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Special Sessions

Monday, September 14, 2020

Women in Geotechnique

A special panel session to celebrate the women in geotechnique as well as to explore what it looks like for young women who aspire to join the STEM career path. Our panellists will approach topics relevant to women in geotechnique as well as responding to your questions during the live Q/A session. Confirmed panellists include: 

  • Dr Suzanne Lacasse – Technical Director, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute
  • Dr Jocelyn Hayley – Department Head and Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary
  • Dr Heinrich Heinz – Senior Geotechnical Engineer, Thurber Engineering
  • Leanne McLaren – Junior Geotechnical Engineer, Thurber Engineering
  • Karen Sagar – Engineering Manager, Systra Ltd.

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Professional Practice Committee Special Session

Geotechnical risks and other issues pertaining to different procurement models

The panel discussion will consider different procurement models, pros & cons, and how geotechnical risk is managed under each model.  The discussion will follow a typical project timeline, illustrated with examples from the panellists’ experience.  Hosted by Seán Mac Eoin (Tetra Tech), Chairman of the PPC, the panel will include the following.

  • Neil Abbott (Gowling WLG), Construction Law specialist
  • Henrik Kristiansen (Kiewit), Geotechnical Engineer
  • Steve Panciuk (Marsh), Professional Liability Insurance specialist

Young Professionals Special Session

This networking and panel session for students and young professionals will address topics relevant to their career in geotechnique within the current social and economic context.  The session will feature a brainstorm session to allow students and young professionals some time for networking and discussion, as well as a live Q/A session with distinguished panelists: Dr. John Sobkowicz from Thurber Engineering,  Dr. Ariane Locat from Université Laval and Dr Marc Smith from WSP.

Geo Virtual Young Professionals

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

CGS Heritage Session

With a special presentation by Dr. Norbert Morgenstern

The presentation will reflect on Learnings from Success and Learnings from Failure over the past fifty years. Dr Morgenstern’s contributions to geotechnique in Canada and worldwide will be highlighted in introductions by some distinguished Canadian professionals.