Ep 29 - Engineering Greatness with Dr. Jialuo He + Dr. Lori Tunstall

Ep 29 - Engineering Greatness with Dr. Jialuo He + Dr. Lori Tunstall

From Engineering Greatness by American Concrete Institute

December 17, 2025 · 35 min · Episode 29

About this episode

Dr. Jialuo He and Dr. Lori Tunstall discuss their unique journeys into civil and environmental engineering and the evolving field of concrete materials.

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.

People in this episode

Guests: Dr. Jialuo He, Dr. Lori Tunstall

Topics covered

  • civil engineering
  • environmental engineering
  • self-healing concrete
  • interdisciplinary learning
  • professional networks
  • concrete materials

Keywords

  • civil engineering
  • environmental engineering
  • self-healing concrete
  • interdisciplinary learning
  • professional networks
  • concrete materials
  • research trajectories

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Washington State University, Colorado School of Mines, American Concrete Institute, Association Briefings

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