Team Member Spotlight
Madalyn Ohrt, GISP
GIS Analyst | Seattle, WA
I have been a GIS Analyst at NHC for 11 years, and have recently relocated from Seattle to Spokane, WA to be closer to family. When someone asks me what a GIS Analyst does, I get to tell them that I make maps for a living, which I think is pretty cool (and so do they!). During my time at NHC, I’ve been able to contribute to a variety of different types of projects as well as participate in organizing company events and activities. As a graduate of Huxley College of the Environment at Western Washington University, I have always been passionate about the environment, so my favorite projects to work on are those that focus on habitat restoration and protection. What I like most about NHC is their genuine care for the well-being of their employees. Not only do they want to see their employees succeed on a professional level, but on a personal level as well.
When I’m not making maps, I love to put them to use and travel as much as I can. Within the past few years, I’ve been to eight National Parks with plans to visit more later this year. I have a collection of maps hanging in my home office and love being able to add the park pamphlets to my collection after each adventure.
Ashley Dudill, PhD, P.Eng
Hydrotechnical Engineer | Vancouver, BC
I first became fascinated by hydraulics and river processes during my undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering. This led me around the world to pursue research opportunities concerning coastal erosion (in Australia), flooding rivers (M.Eng in England), and sediment transport (PhD in Canada and France). After completing my PhD in 2016, I joined NHC as a Mitacs Postdoctoral Fellow to research scour mechanisms, with a specific focus on the Fraser River, in British Columbia. I was drawn to NHC because of its reputation for technical excellence, lab facilities, and the wide array of unique and challenging projects. During my Postdoc, I appreciated the supportive team atmosphere and the dedicated staff who develop thoughtful, ethical, and exceptional solutions to technical challenges. Consequently, I was thrilled to join the North Vancouver office as a full-time Hydrotechnical Engineer in 2018. Since 2018, I have worked with clients both locally and internationally developing numerical and physical models and undertaking fieldwork. I have worked in a technical role on scour assessments (for pipelines, tunnels, bridges, and river banks), reservoir sedimentation processes, and have designed unique solutions for erosion problems in large rivers. Further, I have acted as Project Manager for multi-disciplinary construction projects involving numerous, diverse stakeholders. In addition to working on technical projects, I have spearheaded several Equity Diversity and Inclusivity initiatives in the NHC British Columbia branch. I’m passionate about these initiatives and intend to promote them throughout my career.
Thaís N. Rezende, MSc.
Hydrotechnical Engineer | São Paulo, Brazil
I started my career as a hydrotechnical engineer working on basic hydrologic analysis and then I took a master’s degree at Federal University of Parana. In my research, I assessed the dredging effects on the hydraulics and water quality of the estuarine areas of Paranagua Port, using numerical modelling (Delft 3D). I started working with consulting services in 2019 for a geotechnical company, where I was involved with the hydrologic and hydraulic aspects of dam break studies in Minas Gerais state. I joined NHC (Brazil) in May 2020 and have been working on interesting and challenging hydrotechnical projects. I have learnt a lot and improved my skills in river engineering, hydraulics and sediment studies, numerical modelling, and pumping stations. I am excited to work for a company that is dedicated to technical excellence and has very highly qualified team of international professionals, who I can learn and exchange experiences with. It is amazing to work in an environment where it is possible to be involved with innovative engineering solutions to water related problems and understand the different engineering standards, guidelines, and culture.
Outside work, I love outdoors sports like surfing, mountain biking, and hiking.