Dr. Anthony Yusuf is an Assistant Professor of Construction Science at the University of Oklahoma, where he leads the Construction Intelligence and Automation Lab. His research lies at the intersection of construction, emerging technologies, and human-centered innovation, with a focus on developing intelligent, technology-driven solutions for the future of the construction industry.
Dr. Yusuf’s work explores how intelligent technologies can transform construction education, enhance workforce capabilities, improve productivity, and promote safer and more sustainable work environments. Through his interdisciplinary research, he is interested in investigating and developing practical, technology-driven intelligent approaches that help prepare the construction industry and its workforce for a rapidly evolving digital future. This is aimed at integrating human-centered design, artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technologies to address complex challenges facing the construction industry. His overarching goal is to help prepare the construction workforce and industry for a rapidly evolving digital future by advancing innovative, intelligent, and human-centered construction practices.
He is also passionate about preparing the future professional workforce for the construction industry through teaching and mentoring of undergrad and graduate students.
2025: Member, Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society for scientists and engineers
2025: Carl and Jane Belt Graduate Fellowship, Myers-Lawson School of Construction, Virginia Tech, for outstanding academic achievements, contributions to the field, and commitment to excellence
2025: Certificate of Scholarly Recognition, Myers-Lawson School of Construction, Virginia Tech, for exceptional contributions to construction research
2024: Pratt Fellowship for Research, Virginia Tech College of Engineering, Office of Research and Innovation, for outstanding academic achievements in research, dedication, and potential for future success
2024: Certificate of Scholarly Recognition, Myers-Lawson School of Construction, Virginia Tech, for exceptional contributions to construction research
2023: Recipient, Virginia Tech’s “Dr. Aunt Peg” Margaret Driscoll Fellowship, 2023–24 academic year
2022: Certificate of Distinction, Virginia Tech Academy for Outstanding Graduate Pedagogy
1. Khalid, M., Akanmu, A., Yusuf, A. O., Awolusi, I., Murzi, H., (2026). Aligning Construction Engineering Education with Industry Needs: A Computational Thinking Approach with Sensing Technologies and Data Analytics. Journal of Civil Engineering Education, 152(2), https://doi.org/10.1061/JCEECD.EIENG-22.
2. Yusuf, A. O., Akanmu, A. A., Murzi, H., Nieto-Leal, A., Ofori-Boadu, A. N., & Ball, S. (2025). Instructors’ Considerations When Collaborating with Practitioners for Future Workforce Development. Journal of Civil Engineering Education, 151(2), 04024010. https://doi.org/10.1061/JCEECD.EIENG-2043.
3. Yusuf, A., Akanmu, A., Okunola, A., Afolabi, A., Jebelli, H. (2025). Neuro-Muscular Assessment of Exoskeleton Use: A Correlation between Physiological, Psychological, and Subjective Evaluation Measures. Submitted to ASCE International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering (i3CE) held July 28-31, 2024, at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784486139.075.
4. Afolabi, A., Yusuf, A., & Akanmu, A. (2025). Predicting mental workload of using exoskeletons for construction work: a deep learning approach. Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon), 30(1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.36680/j.itcon.2025.001.
5. Afolabi, A., Yusuf, A., & Akanmu, A. (2025). Effect of a Passive Shoulder-Support Exoskeleton on Muscle Activity, Range of Motion, Discomfort, and Exertion during Painting Tasks. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 151(5), 04025027. https://doi.org/10.1061/JCEMD4.COENG-15348.
6. Yusuf, A., Afolabi, A., Akanmu, A., Murzi, H., Ofori-Boadu, A., & Ball, S. (2024). Evaluation of Instructors’ Demographic Variations on a Web-based Platform for Connecting with Practitioners. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2024.2375689.
7. Yusuf, A., Akanmu, A., Afolabi, A., Murzi, H., Ball, S., & Ofori-Boadu, A. N. (2024). Design and Evaluation of a Web Platform for Connecting Instructors and Practitioners–Instructors’ Perspective. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 1-33. https://doi.org/10.1080/15578771.2024.2372719.
8. Yusuf, A., Akanmu, A., Ball, S., Murzi, H., & Ofori-Boadu, A. (2024). Instructor-practitioner collaborations via a web platform–design and practitioners' intention-to-use. Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon), 29(20), 424-443. https://doi.org/10.36680/j.itcon.2024.020.
9. Yusuf, A.O., Afolabi, A., Akanmu, A., Murzi, H., Nieto Leal, A., Ball, S. & Ofori-Boadu, A. (2024). Collaborations between industry and academia for future workforce development: construction practitioners’ perspective. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-07-2023-0683.
10. Olayiwola, J., Yusuf, A., Akanmu, A., Gonsalves, N., & Abraham, Y. (2024). Efficacy of Annotated Video-Based Learning Environment for Drawing Students’ Attention to Construction Practice Concepts. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 150(1), 04023155. https://doi.org/10.1061/JCEMD4.COENG-13778.
11. Khalid, M., Yusuf, A., Akanmu, A., Murzi, H., & Awolusi, I. (2024). The Impact of Individual Differences in Developing Computational Thinking and Sensor Data Analytics Skills in Construction Engineering Education. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/15578771.2024.2404969.
12. Afolabi, A., Yusuf, A., & Akanmu, A. (2024). Human-in-the-Loop Digital Twin Framework for Ergonomics of Exoskeletons in Construction. Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon), 29(48), 1083-1102. https://doi.org/10.36680/j.itcon.2024.048.
