Dr. Imad Alainachi
SENIOR GEOTECHNICAL SPECIALIST & PROFESSOR
What is your current job title, and what do you do? Where do you spend most of your workday?
Strategic and Technical Advisor and Senior Geotechnical Specialist of Paterson Group, and Part-time professor at University of Ottawa Volunteered as the President Elect for the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences.
At Paterson, my role includes:
- Exploring opportunities in new sectors, such as Mining, Renewable Energy, University Collaboration, and SR&ED, etc.
- Participating in building/maintaining relationships with new and existing clients and representing and/or promoting Paterson at different events, technical sessions and conferences;
- Providing technical development by preparing/conducting training sessions and “Lunch & Learn” events. Leading R&D efforts within the firm, such as preparing technical research and conference papers, suggesting internal development approaches;
- Providing support for the Geotechnical Division as Senior Geotechnical Specialist, such as participating in technical discussions, review and providing feedback on special geotechnical matters.
- At the University of Ottawa, teaching courses such as seismic risk assessment.
What education, training and past work experience do you have?
Education:
- Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering – Research focus: Geotechnical Response of Mine waste systems under seismic conditions.
- M.Sc. in Engineering Geology – Research focus: Engineering Geological properties and stability of riverbanks.
- B.Sc. in Earth Sciences
Experience:
Approx. 23 years of work in the industry in the field of engineering geology, geotechnical engineering, project management, site and lab geotechnical investigation, mining geotechnical engineering, geological and geotechnical risks and hazards, numerical and experimental modeling.
What’s great about being an Earth Scientist?
- Being able to understand the properties and behavior of Earth materials (soil and rock) under different conditions can have a significant effect on the development of cities and lifestyles of the public.
- Dealing with the uncertainty of underground Earth materials is challenging; a person can never predict the type and behavior of material, which makes the work conditions change daily. So, there is always room for doing the unexpected and to develop knowledge and improve your personal strengths.
- Being able to research and deal with materials in different scenarios gives the Earth Scientist the ability to contribute in sustainability efforts for better life on Earth.
- There is always opportunity for work in different locations, sometimes in remote areas for mining projects, as well as travelling between cities and/or countries for different projects.
- As an Earth Scientist, you have the chance to interact with people from different background and professions. Earth Science can become involved in any profession, such as engineering, economics, medical fields, etc.
What interests and abilities lend themselves well to an Earth Science career?
I believe somebody looking forward to a career in Earth Science is, above all, curious about Earth processes and how things became the way they are in the natural world.
What advice would you give someone interested in an Earth Science career?
If you are looking for an interesting career and continuously challenging work, Earth Science would be your first and best choice.