ACI SoCal Chapter 2024 Student Scholarship Recipients
| Alireza ShayeganiHaving grown up in the Middle East, concrete has always been an inseparable part of my story. For 17 years, I lived in a seismically active region within a building that utilized reinforced concrete shear walls. My father, a civil engineer, laid the foundation for my interest as he often took me to construction sites where I watched concrete structures come to life. However, witnessing the devastation of homes and infrastructure in the aftermath of earthquakes is what truly cemented my determination to advance the design of concrete structures. After completing my bachelor's and master's degrees in civil and structural engineering at UCLA, I am now pursuing a PhD focused on the nonlinear behavior of reinforced concrete core walls in tall buildings. My research aims to provide a deeper understanding of their behavior under seismic loading, with the potential to inform retrofitting schemes that reduce the need for new construction. Such advancements could significantly lower carbon emissions, aligning with the industry's goals for sustainability. |
| Alvin HanMy journey into civil engineering began with a fascination for building
and structures, but it was my introduction to the field of concrete
during my coursework at Cal Poly Pomona that solidified my career
direction. These all began in a materials class, where I first explored
the properties and applications of concrete. I was intrigued by its
versatility. Historically, concrete has been a cornerstone of
development, famously used in Roman aqueducts and modern marvels like
the Hoover Dam. Currently, it stands as the most widely used man-made
material. As we are facing a changing landscape, the industry has
reached a critical juncture where traditional techniques and modern
technology intersect. My interest in concrete grew further during my
internship with Reyes Construction, where I witnessed concrete
application in real life, from formulation to final pouring. To advance my knowledge of concrete, I participated in the ACI Pervious
Concrete Cylinder Competition, where my team won third place in
Philadelphia this November. For college students, the concrete industry
offers a unique blend of traditional engineering roles and opportunities
in emerging technologies. Students can engage in research, design, and
field applications, contributing to groundbreaking projects that
redefine landscapes and improve quality of life. |
| Kyle HonsikMy name is Kyle Honsik. I am a fourth year Architectural Engineering major with a minor in Construction Management, and a passion for every aspect of the built environment. My path in college has allowed me to be uniquely exposed to both the design side and the construction side of the industry. I’ve learned so much and made numerous relationships along the way I began my time at Cal Poly in the Construction Management degree path having had experience working for a contractor throughout high school. I loved the program and the atmosphere of the industry. I quickly involved myself within the department in any way I could, joining the delegation from Cal Poly to attend the AGC conference in my freshman year, becoming a member of the ASC Concrete Solutions Team, and participating frequently in the ASCM activities and info sessions. My involvement in the Construction Management program eventually brought me in contact with multiple self-perform concrete groups. I ended up working for Webcor Concrete in San Francisco my freshman summer as a project engineer intern. This experience had me hooked on the concrete industry. I knew that this was where the action was and I loved it. |
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