Glenda Rodrigues Santos Giordani ’25 (Mechanical Engineering) researches green alternatives for building material

This has the potential to be literally groundbreaking.  

SUNY New Paltz undergraduate Glenda Rodrigues Santos Giordani ’25  is earning recognition for research into sustainable alternatives for non-structural material.

She’s been working with her mentor, Associate Professor of Engineering Rachmadian Wulandana, to investigate “hempcrete”—an eco-friendly concrete alternative made from hemp and lime that has already been approved for home construction in cases of non-structural use in the U.S.—with preliminary findings suggesting it can be just as durable as more carbon-intensive construction materials.

“We found that hempcrete is a great, renewable solution,” she said. “The data we examined in addition to our own research bears this out as well.”  

 

Giordani presented her work at the recent At November’s Sigma Xi International Forum on Research Excellence conference in Long Beach, California, supported in part by funding from the University’s  Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program.  

The conference provided an opportunity for Giordani to demonstrate her strengths as a scholar and engineer amongst a field of 250 fellow student-faculty researchers. She took full advantage and was validated when she was honored with both the Interdisciplinary Award and Superior Presentation Award. 

“When I walked in, I saw these students from all these different universities, so I had no idea what to expect,” she said. “But winning these awards showed me that I truly belonged in my field. Now I’ve not only received recognition for my work, but also great friendships with others who have the same aspirations as me.”

As an international student originally from Brazil, Giordani came to New Paltz seeking more education and opportunities in engineering. She says she’s felt  continuous support from her peers and faculty as a woman in STEM.  

“I feel at home here,” she said. “Here at New Paltz, you do a lot of independent work, which was helpful for me in understanding time management and working through solutions on my own. This experience has proved to me that I can succeed as an engineer in this country.”  

Upon graduation, she wants to continue pursuing groundbreaking research as an engineer in the sustainability space.

“This project enriched my excitement for the possibilities of green energy, and I’m looking forward to pursuing work in this field,” she said. 

Click here to learn more about SUNY New Paltz’s Division of Engineering Programs