In this episode, we talk with Kristin M. Sample-Lord, Ph.D., P.E., associate professor and assistant department chair at Villanova University, about the importance of professional services. She explains how getting involved in these activities can create new opportunities, enhance your skills, and boost your professional reputation.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Kristin:
- What professional services and leadership roles do you have in geotechnical organizations?
- How important is sponsorship from senior colleagues for advancing a career in geotechnical engineering?
- What significant benefits have you gained from being involved in professional services?
- How has your involvement in professional organizations helped you grow your network and gain recognition within the geotechnical community?
- Can you share a specific opportunity or project that came your way because of your involvement in professional services?
- How do you navigate getting support from your workplace for your active involvement in professional services?
- What advice would you give to others trying to balance professional services, work responsibilities, family, and personal hobbies?
- Can you share some memorable experiences from your involvement in outreach and teaching workshops?
- What final piece of advice would you give to encourage students, professionals, and professors to consider getting involved in professional services?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About The Impact of Professional Services in Geotechnical Engineering:
- Getting involved in professional organizations outside your institution is a great way to meet people, discover opportunities, and make an impact. Many organizations are excited to welcome new members and offer opportunities for growth, often leading to leadership roles over time.
- Sponsorship from senior colleagues is crucial for securing leadership roles and opportunities in professional services. Their support and encouragement help overcome barriers and build confidence, making it easier to take on new challenges and grow.
- Significant benefits from being involved in professional services include expanding one’s network and name recognition, generating new opportunities for research and collaboration, and increasing one’s impact on the field and society.
- Involvement in professional organizations has helped grow one’s network by connecting with a diverse range of professionals and broadened name recognition through increased visibility in service roles and activities. This expanded network and visibility can lead to valuable career opportunities and collaborations within the geotechnical community.
- Involvement in professional committees often leads to unexpected opportunities for collaboration through informal interactions. These chance conversations can result in significant projects, such as joint research efforts and publications.
- To get support for professional services, work at an institution that values service alongside teaching and research. Having colleagues and supervisors who understand and support this balance is key.
- To balance professional services, work, family, and personal hobbies, schedule dedicated times for each and communicate openly with those around you about your commitments. This helps manage stress and maintain clear priorities.
- A memorable experience from outreach and teaching workshops was leading a national geotech faculty workshop just before the shift to remote learning, which proved incredibly timely and impactful. Additionally, engaging with students during outreach activities is always rewarding, especially when their curiosity and enthusiasm for the field are evident.
- While professional service is important for career development, it’s crucial not to overcommit. Be strategic in choosing opportunities and seek advice from mentors to balance your time effectively.
More Details in This Episode…
About the Guest: Kristin M. Sample-Lord, Ph.D., P.E.
Dr. Kristin Sample-Lord is an accomplished geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineer, currently serving as an associate professor and assistant department chair in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Villanova University. Her role at the Center for Resilient Water Systems (VCRWS) involves a deep commitment to researching and implementing geoenvironmental containment systems to safeguard human health and the environment, as well as examining the geotechnical aspects of green stormwater infrastructure.
Dr. Sample-Lord completed her undergraduate studies at Northeastern University, followed by a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Colorado State University.
An active member of the academic and professional community, Dr. Sample-Lord is a board member and webmaster for the Universities Council on Geotechnical Education and Research (USUCGER), and is the President-Elect of the International Geosynthetics Society’s North American Chapter. In addition to her leadership roles, she is dedicated to education, teaching courses such as Geology for Engineers, Soil Mechanics, Geosynthetics, and Geoenvironmental Engineering. Through her work, Dr. Sample-Lord continues to influence both the field of engineering and the next generation of engineers.
About the Host: Jared M. Green, PE, BC.GE, F.ASCE
Jared, originally from southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduated from Syracuse University’s College of Engineering in 2001 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He later went on to attain his M.S. in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Focus) from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Campaign, in 2002. In 2003, he began working in the New York City office of Langan. He has since become a Principal / Vice President and is one of the owners of this international land development engineering consulting firm. After 15 years at Langan, Jared moved to the Philadelphia office and is one of the geotechnical practice leaders in that office.
Jared is a consultant and team leader who also enjoys mentoring young engineers and first-generation college students. He has been instrumental in increasing the number of pre-college students who are interested in STEAM majors and fields. He strives to make complex engineering topics relatable and understandable to people new to the field and to people who are completely unfamiliar with engineering. Jared and his family currently reside in Flemington, New Jersey. He and his wife have three energetic, inquisitive, and awesome children. You can connect with Jared here.
Sources/References:
Villanova University
Northeastern University
Colorado State University
International Geosynthetic Society of North America
US Universities Council on Geotechnical Education and Research
ACLU Institute
International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
13th International Conference on Geosynthetics
Geo Institute
Geo Congress
National Science Foundation
Connect with Kristin M. Sample-Lord, Ph.D., P.E., on LinkedIn
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