Andrew Stewart
Geotechnical Engineer in Training
Learn About My Career
Andrew Stewart is a geotechnical engineer in training in Ontario.
I was born/grew up in: Stratford, Ontario
I now live in: London, Canada
I completed my training/education at: Fanshawe College and Griffith University in Gold Coast Australia.
I do on-site inspection and testing for municipal, commercial residential and industrial construction projects. This includes concrete testing, rebar inspections, compaction testing, subgrade inspection, laboratory testing of soils, and equipment maintenance.
In 2007, I graduated from Fanshawe College’s three-year co-op program in Civil Engineering Technology. I continued my education overseas in Australia to upgrade my technologist degree to a university degree to allow me to become a professional engineer. I received two years credit for my college degree, and completed my Bachelor of Engineering in two years. I graduated with honours in 2010 from Griffith University in Gold Coast Australia.
As a teenager, I was not that interested in school and had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. I did, however, like science and shop classes, and was always curious as to how things worked and how they were built. Following advice from guidance counsellor, I continued taking math throughout my high school years, but did not enrol in the advanced courses. I was not interested in math as I thought I would never use any of this information in the real world. Now that I am working as an engineer, I can say, oh boy - was I ever wrong.
I currently use a lot of the advanced math such as calculus on a regular basis, but I also rely heavily on the fundamental math skills such as trigonometry and algebra. Instead of solving for x in a classroom, I solve for x in real life situations, such as determining the safe slope angle for a slope stability project, or to find the depth of embedment for driving a pile into the ground on a batter.
The recommendations in my soil reports ensure that structures are constructed on solid ground and will not settle. Testing and inspection verify that roadways will perform as designed, and provide a smooth ride to the public. Slope stability recommendations ensure that the soil on slopes will not slip or fail and cause a landslide.
I like to go boating, wakeboarding, snowboarding, surfing, and ATVing. I also enjoy spending time at the cottage with my family.
What I do at work
I do on-site inspection and testing for municipal, commercial residential and industrial construction projects. This includes concrete testing, rebar inspections, compaction testing, subgrade inspection, laboratory testing of soils, and equipment maintenance.
My career path is
In 2007, I graduated from Fanshawe College’s three-year co-op program in Civil Engineering Technology. I continued my education overseas in Australia to upgrade my technologist degree to a university degree to allow me to become a professional engineer. I received two years credit for my college degree, and completed my Bachelor of Engineering in two years. I graduated with honours in 2010 from Griffith University in Gold Coast Australia.
I am motivated by
As a teenager, I was not that interested in school and had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. I did, however, like science and shop classes, and was always curious as to how things worked and how they were built. Following advice from guidance counsellor, I continued taking math throughout my high school years, but did not enrol in the advanced courses. I was not interested in math as I thought I would never use any of this information in the real world. Now that I am working as an engineer, I can say, oh boy - was I ever wrong.
I currently use a lot of the advanced math such as calculus on a regular basis, but I also rely heavily on the fundamental math skills such as trigonometry and algebra. Instead of solving for x in a classroom, I solve for x in real life situations, such as determining the safe slope angle for a slope stability project, or to find the depth of embedment for driving a pile into the ground on a batter.
How I affect peoples’ lives
The recommendations in my soil reports ensure that structures are constructed on solid ground and will not settle. Testing and inspection verify that roadways will perform as designed, and provide a smooth ride to the public. Slope stability recommendations ensure that the soil on slopes will not slip or fail and cause a landslide.
Outside of work I
I like to go boating, wakeboarding, snowboarding, surfing, and ATVing. I also enjoy spending time at the cottage with my family.
When I was a student I enjoyed:
- Geography
- Physical Education/Health
- Science
- Technology
When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:
- Always wanted to be outside
- Enjoyed working with my hands
- Liked being given free range to explore my ideas
- Wasn't sure what I wanted to do
- Liked to take things apart to see how they worked
Partners
Labourer's International Union of North America (LiUNA)
Let’s Talk Science is grateful to the Labourer's International Union of North America (LiUNA) for connecting us with this individual.
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