Elizabeth Landowski, PE

I am in my 17th year of engineering, and the majority of that time is specific to geotechnical engineering in the dam and levee industry. Over the past few years, I have transitioned from focusing on design and construction to managing projects and providing senior-level reviews. More recently, I began performing risk assessments for dams and levees.

I joined Gannett Fleming in 2015. After working for USACE for several years, I decided to make a career change. USACE provided me with excellent experience and helped me to refine my engineering skills.

However, I wanted to broaden my skill set. I determined that Gannett Fleming would be the perfect company to do so. I already had confidence in my engineering skills, but I wanted to understand more of the business side — from marketing and business development to project management.

I am a principal geotechnical engineer in the firm’s Geotechnical, Dams, and Hydraulics Business Line. During my tenure, I have supported dam and levee projects across the country – from Florida to California and places in between. My roles have included:

• Preparing proposals.
• Negotiating contracts.
• Managing client service.
• Designing and reviewing dam and levee projects.
• Performing risk assessments.
• Growing the overall business line.

Learning does not stop when you graduate college. It’s a lifelong adventure. Gannett Fleming has been instrumental in continuing my education, providing me with numerous opportunities for education and long-term professional growth through training, conferences, and traditional engineering courses.

Dams and levees are fascinating structures. Each has its own unique history and stakeholders. Yet, most of them present inherent risks to their owners, regulators, and neighboring communities. No two dam projects are the same, but we leverage the robust experience of our entire team to help develop the best solution for each new challenge and, as appropriate, for its hazard classification.

To learn more, check out my INSIGHTS webcast, “Dam and Levee Ownership – Risky Business,” where I cover the risk assessment process.

I primarily work on dams that supply water and/or power, as well as levees that safeguard against flooding. These critical structures are essential to communities. Dam safety necessitates well-maintained infrastructure to create a resilient foundation to protect citizens from the risk of failure.

Plan for the future but live in the present. Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Diversity allows for different experiences, perceptions, abilities, and ideas to be presented and considered. Combined, these variables provide a better understanding of the world we live in and the needs for which we design.

I love traveling and going to concerts, sporting events, and plays.

My husband and I have two children. Our daughter is 14, and our son is 12. We love to travel and find new places to explore, but even more so, we love to inspire our children to travel and see other cultures.

Each year for Christmas, we give our children airline or hotel gift cards to plan a family vacation based on that budget. It’s up to them to decide where to go and what to do on the trip. Our most recent trip was last summer to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

I have traveled to and spent time in 42 of the 50 states and been to four of the seven continents. My goal is to see the world! My dream vacation would be an around-the-world cruise.

Sitting down to dinner with my family and then watching a movie with them.