Engineering Greatness

Hosted by American Concrete Institute

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

32 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 3138 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://youtu.be/53tO-eBLagU Engineering Greatness is produced by Association Briefings.

March 4, 2026Episode 3027 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.

December 17, 2025Episode 2935 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.

October 16, 2025Episode 2827 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.

August 20, 2025Episode 2731 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.

June 25, 2025Episode 2633 min

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 active roles with the American Concrete Institute. From personal stories to professional insights, this conversation highlights the transformative potential of AI in structural engineering and its promise for reshaping industry practices. Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/Z6UakYv6ysM Engineering Greatness is produced by Association Briefings.

April 23, 2025Episode 2536 min

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 engineering, while Maria shares how an early love for math and science shaped her career. Together, they discuss how awareness of engineering careers has evolved over time, their active roles within the American Concrete Institute (ACI), and how student competitions help spark interest and engagement in the field. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing research and teaching, offers career advice for young engineers, and highlights the vital role of mentorship and professional communities like ACI in shaping successful careers. Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/fTRRWJcwkR0 Engineering Greatness is produced by Association Briefings.

February 26, 2025Episode 2432 min

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 concrete materials testing and sustainability, while also highlighting the critical role of soft skills, professional development, and maintaining work-life balance. The conversation underscores the value of engaging with organizations like the American Concrete Institute (ACI) to expand professional networks and advance career opportunities. Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/-y8Cm-YLvtE Engineering Greatness is produced by Association Briefings.

December 19, 2024Episode 2327 min

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 her internship experiences. Together, they highlight the importance of seeking out opportunities, engaging in research, and leveraging networking and sponsorships to advance their careers. They also candidly explore the challenges and rewards of balancing academics with extracurricular commitments, offering valuable advice to aspiring engineers. Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/848LlOErp6U Engineering Greatness is produced by Association Briefings.

October 23, 2024Episode 2224 min

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 service with customer engagement, and leadership in ACI chapters. The episode also highlights efforts toward inclusivity, concrete aesthetics, sustainability, and the strong support from industry patrons, with a focus on CIM program offerings across five states. Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/bwmp4YeGDbE Engineering Greatness is produced by Association Briefings.