Julia Hylton

Julia Hylton is a Ph.D. candidate in the Materials Science interdisciplinary program at Colorado School of Mines under the supervision of Dr. Tunstall, where she is on track to graduate in May 2025. Her research focuses on the use of biochar as a carbon-negative additive in cementitious systems, with an emphasis on understanding how biochar influences hydration kinetics, microstructure, and strength development. Additionally, she has developed novel analysis techniques to better assess biochar cement mixtures. Julia holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering, also from Colorado School of Mines.

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Julia’s thesis, titled “Investigations into the Effects of Biochar on the Strength Development of Cementitious Systems”, is the culmination of over five years of experimental work on biochar concrete composites. Her published work includes the peer-reviewed article “Relevant Biochar Characteristics Influencing Compressive Strength of Biochar-Cement Mortars” in the journal Biochar.

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Julia has presented her research at international conferences hosted by RILEM, the American Ceramic Society (ACerS), and the International Environmental Workshop (IEW). During her Ph.D., she served as a teaching assistant in the lab-based Durability of Concrete course for three years and was recognized as the 2024 Graduate Mentor of the Year for her leadership in mentoring undergraduate researchers.