I am a professor in Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario, and a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada. A Geological Engineer by training, I practiced as an engineer for several years, first with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, and later with Klohn Crippen Consultants, before joining first the University of Waterloo and then moving to Queen’s University. I specialize in rock engineering, site characterisation and risk management for mining and transportation infrastructure, with a focus on landslide hazards.
My research interests include multi-criteria risk assessment and management for geological engineering projects. I am interested in using new techniques for site investigation, including applications of terrestrial and aerial LiDAR and photogrammetry, and development of better tools for characterising rockmasses for engineering design. I have worked on developing risk based decision making, using geomatics and monitoring tools for large slopes. I have also conducted research on ground subsidence and geomechanics aspects of mine closure planning in the past.
Currently, I am a Principal Investigator on the Canadian Railway Ground Hazard Research program. My research is funded by NSERC, as well as by CP and CN Rail and Transport Canada. Other research projects are funded by the Ministry of Transportation in Ontario.
In 2019, I delivered the Glossop Medal Lecture to the Engineering Group of the Geological Society.
I am also proud to be a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada, and to be a recipient of the CP Rail Medal and the Robert L. Schuster Medal.