Spotlight on Civil and Environmental Engineering
Student highlight
Name: Ymbar I. Polanco Pino
Degree: MS and PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering
Faculty lab: McDonnell Family Assistant Professor Greses Pérez
Hometown: Maracay, Venezuela
Why Tufts?
Choosing Tufts was a pivotal decision that was solidified through my interaction with Dr. Greses Pérez, who went on to become my advisor. Additionally, Tufts stood out not only for its academic excellence and vibrant intellectual community but also for its supportive culture that encourages exploration beyond traditional engineering confines. This environment promised me the unique opportunity to delve into innovative research areas, particularly those that intersect with environmental and social imperatives, guided by some of the most brilliant minds in the field.
Favorite thing about living in the Medford/Somerville and Boston area?
The diversity in the Medford/Somerville and Boston areas is not just in the array of foods but in the people, ideas, and expressions that make up the community. The abundance of museums and art exhibits in the area also feeds my passion for the arts, serving as a constant source of inspiration and reflection. I also find that the city's scale is a perfect balance for me—vibrant and lively enough to provide a stimulating backdrop for exploration and relaxation, yet not so overwhelming that it detracts from my academic pursuits. It's this dynamic interplay of culture, art, and a manageable urban pace that makes living here particularly rewarding.
Any advice you’d give to prospective students or new graduate students?
To those embarking on their graduate journey, I would urge you to reflect deeply on what genuinely moves you—what do you pour your energy into for free? Once you figure that out, I'd recommend you incorporate elements, values, or ideas from this area of passion into your work. This integration can transform your educational journey into a deeply personal and impactful experience, where your academic inquiries are driven by a clear purpose. Embrace this approach, and you will find that your academic and professional paths are not only more fulfilling but also uniquely conducive to the fields you choose to explore.
Faculty highlight
Name: McDonnell Family Assistant Professor Greses Pérez
Research interests: Brain and learning sciences, science education, engineering education, diversity and identity, technology and education, language and cognition, multicompetence
About McDonnell Family Assistant Professor Greses Pérez:
Greses Pérez is an engineer, learning scientist and educator. Her scholarship specializes in the interdisciplinary study of language and cognition for students who experience a cultural and linguistic mismatch between the practices of their communities and those in engineering and science. In addition to her work on culturally relevant learning through emerging technologies, Greses uses mixed methodologies to investigate the strengths multicompetent individuals, whose lives exist between languages and/or cultures, might be able to contribute to the social fabric. Her mission is to expand who is heard and can contribute to the disciplines as society demands professionals with backgrounds as diverse as the challenges we face.