United States Air Force Academy

Go to home page

Colonel Joel A. Sloan

Permanent Professor and Head

Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

Official photo of Joel Sloan
Contact Information

(719) 333-3150

Email

LinkedIn

Bio

Colonel Sloan is the Chief, Strategy Development Team for the Space Force Deputy Chief, Mission Sustainment (Engineering, Logistics, and Force Protection). He is serving a sabbatical assignment on the Space Staff during Academic Year 2022-2023 and will return to his position as the Permanent Professor and Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the United States Air Force Academy in summer 2023.

Col Sloan received his commission as a distinguished graduate from the United States Air Force Academy in May 1998. He served as Commander of the 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron, at Cannon Air Force Base New Mexico, where he led the squadron to three Air Force level awards including the Best Small Civil Engineer Squadron, Best Environmental Restoration Program, and Best Asset Management Program. He is a fully qualified Joint Staff Officer and a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Virginia.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy, Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech

Masters of Science, Civil Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder

Distinguished Graduate, Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, USAF Academy

Professional Experience

Sabbatical Assignment as Chief, Strategy Development Team, HQ Space Force Mission Sustainment (S4), Peterson SFB, CO (Jul 2022 – present)

Head, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, USAF Academy, CO (Jul 2018 – Jun 2022)

Assistant Professor and Deputy Department Head, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, USAF Academy, CO (Jul 2016 – Jul 2018)

Commander, 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron, Cannon AFB, NM (Jun 2014 – June 2016)

Deputy Command Engineer, Joint Special Operations Command, Ft Bragg, NC (including 2 deployments as the Engineer for an O7 Joint Special Operations Task Force, Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan) (Jun 2012 – Jun 2014)

Deputy Commander, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea (Jun 2011 – Jun 2012)

PhD Student, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (Aug 2008 – Jun 2011)

Deputy Commander, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, Ali Al Salem AB, Kuwait (Aug 2007 – Jul 2008)

Instructor and Geotechnical Division Chief, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, USAF Academy, CO (Jun 2005 – Jul 2007)

Command Pavement Engineer, Air Combat Command, Langley AFB, VA (Jun 2004 – Jun 2005)

Project Programmer, Engineering Flight Deputy Commander, Chief of Maintenance Engineering, and Deputy Housing Flight Chief, 1st Civil Engineer Squadron, Langley AFB, VA (including deployment Sep 2001 – Dec 2001, Design Engineer, 363d Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, Prince Sultan AB, Saudi Arabia) (Jun 2000 – Jun 2004)

Masters Student, University of Colorado at Boulder (Aug 1998 – Jun 2000)

Honors & Awards

Commander of the Air Force’s Best Asset Management Program (2015)

Commander of the Air Force’s Best Environmental Restoration Program (2014)

Commander of the Air Force’s Best Small Civil Engineer Squadron (2014)

Virginia Tech “Via Scholar” Endowed Fellowship Recipient (2010)

Commander-in-Chief’s Installation Excellence Award, Individual Special Recognition (2009)

1st Civil Engineer Squadron Company Grade Officer of the Year (2002)

1st Civil Engineer Squadron Military Manager of the Year (2002)

Research and Scholarly Interests

Column-supported embankments, geosythetic-reinforced load transfer platforms, soil arching, soil reinforcement, mechanically stabilized earth, deep foundations, engineering education, self-assessment.

Publications

Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications

Sloan, J.A. and Scharff, L.F. (2022). “Student self-assessment:  Relationships between accuracy, engagement, perceived value, and performance.” ASCE Journal of Civil Engineering Education. 148(3): 04022004. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)EI.2643-9115.0000063

Sloan, J. A., Stanford, M.S., Phelan, T.J., and Pocock, J.B. (2021). “Infrastructure Truths for Air, Space, and Cyberspace.” Air and Space Power Journal. Vol 35, Issue 1, Spring 2021. https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/ASPJ/journals/Volume-35_Issue-1/F-Sloan.pdf

McGuire, M.P., Sloan, J.A., and Filz, G.M. (2020). “Effectiveness of geosynthetic-reinforcement for vertical load transfer in column-supported embankments.” Geosynthetics International. 27(2):200-218. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgein.19.00012

Filz, G.M., McGuire, M.P., Sloan, J.A., Smith, M., and Collin, J. (2019). “Settlement and vertical load transfer in column-supported embankments.” Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering. 145(10). https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002130

Sloan, J.A., Filz, G.M., and Collin, J.G. (2013). “Field-Scale Column-supported Embankment Test Facility: Description and Validation.” ASTM Geotechnical Testing Journal, 36(6), 891-902. DOI: 10.1520/GTJ20120229

Book Chapters

Sloan, J.A., Beauregard, M.S., and Russell, M.M. “High impact practices in the civil engineering major at the United States Air Force Academy.” Book Chapter accepted for High Impact Practices in Higher Education: International Perspectives. Sengupta, E and Blessinger, P. Eds. Emerald Group, U.K.

Reports

Sloan, J.A., Filz, G.M., and Collin, J.G. (2013).  “Column-Supported Embankments: Field Tests and Design Recommendations,” report for the Virginia Tech Center for Geotechnical Practice and Research (CGPR). https://cgpr.cee.vt.edu/cgpr-publications/

Sloan, J.A., Filz, G.M., and Collin, J.G. (2012). “Task 10 Report. Column-Supported Embankments: Field Tests and Design Recommendations,” a publication of the Strategic Highway Research Program, Project SHRP2 R02, Transportation Research Board of The National Academies, Washington, D.C. https://www.thecollingroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Sloan-J.A.-Filz-G.M.-and-Collin-J.G.-2012-_Task-10-Report.pdf

Thesis and Dissertation

Sloan, J.A. (2011). “Column-Supported Embankments: Full-Scale Tests and Design Recommendations.”  Doctoral Dissertation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg. https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/handle/10919/27931

Sloan, J.A. (2000). “Dynamic Loading of Foundations:  Theory versus Experiment.” Masters Thesis, University of Colorado at Boulder.

Referenced Conference Proceedings

Sloan, J., Becker, K., and Frank, T. “Implementing a technical communication block in a civil engineering computer applications course: lessons learned.” Proceedings of the 2022 ASEE annual conference, Minneapolis, MN. https://peer.asee.org/41191

*Carnes, C.J. Ashtiani, R.S., Sloan, J.A., Beauregard, M.S., and De la Harpe, K.D. (2022). “Geometrical characteristics of lunar and Martian regolith simulants.” Proceedings, ASCE Earth and Space Conference, Colorado School of Mines, Denver, CO.

McGuire, M.P., Sloan, J.A., *Hunstein, E.M., and *Socolofsky, L. (2022). “The ground reaction curve and mobilization of soil arching in geosynthetic-reinforced column-supported embankments.” Proceedings of GeoCongress 2022. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784484012.052

Stanford, M. S., & Sloan, J., & Pocock, J. B., & Russell, M. M. (2020, June), A Construction Management Competition as the Basis of a Capstone Culminating Event Paper presented at 2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access, Virtual On line. https://peer.asee.org/33987

Sloan, J.A., Butler, S.D., Ullom, J.M., and Wander, J.D. (2019). “Experimental determination of glass bead retroreflectivity for aircraft geometries.” Airfield and Highway Pavements 2019: Innovation and Sustainability in Highway and Airfield Pavement Technology.  Imad Al-Qadi, Hasan Ozer, Andreas Loizos, and Scott Murrell, Eds.  ASCE.  Reston, VA:  436-446.  https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784482476

Beauregard, M.S., Sloan, J.A., Brannon, M. (2019). “Summarizing the Use of Knowledge Surveys to Inform Effective Learning and Teaching Practices.” Proceedings of Rocky Mountain Section of the American Society for Engineering Education’s Annual Conference. May 2019, Laramie, WY.

Sloan, J.A., McGuire, M.P., and Gallant, A.P. (2019). “Load displacement compatibility method for design of column-supported embankments: Comparison to case histories.” Proceedings of GeoCongress 2019, Geotechnical Special Publication 314:  Data, Software, Education, and a Tribute to Ralph Peck. ASCE. 37-47. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784482162

Sloan, J.A., Glavan, J., and Hoffman, W. (2018). “Pikes Peak:  Subsurface conditions and new summit visitor center foundation design.” Geotechnical Practice Publication 12: Rocky Mountain Geo-Conference 2018, Jere A. Strickland, Richard L. Wiltshire, and Joels C. Malama, Eds. ASCE. 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784481936

McGuire, M.P., Sloan, J.A., and VandenBerge, D.R. (2018). “Application of Monte Carlo analyses for serviceability design of column-supported embankments.”  Proceedings, International Foundations Congress and Equipment Expo 2018, GSP 296 Innovations in Ground Improvement for Soils, Pavements, and Subgrades; ASCE, Reston, VA. 352-361. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784481592

McGuire, M.P., Filz, G.M., and Sloan, J.A. (2015). “Surface settlement of column-supported embankments: Results of laboratory tests,” Proc. Geosynthetics 2015 Conference, Industrial Fabrics Association International, Roseville, MN, 766-775.

Filz, G. M. and Sloan, J. A. (2013). “Load Distribution on Geosynthetic Reinforcement in Column-Supported Embankments.” Proc., GeoCongress 2013: Stability and Performance of Slopes and Embankments III, ASCE, Reston, VA, 1822-1830. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784412787.183

Filz, G.M., Sloan, J., McGuire, M.P., Collin, J., and Smith, M. (2012). “Column-Supported Embankments: Settlement and Load Transfer.” Proc., Geotechnical Engineering State of the Art and Practice: Keynote Lectures from GeoCongress 2012, ASCE, Reston, VA, 54-77. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784412138.0003

McGuire, M., Sloan, J., Collin, J., and Filz, G. (2012). “Critical Height of Column-Supported Embankments from Bench-Scale and Field-Scale Tests.” Proc., ISSMGE – TC 211 International Symposium on Ground Improvement IS-GI Brussels.

Sloan, J.A., Filz, G.M., and Collin, J.G. (2011). “A generalized formulation of the Adapted Terzaghi Method of arching in column-supported embankments.” Proceedings of GeoFrontiers 2011. ASCE. 798 – 805. https://doi.org/10.1061/41165(397)82

Scholarly Presentations

Sloan, J., Frank, T., and Becker, K. (2022) “Knowledge surveys: Student self-assessment of technical writing in a civil engineering course.” Poster accepted for presentation at the US Air force Academy Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) Forum, 17 Nov 2022.

Sloan, J. and Scharff, L. (2021). “Student self-assessment: Impacts of GPA and Learning Mode (In-person, Online, Hybrid).” Poster presentation at the US Air Force Academy Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) Forum, 5 Nov 2021.

Atkins, W., Meekins, H., Scharff, L., Sloan, J., Culver, C., Tetley, J., Post, M., Keener, R., Reiley, P., Macdonald, C., Robinson, S., Dunn-Savery, S., Brannon, M., and Dressler, J. (2021). “Student self-assessment using knowledge surveys: What do the students think?” Poster presentation at the US Air Force Academy Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) Forum, 5 Nov 2021.

*Socolofsky, L., and Sloan, J. (2021). “Column supported embankments: Exploration and modelling of the load-displacement compatibility method.” Online presentation at the Colorado Springs Undergraduate Research Forum, 24 April 2021.

McGuire, M., Sloan, J., Swift, S., and Volk, J. (2021). “Embankments with basal reinforcement: Research, design, and construction.” Invited panel presentation at the IFAI Geosynthetics Conference (held online).

Sloan, J. and Scharff, L. (2020). “Student self-assessment:  Ignorant and unaware or engaged and accurate?” Poster presentation and winner of the “Project showing the Greatest Innovation” award at the US Air Force Academy Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) Forum, 29 Oct 2020.

Scharff, L., Sloan, J., Post, M., Keener, R., Reiley, P., and Culver, C. (2020). “Implementing knowledge surveys across the disciplines.” Poster presentation and winner of the “Project with Potential for Greatest Impact at USAFA” award at the US Air Force Academy Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) Forum, 29 Oct 2020.

Sloan, J., Beauregard, M., LeBlanc, M., MacDonald, C.D., and Schaefer, J. (2019). “Student self-assessment across a major’s curriculum.” Poster presentation at the US Air Force Academy Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) Forum, 22 Nov 2019.

Scharff, L., Brannon, M., Dressler, J., Dunn-Savery, S., Padgett, D., Reiley, P., and Sloan, J. (2019) “Multi-disciplinary investigation of knowledge surveys:  student and instructor feedback.” Poster presentation at the US Air Force Academy Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) Forum, 22 Nov 2019.

Scharff, L., Sloan, J., Reiley, P., Dressler, J., Robinson, S., Dunn-Savery, S. (2019). “Investigation of knowledge surveys to develop student self-assessment of learning.” Presentation at the International Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (ISSOTL) annual conference.  Atlanta, GA. 11 Oct 2019.

*McIlhenny, D., *Wilfong, R., Rudolph, J., Ullom, J., and Sloan, J. (2019). “Experimental comparison of glass bead retroreflectivity for use in runway paint.” Poster presented at the Colorado Springs Undergraduate Research Form hosted by the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, 6 April 2019.

Scharff, L., Reiley, P., Dressler, J., Robinson, S., Sloan, J., Jensen, M. (2019). “Knowledge Surveys:  Why and What?”  Presentation at the USAFA Center for Educational Innovation’s Educational Innovation Week.

Scharff, L., Beauregard, M., Dressler, J., Dunn-Savery, S., Jensen, M., Neff, B., Padgett, D., Reiley, P., Robinson, S., and Sloan, J. (2018). “Investigation of knowledge surveys to develop student self-assessment of learning.” Poster presentation at the US Air Force Academy Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) Forum, 14 Nov 2018.

Sloan, J.A., Sahagun, L.K., and Beauregard, M.S. (2018). “Knowledge survey implementation in a senior civil engineering design course.” Poster presentation at the US Air Force Academy Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) Forum, 14 Nov 2018.

McGuire, M.P. and Sloan, J.A. (2018). “Load displacement compatibility method for design of column-supported embankments:  comparison to case histories.”  Presentation at the 30th Central Pennsylvania Geotechnical Conference sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Section of ASCE.

*Queenan, C.W., *Weaver, B.K., *McCarty, S.R., and Sloan, J.A. (2017). “Column-supported embankments:  case history vs the Load-Displacement Compatibility Method.” Poster presented at the Colorado Springs Undergraduate Research Forum (CSURF).

*Wilfong, R.F., Sloan, J.A., Ullom, J.M., and De La Harpe, K.D. (2017).  “Retro reflectivity of glass beads for airfield use.” Poster presented at the Colorado Springs Undergraduate Research Forum (CSURF).

Lansford, D., and Sloan, J. (2016). “Clovis NM and Cannon AFB Military/Community Relations.” Invited presentation during the keynote session at the Association of Defense Communities Installation Innovation Forum, Charleston, SC.

Schaefer, V., Berg, R., Douglas, C., Sloan, J., Reeb, A., (2011) “Geotechnical Solutions for Transportation.” Workshop Presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C.

Other Scholarly Work

Gwisdalla, D., and Sloan, J. (2007). “Civil and Environmental Engineering at the U.S. Air Force Academy.”  Air Force Civil Engineer, 15(2), 20-23. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA496592.pdf