Bio
Dr. Nolan Hayes is a Research and Development Associate in the Building Envelope Materials Research Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His work focuses on transforming how buildings are designed and constructed, making the process faster, more efficient, and more affordable.
With a strong foundation in construction management and structural engineering, Dr. Hayes brings a practical, solution-driven approach to some of the most pressing challenges in building construction. His research spans a wide range of topics, including construction automation, prefabricated construction, artificial intelligence, innovative materials, advanced sensing technologies, and long-term durability of buildings.
Dr. Hayes earned both his B.S. and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy. He's passionate about bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world impact, helping shape the future of industrialized construction.
Awards
- 2024 R&D 100 Award for Real-Time Evaluator for Fast and Accurate Installation of Prefab Components
- 2019 & 2015 Extraordinary Professional Promise Award, University of Tennessee Knoxville
- 2017 Tennessee Fellowship for Graduate Excellence, University of Tennessee Knoxville
Education
- PhD in Civil Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2020
- BS in Civil Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2015
Trademarks and Patents
- Hayes NW, Maldonado BP, Hun DE. Flat and Level Analysis Tool (FLAT). Invention Disclosure 202305305.
- Maldonado BP, Hun DE, Hayes NW. FASTER Façade Information for Low Rise to Skyscraper Buildings. Invention Disclosure 202205259.
- Maldonado BP, Hun DE, Hayes NW. Automatic segmentation of point cloud data for building envelopes using machine learning. Invention Disclosure 202205251.
- Hun DE, Wang P, Hayes NW, Maldonado BP, Boudreaux PR, Killough SM. Real-Time Evaluator to Optimize Prefab Retrofit Panel Installation. US Patent App. 18/509,721.
- Hun DE, Hayes NW, Yeole P, Vaidya UK. Composite overclad panels for buildings. US Patent App. 18/375,104.
- Hayes NW, Hun DE, Yeole P, Vaidya U, Ma ZJ. Non-corroding tieback and bearing embedded connector for precast insulated panels. Invention Disclosure 202205129.
- Hun DE, Vaidya U., Sheriff S, Hiremath N, Hayes NW, Ma Z. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA. Non-corroding stripping lifting inserts. US Patent 11,661,741.