Emma Zhang, Assistant Professor, Civil, Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing (CEC), George Mason University, received funding from the National Science Foundation for the project: “Collaborative Research: Fungi-Based Biological Upcycling of Waste Concrete into Durable Infrastructure Materials.”
Zhang will investigate how fungi can be harnessed to transform demolished concrete into reliable, high-value materials for future infrastructure. The research will develop biological approaches to improve the quality and durability of recycled concrete aggregates while exploring pathways to convert fine particles generated during concrete crushing into useful construction materials.
By improving recycled aggregates and finding beneficial uses for crushing fines, Zhang expects this research to conserve domestic resources, reduce solid waste, and support more durable and efficient rebuilding of roads, bridges, and buildings.
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She adds that the work will also serve the national interest by promoting the progress of science, advancing national prosperity and welfare through better use of waste resources, and strengthening the construction materials supply chain.
Zhang received $347,998 from NSF for this research. Funding began in Sept. 2026 and will end in late Aug. 2029.
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