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Engineering Greatness: Daily Summaries Delivered
by American Concrete Institute
Hosted by the American Concrete Institute, each episode brings together pairs of young professionals in the concrete industry engaging for intimate conversations about their life and work. Get a glimpse into the field of civil engineering and construction management and what it takes to have a successful career in the concrete industry.
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- 2 weeks ago24 min
Ep 34 - Engineering Greatness with Will Shirley + Jacob Townsend
In this episode, Will Shirley, PE, SE, assistant project manager at PES Structural Engineers, and Jacob Townsend, PE, structural engineer at StructureCare, share their journeys into the concrete industry and the experiences that have shaped their careers. Both graduates of the University of Georgia, Will discusses his work in structural design across a variety of building projects, while Jacob reflects on his transition from mechanical to civil engineering and his focus on structural forensics, repair and non-destructive testing. The conversation explores how their involvement with the American Concrete Institute (ACI), from local chapter activities and young professional initiatives to technical committees and conventions, has helped them build professional connections and expand their industry knowledge. Will and Jacob also share advice for emerging professionals on the importance of asking questions, finding mentors, pursuing professional licensure and embracing opportunities to get involved in the concrete community. Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/_UhgrNBo2rs Engineering Greatness is produced by Association Briefings.
- Aug 28, 202634 min
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, conventions, local chapters and mentors can open doors for both technical and professional growth. Lamanna shares insights from his work on anchorage qualification and code development, while Hensel discusses her research into improving consistency in fly ash air entrainment. The conversation also explores industry perspectives on Type IL limestone cement, the opportunities and data security concerns surrounding AI, and some of the barriers younger professionals face when trying to get involved, including cost and time away from work. Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/Oy5I9rxEqJE Engineering Greatness is produced by Association Briefings.
- Jul 29, 202641 min
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 seismic resilience, while Palash shares his journey from civil engineering and concrete materials research to applying data science and artificial intelligence to concrete technology. Together, they explore the value of ACI student chapters, mentorship, committee involvement, and professional networking, while offering advice to young engineers on building meaningful careers, embracing lifelong learning, and finding balance beyond the workplace. Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/Eo2BYaPCryE Engineering Greatness is produced by Association Briefings.
- Jun 10, 202638 min
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 raising a family. Aakriti discusses how Nepal’s devastating 2015 earthquake inspired her interest in structural safety and resilience, leading to doctoral research focused on the behavior of large-scale concrete bridges. Together, they explore the importance of infrastructure resilience, lessons learned from recent natural disasters, and the challenges of designing durable bridges in demanding environments. The conversation also highlights the role of mentorship, professional involvement, and ACI programs in supporting students and early-career engineers as they build their careers. Check out the video podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c2kgDXMmEU Engineering Greatness is produced by Association Briefings.
- Mar 4, 202627 min
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 student chapters—Héctor in Ecuador and Jocivan at the University of Central Florida. They discuss stepping into leadership roles and how ACI opened doors to friendships, faculty relationships, research opportunities, and professional networks that helped shape their careers. The discussion also explores their first ACI convention experiences and their involvement in committee work focused on supporting students and young professionals. Héctor and Jocivan reflect on key decisions during college and the early stages of their careers, including graduate school choices, internships, and evolving interests across design, structures, and construction management. They close by encouraging students and emerging professionals to seek opportunities, step outside their comfort zones, and take advantage of programs like ACI’s mentor program to make the most of conventions and build lasting professional connections. Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/Bc40uDRwprY Engineering Greatness is produced by Association Briefings.
- Dec 17, 202535 min
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 institutions and research disciplines. Dr. Tunstall discusses her unexpected move from an English major to an engineering career fueled by a deep curiosity for concrete materials and their real-world applications. Together, they highlight the power of interdisciplinary learning, the role of curiosity in shaping research trajectories, and the importance of professional networks—especially through the American Concrete Institute. The conversation offers a forward-looking perspective on the rapidly evolving field of concrete materials and the innovative approaches shaping its future. Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/ouLY6RnHZqY Engineering Greatness is produced by Association Briefings.
- Oct 16, 202527 min
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 highlights the importance of hands-on learning, professional resilience, and building connections through organizations like the American Concrete Institute (ACI). Both guests offer practical advice and encouragement for students and emerging professionals pursuing a future in construction. Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/h0SGdnGco6U Engineering Greatness is produced by Association Briefings.
- Aug 20, 202531 min
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 infrastructure materials engineering. Together, they reflect on the importance of fieldwork, committee involvement, and the balancing act of professional commitments. The conversation also underscores the supportive role of organizations like ACI, which provide community, mentorship, and opportunities that are vital to the growth of young professionals in the field. Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/GuZhzf_ck00 Engineering Greatness is produced by Association Briefings.
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About Engineering Greatness
Hosted by the American Concrete Institute, each episode brings together pairs of young professionals in the concrete industry engaging for intimate conversations about their life and work. Get a glimpse into the field of civil engineering and construction management and what it takes to have a successful career in the concrete industry.
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