A civil engineer with a master's degree in Urban and Civil Engineering from the Polytechnic School of USP (1974 and 1978), he also holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from King's College London (1982) and a livre-docente title from the Polytechnic School (USP). He currently focuses on studies of quality and sustainability in the construction industry and on implementing innovation initiatives. He has supervised 23 doctoral theses, 25 master's dissertations, and 7 undergraduate research students. He served as director of the Polytechnic School of USP (2002 to 2006), president of the IPT (2006 to 2008), coordinator of Science and Technology at the São Paulo State Development Secretariat (2008 and 2009), pro-rector of Graduate Studies, vice-rector, and rector of USP (2010 to 2013, 2014 to 2017, and 2018 to 2022), president of the IPEN Board, and vice-president of the CIB Board (International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction, Rotterdam). He was also a member of the higher councils of IPT, Fapesp, CBCS, Capes, Centro Paula Souza, IMT (Mauá), and Univesp.