Aspect recently welcomed Bryn Olason and Bodie McCosby to our Seattle office. Here are Five Questions we asked to get to know them better…
Bryn Olason - Marketing Assistant
Where are you from? If you’re not from the Pacific Northwest, what brought you here?
I grew up on Bainbridge Island and love everything Pacific Northwest. After spending some time living in Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California and a semester studying in Copenhagen, I confirmed that the PNW is where I wanted to land (although Denmark certainly is an amazing place to live).
What inspired you to pursue marketing for consulting/construction firms? What made you curious about it?
I have always enjoyed discovering creative solutions for practical problems. I found that marketing and graphic design were a perfect fit for my interests. Also, they are widely applicable, which allowed me to explore a variety of industries, from filmmaking to construction. I am now happy that I can take my experience in construction marketing and apply it at Aspect, where the environment and natural resources are at the forefront.
What do you like best about your area of expertise? What excites you and keeps you motivated?
I get to learn new things and work with different people every day. I then get to capture the interests of this diverse collection of colleagues and use my creative expertise to bring it to life. It’s satisfying to find a simple, intriguing way to convey a complex message.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
I rowed at USC and am excited to join a Seattle masters rowing club. I love anything on the water and anything outdoors, including hiking, climbing, skiing, and cycling. I also enjoy taking photos of all these outdoor adventures, and then visiting a local brewery afterwards (preferably one with dogs).
Where would you like to travel next?
New Zealand! I want to rent a van and drive around for a couple weeks, camp in scenic spots, do a ton of hiking, and take some amazing photos.
J. Bodie McCosby - Staff Scientist
Where are you from? If you’re not from the Pacific Northwest, what brought you here?
I grew up in Evans City, Pennsylvania, a small town just north of Pittsburgh. I first came to the Pacific Northwest three years ago when I got accepted into the geology graduate program at Central Washington University. After living in Ellensburg for most of our time in Washington, my wife Rebekah and I are excited about the adventures and opportunities Seattle present.
What inspired you to pursue engineering geology? What made you curious about it?
I am pretty new to the field of engineering geology specifically. Most of my experience has been focused on geologic field mapping. I first got interested in engineering geology in graduate school when I realized that I did not want to continue to pursue a career in academia. I started exploring my options and was quickly drawn to geologic consulting. What initially made me curious was the prospect of using my geologic skills and knowledge to help solve tangible and real-world problems.
What do you like best about your area of expertise? What excites you and keeps you motivated?
My favorite thing about making maps or just working on projects in general, is collecting and compiling data to tell a meaningful story that (hopefully) answers some question or solves a problem. I get most excited about work when I feel like I am being challenged or that I am making valuable contributions. I really enjoy feeling useful and that my presence is making a difference.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
When we are not working, Rebekah and I enjoy cooking, rock climbing, backpacking, and playing board games. On any given Saturday you might find us playing cards at Caffe Umbria, gearing up for a day at the crag, or just relaxing on the couch with our cat Louise (Lou for short). We are new to Seattle and are always looking to meet new people and experience all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Where in the world would you like to travel next?
I really want to visit Portugal. No specific reason really, just seems like a neat place.