ANZ 2023 Conference on Geomechanics Sundowner Event Celebrating Women in Geotechnical Professions
NZGS New Zealand nominees
Camilla Gibbons
Aurecon
Who am I?
I am an Engineering Geologist Specialising in Geohazards. My key interests lie in the risk assessment and mitigation of slope failures; as well as identifying realistic and efficient management and resilience strategies for our client’s assets.
I have worked in many countries over the last 20 years and I’ve been involved in NZGS on and off since 2012. I currently edit the bi-annual NZ Geomechanics News magazine for NZGS.
What drives me?
A lot has changed in the world since I graduated. I want to see the industry continue to adapt, providing opportunity to all who are driven to seek it.
Sally Hargraves
Professional Engineering Geologist, Director GeoSolutions NZ Ltd
Who am I?
I’m a consultant engineering geologist located in Mapua, near Nelson and operating across the top of the South Island of New Zealand.
I’ve been involved with the NZ Geotechnical Society for years, essentially since arriving in NZ from the UK almost 25 years ago. Initially organising evening events for the local members in Tauranga before joining the national committee about ten years ago. I’ve always worked in regional New Zealand and my drive has been to ensure those of us in the provinces get as good access to visiting lecturer and educational opportunities as those in the main centres.
I’ve also enjoyed my minor contributions to the development of the Earthquake Engineering Modules and other relevant Standard updates. It’s been a great way to stay at the forefront of geotechnical developments, as well as connecting with others around NZ and Australia.
I’m now enjoying mentoring and bringing on the next generation of geotechnical superstars.
Dr Vicki Moon
Waikato Uni, NZ
Who am I?
I am a senior lecturer in engineering geology with research interests aligned with hazard assessment. Highlights include:
- finding “hidden faults” in the Waikato area, and hence re-writing our paradigm for understanding the hazards to our local communities;
- extending our understanding of sensitive soils derived from pyroclastic deposits related to landslide hazard.
What drives me?
Simple fascination with Earth surface processes.
Kick-starting young people in engineering geology and watching as they develop rewarding careers.
Dr Sarah Barrett
Beca, Christchurch
Who am I?
I am a senior engineering geologist with a focus in natural hazard assessments. I completed a PhD and Post-Doctoral research identifying evidence for paleo-liquefaction and was involved in post-event reconnaissance following the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes.
What drives me?
Seeing first hand the physical and personal impacts of the recent earthquakes and extreme weather events in New Zealand motivated me into a career as an engineering geologist. It is important we learn from these events to prepare for the future.
Eleni Gkeli
NZGS Chair, Stantec, Wellington
Who am I?
I am the Chair of NZGS for the period 2021 – 2023 and a senior principal engineering geologist in Stantec.
I am specialised in rock engineering and tunnels, but I enjoy all aspects of engineering geology, especially the process of solving the ground model problem for a site. Landslides and slope stability are my passions.
I aim to contribute to sound engineering designs and convey my knowledge and experience to younger people.
What drives me?
I want to contribute to useful, safe and resilient projects that have an impact to our communities. I strive to serve the geotechnical profession in any way that I can, in particular for technical guidance, training and development.
Dr Kim De Graaf
CPEng, The University of Waikato
Who am I?
I am a senior lecturer in Civil Engineering at the University of Waikato in Hamilton. I am also a NZGS branch coordinator for the Bay of Plenty. I consult when possible as a geotechnical engineer working largely on projects where liquefaction effects and soil-structure-interaction require consideration.
My research focuses on several areas of relevance to industry such as the soil mechanics of local Waikato and Bay of Plenty soils, slope stability, and validation of ground improvement.
What drives me?
I aim to provide useful research to support decision making and design by geotechnical engineers in industry and to help to develop a new generation of geotechnical engineers.
Debbie Fellows
GHD, Auckland
Who am I?
I am a technical director with qualifications in geology and geotechnical engineering with a focus on leading larger infrastructure projects in New Zealand.
Recently, I have supported roading flood recovery in Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti using low cost low resilience outcomes to keep communities connected in an affordable manor.
I support Women in Engineering through mentoring and as a role model.
What drives me?
Delivering high quality and innovative services and outcomes to our commercial clients is top of mind for me. I am passionate about enabling the next generation of “geos” to have successful careers and be the best they can be.
Helen Loach
Beca, Nelson New Zealand
Who am I?
I am an Associate Geotechnical Engineer with a focus on investigation, assessment and design of civil infrastructure.
I really enjoy engaging with other professionals, especially fellow young professionals, guiding them and watching them learn and develop their passion for geotechnics. The NZGS YGP role has provided me a great opportunity for this.
I am a strong supporter of Women in Engineering.
What drives me?
Watching others develop professionally and personally. I love linking people up with opportunities that benefit them and get huge satisfaction in watching them excel and being a part of their journey.
Kate Williams, QSM
T+T, Wellington
Who am I?
I am a Principal Consultant for Sustainable Communities at Tonkin + Taylor with a focus on landslides, engineering geology and natural hazard resilience. I like to keep it simple by translating complex engineering and scientific data into information to assist communities make informed decisions and achieve positive results for the environment.
I am passionate in coaching our future geo-generations and empowering our Women in Engineering.
What drives me?
I am driven by the challenge of creating real engagement about our natural environment with communities to deliver resilient and sustainable outcomes for our changing world.
Sally Dellow
GNS Science
Who am I?
I am the Earth Structure and Processes department manager at GNS Science whose career focus has been on providing an immediate science response to geohazard events.
I am responsible for delivering science response capabilities for volcanic activity, earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides for New Zealand.
I am a strong advocate for delivering pay equity across a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone belongs.
What drives me?
Delivering relevant and impactful science at a time of crisis to support response and recovery efforts to natural disasters.
Dr Claudia Kayser
Beca, Auckland
Who am I?
I am a Senior Associate – Geotechnical Engineering – at Beca with 15+ years of experience delivering geotechnical designs for transport, infrastructure, commercial and water projects.
I have been the leader in delivering a large variety of projects covering foundation, embankment, retaining wall, and earthwork designs.
I am also a team lead supporting a team of six engineers.
What drives me?
Helping people to solve problems is something I really enjoy. Especially teaching and passing on my knowledge to the next generation is something I am very passionate about.
Ann Williams
Beca, Auckland
Who am I?
A Beca Technical Fellow in the fields of engineering geology and hydrogeology, a Geotechnical people and business manager, a board member, a collaborator and a colleague; an advocate for our profession
What drives me?
Always learning, growing great people to have amazing careers, fresh collaborative thinking to problem solve, bringing diverse people and skills together
Dr Romy Ridl
KiwiRail, New Zealand
Who am I?
I am a passionate engineering geologist with an interest in rock mechanics, slope stability and risk-based asset management.
What drives me?
My professional goals align with making a positive contribution to the resilience of New Zealand. This involves enhancing our national transport infrastructure to withstand/recover from increased natural triggering events, but also fostering the growth of our profession through mentorship and support of educating young engineering geologists. I strongly believe diversity is key for innovation.
My role?
Leading the National Civil Engineering Team at KiwiRail.
Nicola Ridgley
Beca Ltd, Auckland
Who am I?
I am a Senior Technical Director in geotechnical engineering whose focus is on delivering successful projects and technical development of the geotechnical group.
I aim to make everyday better by the inclusion of diverse teams to provide innovative solutions on our projects.
It is exciting observing the growth of Women in Geotechnical Engineering and in the industry in general.
What drives me?
Working in diverse project teams that include women colleagues to design and deliver successful infrastructure projects.
Frances Neeson
C.Geol, LDE Ltd
Who am I?
I am an Engineering Geologist & I grew up on a farm in rural Mid-Canterbury. I am now based in Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, Gisborne. I have been involved in several emergency responses including the Christchurch and Kaikoura Earthquakes and most recently Cyclone Gabrielle. I have worked across NZ and in Scotland.
What drives me?
Helping communities overcome natural disasters and build back with more resilience and appreciation for natural hazards and geotechnical risk. Seeing the results of our efforts at NCTIR to reopen SH1 in Kaikoura in December 2017 has been a career highlight for me.
I enjoy sharing knowledge, getting involved in the industry, encouraging young professionals, and making sure I do my bit to help women, like several key mentors have done for me.
Emelia Stocks
Tonkin & Taylor Ltd, Wellington
Who am I?
I am a chartered senior geotechnical engineer. I draw on my expertise in managing complex foundation projects and on my technical knowledge to provide others with an understanding of geotechnical risks. I mentor and coach young engineers to develop and grow their technical abilities to give them a greater awareness of design standards, quality and risk. As NZGS training coordinator, I pay close attention in what NZGS members want to develop their skills.
What drives me?
I believe that sharing knowledge and learning from each other is essential to improving our understanding of how we can identify and manage engineering risks.
Philippa Mills
WSP, NZ
- I have always been curious about how the world around us has come to be, and am grateful that this has led me to become an engineering geologist.
- I am driven by this curiosity, but also the desire to help people, and help society improve. I am particularly motivated by the fight against climate change, including understanding natural hazards, and how we can become more resilient when faced with them.
- New Zealand is a wonderful place to work as an engineering geologist, with an extremely varied topographies and geologies, each region with it’s own unique challenges. Being raised in an active volcanic region has lead me to develop a comprehensive understanding of volcanic materials.
- My work at WSP recently has included creating 2 local city/region wide landslide susceptibility maps, including BOP and Tauranga, NZ, landslide risk assessments, geomorphic mapping, and stormwater soakage methodology reviews.
- I was offered the Young Professional Representative for the New Zealand Geotechnical Society after only 3 months graduating, which at the time was quite scary! But I just said yes and over the next 2 years, had an absolute ball helping to organise events for the Young Professional Community in New Zealand, including the 2018 YGP Conference in Hobart, Tasmania. Being part of NZGS was an eye opening experience. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated team of (mostly voluntary) professionals, all striving to improve our understanding of all things geotech in NZ.
- I am grateful to be acknowledged as a woman in the profession. To put it in perspective, my mum wanted to study earth sciences growing up, but didn’t realise there was a career in geology, so studied horticulture instead. There is however still a while to go in terms of improving opportunities for women in engineering, and reaching equality goals. While the imposter syndrome may feel strong sometimes, remember to believe in your knowledge and the hard work you put in.