LONG BEACH, Calif. — The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) honored Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, of Johns Hopkins University with the 2026 John P. Matsen Award for Distinguished Service during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.
The award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their time, expertise and leadership to advancing the cold-formed steel (CFS) industry through research, education, standards development and professional service.
Advancing Cold-Formed Steel Research and Education
Schafer, a professor in the Department of Civil and Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, has advanced cold-formed steel research for decades. His work has influenced structural design methods, engineering standards and seismic research across North America.
He has also served as a longtime contributor to CFSEI and the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), helping bridge academic research with practical industry application.
“Ben Schafer’s impact on the cold-formed steel industry has been extraordinary,” said Don Allen, SFIA executive director. “His commitment to research, education and collaboration has helped shape the direction of modern cold-formed steel engineering.”
Don Allen, executive director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA); Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins University; and Tara Hutchinson, Ph.D., of the University of California San Diego pause during a break at the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.
Jeff Klaiman, P.E., of ADTEK Engineers addresses attendees before announcing Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins University as the recipient of the 2026 John P. Matsen Award for Distinguished Service during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.
Schafer has authored and contributed to numerous technical publications, research initiatives and design resources related to cold-formed steel framing and structural systems. He has also mentored students and engineers entering the profession, helping develop the next generation of CFS design professionals.
Keynote Highlights Seismic Research
During the 2026 CFSEI Expo, Schafer joined the keynote presentation, “Advancing Cold-Formed Steel in Mid-Rise Building Systems in High Seismic Zones.” The presentation highlighted years of large-scale seismic testing and research. Researchers focused on improving resilience in earthquake-prone regions.
The John P. Matsen Award for Distinguished Service is one of CFSEI’s highest honors. Named for John P. Matsen, a longtime leader who helped advance cold-formed steel engineering and construction.
CFSEI presented the award during the 2026 CFSEI Expo, held May 18–20 at The Westin Long Beach in Long Beach, California.
Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute
The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) comprises hundreds of structural engineers and other design professionals. Together, they are finding a better way to produce safe and efficient cold-formed steel (CFS) designs for commercial and residential structures. CFSEI members develop industry standards and design methods. CFSEI issues technical bulletins, organizes seminars and provides online training so that engineers and design professionals can improve their knowledge and skills. CFSEI is part of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) family. For more information, visit www.cfsei.org.
Additional Resources
- Larry Williams Honored as CFSEI’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award Receipient
- Dr. Reinhold Schuster Named the 2024 Winner of the CFSEI John P. Matsen Award
- SFIA’s Pat Ford Receives Distinguished John P. Matsen Award from CFSEI