Introducing Sam Sohn, new CIEST director

At CU Boulder, the Center for Infrastructure, Energy, and Space Testing (CIEST) is where innovation meets impact. The facility brings together students, faculty and industry partners to explore how infrastructure and materials perform under real-world conditions—from powerful geotechnical centrifuges to advanced structural and materials testing systems.

Now, under the leadership of Sam Sohn, CIEST’s new director, the center is deepening opportunities for hands-on learning, research collaboration and industry partnerships.

How does your background align with the mission of CIEST?

I earned my PhD in materials science from Virginia Tech in 2000, and have since worked in R&D and product developments across a range industries— including polymers, electronic materials, solar cells, EV batteries and automotive systems. These broad experiences have shown me how science and technology impact our daily lives. 

The core mission of CIEST is to study infrastructure at small, medium and large scales such as building and underground systems—and to build a scientific foundation for improving resilience against natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. In many ways, this aligns with my career path: leveraging science and technology for the benefit of society.

What excites you most about taking on the role of director?

My role has three core missions: supporting faculty in undergraduate and graduate teaching, providing the right experimental tools for research and bringing internal and external research to expand the center. The work is anything but routine—it demands creativity, collaboration and a strong drive for success, keeping me engaged every day.

What are some of the lab’s current or upcoming research projects that you’re most excited about?

CIEST supports several CEAE faculty research projects in geotechnical and structural engineering, ranging from concrete research to earthquake impact simulations using a centrifuge. The center also conducts multiple pipeline-related industrial research programs.

How is CIEST advancing testing capabilities for large-scale infrastructure, materials or energy systems?

CIEST is equipped with four hydraulic actuators, covering both uniaxial and bi-axial testing ranging from 110 kip and 220kip, (1 kip = 1,000 pounds). Our largest actuator can handle up to one million pounds.  A series of centrifuges from small teaching units to large industrial-scale machines—enables a full spectrum of geotechnical research. These capabilities are versatile and can also be applied to aerospace and energy research.

What role do industry partnerships play in your research and testing programs?

Industry partnerships are critical, providing financial stability and strong connections for our students. Industry brings real-world, complex challenges to CIEST, requiring advanced equipment and expertise, which creates opportunities for mutual growth and prepares students for professional success.

How do students—both undergraduate and graduate—get involved in CIEST projects?

CIEST offers multiple ways for students to get involved. Some undergraduate students are hired directly by the center, while others work on research tied to their master’s or doctoral dissertations through their faculty advisors.

CIEST also hires postdoctoral researchers to lead and support industrial projects.

The center operates with a small professional staff and a large team of students and postdocs. One of CIEST’s core missions is hands-on education: students help design experiments, set up tests and analyze results, gaining a full understanding of how research is conducted from start to finish.

What skills or experiences do you hope students gain from working in the lab?

We live in an “AI-driven” era, where access to advanced knowledge is easier than ever. This makes higher education even more valuable, as success will depend less on “what you know” and more on “how you use it.” At CIEST, students gain practical, hands-on experience, applying scientific and engineering principles in real-world research. This experience equips CEAE graduates with the skills to innovate and excel in their careers.