Javier Duluc is a first year PhD from Hamden, CT. He received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Connecticut and his research includes designing a hybrid re-centering steel moment frame system to mitigate the effects of earthquakes on structures. His interest in civil engineering came through his visits to construction sites with his father who was a civil engineer and worked as a construction inspector in Puerto Rico. He enjoys cooking, tasting different cuisines, reading, playing tennis, and spending time with family.