E15: From Rocks to Resilience: A Geotechnical Odyssey with Luisa Hendry
The Ground Investigation Podcast
Release Date: 08/31/2023
E38: How Ground Investigation Can Seriously Save You Money With Joseph McElhany
The Ground Investigation Podcast
Learn about the causes of debris flows and proactive measures to prevent them in this geotechnical engineering podcast episode. From climate change to geological factors, we'll discuss the science behind debris flows and how to mitigate their impact on communities. Tune in to learn more about this important geohazard and how geotechnical engineers work to keep us safe. In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, interviews Joseph McElhany to discuss the challenges and advancements in geotechnical engineering, particularly in the context of post-wildfire debris flows and the...
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E37: Innovative SOLUTIONS for Seismic SAFETY at SoFi STADIUM and LAX People Mover
The Ground Investigation Podcast
In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, interviews Dr. Santiago Caballero who shares his journey in geotechnical engineering, discussing his career path, significant projects like the LAX People Mover, and the unique challenges faced in different regions. He emphasizes the importance of communication, teamwork, and innovative solutions in overcoming geotechnical challenges, particularly in seismic areas. The conversation also highlights the critical role of pilot testing in ensuring project success and the lessons learned that can be applied to future work. In this...
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E36: Life of a Geotechnical Engineer: Explore Engineering Across the Globe with Jay Doddaballapur
The Ground Investigation Podcast
In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, interviews Jay Doddaballapur, an experienced geotechnical engineer with a global career spanning the UK, New Zealand, and the US. They discuss Jay's transitions between countries, the differences in geotechnical engineering practices, the challenges of relocating, and the contrasting mindsets in contracting versus consulting. Jay shares insights into technical challenges faced in major projects, his expertise in seismic design, and the complexities of dynamic modeling in geotechnical engineering. In this conversation, Jay...
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E35: The Difference Between Geotechnical Monitoring in Mining and Infrastructure is Huge With André Silva
The Ground Investigation Podcast
In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, sits down with André Silva, a seasoned geotechnical engineer with over 14 years of experience. André shares his journey into geotechnical engineering, highlighting his passion for instrumentation and monitoring. The conversation delves into the advancements in geotechnical monitoring, particularly the role of automation and wireless technologies, and how these innovations enhance project effectiveness. André also discusses the comparative challenges and approaches in landslide monitoring between Brazil and the UK, emphasizing...
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E34: Geotechnical Project Expert Sebastian Lobo-Guerrero Reveals Local Conditions Are Key
The Ground Investigation Podcast
In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, sits down with Dr. Sebastian Lobo Guerrero as he shares his journey into geotechnical engineering, highlighting the influence of his family background and his passion for soil mechanics. He discusses rewarding projects, including significant bridge designs and the lessons learned from both successes and failures. Dr. Lobo Guerrero reflects on his achievements, including prestigious awards, and emphasizes the importance of deep foundations in infrastructure. He also talks about advancements in materials and technology, co-authoring the...
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E33: Navigating Geotechnical Leadership: Lessons from Luke Turko
The Ground Investigation Podcast
In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, sits down with Luke Turko, a civil engineer with over 19 years of experience in geotechnical engineering and design. As Director of Geotechnical Services at Navarro & Wright Consulting Engineers, Luke oversees projects across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Florida, and Virginia, managing a highly skilled team across four offices. Luke shares his journey into geotechnical engineering, the challenges of managing large teams across multiple locations, and the evolving role of AI in engineering. From high-stakes...
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E32: Geotechnical Truths & GeoTales with Ed Medley
The Ground Investigation Podcast
In this episode of , sits down with Dr. Ed Medley, a geological engineer, researcher, and storyteller with a 45-year career spanning mineral exploration, litigation, consulting, and academia. Known for his work on BIMROCKS (Block-In-Matrix Rocks), Ed shares some of the most unexpected, humorous, and insightful moments from his global career—including mapping toilet paper at a major San Francisco sinkhole failure. Beyond the stories, Ed offers hard-earned wisdom on resilience, curiosity, and the ever-evolving geotechnical industry. Whether you’re an engineer, student, or just love a good...
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E31: Numerical Modeling in Geotechnics: Insights from Yichi Du
The Ground Investigation Podcast
In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, interviews Yichi Du, a geotechnical engineer whose career journey spans academic research and practical industry applications in the U.S. and China. Yichi shares his passion for geotechnical engineering, highlighting his research on shrink-swell clays and the innovative use of numerical modeling in understanding soil behavior. The discussion also explores his experiences transitioning from academia to industry, the unique geotechnical challenges in Texas and California, and the future of machine learning in geotechnical engineering. Yichi...
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E30: Californian Wildfires and Landslides with Dan Vieira
The Ground Investigation Podcast
In this conversation, Daniel Vieira discusses his journey into the field of geo-hazards and landslide mitigation with . He shares insights on his career transitions, the challenges faced in slope stabilization projects, and the importance of safety and efficiency in his work. Daniel highlights rewarding projects, innovative techniques, and the role of technology in geophysical investigations, emphasizing the impact of his work on communities and infrastructure. He highlights the industry's adaptation to climate change challenges and the significance of value engineering in delivering...
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E29: Helicopter Drilling and the Path to Geotechnical Growth with Hannah Thomas
The Ground Investigation Podcast
In this episode of , Michael Taylor sits down with Hannah Thomas, a geotechnical engineer with a passion for exploration, both in the field and in professional growth. From her first helicopter drilling project in Oregon to her belief in the power of LinkedIn as the modern Rolodex, Hannah shares her unique experiences and actionable advice for geotechnical and geological professionals. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Memorable Projects: Hannah recounts her most challenging and rewarding project—a helicopter drilling expedition that pushed her out of her comfort zone and taught her...
info_outlineJoin us on a captivating journey into the world of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering as we dive deep into the experiences and insights of a seasoned professional, Luisa. In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Luisa shares her remarkable trajectory in the industry, unravelling her background, her passion, and the significant projects that have shaped her career.
With a solid foundation in Earth Science from the University of Glasgow, Luisa's academic journey paved the way for her success. Her 8-year journey as an engineering geologist has been marked by significant milestones, from being involved in pioneering projects like HS2 and the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme to her critical role in the A9 Dualling project.
As a Senior Engineering Geologist at Story Contracting Limited, Luisa doesn't just excel in technical prowess; she's also a dedicated mentor and coach for young engineers. Her dedication to skill development and mentorship shines through as she delves into the importance of guidance and growth within the geotechnical field.
But Luisa's influence doesn't stop there. With a thriving online presence, boasting an impressive 167k Instagram followers and 20k TikTok followers, she has harnessed the power of social media to bring geoscience to the forefront. Luisa's online journey is a testament to her commitment to bridge the gap between her profession and a wider audience.
https://www.instagram.com/scottishgeologist/
https://www.tiktok.com/@scottishgeologist?lang=en
In this episode, we delve into the technical intricacies of her projects, the balance between expertise and project management, the future of geotechnical engineering, and the unexpected doors that her online presence has opened. Join us as we uncover the layers of Luisa's inspiring career, and gain valuable advice for aspiring geotechnical professionals who want to make their mark in this dynamic field.
For more information on what was shared in this episode and to connect with Michael head to https://girec.co.uk/
Make sure you subscribe to the show to join host Michael Taylor as he discusses the ups and downs of running a business in the GI industry, getting geological experts to share their learnings and lessons as well as their plans for the future, highlighting what they think will improve the ground investigation industry moving forward.