Engineering Greatness
Engineering Greatness is a podcast produced by the American Concrete Institute that pairs young professionals working in the concrete industry for intimate, one-on-one conversations about their lives and careers. Each episode offers a personal glimpse into the fields of civil engineering and construction management, showing what it takes to build a successful career in concrete. Listeners hear firsthand experiences from emerging voices in the industry, covering the challenges, lessons, and rewards of their work.
Episodes
Ep 33 - Engineering Greatness with Katelyn Hensel + Dr. Tony Lamanna
In this episode, Katelyn Hensel, research and development assistant at Salt River Materials Group, and Dr. Tony Lamanna, professor at Arizona State University, share the very different paths that led them to careers in concrete and involvement with ACI. From geology and materials testing to graduate research in durability and anchorage, they discuss how getting involved with committees, convention
Ep 32 - Engineering Greatness with Palash Badjatya + Sasan Dolati
In this episode, Palash Badjatya, a data scientist at Verifi, and Sasan Dolati, PhD, a structural engineer at Stantec, join the podcast to discuss their unique paths into the concrete industry and how the American Concrete Institute has supported their professional growth. Sasan reflects on how experiencing a devastating earthquake as a child inspired his career in structural engineering and seism
Ep 31 - Engineering Greatness with Aakriti Khadka + Tara Cavalline
In this episode, Aakriti Khadka, a recent PhD graduate from North Carolina State University, and Tara Cavalline, PhD., P.E., of UNC Charlotte, share their journeys into civil engineering and concrete materials research. Tara reflects on her path from graduate research at Penn State to a career in structural forensics, as well as the challenges of completing a PhD while teaching, working, and raisi
Ep 30 - Engineering Greatness with Héctor Montilla-Peña + Jocivan Cabrera
In this episode, Héctor Montilla-Peña, EIT, CMIT, field engineer at Allan Myers, and Jocivan Cabrera, graduate engineer at Walter P Moore, join the conversation to share how they found their path into civil engineering and became active in the American Concrete Institute (ACI). Both guests reflect on discovering the field through early academic experiences and getting involved with ACI through stu
Ep 29 - Engineering Greatness with Dr. Jialuo He + Dr. Lori Tunstall
In this episode, Dr. Jialuo He, Research Assistant Professor at Washington State University, and Dr. Lori Tunstall, Assistant Professor at the Colorado School of Mines, share the unique paths that led them into civil and environmental engineering. Dr. He reflects on his shift from polymer materials to pioneering work in self-healing concrete, tracing an academic journey that spans multiple institu
Ep 28 - Engineering Greatness with Destry Kenning + Chris Garcia
In this episode, Destry Kenning, product manager at SureBuilt Manufacturing, and Chris Garcia, structures project manager at DPR Construction, share their journeys from the classroom to the construction site. They discuss how real-world experience shaped their careers in civil engineering and concrete, the mentors who guided their growth, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation hig
Ep 27 - Engineering Greatness with Emilia Clavijo + Amanda Angelo, FACI
In this episode, Emilia Clavijo, Graduate Research Assistant at Auburn University, and Amanda Angelo, FACI, Regional Fiber Specialist at Sika USA, share their paths into civil engineering and the experiences that shaped their careers. Amanda discusses her unexpected shift from pre-med to civil engineering, sparked by a fascination with concrete, and how that passion led her to pursue a PhD in infr
Ep 26 - Engineering Greatness with Danny Smyl + Stephanie Paal
In this episode, Danny Smyl, PhD, PE, Assistant Professor Georgia Institute of Technology and Stephanie Paal, Associated Professor Texas A&M University College of Engineering, share their unique journeys into civil engineering and how international work-life experiences shaped their careers. They discuss their commitment to advancing the field through machine learning and reflect on their acti
Ep 25 - Engineering Greatness with Maria Juenger + Megan Voss-Warner
In this episode, Maria Juenger, Professor at The University of Texas at Austin and current president of ACI, joins Megan Voss-Warner, PhD, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Evansville, to share their personal paths into the world of civil engineering. Megan reflects on her journey from studying chemistry to discovering a passion for materials science and civil engineeri
Ep 24 - Engineering Greatness with Joshua Gilman + Andrés Matos Ortiz
In this episode, Joshua D. Gilman, P.E., director of sustainable infrastructure at the Portland Cement Association, and Andrés Matos Ortiz, P.E., project manager at Millennia Professional Services, share their unique career journeys from geotechnical engineering to the world of concrete and sustainable infrastructure. They discuss how their geotechnical expertise shapes their current work in concr
Ep 23 - Engineering Greatness with Madonna Saad + Vania Del Carmen Moreno-Colin
In this episode, Madonna Saad, a recent graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Vania Del Carmen Moreno-Colin, a student at the University of Washington, share their journeys in civil engineering. Vania reflects on her transition from participating in a rocketry team to taking on leadership roles within ACI, while Madonna discusses her active involvement in engineering clubs and
Ep 22 - Engineering Greatness with Joseph Grout + Emma Roth
In this episode, Joseph Grout of Texas State University and Emma Roth from South Dakota State University, students in Concrete Industry Management (CIM) programs, share their unique journeys into the field. Emma’s entry was inspired by her father’s career, while Joe shifted from computer animation to concrete sculpture. They discuss research on 3D-printed concrete structures, balancing technical s
Ep 21 - Engineering Greatness with Katey O'Quinn + Michael Paul
In this episode, Katey O'Quinn, a civil engineer at the Bureau of Reclamation, teams up with Michael Paul, principal structural engineer at Larsen & Landis and president of the American Concrete Institute, to share their career experiences. They discuss the pivotal role of mentorship and ACI committees in shaping their paths, with Katey spotlighting the ACI Foundation Fellowship that supported
Ep 20 - Engineering Greatness with Linfei Li + Xijun Shi
In this episode, Linfei Li, Ph.D., assistant research professor of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine, co-hosts with Dr. Xijun Shi, assistant professor in the Ingram School of Engineering at Texas State University. Join them as they discuss their journey from students to professionals in civil engineering, highlighting the vital roles of hard work, resilience,
Ep 19 - Engineering Greatness with Kamran Amini + Gabriel Arce
In this episode, Kamran Amini, Ph.D., P.E., senior material engineer at AltaVista Solutions, co-hosts with Gabriel Arce, research scientist at the Virginia Department of Transportation. Join them as they delve into their shared love for concrete. From academic journeys to professional development, they discuss their fascination with this essential material and the exciting projects they're involve
Ep 18 - Engineering Greatness with Bruno Fong-Martinez + Catherine Lucero
In the season 2 premier, Bruno Fong-Martinez, PhD, concrete engineer at Kiewit, co-hosts with Catherine Lucero, civil engineer at the Bureau of Reclamation. Join them as they dive into their captivating career journeys in civil engineering. Together, they explore the significance of mentors and advisors in the field, share insights on pursuing graduate degrees, discuss their research initiatives a
Ep 17 - Engineering Greatness with Mirian Velay-Lizancos + Prannoy Suraneni
In episode 17, Mirian Velay-Lizancos Ph.D., assistant professor in the civil engineering department at Purdue University, co-hosts with Prannoy Suraneni, PhD, assistant professor in the civil and architectural engineering department at the University of Miami. Join them as they discuss their career journey in civil engineering, research initiatives and interests, and the importance of being involv
Ep 16 - Engineering Greatness with Mary Christiansen + Nishant Garg
In episode 16, Mary Christiansen, associate professor in civil engineering at the University of Minnesota Duluth, co-hosts with Nishant Garg, assistant professor in civil & environmental engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Join them as they discuss their career journey, which culminated in academics, advice for students who are considering a career in academia, what int
Ep 15 - Engineering Greatness with Sriramya Nair + Dr. Cameron Murray
In episode 15, Sriramya Nair, assistant professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University, co-hosts with Dr. Cameron Murray, assistant professor at the University of Arkansas. Join them as they discuss working in academics, influences on their career, their involvement in the ACI community, and advice for students who are considering a career in academia.
Check o
Ep 14 - Engineering Greatness with Antonio Nanni + Dr. Alvaro Ruiz Emparanza
In episode 14, Dr. Alvaro Ruiz Emparanza, Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Miami, co-hosts with Antonio Nanni, ACI president and chair of the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering at the University of Miami. Join them as they discuss their passion for concrete and civil engineering, their journey to the U.S., their involvement in ACI, and current and future industry challeng
Ep 13 - Engineering Greatness with Elissa Narro + Alejandro Narro
In episode 13, Elissa Narro Aguirre, Administrative Manager for Concretos Narro and Professor at Universidad Americana del Noreste (UANE), co-hosts with her brother, Alejandro Narro Aguirre, Chief Executive Officer for Concretos Narro. Join them as they discuss mentoring the next generation of concrete professionals, working together, and their involvement with the ACI Northeast Mexico Chapter. Th
Ep 12 - Engineering Greatness with David Orense + Madeleine Murphree
In episode 12, we give the hosting reins to David Orense, Structural Materials Engineer at SK&A Structural Engineers, and Madeleine Murphree, a civil engineering graduate from the University of Florida. Join them as they talk about choosing the right career path and starting in mix design, advice on starting an ACI student chapter, the importance of being involved in industry organizations lik
Ep 11 - Engineering Greatness with Jonathan Lyle + Keila Lombardozzi
In episode 11, we give the hosting reins to Jonathan Lyle, Project Superintendent for McCarthy Building Companies, and Keila Lombardozzi, Superintendent for DPR Construction. Join them as they talk about their journey into construction management, how ACI shaped their passion for the concrete industry, the importance of student competitions, and making connections for career growth.
Check out the
Ep 10 - Engineering Greatness with Faraj Shahrstan + Matthew Allen
In episode 10, we give the hosting reins to Faraj Shahrstan, Bridge Engineer Associate for Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., and Matthew Allen, Structural EIT at Dillon Consulting Limited. Join them as they talk about what drew them to civil engineering, the importance of student competitions, their career journeys, engineering in Canada, and the importance of being involved in organizations
Ep 9 - Engineering Greatness with Erika Mae Buela + Jade Allyson Pelayo
In episode 9, we give the hosting reins to Erika Mae Buela, chairperson for ACI's Council of Student Leaders, and Jade Allyson Pelayo, civil engineering student, Funvel Group Limited. Join them as they talk about what got them started in civil engineering, how to choose the right specialization, their passion for the profession, and the importance of being involved in organizations like ACI.
Check
Ep 8 - Engineering Greatness with Jesus Gonzalez + Yogiraj Sargam
In episode 8, we give the hosting reins to Jesus Gonzalez, research engineer at Fortera, and Yogiraj Sargam, PhD, director of research at CarbonCure Technologies. Join them as they talk about their civil engineering career paths, particularly in the concrete industry, their moves to the United States, ongoing lab work, skills in being a successful researcher, and getting involved with ACI.
Check o
Ep 7 - Engineering Greatness with Heather Todak + Marisol Tsui-Chang
In episode 7, we give the hosting reins to Heather Todak, senior associate at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., and Marisol Tsui-Chang, PE, senior project engineer at Olson Engineering, Inc. Join them as they talk about their civil engineering career paths, their industry influences and challenges, and getting involved with ACI.
Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/936r_TJzSO
Ep 6 - Engineering Greatness with Tyler Olfers + Hunter Garrison
In episode 6, we give the hosting reins to Tyler Olfers, construction materials department manager at ECS Southwest, and Hunter Garrison, laboratory manager at Ninyo & Moore. Join them as they talk about what led them to the concrete industry, their career paths, the importance of mentorship, and getting involved in ACI and the industry.
Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/KWdWmrbqn
Ep 5 - Engineering Greatness with Colin Rueb + Patrick Barnhouse
In episode 5, we give the hosting reins to Colin Rueb, structural engineer at Raths, Raths, & Johnson, and Patrick Barnhouse, manager, Concrete Materials Laboratories at American Engineering Testing, Inc. Join them as they talk about their career paths, getting involved in the industry, and advice to other young professionals in the concrete profession.
Check out the video podcast here: https://yo
Ep 4 - Engineering Greatness with Jovan Tatar + Robert Thomas
In episode 4, we give the hosting reins to Jovan Tatar, Associate Professor at the University of Delaware, and Robert Thomas, Assistant Professor at Clarkson University. Join them as they talk about their career paths in academia, their accomplishments, and their ongoing research.
Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/cmNiXNdN_GU
Engineering Greatness is produced by Association Briefi
Ep 3 - Engineering Greatness with Anabel Merejildo + Piero Rodriguez
In episode 3, we give the hosting reins to Anabel Merejildo, Assistant Project Manager at Yates-Bird, LLC, and Piero Rodriguez, Structural Field Engineer at Haiku Corporation. Join them as they talk about their career paths in the concrete industry, their accomplishments, and the trends they're seeing in their area. This episode is produced in Spanish.
Check out the video podcast here: https://you
Ep 2 - Engineering Greatness with Dulce Maria Trejo + Angela Ybarra
In episode 2, we give the hosting reins to Dulce Maria Trejo, Graduate Engineer with Carrasquillo Associates, LTD, and Angela Ybarra, Graduate Engineer at Pinnacle Structural Engineers. The two talk about their career paths, the importance of networking, and what drew them to the concrete industry.
Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/kNvexgFefbs
Show notes
Dulce Maria Trejo is an
Ep 1 - Engineering Greatness with Erin Stewartson + Dr. Charles Nmai
In our inaugural episode, we give the hosting reins to Erin Stewartson, a Graduate Research Assistant at The Ohio State University and ACI Foundation Fellowship Recipient , and Dr. Charles Nmai, ACI President and Head of Engineering at Master Builder Solutions. The two talk about career advancement, their passion for the concrete industry, gaining valuable experience, and navigating changes in the
Engineering Greatness - Season 1 Trailer
The American Concrete Institute presents the all-new Engineering Greatness – a brand new podcast series created for young professionals by young professions in the concrete industry. Join us as we bring together pairs of young professionals in the concrete industry engaging in intimate conversations about their life and work. Check out the trailer for season one!
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