Joe Grout is a Concrete Industry Management (CIM) student at Texas State University. His passion for concrete began through sculpture and evolved into a commitment to sustainability and innovation in the industry.

He has co-authored published research, led the ACI student chapter, and completed internships with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Lone Star Precast, and Holcim. With hands-on experience in 3D printing, durability testing, and technical support, Joe aims to become a Technical Service Engineer, helping companies adopt sustainable, high-performance concrete solutions.

Joe Grout will share his unique path from animation to the concrete industry, where he found a balance between creativity and stability. Through the CIM program, he has pursued research, leadership in ACI, and internships with the Air Force Research Lab, Lone Star Precast, and Holcim. Now preparing for a career in technical services, he reflects on how CIM has shaped his journey.

Matthew Pasemann is a student at Texas State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Concrete Industry Management. He grew up in San Marcos and always enjoyed the outdoors. He became an Eagle Scout after being involved in Boy Scouts for most of his youth. During his time in college, he joined the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Wisdom Parish, was elected as Grand Knight, and enjoys serving the community through charity and faith. He is also involved in The Texas State American Concrete Institute as the President. Working with people has been something he enjoys and sees as important in any environment. Upon graduating he plans to pursue a career in management within the construction field. In his hobbies, you may find him fishing in the outdoors or out and about with friends enjoying his time together.

Matthew's presentation will cover his involvement in ACI activities and his journey of how he discovered ACI when he first joined CIM. He got involved through a connection with a friend and found great opportunities in networking toward a bright future. The presentation will also discuss how he continues to pursue the growth of the club as the President with leadership and new ideas. By hosting events, ACI provides a place for students to network and find internship opportunities that lead to great jobs and help students succeed.

Jenna Hays is a first year master's student studying structural engineering at UT Austin. She completed her bachelor's in civil engineering at Northern Arizona University but is originally from Anchorage, Alaska. Jenna works at the Ferguson Structural Engineering Lab on the UT Pickle Research Campus on concrete-related projects under Dr. Bayrak. She first got involved with ACI through presenting research on GFRP rebar at their undergraduate symposium and attending a few conventions with a fellowship. She has worked a few internships, including a bridge inspection internship in Oregon where she saw many concrete bridges. Her current project at Ferguson Lab, which she will present about today, combines concrete and bridges through the investigation of reinforced concrete pier caps.

Jenna's presentation will focus on the fabrication and testing of five reinforced concrete inverted-T pier caps. This will contain the test setup (including the post-tensioned reaction beam), the assembly of the rebar cages, formwork, and casting, and the specimen tests. She will also present a little bit about our newly-restarted UT ACI student chapter.

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