Zahraa Saiyed
About Zahraa Saiyed
Zahraa Saiyed is a Research Associate at the Urban Risk Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, specializing in building science, design, and structural engineering. She has extensive experience in disaster risk reduction and advocates for resilience and equity in public policy.
Work at MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Zahraa Saiyed serves as a Research Associate at the Urban Risk Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In this role, she focuses on research related to social vulnerability and equity in disaster risk reduction policy. Her work contributes to the understanding of how urban environments can be designed to enhance resilience and sustainability.
Education and Expertise
Zahraa Saiyed has an extensive educational background in architecture and engineering. She holds a Master of Science in Architecture with a focus on Building Technology from MIT and a Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering. Additionally, she has completed studies at Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Architecture with a concentration in Structural Engineering. Currently, she is a Doctor of Law and Policy Candidate at Northeastern University.
Background
Zahraa Saiyed has a diverse professional background in engineering and public policy. She has worked in various capacities, including as a Senior Disaster Risk Consultant at The World Bank and as a Board Director at the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute. Her experience spans over several years in organizations focused on building resilience and sustainable communities, both domestically and internationally.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Zahraa Saiyed has held multiple leadership roles, including serving as a Principal and Co-founder at Scyma Consulting LLC and as a Voting Member on the Structural Engineering, Engagement, and Equity Committee of the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations. She has also been involved in advocacy for public policy related to resilience, health, and wellbeing, and has worked to empower women in STEAM fields.
Professional Affiliations
Zahraa Saiyed is actively involved in several professional organizations. She is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Western States Seismic Policy Council, where she contributes to discussions on engineering, construction, and building codes. Her engagement in these committees reflects her commitment to advancing standards and practices in structural engineering and disaster risk management.