Dr. Amadei's original research was in geomechanics and geological engineering. He is currently focused on the application of systems science along with complexity science in small-scale community development projects and geological engineering projects. Dr. Amadei is also interested in the new field of Peace Engineering (PeaceEng) launched at Drexel University in 2017, which introduces engineers to the issues and mechanics of conflict analysis and peacebuilding and invites engineers to develop systemic methods and technologies to support peacebuilding efforts in conflict avoidance, reduction, and/or recovery.

Selected Projects (2010-Present)

  • Currently involved in various small-scale development projects in the Middle East, Peru, Nepal, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Brazil
  • A Collaborative Project at the Texas-Tamaulipas Border (2021-2022)
  • A Systems Approach to the Management of Reform and Peacebuilding Projects in Conflict-Affected Environments, USIP (2021-2022)
  • Sustainability in Brazil: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Sustainable Development in the Amazon and Atlantic Forests (2018-Present)
  • Building Post-Disaster Resilience: ICT-Enable Mental Health Support Service in Puerto Rico (2018-2019)
  • Co-chair, PeaceTech Lab Board, Washington D.C. (2013-Present)
  • US Science Envoy to Pakistan and Nepal (2012-2014)
  • Sustainable economic development for the Crow Native American community in Montana (2007-Aug.2012)
  • A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Community Recovery, NSF (2012-2014)
  • Developing a Replicable Model for Sustainable Technology Entrepreneurship in Afghanistan (2007-2010)
  • Sustainable practices for affordable housing in Palestine (2008-2010)
  • Sustainable Engineering in the Eastern Mediterranean region (2008-2010)
  • Increasing smallholder income through appropriate technology in the Jatropha biofuel value chain in Guatemala (2011-2012)
  • Emissions and burn-lab for sustainable fuel (2011-2012)
  • Analysis of drain effectiveness and implications for failure probability for concrete gravity dams (2011-2012)