While attending the University of California Santa Cruz, I worked as an undergrad research assistant for an earth sciences professor who was studying how seawalls influence coastal erosion. I became intrigued by geology’s dynamic aspects, such as slope instability, rockfall, coastal erosion, and earthquakes, and how they impact engineered structures. Then the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake occurred in the Santa Cruz Mountains, which shaped the course of my career.

The geologic complexities and characteristics of a project site impact the design, construction, and long-term performance of critical infrastructure. The absence of this crucial information could have significant, negative implications for hydroelectric and water storage and conveyance facilities, such as dams, which is my focus.

It has been an honor to be part of an unprecedented dam safety review on behalf of the California Department of Water Resources, where in accordance with a congressional mandate, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Part 12D Independent Consultant Safety Inspection incorporated the Risk Informed Decision Making (RIDM) process for the first time. Specifically, a Level 2 Risk Analysis (L2RA) was performed by an independent facilitation team to support and inform the Part 12D Safety Inspection. The L2RA builds on the traditional FERC Potential Failure Mode Analysis (PFMA) process by estimating failure likelihoods and consequences. The risk portrayal of potential failure modes allows the independent review board and the owner to identify and focus on the primary risk drivers for the facility.

My experience will benefit our clients, who have been incredibly supportive of me and my commitment to the process, when it is time to incorporate RIDM in their next FERC Part 12D Safety Inspection.

It has been a great experience, particularly because of the people, company culture, and focus on clients. It is an absolute pleasure to be part of the dams & hydraulics team. The level of knowledge and experience is fantastic, and I am continually learning, which I enjoy.

A consultant engineering geologist, Gerald Weber, Ph.D., who taught field and engineering geology classes for more than 20 years at the University of California Santa Cruz, became one of my mentors. His advice was a bit tongue-in-cheek. He said to succeed as an engineering geologist, you have to be like a great white shark and “constantly swim forward” to improve your knowledge and skills.

Considering the rapidly evolving technologies for data collection and analysis and the movement of the dam safety practice to RIDM, I’d say it was sound advice.

Several years ago, I purchased a home that came with two small koi ponds. Taking care of the fish is relaxing. I’m drawn to water, so I also enjoy surfing and body surfing along the California coast, and stand-up paddleboarding on the lakes in the Sierra Nevada.