The Utah Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (URMCA) awards ten $2,500 scholarships annually, supporting the education of Utah students studying fields related to concrete. This year, the board agreed that due to the outstanding pool of applicants, it was impossible to select only 10. A tie resulted in the awarding of 12 scholarships. All the eligible candidates are college juniors, seniors, or graduate students residing and studying in Utah while pursuing careers in concrete production, construction management, civil or structural engineering, or architecture. All the applicants are hardworking and committed, and will bring innovation and vision to the concrete industry.
Please join us in meeting and congratulating the winners of the URMCA Scholarships for 2025-26:
Tyler Nelson & Maximilian Masek: Winners of the URMCA Scholarship for 2025/26
L) Tyler Nelson, from Eagle, Idaho, is attending Brigham Young University and deciding between majoring in Business Strategy or Construction Management. Outside of school, he enjoys various outdoor activities like backpacking, snowboarding, and waterskiing. He recently co-founded a concrete company called COCO Concrete, which has given him hands-on experience in both construction and entrepreneurship. “I’m confident that my studies at BYU will support my career goals by helping me develop the technical knowledge and business skills needed to lead and grow a successful company.”
R) From Ogden, Utah, Maximilian Masek enjoys biking, mountain climbing, spending time outdoors, and playing the guitar. “I found my passion for structural engineering through internship opportunities, where I developed a curiosity for the intricacies of the built environment. I recently earned my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from USU and am currently pursuing a master’s degree in structural engineering at the same institution. I am eager to apply the knowledge I gain, both professionally and academically, to advance the field of structural engineering through sustainable and innovative design. “I want to thank the URMCA for supporting me as I pursue my master’s degree.”
Rupesh Uprety & Carson Skidmore: Winners of the URMCA Scholarship for 2025/26
L) “I come from a remote mountain region of Nepal where I completed both my B.S. and M.S. degrees, and I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a focus on Structural Engineering at the University of Utah. My research centers on improving the resilience and sustainability of building structures, especially in earthquake-prone areas. I am passionate about exploring innovative technologies and design methods that create safer and more durable infrastructure. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and traveling. Motivated by a passion for resilient infrastructure and a deep connection to earthquake-prone regions, I am committed to advancing sustainable building technologies—and I sincerely appreciate the support that organizations like URMCA offer in helping students like me turn that vision into reality.”
R) “As I start my final year in the Construction Management program at Weber State University, I am truly grateful to receive this scholarship from the Utah Ready-Mixed Concrete Association. My current role as a Project Engineer at Kier Construction has strengthened my passion for the industry, and I look forward to the future of the construction sector. Thank you for your continued support and for investing in my educational journey!”
Rosemary Yahne & Mark Payne: Winners of URMCA Scholarships for 2025/26
L) Originally from Layton, Utah, Rosemary Yahne is a senior at Utah State University, majoring in civil engineering with a minor in geology. “While at USU, I have gotten to take classes from incredible professors and be involved in clubs and research. I have gained technical and professional skills through these opportunities, which will help me as I pursue a career in geotechnical engineering.”
R) Growing up in Springville, Utah, Mark Payne has been married for about a year. He and his wife enjoy hiking and playing music together when they are not doing homework. With one semester left at BYU, he will graduate with a degree in Civil Engineering. With a special interest in geotechnical engineering and foundation design, he plans to build safe spaces where families and communities can gather. “Graduating from college is a crucial step in this process; thank you so much for investing in me, URMCA!”
Brandon Mayo & Emma Baggett: Winners of URMCA Scholarships for 2025/26
L) Brandon Mayo is entering his final year of studying Construction Management at BYU. He will also complete a minor in business. Currently, he works for Woolpert, managing airport traffic construction projects. Outside of school, Brandon manages the Winchester Escape House, enjoys working on motorcycles, spending time in the mountains, and being with his wife. One of his favorite topics to talk about is, of course, construction and sports. He didn’t even know construction management was a degree option when he started college, but once he discovered it, it was a perfect fit. Brandon has always loved school and has been greatly influenced by his professors at BYU. He is excited to continue his career in construction and to build meaningful projects for the communities around him.
R) Emma Baggett graduated in Spring 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Utah State University. In her final year, she conducted research under Dr. Srishti Banerji, focusing on various mixture designs of engineered cementitious composites and their self-healing properties. This work sparked a strong interest in sustainable infrastructure solutions. Emma plans to continue exploring this field during her master’s studies at USU this fall, with a focus on advancing self-healing concrete technologies.
Jared Jewell & Spencer Searcy: Winners of URMCA Scholarships for 2025/26
L) Jared Jewell is currently pursuing a PhD in civil engineering with a focus on concrete materials at BYU. “When I am not working with concrete or writing about it, I enjoy backpacking and playing with my kids. I am grateful to the URMCA for supporting my education and promise to make good use of this opportunity. My studies will provide me with the knowledge to help our industry confidently adopt new materials, particularly natural pozzolans, thereby improving our concrete.”
R) Originally from a small town in Northeast Colorado, Spencer Searcy was always curious about the world around him, which led him to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering. He recently completed his undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University with an emphasis in Structural Engineering. He had the opportunity to intern as a materials tester, where he measured specific properties of concrete being poured for real projects. “As I gain a deeper understanding of concrete, I will be better prepared to train newer engineers when I am a senior engineer and company owner, highlighting the material’s benefits. I will be able to present more efficient designs and help my community understand how concrete can be the bedrock of a sustainable infrastructure.”
Matt Christensen & Maile Boyer: Winners of URMCA Scholarships for 2025/26
L) “My name is Matt Christensen, and I am a junior in the civil engineering program at BYU. I became interested in concrete through my work with Professor Dr. Guthrie. I grew up in his neighborhood, so when I was looking for research opportunities, he offered me a position. I quickly developed a passion for it; it sparked my interest in concrete and helped me realize that I want to focus on highway materials. This interest led me to get an internship at RB&G Engineering, a geotechnical firm in Provo. It was an amazing experience that reinforced my desire to work with concrete and other roadway materials in my career. In my free time, I enjoy playing guitar, Ultimate Frisbee, lifting weights with friends, listening to music, and spending time with my wife.”
R) Maile Boyer is a 3rd year Construction Management Major at Utah Valley University. She enjoys working outside and making connections while studying how the world operates. Her goal is to contribute to the next wave of resources for the world to enjoy, while challenging her mind to grow and learn every day on-site.
“I am so thrilled and honored that, out of a strong pool of applicants, I was chosen as a recipient! Thank you so much! This kind of sponsorship has a profound impact on my life and, I’m sure, on the lives of other recipients. I am so excited and energized to head into this upcoming school year with the support of URMCA!”
The Utah Ready-Mixed Concrete Association is proud to support these exceptional students who will continue to contribute to the dynamic growth of the concrete industry.
About the Utah Ready-Mixed Concrete Association
The Utah Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (URMCA) is a nonprofit organization established by ready mixed concrete and cement producers participating in the Utah market. The Association is dedicated to product promotion, industry advocacy, education, and providing opportunities for producer and associate members to interact. It is a chapter of the National Ready-Mixed Concrete Association, founded in 1930. For more information, visit urmca.org.