Our Story - Our team

Luigi Di Sarno

Dr Luigi Di Sarno

Sustainable Materials and Infrastructure Specialist

I am a Senior Lecturer in Structural Design in the School of Engineering, University of Liverpool. I have more than two decades of experience in advanced experimental testing on structural and non-structural components plus systems under different loading scenarios. I have developed innovative experimental investigation methodologies: e.g. pseudo-dynamic (PsD) hybrid simulation with sub-structuring and real-time distributed hybrid shake table experiments, for testing steel and reinforced concrete (RC) critical structures and infrastructure systems under static and/or dynamic loadings.

In addition I have been experimenting the use of novel and cost-effective mitigation technologies and methodologies for natural risk reduction. I am also developed design-by-testing methods that can be reliably utilised for the performance enhancement of existing ageing infrastructure and for newly-designed structural systems, e.g. structural walls with embedded sensors.

I am currently assessing the viability of using sustainable and resilient materials based on recycling of wastes from demolition, plastic-free components, plus developing innovative low-carbon cementitious mixtures for applications in energy-efficient structures and infrastructure. I have established, through a strategic long-term plan, an interdisciplinary and global research group (Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure, RSI), connecting the University of Liverpool in the UK; the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) in Suzhou, China; University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

I have also published more than 250 papers, including more than 50 publications on international high-impact journals, plus two books on earthquake engineering.

The rest of our team

Neal Maxwell

Director

I’ve spent over 3 decades in the Fit-out industry and have seen a number of seismic changes in my working environment and of course,...

Prof Jonathan Sharples

Director & Head of Oceanography

I have been researching the ocean for the past 30 years, studying how ocean physics (tides, weather, ocean currents) affects the growth and distribution...

Dr Gareth Abrahams

Director & Head of Building Design Research

Before becoming an academic I worked for over 10 years as a senior project architect designing and delivered a number of prestigious projects across...

Kris Tisdale

Director

I am fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to see much of the world and whilst travelling I have seen first-hand the devastating...

Dr Wendy Jones

Science Engagement Lead

I am a scientist with many years of experience in business development on both sides of the academic-industry interface. I have lived and worked...

Caroline Harris

Strategic Advisor

I have 18 years’ experience across Operations, Finance, and IT in the Financial Services industry, specialising in Change Management. I worked on the introduction...

Danielle Heward

Membership Lead

With over 15 years of experience in operations and project management, business change and transformation, I have honed my expertise in optimising operations. I...

Nick Williams

Membership & Community Manager

As the Changing Streams Membership & Community Manager, I am the first port of call for everything that relates to our members' involvement in...

Leo Aspden

Coaching and Training Adviser

As an award-winning high growth business consultant and executive/leadership coach, I have more than 30 years experience of working with business leaders, executives, and...

Lynda Thompson

Research Associate

I’m a relentlessly curious qualitative researcher working in the construction, infrastructure and energy (fuel crisis) sectors. I'm a people person first and foremost and...

Prof Ric Williams

Climate Adviser to Changing Streams and co-chair of the Climate Futures Research Challenge

I have been researching how the ocean affects the climate system, addressing the reasons why climate models show a large spread in how much...

Dr Stephen Finnegan

Advisor to Changing Streams on carbon reduction and founder of the Zero Carbon Research institute

Dr Stephen Finnegan acts as the Director of the ZCRI and investigates the whole life sustainability and financial implications of creating individual projects, buildings,...

Asmaa Sadou Ammar

Changing Streams Research Centre

Commencing my academic journey at the University of Alicante, I developed a passion for architecture and engineering. Studying abroad in the UK and Greece...

Brendon Kenny

Business Development

I am passionate about the environment and believe business should create profit with purpose. I have over 35 years of Business experience at Senior...

Mick Ord

Public Relations

I am the former manager of  one of the BBC's most successful radio stations BBC Radio Merseyside where I started as a reporter in...