David Gunderson

David Gunderson

Associate Professor, Emeritus
Construction Management
degunderson@wsu.edu
EME 202A
PO Box 642220

Dr. David E. Gunderson retired at the end of Spring 2021 after 12 years teaching in construction management subjects at the graduate and undergraduate levels, and bringing more than 30 years of work experience into the classroom. That experience includes 20 years of extensive experience in construction project management including cost control, scheduling, estimating, construction inspection, quality control, contract administration and legal aspects of project execution and claims avoidance, and superintendence. Dr. Gunderson has ten additional years experience as a construction foreman, carpenter, concrete finisher, and laborer. Dr. Gunderson took the American Institute of Constructors Level II CPC exam in 2000 while still working as a project manager in Alaska, and he is a DBIA Designated Professional with the Design-Build Institute of America. He is also a certified instructor for DBIA. Dr. Gunderson has been very involved with Habitat for Humanity serving as vice president of the board of directors for the Palouse (Whitman & Latah Counties in Washington and Idaho), Fort Collins, Colorado, and Anchorage, Alaska affiliates.

Research Interests

  • Construction superintendent competencies and attributes required for success
  • The changing roles in construction delivery systems
  • Construction contract selection
  • Integrated project delivery
  • Affordable housing
  • Construction education and training
  • International construction management and construction culture
  • General Contractors’ Perceptions of Subcontractors’ Competencies

Selected Publications

  • Gunderson, David E. & Gloeckner, Gene W. (2011). Superintendent Competencies and Attributes Required for Success: A National Study Comparing Construction Professionals’ Opinions. International Journal of Construction Education and Research. 7 (4) 294-311. Philadelphia, PA: Taylor & Francis Group.
  • Gunderson, David E. & Johnson, Bradly T. (2008). Professional Development for Construction Superintendents and Site Managers: Accommodating the Changing Competency and Attribute Requirements. Proceedings of the RICS Construction and Building Research Conference. Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland.

Goals

Support the construction industry with his applied research through professional development workshops and private research. Bring this applied research into the classroom, strengthening construction education and make Construction Management education more relevant.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Resource Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies (emphasis on construction management and construction management education), Colorado State University.

Master of Science in Science Management, University of Alaska Anchorage.

Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, Colorado State University.