Arezoo Farhadi – Principal Engineer, Dams Safety & Governance
Arezoo is a Chartered Civil Engineer with 26 years of experience in dam engineering practices across multiple industries, including water, energy and mining. Her roles have included technical and project leadership in diverse work environments in Australia and overseas, working with large consultancies and urban and rural water authorities.
What more have you learned about dams since joining ATC Williams?
Since joining ATC Williams, I have gained valuable insights and expanded my knowledge in several areas of the mining industry, including governance, compliance requirements and life of mine operation. My first visit to a mine site was in WA, I was fascinated by the vast scale of the site, the complexity of the operation, the diverse range of structures, and how their operations relied on each other to achieve targeted performance.
The transition to working with a mining company has deepened my understanding of dam engineering within the industry, such as tailings management and risk assessment in mining environments. Overall, my experience with ATC Williams has enriched my knowledge of dams in a broader perspective and allowed me to apply my water and hydropower skills in a different context, contributing to my professional growth as a dam engineer.
Why did you choose civil engineering as a career?
I chose civil engineering due to the perfect blend it offers between my interest in creating and my passion for mathematics and the environment. It is a profession that allows me to channel my creativity, technical knowledge, and love for mathematics into practical applications that benefit communities and contribute to shaping a better future.
A civil engineering career has offered me the incredible opportunity to collaborate with diverse, multidisciplinary teams in designing and constructing remarkable infrastructures in well-known consultancies in the Middle East and Australia. It has allowed me to witness and enjoy the tangible impact of my work on the surrounding environment and communities.
What kind of projects have you worked on?
I have been fortunate to work on projects that have brought me great joy and satisfaction. These vary from the challenging and spectacular construction of high hydropower and water dams of various types, such as rockfill, double-arched concrete, and RCC, to the planning and execution of large-scale interbasin water transfer schemes encompassing multiple components like weirs, expansive siphons, and tunnels. Each project has been a unique and rewarding experience.
Do you have any advice for women considering engineering and working in Australia?
I believe that diversity is essential in every profession, including engineering. As a female, I wanted to challenge the traditionally male-dominated field and be part of the movement that promotes inclusivity and gender equality in the engineering industry. I believe women have a crucial role in engineering, and I’m always enthusiastic about encouraging women to pursue careers in this dynamic industry.
The advice I would offer to women considering engineering is to follow your interests and passions, find an area that truly excites you and allows you to make a meaningful impact and believe in yourself and your abilities. My advice to my fellow female engineers is to advocate for gender diversity and inclusion in the engineering industry and encourage and support other women pursuing careers in engineering.
What do you enjoy about your work now?
One of the things I particularly appreciate is the opportunity for work-related travel. As a dam engineer, I visit various domestic and international project sites. It is good to witness the implementation of my engineering designs firsthand and be exposed to different environments, cultures, and engineering practices.
I find satisfaction in mentoring and guiding others in dam engineering. Sharing my knowledge and expertise with junior engineers and seeing them grow and succeed is fulfilling.
I greatly value the learning opportunities that my work provides. The dam engineering field constantly evolves, with new technologies, research findings, and industry trends emerging. I enjoy the continuous learning and professional development that comes with staying up-to-date in my field. Whether attending conferences, participating in training programs, or collaborating with experts in related disciplines, the opportunities for learning and growth are plentiful.
You can follow Arezoo on Linkedin here
