CIM Graduate
Brian Peart
School: California State University - Chico
Graduation Date: May 2012
Employer: Chico Research Foundation
“I chose the CIM Program because it is unparalleled to any other that I have ever seen or heard of. Not only has the concrete industry recognized a need for skilled individuals to be future leaders, the industry has supported it both at a national level through the National Steering Committee and a regional/local level through Patron groups at each CIM University.”
What school did you graduate from and in which year?
California State University – Chico in May 2012.
What is your current position and responsibilities at CSU, Chico Research Foundation?
I am the Technology Transfer Manager for the Research Foundation. I am responsible for creating partnerships between industry, government agencies (DOTs), and academia to conduct research on innovative concrete product and process technologies to preserve the roads of today and improve the roads of tomorrow.
Why did you choose this position and this company?
As a student in the CIM program I had the opportunity to work on a pilot research project on Donner Pass in Lake Tahoe which emphasized the need for pavement preservation, and the desire of industry and the DOT to expedite the use of modern technologies to accomplish this. In addition to my discovering an interest in concrete pavement technology, this project revealed the need for someone to facilitate this and other projects and a position was created that allows me to combine my knowledge of the concrete industry and desire to work closely with people who share the passion for encouraging the use of concrete as a long-term pavement solution.
How has the CIM program prepared you for your current job responsibilities?
The CIM program has given me the knowledge, support and trust to represent and to promote our vast and unique industry. The opportunity to interact with top industry professionals from day one, to learn about concrete technology, construction and management in both the classroom and field settings have given me the ability and confidence to successfully communicate with the professionals in both public and private sectors and, as a result, strive to bridge the gap between technologies used and technologies available.
Why did you choose the CIM Program?
I chose the CIM Program because it is unparalleled to any other that I have ever seen or heard of. Not only has the concrete industry recognized a need for skilled individuals to be future leaders, the industry has supported it both at a national level through the National Steering Committee (NSC) and a regional/local level through Patron groups at each CIM University. This is evident not only through financial support, but also and arguably more critically by the time industry takes to attend NSC, regional board and Patron meetings, give tours of plants and/or job sites, lecture in classrooms and volunteer for community projects. In addition, the passion that the faculty of Chico State’s CIM Program has for the concrete industry is simply inspiring.