ICT student spotlight: Jeff LaHucik

Jeff LaHucik will be graduating from the University of Illinois in May 2016 to begin his career at Tigerbrain Engineering in Oviedo, Florida. Jeff’s master’s research work focused on the current ICT/IDOT project Mechanistic–Empirical Design and Materials for Rigid Pavements (R27-149)—specifically on helping improve the mix design process for roller-compacted concrete (RCC) pavements by investigating the effects of different materials and potential benefits of the gyratory compactor for use in RCC mix design. 

His advisor, Jeffery Roesler, professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Illinois, has nothing but positive things to say about LaHucik’s performance as a graduate research assistant: “Jeff has done an outstanding job in researching new methods and materials that can be used to construct RCC, particularly how recycled materials, fibers, optimized gradations, and new lab compaction methods can be used to design and construct RCC pavements.”

LaHucik will now take the skills he learned at the University of Illinois and ICT to work as an airfield pavement and materials engineer for Tigerbrain, where he hopes to earn his professional engineering license and plans to be active in the International Society for Concrete Pavements, American Concrete Institute, and American Concrete Pavement Association.

LaHucik received his bachelor’s degree from UIUC in civil and environmental engineering, with an emphasis on transportation and construction materials.

“My experience at ATREL has been great,” LaHucik says, “The people are friendly and the engineers are always helpful.”

ICT wishes LaHucik great success with Tigerbrain and his future endeavors!