Faculty Profile for Dr. Anthony S Torres

profile photo for Dr. Anthony S Torres
Dr. Anthony S Torres
Professor — Department of Engineering Technology
Professor — Department of Engineering Technology
Professor — Mtrls Sci, Engrg & Comrclzatn Prgm
RFM 4222
phone: (512) 245-6449
Scholarly/Creative Work
Awards
Grants
Service

Biography Section

Biography and Education

 Dr. Anthony Torres is a Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology and Assistant Director of the Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization (MSEC) doctoral program at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. Dr. Torres received a PhD and MS in Civil Engineering from the University of New Mexico, and a BS in Civil Engineering from New Mexico State University. Prior to joining Texas State University, Dr. Torres doctoral dissertation from the University of New Mexico focused on material science – particularly, crystal growth kinetics, nucleation, and phase changes; all things that occur on the nano- and micro-scale. Since arriving at Texas State he has focused this expertise in cement and concrete laboratory testing and development. His research expertise and academic training has allowed him to address concrete materials research from a new perspective, often developing new techniques/procedures or new approaches to address an issue. Dr. Torres has published over 50 peer-reviewed journal publications, book chapters, and conference proceedings. Dr. Torres has received over $3M in externally funded research projects, from such agencies as the Texas DOT, New Mexico DOT, Minnesota DOT, NASA, the Space Force, HOLCIM Innovation Center, and local companies. His research focuses on developing sustainable and innovative cementitious composite materials with particular focus on long-term durability. A recent exciting project with NASA focuses on developing geopolymer concretes for their upcoming Artemis mission, which is their next mission to the moon. Dr. Torres also prioritizes education in which he also leads grants and publications focusing on advanced pedagogical techniques for STEM education and retention. He's won numerous awards for his teaching, research, and service to the university.

Teaching Interests

 Active Teaching and Learning

Research Interests

 Ultra High Strength and Performance Concrete, Concrete with Recycled and Sustainable Materials,
Pervious Concrete Design and Characterization
STEM Education and Retention

Selected Scholarly/Creative Work

  • Villarreal, R., Torres, A., Aguayo, F., & Moro, C. (2022). Assessing the Degree of Polish on Hardened Concrete Air Void Parameters. Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction, 11(4), 177–188. https://doi.org/10.32732/jcec.2022.11.4.177
  • Danish, A., Torres, A. S., Moro, C., & Salim, M. U. (2024). Hope or hype? Evaluating the environmental footprint of reclaimed fly ash in geopolymer production. Resources, Conservation & Recycling, 205, 107564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107564
  • Torres, A. S. (n.d.). Using Project Based Learning to Improve Student Comprehension of Sustainability in Concrete Technology. International Journal of Instruction.
  • Debbarma, S., Shi, X., Torres, A. S., & Nodehi, M. (2023). Fiber-reinforced lunar geopolymers synthesized using lunar regolith simulants. Acta Astronautica, (214), 593–608. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2023.11.013
  • Villarreal, R., Torres, A., Aguayo, F., & Moro, C. (2023). An Alternative Test Method for Determining Hardened Air Void Parameters for Durable Concrete Pavement. Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction, 12(1), 19–39. https://doi.org/10.32732/jcec

Selected Awards

  • Award / Honor Recipient: Sustainable Concrete Competition, Texas Aggregate and Cement Association. June 2023 - Present
  • Award / Honor Nominee: Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching, Texas State University. May 2023 - Present
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Presidential Distinction and College Achievement Award for Teaching, Texas State University. January 2023 - Present
  • Award / Honor Recipient: High Early High Strength Concrete Competition, Texas Aggregate and Cement Association. June 2022 - Present
  • Award / Honor Nominee: Presidential Award for Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activity, Texas State University. May 2022 - Present

Selected Grants

  • Moro, Carlos (Principal), Torres, Anthony S (Co-Principal), Espinoza Chavez, Wilson F (Co-Principal). Refinement of Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert Installation Guidelines, South Dakota Department of Transportation, Federal, $125000. (Funded: March 2024 - September 2025). Grant.
  • Torres, Anthony (Principal), Aguayo, Federico (Co-Principal), Shi, Xijun (Co-Principal), Moro, Carlos (Co-Principal), Espinoza, Wilson (Co-Principal). Developing a Performance-Based Concrete Overlay Mix Design for Improved Resistance to Early-Age Cracking and Increased Durability, Texas Department of Transportation, State, $700370. (Funded: September 2023 - August 2026). Grant.
  • Shi, Xijun (Principal), Torres, Anthony S (Co-Principal), Moro Martinez, Carlos (Co-Principal). Cracking-resistant concrete for durable coastal structures, CREATE UTC, Texas State University, $92181. (Submitted: November 2023, Funded: September 2024 - Present). Grant.
  • Shi, Xijun (Principal), Torres, Anthony S (Co-Principal). MINDS: Processing of Lunar Geopolymer Using In-Situ Resources, NASA, Federal, $2500. (Funded: December 2023 - Present). Grant.
  • Shi, Xijun (Principal), Torres, Anthony S (Co-Principal). MINDS: Further Testing of Lunar Geopolymer Using In-Situ Resources, NASA, Federal, $2500. (Funded: December 2022 - Present). Grant.

Selected Service Activities

Voting Memeber
American Concrete Institute - 239-0F - Sustainability of Ultra High Performance Concrete
September 2022-Present
Editorial Review Board Member
International Journal on Engineering Structures and Materials
June 2022-Present
Editor
Journal of Sustainability (Guest Editor)
May 2022-Present
Voting Member
ACI Committee 555
January 2021-Present
Member
ACI Committee 239
January 2020-Present