Graduate Student
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Whitewood, SD
Dr. Calvin Tohm is an Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. He earned his Ph.D. from South Dakota Mines in 2025, where his research focused on the effects of seasonal weathering processes—such as freeze-thaw and wet-dry cycles—on the mechanical properties of near-surface soils. His work aims to improve design practices for dams, levees, embankments, and roadways by enhancing their long-term performance and resilience. Dr. Tohm’s current research expands on this foundation through the integration of remote sensing techniques, particularly using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). He has applied photogrammetry, multispectral, and thermal imaging to monitor slope movements and identify underground seepage—providing innovative tools for early detection and infrastructure monitoring. He has participated in several large-scale field investigations, including documentation of the ongoing Forest City landslide on Highway 212 in South Dakota and the NSF GEER reconnaissance mission to Yellowstone following the 2022 floods. These experiences highlight his ability to contribute to rapid response and extreme event assessment. Committed to practical, impactful research, Dr. Tohm is actively seeking collaboration with both industry professionals and academic peers to develop real-world solutions for geotechnical challenges.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
4:00 PM – 4:15 PM ET