Kathryn has worked for Tetra Tech Coffey since 2006 and has been involved in a wide range of geotechnical projects across Australia and New Zealand. Kathryn is the Practice Leader for the Tetra Tech Coffey geotechnics business in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, and is an authorised technical reviewer.  Kathryn has been responsible for the design and implementation of geotechnical and environmental field programs for major infrastructure projects, working with clients and stakeholders to schedule works to minimise disruption and/or delays. She has been involved in geotechnical design for pavements, foundations and retention systems, and in the provision of advice regarding earthworks, temporary works design and construction. 

Melodie holds a Higher Technician Certificate in Civil Engineering and has been working in the construction industry for more than ten years, initially in France and later in Australia. In Australia, she has been involved with tunnelling and ground improvement, mainly as a site supervisor. “Whether it would be challenged by the geology of the ground or planning or budgeting, running a site is a bit like doing household management with a team that you can at times call family.”

Michele Clark currently holds the position of Director at the Office for Women in Victoria. In this capacity, she assumes the vital responsibility of spearheading the formulation and execution of gender equality policies and initiatives throughout the Victorian Government. Her role encompasses the implementation of significant reforms such as the newly introduced Victorian Gender Equality Strategy, Our Equal State, and the incorporation of Gender Responsive Budgeting practices into core Government processes. Michele has worked with public entities, private industry, unions and the community sector to further outcomes from women and girls across Victoria. She is passionate about challenging gender stereotypes and increasing the representation of women in leadership and traditionally male-dominated industries.

Prof Guillermo Narsilio is Deputy Head (Research) of the Department of Infrastructure Engineering and Professor of Geotechnical Engineering at The University of Melbourne, and a former Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellow, former member of the ARC College of Experts, and past Chair of the Australian Geomechanics Society (Vic). He is currently the Chair of the ISSMGE Technical Committee 308 on Energy Geotechnics, a founding Director of the Charity AREEA (Australasian Renewable Earth Energy Association) and founder of Fourth Element Energy Pty Ltd (4EE). He received his PhD in Geotechnical Engineering (2006) and his Masters in Mathematics (2006) and in Geotechnical Engineering (2003) from Georgia Institute of Technology (USA). He obtained his Summa cum laude Civil Engineering degree from the National University of Cordoba (Argentina) in 2001. He is the proud father of two beautiful daughters and he stands for gender diversity at every forum.