CEE professor Paulo Monteiro has been teaching at Berkeley since 1987. His professional experience includes working on major projects, such as large concrete dams and the Los Angeles Cathedral. He and his students are creating micromechanical models for concrete and developing new charact- erization techniques, such as low-temperature scanning electron microscopy and soft X-ray microscopy. Last year, together with Professor Wenk and a Ph.D. student, he received the Wason Medal for his research using neutron diffraction to identify the deterioration of concrete. His book on concrete, co-authored with Professor P.K. Mehta, is used worldwide and has been translated into five languages. During spring break, Professor Monteiro helped the Discovery Channel develop a large scale model to explain how the Greeks actually destroyed the walls of Troy.

Professor Minute: Interview with CEE professor Paulo Monteiro

What do you do to forget about engineering and/or work ?

I’m passionate about, and sometimes obsessive with, French cooking and cooking science. I have taken professional cooking courses at the Culinary Cooking Academy, Paul Bocuse Institute, and Laurent Suaudeau Academy. I love to try new recipes and invite friends for dinner.

What is your personal recipe for success?

Recipes may be good for cooking but they are too limiting when applied to life. However, to be successful in academic life, it is critical to maintain a sense of wonder and curiosity.

What can a student do to get through your hardest class?

The student should be fascinated by the complexity of structural materials. If that fails, work very hard.

Why did you become a professor?

It is a wonderful job: brilliant colleagues, talented students, and long summers.

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