Marina Garcia Lopez-Arias — Spain
Civil Engineering, Ph.D.
Graduation: Spring-Summer 2025
My research focuses on providing construction materials, more specifically concrete, with proactive sustainable properties such as CO2 capture, depollution, and thermal energy storage.
Q
What do you hope to do after graduation?
A
I hope to become a faculty to develop my research ideas to contribute to my field and society while mentoring and guiding the new generation of researchers and engineers.
Q
What was the most valuable advice you received before or during graduate school?
A
My advisor always tries to make us understand that research comes with failure, and instead of feeling devastated when an experiment does not work, you can learn a lot from it and actually discover new, more exciting things.
Q
Why did you choose Purdue Engineering for your graduate studies?
A
Because of the innovation aspect. Purdue is one of the most innovative universities in the nation, and there are many incentives for technology development.
Q
If you could describe Purdue Engineering Graduate Programs in 3 words, which would you choose?
A
Innovation, Resources, and Excellence
Q
What is the coolest thing you have encountered at Purdue?
A
The Boilermaker Express on campus, and Purdue Pete at a soccer game.
Q
What do you do for fun at Purdue or nearby?
A
Gather with friends, go to bars and basketball games.
Q
What's something unique about you, or something most people don't know?
A
I've actually lived in 3 continents.
Q
Favorite food and why?
A
Tortilla de patatas because I feel like I am at home and mofongo because I love Puerto Rico.
