Marina Figueiredo Muller's Profile

Figueiredo Muller, Marina (Ph.D.)

Instructor II, Construction Management

Department of Construction Management

HOLMES 0105

Dr. Marina Figueiredo Muller is an Instructor II in the Department of Construction Management at Florida Gulf Coast University and an Assistant Professor on leave from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), Brazil. She holds a Ph.D. in Systems and Production Engineering, with academic training and professional experience spanning construction management, engineering education, and digital technologies applied to the built environment.

Dr. Muller’s research centers on Building Information Modeling (BIM) interoperability, sustainability, and the integration of emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence and ontology-based data structures—into construction workflows. Her work addresses challenges related to data exchange, digital representation, and accessibility, including the development of BIM-based tactile maps and 3D-printed solutions to support individuals who are blind or visually impaired. She is particularly interested in how digital tools can enhance both construction practice and learning outcomes.

In the classroom, Dr. Muller emphasizes experiential and project-based learning, incorporating BIM software, AI-supported tools, and real-world case studies into her courses. She teaches a range of undergraduate and graduate courses in construction management, BIM, construction graphics, sustainability, and construction methods, and actively integrates her research into teaching to prepare students for evolving industry demands.

Education
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- Doctorate degree (2016-2020) - System and Production Engineering Postgraduate Program, Pucpr, Brazil. Interoperability for Sustainability in the construction industry - a bim based framework. Advisors: Eduardo de Freitas Rocha Loures & Osiris Canciglieri Jr.
- Master’s degree (2009-2011) - Construction Postgraduate Program. Ufpr, Brazil. Interoperability of cast-in place concrete structures design systems based on ifc files. Advisor: Sergio, Scheer.
- Bachelor´s degree (2003-2008) - Civil Engineering, Ufpr, Brazil.
Specialties
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- Building Information Modeling (BIM) interoperability
- Construction and engineering education
- BIM applications for sustainability and accessibility
- AI-supported BIM workflows
- Digital representation and visualization in construction
Research and Teaching Interests
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Dr. Muller’s research focuses on BIM interoperability, with emphasis on sustainability, accessibility, and data exchange across construction systems. Her work explores how emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence and ontology-based data structuring—can improve BIM workflows and decision-making in construction and infrastructure projects.

She actively integrates research into teaching through project-based learning, hands-on BIM assignments, games and group dynamics. Current educational research includes the use of AI-based BIM tools in the classroom and the development of tactile maps using BIM and 3D printing to support accessibility for individuals with visual impairments.
Courses Offered
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At Florida Gulf Coast University, Dr. Muller typically teaches:
- Building Information Modeling (BIM)
- Construction Drawing
- Graphic Communication in Construction
- Construction Finance
- Construction Safety, Health, and Environment
- Sustainable Approaches to Construction
- Structures for Construction
- Planning and Regulation
- Construction Methods Improvement (Graduate)
- Essentials of Construction Blueprint Reading (Certificate)
- Introduction to Construction Management (Certificate)
She has also taught specialized BIM and construction courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels internationally.
Publications
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Dr. Muller’s research has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as:
- Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon)
- Journal of Cleaner Production
- Journal of Civil Engineering and Management
Her work also appears in international conference proceedings, including the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC), ASEE Annual Conference, i3CE, and Linked Data in Architecture and Construction workshops. Her publications focus on BIM interoperability, sustainability, construction education, and digital transformation.
Conference Presentations
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Dr. Muller has presented her research at national and international academic conferences, including:
- Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Annual International Conference
- ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
- i3CE – IT for Smart Infrastructure and Communities
- Linked Data in Architecture and Construction Workshops
Grants & Awards
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- Award of Excellence in Teaching, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (2019, 2020, 2021)
- Principal Investigator, ACCESSIBIMLITY Project (BIM and 3D printing for tactile maps and accessibility)
- Participant, U.S. Department of Transportation Pooled Fund BIM for Bridges initiative

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Figueiredo Muller, Marina (Ph.D.)

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