Koo's area of expertise is in underground infrastructure asset management and sustainability, trenchless technologies, infrastructure connections to electric vehicle deployment, and smart infrastructure systems. His research and development have resulted in profound new findings and applications in underground infrastructure rehabilitation and renewal.
He began his engineering career as a field engineer in South Korea and a municipal civil engineer at Project Engineering Consultants Ltd before coming to academia in 2010. His research work currently focuses on interdisciplinary engineering and social science to improve citizens' equity and inclusion for public infrastructure projects. He has published over 100 technical papers and reports related to his area of expertise.
Koo has served various committees in both the Pipeline and Utility Risk Management Divisions under Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute, ASCE, since 2010. He also serves as an associate editor for several publications, including ASCE’s Journal of Pipeline Systems Engineering and Practice.
He earned his doctorate in civil and environmental engineering and his master's degree in construction management from Arizona State University.
