Michael Barker (middle), a professor of civil and architectural engineering at
the University of Wyoming, recently received one of the American Iron and Steel Institute’s
(AISI) 2025 Market Development Industry Leadership Awards in Washington, D.C., June
3. Lourenco Goncalves (left), AISI chairman and chairman, president and CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs
Inc., and Kevin Dempsey, president and CEO of AISI, also are pictured. (AISI Photo)
Michael Barker, a professor of civil and architectural engineering at the University
of Wyoming, was recently honored for his significant contributions to advancing the
use of steel in the bridge construction market.
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) presented one of its two 2025 Market
Development Industry Leadership Awards to Barker at the organization’s general meeting
in Washington, D.C., June 3. J.P. Singh, technical integration engineer, steel, advanced
manufacturing at General Motors, was the other award recipient.
“I thank the American Iron and Steel Institute and its members for the Industry Leadership
Award for my contributions as the director of education for the Short Span Steel Bridge
Alliance (SSSBA),” Barker says. “The alliance has had great success over the years
educating students, faculty, young engineers and bridge owners about steel bridges
through innovative technology development, presentations, papers, articles, seminars,
workshops and online certificate programs across the United States and even the world.
The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance and its members have contributed to the design
and construction of steel bridges for over 18 years, and I am proud to have been a
part of its success.”
Barker’s primary research pertains to steel bridges, experimental testing, bridge
design specifications, bridge field-testing, high-performance steel and reliability
analyses of structures. As an active member of the AISI Bridge Task Force and leader
of educational efforts for the AISI-led SSSBA, he has helped educate more than 20,000
bridge owners and designers on the benefits of steel bridges. Additionally, he has
spearheaded an educational program that has introduced more than 2,000 students to
cost-effective steel bridge design and construction, ensuring that the next generation
of engineers is well-versed in steel solutions.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Michael and J.P. for their outstanding leadership and
steadfast dedication to championing the benefits of steel in the construction and
automotive sectors. Their expertise is essential as we rise to meet modern challenges,”
says Lourenco Goncalves, AISI chairman and chairman, president and CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs
Inc. “Continuous innovation is vital for American steel producers to adapt to changing
demands. We deeply value the enduring guidance and impactful contributions of these
two remarkable individuals.”
Barker received his master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, both
from Purdue University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.
