Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Promising research is taking root in the world of structural engineering, led by a local environmental engineer. Erika Espinosa Ortiz is transforming the way we think about building materials, aiming to reduce one of the largest contributors to global CO2 emissions — concrete.
Originally from Mexico, Espinosa-Ortiz has spent the last nine years working in laboratories around the world. From research stints at Montana State University to her current role as an assistant professor at Utah State University, her career is defined by groundbreaking research into soil pollution and wastewater treatment.
However, it is her current research that could have a transformative impact on one of the world's most pressing environmental problems. Cement production is responsible for 8% of global human-caused CO2 emissions. The majority of this comes from the chemical processes involved in making cement, the primary ingredient in concrete. Seeking cleaner alternatives, Espinosa-Ortiz has turned to an unexpected source: microbes.
“My work focuses on using bacteria and fungi to create alternative materials to traditional cement through a process known as biomineralization,” she said. “This method involves microbial builders that induce the precipitation of minerals, forming solid structures that act as building blocks.”
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Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
There’s a place for you at Utah State. Join us.
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USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
Promising research is taking root in the world of structural engineering, led by a local environmental engineer. Erika Espinosa Ortiz is transforming the way we think about building materials, aiming to reduce one of the largest contributors to global CO2 emissions — concrete.
Originally from Mexico, Espinosa-Ortiz has spent the last nine years working in laboratories around the world. From research stints at Montana State University to her current role as an assistant professor at Utah State University, her career is defined by groundbreaking research into soil pollution and wastewater treatment.
However, it is her current research that could have a transformative impact on one of the world's most pressing environmental problems. Cement production is responsible for 8% of global human-caused CO2 emissions. The majority of this comes from the chemical processes involved in making cement, the primary ingredient in concrete. Seeking cleaner alternatives, Espinosa-Ortiz has turned to an unexpected source: microbes.
“My work focuses on using bacteria and fungi to create alternative materials to traditional cement through a process known as biomineralization,” she said. “This method involves microbial builders that induce the precipitation of minerals, forming solid structures that act as building blocks.”
–––––––––––
Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
There’s a place for you at Utah State. Join us.
https://usu.edu/admissions/aggielife/
Follow Us
FB: facebook.com/UtahState
IG: instagram.com/USUAggielife
TW: twitter.com/USUAggies
USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
