CIM Faculty/Staff Member
Dr. Yoo-Jae Kim, PE, Associate Professor, Texas State University
School: Texas State University
Which CIM program are you involved with and what are your responsibilities?
I became involved in the Texas State University-San Marcos CIM program in the fall of 2010. My responsibilities include teaching CIM courses, conducting concrete research, advising students, and maintaining contact with national and local professional chapters.
What interesting projects have your students been involved with during this last school year?
CIM students have been involved with many research projects including Self-Consolidating Concrete, Pervious Concrete, and Recycled Concrete, etc. The most interesting of these was a community outreach project in which CIM students participated in constructing a concrete abutment for the relocation of Timber Bridge. The students were involved in casting concrete slabs for a picnic area and installing picnic tables and barbeque grills in the Allan Woods Community located in San Marcos. These were excellent opportunities for students to use the skills and knowledge they have learned in class while giving something back to their community.
Can you describe the different career paths that graduates of the CIM program can take?
The CIM program’s emphasis is on concrete technology, management, and business administration, unlike conventional engineering technology degrees that offer a single discipline. It is also possible to pursue multiple career path options such as management and consulting positions, or with cement and concrete associations.
What is unique about the graduates of the CIM program?
The unique features of the CIM program include the interdisciplinary availabilities and the extent of industry involvement in the students’ education. CIM coursework offers an outstanding opportunity to build strong technical skills in concrete technology and construction-related concrete with a solid management background. Moreover, the partnership that exists between the CIM program and its patron organizations offers students a direct hands-on experience through industry seminars and conferences. These opportunities help our graduates apply themselves to real-world business goals.
What are your thoughts about the industry/academic partnership between CIM and its industry partners?
The CIM program has tremendous support from the industry patron organizations. Patrons provide significant opportunities for student involvement with the industry, including guest lecturers, field trips, and a variety of social activities.