Aspect recently welcomed Senior Hydrogeologist Dawn Chapel, LHG, to our Seattle office. Here are Five Questions we asked to get to know her better.
Dawn out hiking east of the Cascades.
1. Where are you from? If you’re not from the Pacific Northwest, what brought you here?
My roots have been the Pacific Northwest for the past 18 years. I was actually born and raised in Los Angeles, visiting my father in Eugene, Oregon, every summer and climbing the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. I always wanted to move to the Pacific Northwest, but I took a long path to get here. My family moved to Massachusetts in my 20s, where I majored in geology at Smith College. I loved New England, the small towns, and the fall colors. I then lived in Madison, Wisconsin, earning my master’s degree in geology before finding my path here to Seattle to begin my career in consulting. I think it was the summer I took off as a park ranger in Colorado that made me realize I needed to get back to the mountains of the West.
2. What inspired you to pursue hydrogeology? What made you curious about it?
I grew up exploring the mountains and deserts of Southern California. I always loved rocks and reading the story in the landscape around me. I have collected a large rock collection over the years from various places – as most geologists do. I was also always aware of the importance of water living in Southern California – Save Mono Lake! I really like the applied aspect of hydrogeology. Merging the fields of geology with water resources was a way to apply my love of earth sciences while working with other scientist and engineers to manage an important resource.
3. What do you like best about your area of expertise? What excites you and keeps you motivated?
I enjoy working with a team investigating and solving problems and the satisfaction of finding a solution. I’m always eager to learn new skills and provide mentorship to others and build close relationships with my co-workers and clients.
4. What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
I enjoy hanging out with my dog, three cats, and wife at home. We seem to always be working on a new house project. I also love to get outdoors – hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, scrambling, skiing, etc. I enjoy playing guitar, reading, and getting together with friends and family. We also regularly go to our Tiny House in Twisp where my dad lives.
5. What five people would be your dream dinner party guests?
John Lennon, Amelia Earhart, Mary Oliver, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Winnie the Pooh. I believe that would be a fun gathering with a very lively discussion.