Success Stories: A Postdoctoral Researcher in Civil Engineering from Vietnam Works with NAILG for an NIW Approval and Obtains Approval without RFE

Case Summary:

An expert in the field of civil engineering with a proposed endeavor to continue his research on novel material characterization approaches for identifying recycled construction materials to create sustainable fill materials, green stabilizers, and environmentally friendly ground improvement techniques came to us for help with his NIW (National Interest Waiver). Since our firm has had a lot of experience with applicants under this category, it goes without saying that our team has collected valuable information about the adjudication process over the years.

Thus when our client from Vietnam, a postdoctoral researcher in the field said he needed our help, we immediately began looking into his documents after countersigning the retainer agreement. We found the following information to be used in his petition letter later:

• His research advancing his proposed endeavor is of great importance because it contributes to the development and improvement of methods for ensuring the safety, quality, and high performance of civil engineering projects, including those focused on the utilization of agricultural waste and the improvement of soil stability.
• His proposed research on novel material characterization approaches for identifying recycled construction materials to create sustainable fill materials, green stabilizers, and environmentally friendly ground improvement techniques, therefore, has substantial merit.
• His proposed endeavor also has broad implications for the United States since his ongoing research in the field of civil engineering has proven critical for the interests of the country, particularly in terms of improving infrastructure and development outcomes through reinforced soil and other engineering technologies.
• He has also completed at least 10 reviews to date for international journals of repute.
• His research has resulted in 20 peer-reviewed scientific articles, 2 accepted articles, and 6 book chapters.
• Not only has he successfully completed and published the results of his research in the field, but his research has also gone on to influence his peers. That is, his publications have been cited a total of 428 times according to Google Scholar.
• He has pursued research directly related to his proposed endeavor of research on novel material characterization approaches for identifying recycled construction materials to create sustainable fill materials, green stabilizers, and environmentally friendly ground improvement techniques for at least 6 years.
• On the other hand, he also had 4 letters recommending his work to his name. One of these letters from an independent researcher said:

“Stabilizing soil used to underprop roads, railways, and buildings is a challenging task for civil and geotechnical engineers. [The client] invented methods in which to combine the need to reduce bagasse waste with the quest to cheaply and efficiently stabilize soils used in construction projects. In lieu of using geosynthetic materials to stabilize soils, [the client] fashioned a combination of bagasse waste and lime to effectively strengthen soils used in construction. He has also demonstrated that bagasse fibers strengthen the deep cement mixed columns used in soil strengthening. In each of these contexts, [the client] has proven his unique capabilities to fashion solutions to significant agricultural and industrial wastes that concurrently improve the performance and safety of civil infrastructures and buildings while promoting the sustainable utilization of these wastes as recycled construction materials for greener construction and cleaner environment.”

Thus, his application approval was no surprise to us. We are glad to have worked with him and wish him all the best.