Kaid Nygren Promising Journey with the ACI Foundation Elmer Baker Fellowship
The ACI Foundation Elmer Baker Fellowship has long been recognized as an incubator for budding talents in the field of concrete construction, and the 2024-2025 recipient, Kaid Nygren from Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA, exemplifies this tradition of excellence. Nygren’s summer internship with Baker Construction, a key component of his fellowship, offered him a rich tapestry of experiences that amalgamated hands-on work with technical insight, shaping him into the emerging professional he is today.
Nygren’s internship was nothing short of a comprehensive learning experience. As he described, “I worked in a variety of positions and got hands-on experience in a little bit of everything. My main positions were working with the laborers and carpenters, and I spent 2 weeks in the office assisting the project engineer.” This dual role allowed Nygren to immerse himself in both the practical and administrative facets of construction, a rare combination many young professionals yearn for.
During his time at Baker Construction, Nygren contributed to significant projects, starting with the Marine Reserve Center in Battle Creek, MI, USA. “We built an armory and worked on foundations and foundation walls,” he recounted with a hint of pride. His journey then led him to the bustling site of the Kalamazoo Country Club in Kalamazoo, MI, where he participated in constructing a parking garage. “There, I might have been working with one crew on a specific day and another crew on another day. There were constantly different things needing to be done,” he reflected, highlighting the dynamic nature of large-scale construction projects.
The mentorship and collaboration he encountered were pivotal in his development. Nygren fondly remembers the superintendent at his first jobsite for his hands-on approach to leadership. “He knew I was an intern, so he was constantly giving me tips and different tricks to work faster, more efficiently,” Nygren said. This personal mentorship was complemented by the camaraderie of his peers, notably two laborers his age who were instrumental in teaching him the ropes.
Nygren’s narrative underscores the significance of a supportive learning environment in professional settings. “The most rewarding thing was getting the hands-on experience. In the 3 months, I learned so much that doesn’t just relate to commercial concrete, but relates to all types of construction,” he shared. This sentiment resonated with many who understand that the most profound learning often occurs outside the classroom through real-world challenges and collaboration.
Of course, the journey was not without its challenges. Nygren candidly shared that the “hands-on experience was really mentally tough,” testing his physical limits and resilience. Yet, this trial by fire only fortified his resolve and work ethic—a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and dedication.
Reflecting on the internship, Nygren is unequivocal in his recommendation for other students to seize such opportunities. “What you learn throughout the internship relates to so much more than just commercial concrete, it helps with lots of different aspects of work. It also just makes you a harder worker in general,” he emphasized. His experience is a beacon to aspiring construction professionals, illustrating the profound impact of immersive, experiential learning. Tonya Beesley, Regional Manager, Talent Management, said, “We enjoyed having Kaid with us in Michigan this summer. He is a smart, hardworking young man and willing to do anything needed. We would love to have him back again anytime! I believe he will go far in the industry.”
Nygren’s story is more than just a testament to personal achievement; it is a narrative of growth fostered by community involvement, mentorship, and the committed support of the ACI Foundation and Baker Construction. As he continues his academic journey at Texas State University, there is no doubt that the skills and insights he gained this summer will propel him toward a promising future in the construction industry.
Camille Davis’s Transformative Internship with the ACI Foundation Charles Pankow Foundation Fellowship
In the ever-evolving field of civil engineering, practical experience can be as pivotal as academic learning. For Camille Davis, the recipient of the 2024-2025 ACI Foundation Charles Pankow Foundation Student Fellowship, her internship as a Project Engineer Intern in Pasadena, CA, USA, provided an invaluable opportunity to blend theoretical knowledge with real-world application. Davis, a student from the University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA, embarked on this journey from May 20 to August 7, 2024, exploring the nuances of project management and engineering through hands-on involvement at the Quantum Precision Measurement Lab on the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) campus.
“The internship was a profound learning experience,” Davis shared. “Being part of a team that handled the groundwork for such a prestigious project was both challenging and rewarding.” Her responsibilities extended beyond routine tasks as she navigated the complexities of historical restoration, asbestos management, and utility coordination. Engaging directly with subcontractors, Davis honed her communication skills, initially intimidated by the process, but soon became adept at addressing queries and resolving scheduling conflicts.
A typical day began at 7 a.m. with a strategic huddle involving contractors, superintendents, project managers, and engineers. These meetings emphasized collaborative planning, safety protocols, and logistics. Davis’s role required her to complete submittals—ensuring material verification and compliance—and tackle requests for information (RFIs), where she encountered a steep learning curve in legal writing. Despite these challenges, the experience solidified her confidence and problem-solving abilities.
The mentorship Davis received was instrumental in her development. Working closely with her project manager, she found a supportive environment conducive to learning. “I never felt intimidated asking questions,” she recounted. “The hands-on training was balanced perfectly with autonomy, empowering me to tackle issues independently.” This supportive atmosphere allowed Davis to shadow her mentor, attend meetings, and gain insights into the day-to-day workings of project management, fostering her leadership and communication skills.
Reflecting on her time with Pankow, Davis noted, “The people were the most rewarding aspect. Being the only intern on the project, I had the chance to build strong friendships and professional connections.” This network was nurtured through social gatherings, adding a personal dimension to her professional growth.
However, the experience was not without its challenges. Davis emerged more resolute and knowledgeable, having acquired skills in interpreting construction drawings and engaging in design meetings with architects. “I learned to face real-time decisions and understand the scope of work for subcontractors,” she explained.
Davis’s past internships left her with limited expectations, yet her experience at Pankow exceeded them. “I loved the city, the people, and most importantly, the confidence I built in my field,” Davis enthused. Her journey underscores the transformative power of mentorship, collaboration, and community within professional environments. Charles Iacuaniello, Senior Superintendent for Davis’s project at CalTech, said, “Camille’s excitement and enthusiasm for her work was not only contagious to the jobsite team but reached beyond the trailer to the field workers and the Design Team. She was curious in conversations, leaned into tough moments, and didn’t hesitate to follow back with the team on something that she didn’t fully understand. Outside of work, Camille got connected with a local church and spent much of her weekends working with the local homeless community. It was such a joy to witness such drive and passion from our future generation.”
When asked if she would recommend this internship to other students, Davis’s response was emphatic. “Absolutely, it was an amazing experience. They did a great job teaching about construction processes and made interns feel very welcome,” she affirmed.
Davis’s internship journey is a testament to the impact of immersive learning experiences, underscoring the importance of fostering environments where mentorship and collaboration thrive. Through her contributions and growth, she exemplifies the essence of combining personal achievement with community involvement in the realm of civil engineering.