While working toward a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at the University of Washington, Claudia volunteered with Engineers Without Borders. That’s where she got to know Dave Cook, GeoEngineers geologist and Principal, who was mentoring EWB-UW students working on a potable water and irrigation project in Bolivia. After Claudia graduated from UW, she applied for and received a GeoEngineers internship.

Claudia jumped into GeoEngineers with both feet: “I did a lot of training in the soils lab and in the field, and had a small role in many projects. It was a good way to get to know the types of work people in the office do. I was constantly busy.” Claudia says. She adds, “The people here are great… plenty of smart, dedicated people have welcomed me into their projects and have taken the time to show me the ropes.” 

Claudia’s career entered a new chapter when she accepted an environmental engineer position at GeoEngineers, just as her internship was coming to a close. Her new role includes field work, data-gap and data-processing support. A mine project in Mexico and a ground source heat pump (GSHP) pilot study with Cook have captured Claudia’s imagination: “The mine project is fun because I get to read technical papers in Spanish, my native language. And it’s been great being immersed in the GSHP pilot study. Its geology aspect has been a steep learning curve, but the thermal side hits a familiar note with my background.”   

For leisure, Claudia enjoys marathon runs and long walks, and she keeps up with her many American and Bolivian friends as an EWB volunteer.