Technical Promotions Engineer, Rinker Materials – Houston
Following in her father’s footsteps, Alena Mikhaylova pursued an engineering degree because “Engineering was the only thing I knew … I considered it the only option.” She now works for Rinker Materials, providing technical expertise on specifications for precast reinforced concrete pipe and boxes in Louisiana and south-central Texas.
What’s your favorite thing about being an engineer?
It is very gratifying. You can see the product being engineered from its inception all the way through when it’s put in the ground, and you know that we’ve built something that will last for generations.
What do you like most about working in the concrete pipe industry?
I just love the people! They are extremely passionate about the product and truly believe in it—and that’s contagious. I could not have asked for anything more; the industry is truly united.
How did you get started in the industry?
I was lucky enough to have met lots of people while working on my doctorate research. (My research project was related to concrete pipes.) Although I wandered off into a different industry after graduation, I eventually returned to the industry I had come to love. The concrete pipe industry is where I belong!
What’s one lesson you’ve learned in this industry that’s stuck with you?
Being an engineer requires continued growth, both professionally and personally. Almost every project is unique in its own way, and there is always room to learn something new.
What’s your most memorable project?
Probably Texas DOT’s GPI 99 project, because of the design-build project delivery method and because of its scale. GPI 99 is part of a mobility program for Greater Houston, which has been ongoing for several years. When complete, the project will provide a 184-mile “Grand Parkway” loop around the city, traversing seven counties. Rinker is supplying more than 40,000 tons of products to the project’s Segment H&I portion, which spans 52 miles. Construction started in 2018 and will last through spring 2022.
If you were talking to a group of high school girls, what would you say to encourage them to become an engineer?
I would say that engineering is for everybody, not just for boys. Girls typically do very well in engineering because they tend to be detail-oriented, and that’s the quality that is required of a good engineer. We need more female engineers to diversify the industry, to have different perspectives and to move the industry forward.