I am a structural earthquake engineer with a diverse career bridging both industry and academia.
I began my journey with a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Costa Rica. In 2013, I joined SismoConsultores, a seismic design firm, where my passion for structural dynamics grew. This led me to pursue a Master’s in Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology through an international program at IUSS (Italy) and METU (Turkey). In 2016, I moved to New Zealand to pursue a PhD in Earthquake Engineering at the University of Canterbury. The Kaikōura Earthquake, which occurred shortly after my arrival, significantly influenced my research. I joined a reconnaissance team examining damaged infrastructure and later conducted research at Politecnico di Torino and the Eucentre Foundation in Italy, focusing on seismic performance and resilience of precast concrete buildings. In 2022, I transitioned to industry as a Design Engineer at RJC Engineers in Vancouver, where I apply my expertise to the seismic design of tall buildings and the seismic assessment of existing structures, enhancing my practical knowledge of resilient design. I also actively support women in the profession through mentoring junior engineers, volunteering with organizations like SCWIST, and advocating for greater female representation in engineering through professional societies. As a recipient of the NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship, I am excited to combine my academic and industry experience to redefine seismic design for high-rise buildings in Canada. My goal is to improve resilience in seismic regions and contribute to advancing building design practices.