Kazuo Kuchiishi is originally from Brazil and moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, for his Ph.D studies in Civil Engineering at NC State University. He has researched asphalt materials performance including binders, mixtures, and pavements. In the future Kazuo hopes to provide innovative solutions to real-world problems faced by airports when it comes to pavement. His favorite aircraft is the Cessna 172 because it reminds him of when he was a child and would take flights with his family while visiting the mountains. When he is not busy with research, you might find him playing acoustic guitar, watching a movie, or spending time with his family- specifically running around the park after his daughter.
Kazuo is also an amateur magician in the art of close-up card tricks. One of his favorite quotes comes from Sir Issac Newton, “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” Kazuo explained that it reminds him to continue to be humble and acknowledge contributions from those who came before him.