Dr. Konstantin Sobolev’s research focuses on enhancement of cementitious materials

MILWAUKEE, W.I. – Students from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UW-M) were on hand as the Portland Cement Association Education Foundation (PCAEF) awarded a $35,000 research grant to Dr. Konstantin Sobolev.

Dr. Sobolev’s graduate student research on Engineering of Nano C-S-H Seed to Enhance Structure and Performance of Cementitious Materials, was one of only three John P. Gleason Jr. Education Foundation Fellowships awarded by PCAEF.

“Concrete is imagination,” said Raymond McVeigh, executive director of PCA Great Lakes Region. “We see that imagination and passion in Dr. Sobolev, and look forward to the advancements that this grant will allow them to make.”

Brett Peters, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at UW-M, thanked PCAEF for recognizing the academic efforts of their faculty and students. “This reaffirms what we are all about, and will go far in showing our commitment to our students." 

The PCA Education Foundation Research Fellowship identifies and rewards outstanding masters and doctoral students in the fields of engineering and physical sciences who are studying areas that advance the science and technology of cement and concrete. 

John P. Gleason, Jr., served as PCA president from 1986 until his retirement in 2007. He excelled at recognizing long-term opportunities and strove to bring more of a market focus to PCA programs. With the proceeds from a property sale, he worked with the cement industry to create the PCA Education Foundation in 2001.

About PCA and PCAEF
PCA represents America's cement manufacturers and has been a widely-recognized authority on the technology, economics, and applications of cement and concrete for nearly 100 years. PCA is a vocal advocate for sustainability, economic growth, sound infrastructure investment, and overall innovation and excellence in construction.  The PCAEF funds a variety of educational activities that increase public knowledge regarding uses of cement and concrete. Primary activities of the PCAEF are research and education efforts; support of schools teaching concrete-related courses; and sponsoring the IEEE/PCA cement industry technical conference.

More information on PCA and the PCAEF is available at www.cement.org