Rachael began her path towards becoming an engineer as a five-year-old child. She was standing inside of a Kaplan turbine unit that was under maintenance when the idea struck. Now, she considers it a privilege to contribute to the same industry that first sparked her interest in engineering—and to actually understand what a Kaplan turbine unit is!
A geotechnical engineer with 10 years of domestic and international experience, Rachael has focused on the analysis, design, and construction of hydroelectric projects. During her career, she’s worked with dams, tunnels, navigation and water conveyance canals, shallow and deep foundations, cofferdams, and earth-retaining structures.
Rachael’s engineering expertise includes development of geotechnical investigations, the assessment of engineering parameters and geotechnical analyses pertaining to slope stability, piping and internal erosion, filter compatibility, bearing capacity, and more.
Currently, Rachael serves as chairperson of the United States Society on Dams Committee on Embankment Dams.