Construction of new office buildings, transit projects and roads continues to abound in the Pacific Northwest. In an area susceptible to earthquakes and landslides, how do we know that the land will support the structures we build? We can have confidence in our airports, highways and bridges, industrial buildings and more because of the work of geotechnical engineers.
Prior to a construction project breaking ground, an evaluation of subsurface conditions must be completed for foundation design. A geotechnical engineer evaluates the land and its ability to support the structures we build. Just as we need solid foundations to build, we need strong education programs to develop the future leaders in this field.
The Geotechnical Group of the Seattle Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers is dedicated to advancing the field and believes strongly in the development of UW geotechnical engineering program. A long time partner and supporter of the Civil and Environmental Engineering department, the group recently identified that the UW program was at a crossroads of excellence. Without sufficient resources, the UW would not be able to retain and recruit the top faculty and student talent in the field. The local chapter pulled together to create the Robert D. Holtz Endowed Fellowship to support graduate student education and research in Geotechnical Engineering. Over 70 individuals and firms contributed to raise the $100,000 needed to establish a fully funded fellowship. The State of Washington contributed an additional $25,000 to the fellowship.
The fund honors Dr. Robert Holtz, an esteemed member of the local chapter and well known for his research, educational and professional achievements. Professor Holtz served as the liaison between the Geotechnical Group and UW engineering faculty and staff, and is a promoter of excellence in geotechnical engineering. He has had a distinguished career as a geotechnical engineering professor, researcher, author and consultant and served on the Civil & Environmental Engineering faculty at UW for nearly 20 years. This fellowship honors him and his significant contributions to the field.