Photo of Joshua Panganiban

Joshua Panganiban

Researcher / Engineer

About me

Hi, I'm Joshua — thank you for visiting my page!

I am a researcher and engineer working at the intersection of computational modeling, high-performance simulation, and real-world decision problems. My work focuses on developing numerical and simulation-based methods for analyzing complex physical and socio-economic systems, using empirical data to inform, calibrate, and validate models. My applications include disaster impact analysis, seismic resilience, and infrastructure decision-making.

In collaboration with the Computational Science and High-Performance Computing Laboratory at the Earthquake Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, I work on large-scale agent-based economic simulation. This research develops an HPC-enhanced agent-based simulator that uses firm-level and regional economic data to represent national-scale economies at 1:1 resolution. The framework is designed to estimate post-disaster economic impacts and support policy analysis for more effective recovery planning.

Currently, I am also a Research Engineer at Takeuchi Construction, Inc., where I contribute to the development of patented construction technologies for seismic base isolation and ground improvement. I primarily lead two research projects: a particle-based simulation framework for evaluating the vibration reduction performance of sandbag-based seismic isolation systems, and a neural network-enhanced analysis framework for foundation systems. These projects aim to support more cost-effective and resilient infrastructure solutions in earthquake-prone regions.

My broader research interest lies in micro-macro computational modeling: developing simulation frameworks that connect agent-, particle-, or component-level mechanisms with emergent system-level outcomes, particularly in infrastructure resilience, disaster impact analysis, and socio-economic systems.

In 2022, I worked as a Research Fellow with the Earthquakes and Megacities Initiative (EMI), where I contributed to the Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment for Quezon City, Philippines. My work focused on computational analysis of shelter needs and evacuation planning, supporting the development of tools for managing complex emergencies and strengthening disaster preparedness.

Before moving further into research, I worked as a Structural Engineer at the Manila office of JGC Holdings Corporation from 2019 to 2021, focusing on the analysis and design of oil and gas facilities and the development of structural design and automation tools. I am also a licensed Civil Engineer and Master Plumber in the Philippines, with prior freelance experience in residential design, building plans, and permit documentation.

For inquiries, consulting, collaborations, or public engagement, please feel free to contact me at jlpanganiban.ce@gmail.com or through the contact form on this website.

Education

  • The University of Tokyo M.Eng. in Civil Engineering, MEXT Scholarship Awardee
  • University of the Philippines B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, cum laude

Research Interests

  • Computational modeling and simulation
  • Data-driven approaches
  • Complex systems

News

2026/01/30

SEAGC–AGGSEA 2026 Presentation

Presented work on low-cost seismic isolation technology at the SEAGC–AGGSEA 2026 Conference (January 28–30, 2026, BGC, Philippines), introducing the T-BAGS system to a Philippine audience and highlighting recent numerical modeling advances.

2025/10/25

USER Interface PH Invited Talk

Delivered an invited talk at the 9th USER Interface PH (October 25, 2025) on utilizing high-performance computing and fine-grained data for integrated disaster–economic system simulations.

2025/07/23

Won the Excellent Presenter Award at the 60th JGS Conference

Presented our latest work on numerical modelling of the T-BAGS seismic isolation system at the 60th Japan National Conference on Geotechnical Engineering (Shimonoseki, Japan), and received the Excellent Presenter Award.

2025/06/17

Paper Presented at COMPDYN 2025

My research on discrete element modeling of a patented low-cost seismic isolation system was presented at the International Conference on Computational Dynamics for Structural and Earthquake Engineering (Rhodes Island, Greece).

2025/05/19

Presentation at IABSE Symposium 2025

Presented our latest work on multi-region agent-based economic simulations at the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE) Symposium held in Tokyo.

2025/04/30

New Website Deployed

The new website is up and deployed.

2025/03/25

Paper Published in JJAEE

Our paper on the development of an agent-based economic simulator for high-resolution simulations of post-disaster economies was published in the Journal of Japan Association for Earthquake Engineering.

2025/03/01

Abstract Accepted at CEF 2025

Co-authored a paper on the enhancement of an agent-based economic simulator using high-performance computing, to be presented in the International Conference on Computing in Economics and Finance (Santiago, Chile).

2024/10/07

Participated in Antalpha ICAIF 2024 Market Simulation Competition

Took part in the AI for Finance competition on crypto market simulation for risk estimation.

2024/08/24

Joined Governor’s Cup Open Data Hackathon (Tokyo)

Participated in the open data hackathon hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

2024/02/15

Conference Presentation at ADB Big Data Conference

Presented research on agent-based economic simulations utilizing firm-level data at the International Conference: Big Data for Disaster Response and Management in Asia and the Pacific, hosted by the Asian Development Bank.

2023/11/01

Started New Role as Research Engineer at Takeuchi Construction Inc.

Joined the R&D team to work on computational modeling and simulation of patented civil engineering technologies.

2023/09/29

Research Talk at University of the Philippines

Presented various works on high-performance computing applications in civil engineering at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of the Philippines.

2023/09/25

Completed Master's Degree at the University of Tokyo

Graduated with a Master’s in Civil Engineering, specializing in computational science and high-performance computing.

2023/02/25

Guest Speaker at AFSJ Event

Spoke at an event by the Association of Filipino Students in Japan about life in Japan as an international student researcher.