Profile

I live in Bristol with my husband and 2 children who are 7 and 3.My two children keep me very very busy. Currently I work part time –  splitting time between being a Mum and a Geologist – the two jobs couldn’t be more different.

I enjoy cycling and playing tennis. As a family we love to go fossil hunting and on bike rides.

After studying Geography at A – Level I applied for Geology and Geography degree at Keele University in Staffordshire. I then went back home to Wales and studied Applied Environmental Geology at Cardiff University.

I got my first job and worked in Reading where I worked for 2 years on a project where some houses had collapsed into abandoned chalk mines.

I have worked as an Environmental Geologist in a consulting engineering company for 18 years .

Generally I am involved in writing reports for all sorts of different construction projects which can include anything from small car parks, to schools to huge national infrastructure projects (roads and railway lines).

This involves at looking at all sorts of different maps including geological maps and historical maps. I also look at ground investigation information which involves the digging of holes using JCBs to look at the ground or boreholes ( which takes cores of soil and rock). This helps us to test what the ground is like before we start building.

I also look at whether the soil beneath our sites has nasty chemicals in it which could affect the new development. We carry out risk assessments to determine whether the chemical levels are too high and whether we need to remediate ( clean up) the soil before development.

Another aspect of my work involves the preparation of Geology and Soils chapters for Environmental Statements. An Environmental Statement sets out an assessment of the likely environmental effects of a proposed development.

My typical day starts by taking my 2 children to school, I then cycle the 4 miles to work……not so much fun in the rain.

The day starts with a short team meeting, I am responsible for coordinating a team of 4 soil scientists and environmental geologists. I make sure that we all have work and they each know what their tasks are for the day.

I am involved in checking the work of my colleagues to ensure they are right before sending the reports out .  I also mentor my more junior colleagues to ensure they continue to develop their skills .

Much of my daily work involves working colleagues of other disciplines, including, structural and civil engineers, ecologists, flood risk engineers…… amongst others. We talk a lot, communication and talking is very important when working together on complex problems.

I am also responsible for promoting Professional Excellence in my office which includes encouraging staff to undertake additional work outside of their daily job, developing specialist skills and liaising with schools  / university to promote STEM events.