Ellie Fini, associate professor, Del E. Webb School of Construction in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, has been recognized with the Excellence in Academia Award by American Road & Transportation Builders Association. Fini was recognized on September 29, 2025.
This award is given annually to at least one woman in academia or a research institution who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, mentorship, and significant educational and/or research contributions in the transportation industry. ARTBA brings together all facets of the transportation construction industry to responsibly advocate for infrastructure investment and policy that meet the nation’s need for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.
The ARTBA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity, “promotes research, education and public awareness” about the impacts of transportation investment. The Foundation supports an array of initiatives, including educational scholarships, awards, professional development academies, roadway work zone safety and training programs, cutting-edge economic reports, and an exhibition on transportation at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
In its press release, ARTBA recognizes Dr. Fini as a transformative figure in transportation and construction whose work spans groundbreaking research, inclusive education, global leadership, and mentorship. A trailblazer in sustainable materials, she pioneered bio-based and bio-inspired binders—renewable alternatives to petroleum products—resulting in nine patents and 16 pending patents. With over 230 publications, 10,000 citations, and a widely used textbook, she has laid the foundation for a more sustainable transportation sector. Her work has been covered by media outlets such as Wired, CNBC, and BBC Women in STEM. Dr. Fini has taught more than 2,000 students, built project-based learning models, and mentored 73 student researchers. Internationally, she has launched student exchanges and fostered collaborations across Europe.
