with recycled polyethylene plastics. In addition, the performance of the asphalt mixtures modified with recycled polyethylene was tested as well. My responsibilities in this project were preparing materials, mixing asphalt mixtures, fabrication of specimens, running tests and report writing.
Currently, I am working with my Advisors, Dr. Carolina Rodezno and Dr. Fan Yin on two projects funded by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) under its Highway Research Program and the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT). With the WisDOT project, the effects of the quality and quantity of recycled asphalt materials (Reclaimed asphalt pavements and Recycled asphalt shingles) on asphalt binders and mixtures are being studied. As part of the methodology, several rejuvenators have been selected and tested along with the base binder for the project. A significant goal for this study will be developing a draft testing procedure to evaluate the quality of asphalt binder blended with recycled asphalt materials. The SDDOT study is at the initial stage of literature review and processing of questionnaire responses. The study will evaluate and suggest at least five rejuvenators that could routinely be used by the SDDOT. Also, a standardized testing protocol to evaluate rejuvenators will be developed for SDDOT.
While fascinated with several research areas in the asphalt industry, my current researches focus are primarily on asphalt binder modification, asphalt material characterization, asphalt mix designs, and performance testing and evaluation of asphalt mixtures. As an aspirant who comes from Tanzania, a developing country with a goal of advancing its socio-economic status to mid-level by 2025, the transportation sector has a significant contribution in achieving this objective. In order to be part of my country’s socio-economic changes, I currently work with a graduate student from the University of Dar es Salaam to conduct a survey on the quantity and quality of reclaimed asphalt pavements available in the coastal region of Tanzania along with how they are currently being utilized. Also, we are at the initial stage of using a mix of waste sunflower cooking oil and polyethylene plastics as an asphalt modifier.
Obtaining this scholarship will greatly help me attend the Association of Asphalt Pavement Technologists (AAPT) conference. Which is expected to begin on 22nd to 25th March 2020 in San Diego, California. At this conference, I will be presenting findings on the laboratory performance of asphalt mixtures containing recycled polyethylene plastics project.

While doing my undergraduate studies at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. I was lucky to intern with Howard Humphreys (T) Ltd during my senior year in 2014. At Howard Humphreys, I worked on several consulting projects that involved roadway geometry design, material testing, and preparation of bill of quantities. However, I was involved in-depth on consulting the construction of the Nyangoye-Nyamukazi stretch in Bukoba Municipality. The stretch was about eight kilometers and was originally a dust road being upgraded to bitumen standard. Despite being on the consultant side, the internship required me to work closely with foremen, site technicians, and other laborers to get a hand-on-experience.
The project involved both soil and asphalt testing. Most of the soil tests conducted were Atterberg limits test, particle size distribution test, soil density-moisture relationship test, and California bearing ratio (CBR) test while the asphalt test included but not limited to penetration test, ductility test, flash and fire point test. The project required a subgrade with CBR of greater than 15 percent under a sub-base stabilized by cement followed by a 150 mm thick of crushed stone base. A prime coat was applied not only to create a better bond between the base course layer and the asphalt wearing surface but also to fill in the voids of the base course and prevent the road from moisture-related damages. The surface wearing course was a double dressing using aggregate with nominal size of 14 mm for the first layer and 7 mm for the second layer. The project took 12 months to complete and was funded by the government of the United Republic of Tanzania through the office of the president.

 Best student Award - 50 years anniversary of Moshi Technical Secondary School (2007)
 Kenyon Fellowship Award from the National Center for Asphalt Technology
 Graduate Research Assistantship from the Civil Engineering Department – Auburn University

Raised in Kibara, a village along Lake Victoria in Tanzania; I learned swimming and playing soccer at an early age and has been practicing them ever since. When I moved to the U.S for my master's degree at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, I developed an interest in mountain biking and calisthenics. Apart from the health and social benefits, I have acquired from these hobbies; they have helped me to overcome anxiety and improved my mood in studies. In Chattanooga, I used to practice mountain biking thrice a week but since moving to Auburn the frequency has declined due to lack of mountain terrain in the area. However, I still practice calisthenics.
Moreover, in my spare time, I like listening to music and watching movies. I like rhythm and blues (R&B), blues and jazz when comes to music listening. With movies, I am a fan of horror, adventure, crime and action and comedies. Also, I have developed an interest in musical instruments, and I plan to start learning violin and trumpet in summer. The reasons for wanting to learn both the violin and trumpet are that I find both instruments more relaxing, stress-relieving, and entertaining even when I listen to other people playing them.

 Coordinating campus ministry activities for Seventh-Day Adventist students at Auburn and Tuskegee University
 Teaching Civil Engineering Materials Labs to undergraduate students and grading their laboratory reports
 Leading the Auburn University Team on the CRH Asphalt Mixture Design Competition for the 2019/2020 Academic year