Employee Spotlight: Meet Joseph Ding - Geotechnical Engineer
Joseph Ding - Ph.D., P.Eng. M.ASCE. - Geotechnical Engineer
At PRI Engineering, we are proud to have Joseph Ding, Ph.D., P.Eng., M.ASCE, as part of our team. As a Geotechnical Engineer, Joseph is a driving force behind many of our innovative projects. His extensive expertise, strong academic background, and unwavering drive make him an invaluable asset to PRI Engineering. With his advanced qualifications and years of experience, Joseph is already shaping the future of our projects and delivering outstanding results for our clients. We are proud to have him as a key part of our team.
Personal Background
Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to pursue a career in engineering?
I grew up in a coastal area in Eastern China, where I was inspired by my parents' advice to study diligently and gain skills that could contribute to society. From a young age, I was fascinated by how things work and developed a strong passion for problem-solving. This curiosity and drive to make a meaningful impact naturally led me to pursue a career in engineering.
What was your educational journey like? Which institutions did you attend, and what did you study?
My higher education journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Civil Engineering (Tunnelling and Underground Engineering) from Chang’an University. I chose this major because at the time, the 21st century was anticipated to be an era of underground space development and tunnelling technologies, much like the 20th century was considered the century of bridge engineering.
During my capstone project, which involved designing a highway tunnel excavated more than 100 meters below the ground surface, I realized the critical role of geotechnical knowledge in successful tunnelling projects. This insight motivated me to further specialize in geotechnical engineering. I pursued a Master’s in Geotechnical Engineering at Chang’an University, followed by a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a focus on geotechnical engineering at Zhejiang University.
Professional Experience
Can you describe your previous roles and the type of projects you have worked on before joining PRI Engineering?
Before joining PRI Engineering, I worked in various positions across Canada, the U.S., and China, involving teaching, research, consulting, software development, and R&D. My roles included:
Associate Professor in Geotechnical Engineering, at a University in China.
Research Technician II and visiting scholar at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, USA.
Senior Software Engineer/Senior Research Engineer, Geotechnical at Bentely Systems Canada.
Engineering-in-Training at SLR Consulting Canada.
I have worked on a diverse range of projects, including foundation and slope stability analysis, shielding tunnelling technology applications, groundwater simulation, highway embankment/roadbed, mining tailings dams, and oil-well casing in thawing permafrost regions.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to PRI Engineering from your previous roles?
I bring diverse and extensive experience in geotechnical and tunnelling engineering to PRI Engineering. My technical expertise encompasses advanced soil mechanics analysis, foundation and slope stability design, and the application of tunnelling technologies. I also have experience in geotechnical site investigation and instrumentation, which are essential for ensuring accurate assessment and successful project execution.
Additionally, my R&D experience enables me to apply innovative solutions and optimize engineering processes to address complex engineering challenges effectively. I bring a global perspective and the ability to adapt to diverse project requirements and cultural contexts, which I believe will be valuable in supporting PRI Engineering’s objectives.
Role at PRI Engineering
What is your current role at PRI Engineering, and what are your main responsibilities?
I am currently a Geotechnical Engineer at PRI Engineering. My primary responsibilities include geotechnical engineering design and analysis of various types of solar foundations, as well as numerical modeling, and Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SRED). I also help mentor and guide junior team members in conducting geotechnical consulting activities. Additionally, I also provide support to implement innovative and best-practice engineering solutions and technical standardizations.
Are there any projects at PRI Engineering that you are excited to be a part of?
I am particularly excited about the opportunities to contribute to various solar projects across Canada, the United States, the Caribbean region, and other areas. I have been collaborating with PRI Engineering’s talented team to develop safe, cost-effective, constructable, site-specific foundation solutions for new and existing clients. I am especially thankful to my manager and other team leaders who provided me with the opportunities to get involved in varying projects. I take pride in being part of the team devoting to energy transition and look forward to making meaningful contributions in this specialization.
How do you see your role evolving within the company over the next few years?
Over the next few years, I see my role expanding to include greater technical leadership responsibilities, such as contributing to best-practice design standardization. I aim to leverage my experience to drive innovation and improve project delivery processes. I hope to help mentor junior engineers within my expertise and foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that supports professional growth and development for everyone.
Company Culture and Values
What do you believe is the key ingredient to a company’s success, especially in the engineering field?
The first and foremost element to a company’s success in the engineering field, I think, is fostering a culture of continuous innovation and openness to learning. This means staying at the forefront of technological advancements, encouraging creative problem-solving, and investing in the professional development of employees. Equally important is building and maintaining strong client relationships, consistently delivering high-quality work products, and prioritizing safety and sustainability in every project. These elements together, I think, form the foundation for long-term success in the engineering industry.
What attracted you to work for PRI Engineering specifically?
I was drawn to PRI Engineering because of its proactive attitude towards delivering innovative, reliable, and high-quality engineering solutions. The company’s commitment to sustainability in energy sectors and its attention to R&D for complex projects align with my professional values. Additionally, PRI’s collaborative and inclusive work environment, which promotes professional growth and teamwork, making it an ideal place for me to further develop my career and contribute to geotechnical and solar power projects in the global market.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies or activities that help you unwind from work?
In my spare time, I enjoy outdoor activities such as jogging and cycling, which help me unwind and stay active. I also have a habit of reading, particularly in the fields of science, technology and management, as it keeps me updated and inspired. Besides that, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, cooking, and exploring new cuisines.
How do you balance your professional and personal life?
Balancing my professional and personal life involves setting clear boundaries and prioritizing my time. I ensure that I allocate time for personal activities and relaxation to recharge and maintain my well-being. By practicing effective time management, delegating tasks when necessary, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, I strive to stay productive and fulfilled both in my professional and personal life.
If you have a bucket list, what’s your top 5 items you’d like to realistically cross off?
Volunteer at the Calgary Food Bank to give back to the community.
Travel to the far north of Canada to experience permafrost during the summer.
Collaborate with colleagues to publish a peer-reviewed technical paper.
Learn macroeconomics and international trade to better understand the causes behind global economic fluctuations and development trends.
Read 10 books a year together with my kids, creating shared learning experiences and lasting memories.
Looking Forward
What are your professional goals for the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, my professional goals include:
Technical Leadership Development: Taking on increasing technical leadership roles to help the team using proved capabilities and contributions and potentially advancing to a senior role that combines technical expertise with project management.
Innovative Projects: Leading one or two representative innovative and high-impact projects that drive advancements in the field of geotechnical solar engineering.
Continuous Learning: Staying up to date with the latest industry trends and technologies through continuous learning and professional development.
Mentoring: Actively mentoring junior engineers, fostering their growth, and contributing to building a stable, strong, capable team.
How do you plan to contribute to the growth and success of PRI Engineering?
I plan to contribute to the growth and success of PRI Engineering by:
Delivering High-Quality Work: Ensuring all projects are completed with accuracy, meeting or exceeding client expectations through attention to detail and adherence to industry best practices.
Driving Innovation: Introducing fresh ideas and innovative solutions to tackle complex engineering challenges effectively.
Collaboration: Promoting a collaborative and supportive work environment where team members feel valued, motivated, and empowered to excel.
Client Relationships: Helping build and maintain strong client relationships to foster trust, secure repeat business, and attract new opportunities.
Efficiency Improvements: Identifying and implementing strategies to optimize workflows, enhance project efficiency, and delivery outcomes.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role at PRI Engineering?
In my new role at PRI Engineering, I am most looking forward to:
Adapting to the New Workplace: Understanding the company’s management practices, technical guidelines, and procedures while contributing effectively to ongoing projects with the support of training and supervision.
Challenging Projects: Working on challenging and diverse projects that will allow me to apply my skills and knowledge in innovative and impactful ways with increasing independence.
Learning Opportunities: Gaining insights from a team of experienced professionals and broadening my expertise across various sub-areas of civil engineering.
Professional Growth: Embracing opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within a dynamic, forward-thinking company.