David O. Prevatt is a Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Florida, Engineering School for Sustainable Infrastructure, and the Environment where he currently holds the Kisinger Campo & Associates Term Professorship endowed chair. Dr. Prevatt is also a structural engineering consultant with over 30 years of experience in wind and forensic engineering and it is his passion to significantly advance how we conceive of and construct future houses in residential communities.

His research area encompasses laboratory-based and analytical studies to understand the structural load paths in low-rise buildings impacted by extreme winds. More recent research has seen him develop empirical models of tornado damage to residential buildings. Through post hazard field assessments, laboratory experimental research and analysis Dr. Prevatt is advancing knowledge for resilient and sustainable structures impacted by hurricanes and tornadoes.

Dr. Prevatt recognizes the wide performance gap between residential structures and properly engineered ones as a solvable problem requiring adoption of engineering solutions through public engagement, education, and interaction with public policy. Dr. Prevatt is internationally known speaker, widely published author and an esteemed Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Structural Engineering Institute.