The University of Alabama, College of Engineering Awarded $100,000
PCI Foundation Grants $100,000 to The University of Alabama for 4-year studio focused on precast and prestressed concrete education
CHICAGO, August 18, 2020 --- Each year the PCI Foundation awards curriculum development grants to universities who submit applications and pass a rigorous review process for acceptance. The University of Alabama (UA) is one of this year’s grantees. UA is based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama with more than 38,000 students.
"The PCI Foundation’s mission is to put precast concrete in the classroom so future architects, engineers and construction managers are aware of the possibilities of precast concrete and its myriad uses,” said Marty McIntyre, Executive Director of the Chicago-based PCI Foundation. “Key components to each of the grants we award include industry partnership, new precast curriculum and innovative experiential learning.”
“In 2020, we have had a record number of schools apply and are proud to announce that The University of Alabama has been awarded funds for a four-year studio incorporating education about the uses of precast and prestressed concrete.”
Name of University: The University of Alabama, College of Engineering
Location: 3011 H. M. Corner, 245 7th Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Amount granted: $100,000 over a 4-year period
Timing: January of 2020 – through December of 2023
Academic leaders: Dr. Chuck Karr, Dean of the UA College of Engineering; Dr. Ed Back, Department head of the UA civil, construction and environmental engineering department and Dr. Sriram Aaleti, Associate Professor, Center for Sustainable Infrastructure, Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering.
Additional members of the team from the Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering Department are: Armen Amirkhanian, Ph.D., P.E.; Assistant Professor, Chuma Nnaji, Ph.D., MBA; Assistant Professor and Minjae Shin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor.
Quote from Professor Sriram Aaleti, PhD, Associate Professor, Center for Sustainable Infrastructure, Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering ( in photo)
“Having these precast and prestressed concrete lessons ingrained in our curriculum will help better prepare more of our students for the industry. Students will learn through their classes, advanced technology, industry visits, guest speakers and conference attendance. This education will be very beneficial for our students when looking for employment after graduation, and in turn, will greatly impact the industry by having our equipped alumni on their payroll. These young people will be a glowing reflection of the level of education offered at The University of Alabama.”
Professor Aaleti was chosen as the 2019 PCI Educator of the Year. Here is a link to the announcement of his award: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWmK-JpFces
UA’s Precast Industry Partners:
Forterra , PCI Gulf South and Gate Precast
ABOUT THE PCI FOUNDATION - Since 2001, the PCI Foundation has been the educational entity that supports the Precast/Prestressed Concrete industry. The mission of the PCI Foundation is to foster educational initiatives focused on innovative approaches to the integrated and sustainable use of precast concrete design, fabrication, and construction. It is a charitable 501(c) 3 corporation, based in Chicago, which supports the inclusion of precast concrete programs at accredited colleges and universities. To learn more, visit the PCI Foundation website at www.PCI-Foundation.org.
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