Chooi Kim Lau

Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management

Research Scientist (Assistant)

Contact Information

clau1@uwyo.edu

L40, Engineering Building, University of Wyoming

She/Her/Hers

By appointment

Geomaterials Research Lab

KimiChooi Kim Lau is a multidisciplinary research scientist specializing in advanced construction materials, engineered geomaterials, and applied engineering systems. Her work integrates civil engineering, architectural engineering, and materials science, with a focus on system-level material design, experimental validation, and translation to real-world infrastructure applications.

 

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Research, Teaching, and Industry Engagement

Advanced research in engineered construction materials and geomaterials, including structural components, coal-derived materials, and emerging feedstocks. Emphasis on performance testing, durability, lifecycle behavior, and real-world implementation.
Instruction and mentorship in civil and architectural engineering, integrating materials science, construction methods, and applied problem-solving through classroom and laboratory experiences.

 

Bridging fundamental research and practice through experimental validation, prototyping, scale-up considerations, and alignment with construction constraints and adoption pathways.
Engagement with industry partners and collaborators to support applied research, workforce development, technology translation, and responsible deployment of new materials.

Lau’s research adopts a systems-oriented perspective, treating engineering challenges as interconnected frameworks rather than isolated technical components. Her work emphasizes identifying and managing constraints technical, environmental, economic, and institutional and designing material and experimental systems that remain robust as those constraints evolve.

Her research prioritizes rigor, adaptability, and responsible implementation, with particular attention to how engineered materials and systems transition from laboratory validation to real-world application. To support this translation, Lau integrates principles of disciplined entrepreneurship as an evaluative framework, assessing feasibility, scalability, and adoption pathways alongside technical performance. This approach ensures that engineering innovations extend beyond proof-of-concept demonstrations and contribute meaningfully to the built environment.

This systems-based philosophy also guides her mentorship and laboratory leadership. She encourages students and collaborators to evaluate solutions not only for technical performance, but for durability, scalability, and long-term viability within existing infrastructure, regulatory, and supply-chain contexts.