Becoming a Geotechnical Engineer with Lucy Colleran
Engineer a Career11 Nov 2025

Becoming a Geotechnical Engineer with Lucy Colleran

A fascination with the world beneath our feet sparked Lucy's journey into geology.

Encouraged by an inspiring geography teacher, she explored the subject through university taster courses and went on to study at the University of St Andrews, where hands-on fieldwork in Scotland's quarries and landscapes cemented her passion for understanding the ground we build on.

After graduating, Lucy discovered how geology meets engineering. She joined Fairhurst as a Graduate Engineering Geologist, where her work took her from Scotland's infrastructure projects to the remote island of St Helena, helping to make communities safer through rockfall mitigation.

Now a Chartered Engineer and Senior Geotechnical Engineer at Gavin and Doherty Geosolutions, Lucy reflects on her career so far, from overcoming early challenges to championing women in engineering and mentoring the next generation.

In this episode, Josh and Lucy explore what makes engineering geology such a vital part of sustainable construction, why confidence comes through action, and how curiosity can shape a lifelong career in engineering.

This is a story of discovery, determination, and how following your interests can quite literally change the ground you stand on.

Resources mentioned -

The role of engineering geology in delivering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357755266_The_role_of_engineering_geology_in_delivering_the_United_Nations_Sustainable_Development_Goals

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