The primary motivation of our team is to further educate undergraduate students about the professions of geotechnical engineering and geosciences and help improve awareness and understanding of what the industry can offer them. Our purpose is to bridge the gap that exists between students, the industry and the local CGS section in order to promote industry growth through networking opportunities. Our vision is for a strong and sustained network of current and future geotechnical engineers of which the UofA Student Chapter is an active part.
President – Prabin Acharya
Prabin is a PhD student at the UAlberta Geotechnical Centre and serves as the Student Representative (U of A) for the Geotechnical Society of Edmonton. He has previously led the Nepalese Scholars Association at the University of Alberta as its president. Before pursuing his doctoral studies, Prabin worked as a government engineer in Nepal, where he played a key role in the country's post-2015 earthquake recovery efforts. He has over eight years of combined professional, research, and teaching experience. As President of the UACGS Student Chapter, Prabin is dedicated to strengthening the connections between geotechnical students and industry professionals, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
Past President – Naveel Islam
Naveel is a PhD Candidate in Geotechnical Engineering and served as the President of the University of Alberta Canadian Geotechnical Society Student Chapter (UACGS SC) for 2024-25. Before that, he served as the Vice President of the Chapter for 2023-24 and as Secretary of the Chapter for 2021-23. He holds a Master's in Geotechnical Engineering (Research Based) from Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering (Major: Geotechnical Engineering) from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh.
Vice-President – Abigail Paul
Abby is a PhD student in Geoenvironmental Engineering focusing on reclamation of mine waste. She also holds an MSc in Geoenvironmental Engineering and a BSc in Environmental Engineering, both from the U of A. Outside of her research, Abby is passionate about the outdoors and supporting women and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in engineering. As treasurer, Abby is excited to continue to support the growth of UACGS and provide opportunities for students to connect with each other and the wider geotechnical community.
Treasurer – Ossama Waseem
Ossama is a PhD student at the University of Alberta, conducting research in the Mine Waste Cold Laboratory. He completed his MSc in Soil Mechanics (2016–2017) at Imperial College London (ICL), UK, and his BSc in Civil Engineering at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pakistan. Prior to moving to Canada, he worked in Pakistan as a professional geotechnical engineer in both consultancy and contracting, contributing to projects from conceptualization through to implementation. He also briefly worked in Ontario for a year, where experiencing the cold environment inspired him to pursue further graduate studies.
Outside of academics, he is an extroverted and friendly individual who enjoys traveling, cooking, and sharing laughs with others :)
Secretary and Newsletter Lead– Connor Hvamb
Connor is pursuing a Masters in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Alberta with a focus on Frost Heave and Deep Foundations. Connor has 2 years of work experience as a Geotechnical Engineer-In-Training within Grande Prairie, AB. Connor holds a Bsc in Civil Environmental Engineering from the University of Alberta. As Secretary Connor will coordinate with the executive team to schedule events, guest speakers, workshops and is excited to collaborate on the UACGS Newsletter.
Event Coordinator – Jiarui Chen
Jiarui Chen is a geotechnical engineering student with a strong foundation in Civil and Environmental Engineering. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Alberta in 2024. Driven by her passion for geotechnical engineering, Jiarui is now pursuing a Master of Science degree in the field under Geotechnical Engineering, aiming to contribute to the advancement of resilient and sustainable engineering solutions.
Sponsorship Coordinator – Lucas Vidal
Lucas holds a BSc in Civil Engineering and Architecture and Urban Design, a Graduate Certificate in Geotechnical and Dam Safety Management, and an MBA in Project Management. He is pursuing an MSc in Geotechnical Engineering, focusing on technologies for monitoring mining structures and geotechnical landslides. Before his graduate studies, Lucas worked as a Dam Coordinator in the mining sector and is now a consulting engineer in the mining, minerals, and metals industry. As Sponsorship Coordinator of the UACGS student chapter, he looks forward to fostering partnerships and supporting student development opportunities.
Information Officer-Communication – Caroline Alexon
Caroline Alexon is a Master's student in Geoenvironmental Engineering at the University of Alberta. She graduated in June 2023 from Queen's University with a Bachelor's of Applied Science in Geological Engineering. Outside of academics, Caroline loves to spend time outside, hiking, camping, running and swimming. As an information officer, Caroline is excited to help ensure all students interested in Geotechnical Engineering have access to information and events run by our club.
Information Officer-Networking – Gabriele Martins
Gabriele Martins is a Master’s student in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Alberta. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil, in September 2024. Outside of academics, Gabriele enjoys spending time outdoors—hiking, working out, exploring new places, and reading. As an Information Officer, she is enthusiastic about helping students interested in Geotechnical Engineering stay informed and engaged through the events and resources offered by our chapter.
Information Officer-Knowledge– Kaylee Craplewe
Member at large – Gustavo Velarde
Gustavo holds a BSc in Geological Engineering from the National University of San Agustin, Peru, and a MSc from the University of Alberta. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering. Prior to his graduate studies, he worked in the mining industry as a Geotechnical Engineer, focusing on the geotechnical aspects of surface mining operations, including the stability of open pit slopes and mine waste rock dumps. As member of the UACGS chapter, he is excited to explore new perspectives, develop new skills, share technical expertise and knowledge, and contribute to the geotechnical community.
Nicole Winstanley - Vice President - 2019/2020
Hayle Schafer - Secretary - 2019/2020
Heidi Cossey - Vice President - 2020/2021
Nathália Machado - Secretary - 2020/2021
Umme Rima - Treasurer - 2020/2021
Kevin Wallin - President – 2019/2022
Gabriella Wahl - Vice President - 2021/2022
Inshik Park - Treasurer - 2021/2023
Fernanda Imamura - President - 2022/2024
Prabin Acharya - Vice-President – 2024/2025
Abigail Paul - Treasurer
Naveel Islam - President - 2024/2025