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our group

Who we are

We are a research group dedicated to studying new and emerging technologies that can enhance Building Information Modeling (BIM) efforts to improve building design, construction, and operation.

Which technologies we study

We explore a variety of new technological tools that tie into Building Information Modeling processes, including: ​mobile computing systems, mixed (and augmented) reality, virtual reality, simulation games, wearable technologies, and other new and emerging technologies. 

Why study emerging technologies

The building industry is rapidly evolving. Increasingly, companies are looking to leverage computer technology to improve design and construction processes. In a time when new computing technologies seem to be created every day, understanding how to use these tools appropriately to improve design and construction is critical. We aim to research these technologies to identify the types of tools and implementation approaches that offer the most benefit to the building industry. 

Experiences and Opportunities

Virtual Research Meeting

    Meet The Team

    STEVEN K. AYER, PhD

    Dr. Ayer oversees the Emerging Technologies BIM Research Group at the University of Colorado Boulder. He started working at the CU Boulder in August of 2023. Prior to joining CU, he worked at Arizona State University in the Del E. Webb School of Construction, and before joining ASU, he completed his education at The Pennsylvania State University in Architectural Engineering. 


     Ayer's research group explores new and emerging electronic technologies, including augmented reality, virtual reality, and other emerging tools. This research group has an array of different projects and technologies that it explores, but all studies revolve around the single motivation that technology should empower human users. Therefore, most of the studies conducted by Ayer’s team aim to focus on human performance rather than technological innovation. His team has explored the use of technology for: students gaining “cyberlearning” experiences related to construction management and engineering; architects aiming to improve the quality of their design concepts; construction managers interested in improving field communication of BIM content; and facility managers interested in better leveraging model information to deliver more maintainable built spaces. Ayer’s work has been funded by federal, state, and industrial sources, which has enabled his team to collect data that offers both scientific and practical contributions. 

    Link to CV

    ANDREW KLINE, PhD

    MEHRAN MAHMOUDI MOTAHAR, PhD

    MEHRAN MAHMOUDI MOTAHAR, PhD

     Andrew Kline is pursuing his PhD in Construction Management in the Del E. Webb School of Construction. He has been teaching at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo since 2017 in the Construction Management department. He has a wide range of construction experience and had the opportunity to work on several innovative and complex projects in Southern

     Andrew Kline is pursuing his PhD in Construction Management in the Del E. Webb School of Construction. He has been teaching at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo since 2017 in the Construction Management department. He has a wide range of construction experience and had the opportunity to work on several innovative and complex projects in Southern California and was part of project teams that built over 1100 multi-family units. In research, his areas of focus include how building efficiency can be improved utilizing future technology as well as how utilizing AR/VR technology can improve project scheduling in the classroom and the jobsite.  

    MEHRAN MAHMOUDI MOTAHAR, PhD

    MEHRAN MAHMOUDI MOTAHAR, PhD

    MEHRAN MAHMOUDI MOTAHAR, PhD

    Mehran Mahmoudi Motahar began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Bu-Ali Sina University. He then earned a Master’s degree in Construction and Project Management from the University of Tehran, where he focused on enhancing the implementation of circular economy in construction. Currently, he is 

    Mehran Mahmoudi Motahar began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Bu-Ali Sina University. He then earned a Master’s degree in Construction and Project Management from the University of Tehran, where he focused on enhancing the implementation of circular economy in construction. Currently, he is pursuing his PhD in Construction Engineering and Management at the University of Colorado Boulder, with research that explores how emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality—can improve safety by addressing unsafe behaviors in the construction industry.

    Link to Resume

    RONALD DUREN, PhD

    MEHRAN MAHMOUDI MOTAHAR, PhD

    LUÍSA GUILHERME, MSc

    Ron Duren Jr. is a PhD student in Engineering Education at the University of Colorado Boulder and an Associate Professor in the Engineering Management Program. With a multifaceted background spanning engineering management, aviation, athletics, and leadership development, Ron brings a distinctive perspective to the intersection of human p

    Ron Duren Jr. is a PhD student in Engineering Education at the University of Colorado Boulder and an Associate Professor in the Engineering Management Program. With a multifaceted background spanning engineering management, aviation, athletics, and leadership development, Ron brings a distinctive perspective to the intersection of human performance and technology. He is the founder of Forging Mettle, Inc., a leadership training company that integrates immersive learning, narrative-based coaching, and neuroadaptive tools to develop resilient, adaptable leaders. His current research explores how neurotechnology—such as EEG, HRV, and pupillometry—can be used to measure cognitive load and physiological arousal in immersive VR-based leadership simulations. Ron’s work aims to advance human-centered approaches to leadership development in an era increasingly shaped by AI and neurocapitalism.

    LINK TO RESUME

    LUÍSA GUILHERME, MSc

    LUÍSA GUILHERME, MSc

    LUÍSA GUILHERME, MSc

    Luísa Guilherme is pursuing her MS in Construction Management in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering at CU Boulder. She is currently researching the effectiveness of AR and VR-based assessments in construction safety training programs. Throughout her academic career, she has gained expertise in utilizing B

    Luísa Guilherme is pursuing her MS in Construction Management in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering at CU Boulder. She is currently researching the effectiveness of AR and VR-based assessments in construction safety training programs. Throughout her academic career, she has gained expertise in utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) for stability analysis of a Hydro Power Plant, as well as exploring BIM-Building Energy Simulation (BES) technologies to enhance energy efficiency and thermal performance. Beyond academia, she has professional experience in MEP design team  and geotechnical engineering.

    LINK TO RESUME

    ASHTON RASMUSSEN

    LUÍSA GUILHERME, MSc

    ASHTON RASMUSSEN

    Ashton Rasmussen is an undergraduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder, majoring in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Leadership Studies. He is a member of the President’s Leadership Class, CU Boulder’s premier leadership development program. Through the CU SPUR program, Ashton is conducting research in the Emerging Techno

    Ashton Rasmussen is an undergraduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder, majoring in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Leadership Studies. He is a member of the President’s Leadership Class, CU Boulder’s premier leadership development program. Through the CU SPUR program, Ashton is conducting research in the Emerging Technologies Building Information Modeling (ETBIM) Lab, where he is developing an interactive mixed reality demonstration to evaluate the benefits of augmented reality in construction coordination. His work includes 3D modeling, prototype development, and Unity-based AR implementation, with the goal of creating immersive, user-driven experiences to improve construction efficiency and communication.

    LINK TO RESUME

    Current Opportunities For Students

    Research Opportunities

    Applications to work with the Emerging Technologies BIM Group at CU are received on a rolling basis. If you are interested in joining the group as a student, please email Dr. Steven Ayer (steven.ayer@colorado.edu) with: a resume; and a technical writing sample of your work. If you are interested in other forms of collaboration, please contact Dr. Ayer through the above email.

    SHAREABLE RESEARCH OUTPUTS

    AR Playhouse Simulator: Deploy Guide for HoloLens Application (pdf)

    Download

    AR Playhouse Simulator: Subject Testing Protocol for AR Design and Build Activity (pdf)

    Download

    AR Playhouse Simulator: Radar Plot Generator (AR Playhouse Eval) (xlsx)

    Download

    AR Playhouse Simulator: HRC Instrument (docx)

    Download

    Podcast (ProfeSserror)

    Description

    Professors Steven K. Ayer and Bryan Franz co-host this podcast aimed at providing honest experiences about challenges, failures, and possibly a few success stories related to life in academia. 

    Where to Listen

    Apple Podcasts

    Spotify

    Google Podcasts

    Sponsoring organizations

    Participating organizations

    Emerging Technologies BIM Research Group

    1111 Engineering Dr, Boulder, CO 80309

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