Giulia Sforzi
Giulia is a Principal Engineer in our Ships and Dredging Group. She has worked on all phases of dredging projects for major international port development from concept to delivery. She has been at HR Wallingford since 2011.
Why HR Wallingford? What attracted you?
I was totally fascinated by the physical modelling facilities and the huge level of expertise in the broad hydraulic sector. For a young hydraulic engineer it felt like the place to be. I loved the fact that the people who used to be just names on important publications now had a smiley face and I could call them colleagues. It’s great to have so much knowledge at your fingertips!
What do you most enjoy about the job?
What I love about my job is that a typical day is quite often a non-typical day: I might be undertaking some dredging design for an important waterway, project managing the marine studies for the development of a large container terminal, working with clients on the other side of the world (which I did as part of the Wheatstone Project) or wearing some fancy high vis clothes supervising the construction works of a marine infrastructure, (for example in the Aberdeen Harbour Project).
I like to think about the benefits the project I work on bring to people. We work on such large pieces of infrastructure, that we touch indirectly the life of millions: for example, one of the projects I’m working on at the moment is the development of a numerical model for the future expansion of the Suez Canal. More than 10% of world’s trade flows through this very narrow waterway.
Which projects you are really proud of?
I feel proud thinking of the numerous occasions when we have been able to offer a solution, mitigating opposite views between two parties which has meant bringing harmony and efficiency. It’s also fantastic to be able to represent women in an industry where often we are under-represented.
What are you working on currently?
Assisting the Suez Canal in their future canal expansion, reviewing the design of the marine facilities of a new container terminal near Alexandria, managing navigation studies for a gas terminal in Nigeria, assisting a central African government in alleviating their flood risks. I’m also one of the workers representative and I really enjoy working on company policies which are going to make HR Wallingford an even better, more inclusive, effective workplace.
If you are looking for technical excellence, independence and the desire to achieve the best possible solution, look no further.
Going forward what do you anticipate will be the new opportunities in your area/group?
The green revolution! We have already seen that the attention of many clients have significantly shifted in order to make their operations more sustainable without forgetting their productivity. I like to think that we are the perfect ally for who those looking for win-win elegant technical solutions that maximise efficiency, environmental and social benefits.
What opportunities have you had to grow and develop at HR Wallingford?
I’ve had many opportunities to develop my career, I’ve travelled to many counties and been able to work extensively on construction sites which has been invaluable and allowed me to understand the complexities of the real world beyond a textbook. Let’s be honest, marine construction equipment are seriously cool big toys to watch operating!
What opportunities have you had to grow and develop at HR Wallingford?
I’ve had many opportunities to develop my career, I’ve travelled to many counties and been able to work extensively on construction sites which has been invaluable and allowed me to understand the complexities of the real world beyond a textbook. Let’s be honest, marine construction equipment are seriously cool big toys to watch operating!
Can you describe the culture of HR Wallingford?
It’s a great place to work thanks to the friendliness of the people and the fact that it encourages a relaxed exchange of ideas and information regardless of the seniority of the person in front of you. It’s not a coincidence that you can often count the length of service using decades rather than years.
Do you have any advice to people who may want to pursue a career in STEM?
As a professional woman in an industry historically dominated by men I would like to encourage other women to trust themselves and follow a STEM career if they are fascinated by it. Women need to believe they are capable of achieving as much as men and to see the value that their different qualities bring to the workplace.
What do you enjoy doing out of work?
Many things, but my addiction is dancing one type of conscious movement dance called 5Rhythms.
And finally...
Can you remember the first record/CD/etc you ever bought? (without cringing?) Genuinely no, but I remember the first album as a child I had an obsession for and it was a compilation of Smurfs songs! I can still sing the Smurfette tune ?
Do you have a signature dish and if so what is it? Seafood linguine. I’m still an Italian after all.
Giulia out and about
At the IHS Dredging Port Awards with Dredging Group colleagues Mark Lee, Jez Spearman and Nick Bray.
In the backhoe of a BHD dredger, part of the Aberdeen South harbour expansion project, 2018
Living on board the CSD Ambiorix, working as dredging project engineer
Panama City, 2018, assisting with dredging works management and project supervision, Port of Balboa deepening project
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