GeoHeroes - Carrie (Foulk) Rodriguez
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Carrie (Foulk) Rodriguez, Geotechnical Group Leader at BSK Associates, who shares her inspiring journey from a youth spent moving around the U.S. to becoming a leading figure in the geotechnical industry. Carrie discusses her early life, education, and varied career path, highlighting the pivotal moments and challenges that shaped her professional trajectory. She also provides insights into her leadership style, involvement in GBA, and her thoughts on the future of the geoprofession. Listeners will gain valuable advice for aspiring engineers and a deeper understanding of the geotechnical landscape.
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
Carrie (Foulk) Rodriguez – Carrie Rodriguez is a senior geotechnical engineer at BSK Associates in Livermore, California. She has been in this business for about 22 years, and is the geotechnical technical lead for BSK, as well as the geotechnical group manager in Livermore. She has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Washington (1996) and a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley (2002). She is professionally licensed as both a civil engineer and geotechnical engineer in California. She is a director-at-large on the GBA board of directors.
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.
Discussion Topics:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:21 Carrie's Early Life and Background05:28 High School and College Journey11:17 First Jobs and Lessons Learned12:43 Transition to Geotechnical Engineering17:14 Balancing Career and Family21:31 Current Role and Reflections23:52 Advocating for Geotechnical EngineeringThe Geoprofessional Landscape
24:50 Changes in the Geoprofession27:05 Engaging the Younger Generation32:17 Harnessing Social Media and Technology36:36 [BOOK] John Muir: The Eight Wilderness Discovery Books by John Muir 36:48 Personal Insights and Advice39:20 Optimism index40:43 Biggest accomplishment42:40 What would you change if you had it to do over again44:19 Advice to someone entering the profession46:18 Best advice you've received48:06 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCalls-to-action:
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Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribeThis episode was produced by the following GBA Members:
Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC