Two College of Engineering undergraduate students, Jessica Flores ’18 and Samantha Mirante ’19, received the prestigious International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) scholarship. This scholarship recognizes commendable undergraduate students who plan to pursue a post-secondary education directly related to a curriculum of study in concrete, concrete repair, architectural and engineering studies (structural and civil).
The ICRI (the only association in the concrete industry devoted solely to concrete repair and restoration) publishes a bimonthly magazine with technical guidelines for concrete repair and co-sponsors the World of Concrete. The organization selects recipients of the award based on academic record, leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, a statement of educational and career goals, and an applicant appraisal.
Flores, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture, is a two-time recipient of the ICRI scholarship. She has been working with Ali Ghahremaninezhad, an assistant professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, for almost three years. Flores explains that, under Ghahremaninezhad’s supervision, she has been “investigating the effects of micro and nanoscale particles on the material properties of cementitious materials.”
“I am currently applying to graduate programs for a PhD in civil engineering,” Flores says. “Ultimately, I want to help build rational and functional structures that are elegant, efficient and environmentally friendly.”
Mirante has also been working with Ghahremaninezhad on similar research. “The research I have been part of also relates to the field of materials science,” Mirante explains. “We have been investigating the properties of cement and how those properties change when certain chemicals and biopolymers are added to the cement.”
“In the current research project,” continues Mirante, “I have run evaluations of materials not only in the Structures and Materials Laboratory in the College of Engineering, but also in the chemistry department. Through these assessments we have discovered certain properties that can be utilized in new building techniques.”
“I am honored to be a recipient of this award and have been recognized by the ICRI as a hardworking individual,” Mirante says. “I’m very grateful that the ICRI has taken the time to give back to the community of South Florida by making such a generous scholarship available to students in the area.”
To learn more about the ICRI and its mission in the community, please click here.