Articles

November 2025 Technical Session Speakers

GEO-INSTITUTE (G-I) TRACKS

"TXDOT GEOTECHNICAL LRFD MANUAL AND THE FUTURE OF GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING"


Robert Lawrence, PE
Geotechnical Practice Lead
Beyond Engineering & Testing

Robert Lawrence is a geotechnical engineer with over 14 years of professional experience. He is passionate about advancing civil and geotechnical engineering while helping others achieve success in their professional and personal growth.

As the Geotechnical Practice Lead at Beyond Engineering and Testing, Robert oversees geotechnical engineering and drilling operations across Texas. His responsibilities include developing new business opportunities and implementing innovative, client-focused solutions. Robert has led and contributed to major infrastructure projects across the United States, particularly in the transportation and water sectors. Notable regional projects include: Northaven Hike and Bike Bridge over US 75 in Dallas, Texas (TxDOT), 27 miles of large-diameter pipeline for the North Texas Municipal Water District’s Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir, and 16 miles of new railroad alignment for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Silver Line.

A lifelong learner, Robert earned both his B.S. in Civil Engineering and M.S. in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, where his graduate research focused on developing geotechnical spatial database systems. He is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at the University of Texas at Dallas to enhance his ability to deliver strategic value to the geotechnical industry.

"ENGINEERING JUDGEMENT, MANAGING RISK AND THE USE OF SOFTWARE"


Roch S. V. Player, PE, BC.GE, PMP
Vice President of Technical Practice
Braun Intertec Corporation

Mr. Player is Vice President of Technical Practice at Braun Intertec Corporation. Mr. Player resides in Mount Vernon, Iowa. He received his B.S. in Civil Engineering with a Geology Minor and M.S. Civil Engineering (Geotechnical) with a Geology Emphasis from Iowa State University. Mr. Player is a licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states, including Texas. He has over 30 years professional experience on projects throughout the United States and Canada. For the past 24 years he has specialized in Design/Build delivery of infrastructure projects, including bridges, highways, airfields, slope stabilization, geohazard mitigation, and retaining structures. In addition to his professional design-build experience, for two years he taught geotechnical and foundation engineering as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Texas – Tyler. After spending 15 years living and working around the U.S., he returned to Iowa in 2013 to continue his professional practice and finish raising his family. Mr. Player remains active in civic, professional, and religious organizations. He has been married for over 30 years to Sherene Hansen Player and is the father to four daughters.

"THE EVOLUTION OF SLAB-ON-GROUND FOUNDATION EVALUATION"


Anna Olveda
Vice President of Engineering
Slab Works

Ms. Olveda serves as the VP of Engineering at Slab Works, where she spearheads the development of innovative and sustainable project solutions for high-performance shallow foundations. With over 10 years of engineering experience, including 2.5 years in her current role, Anna brings extensive expertise in designing and managing projects that emphasize efficiency, reliability, and client satisfaction.
Holding a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University, Kingsville, Ms. Olveda has a robust foundation in structural design and project management. Her career includes consulting on large-scale structural projects, fostering collaboration with diverse teams, and enhancing operational efficiency through standardized tools and processes. At Slab Works, she drives advanced engineering practices to support the company’s mission of delivering cutting-edge foundation solutions.

Renowned for her leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to excellence, Ms. Olveda is also passionate about mentoring emerging engineers. Outside of work, she draws inspiration from gardening, reading, and acquiring new skills, reflecting her commitment to personal growth and community engagement.

TRANSPORTATION & DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (T&DI) TRACKS

"TRAFFIC IMPACT LOADING ON BARRIER RAIL AND HOW IT AFFECTS AN MSE WALL"


David L Hutchinson, PE
Director of Engineering
Geoquest USA (formerly The Reinforced Earth Co.)

David Hutchinson is currently the Director of Engineering for The Reinforced Earth Company and is in Dallas/Fort Worth. Mr. Hutchinson has over 39 years of experience in the design of MSE walls, and a vast array of experience as a Structural and Geotechnical Engineer. Mr. Hutchinson manages over the technical issues for the company, and routinely consults with Departments of Transportation and consultants on the MSE wall technology. Mr. Hutchinson also serves as one of the Principal Experts on a TAI International Committee on precast Counterfort Walls (Techwall) as well as a supporting Expert for Precast Arches, and Structural and Finite Element analysis.

Mr. Hutchinson is a member of ASCE, Geo-Institute, TSPE and the Transportation Research Board (TRB). He is a registered Professional Engineer in 16 states. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1984.

"SOUTHERN DALLAS COUNTY REGIONAL TRAIL NETWORK DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERING"


Micah Baker, AICP
Mobility Planning Manager
Dallas County Public Works

Micah Baker joined Dallas County Public Works as a Transportation Planner in November 2012, and currently serves as the Mobility Planning Manager in the Transportation and Mobility Planning Division of the Public Works Department. In his current role, Mr. Baker has oversight and responsibility for the Dallas County Mobility Plan, the Dallas County Trail Program, Transportation Grants Development and Implementation, as well as the management of several design and planning projects. Mr. Baker and his team led the development of Dallas County’s first Mobility Plan that was adopted in April 2019 and helped pave the way for Dallas County’s 7^th Call for Projects, which resulted in funding for over 120 transportation projects County-wide.

Mr. Baker obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Sciences from Texas A&M University in 2012, and received his certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) in 2023. Mr. Baker is married to Kayla Baker, a fellow Texas A&M graduate, and they have three daughters, Emery, Blakely, and Heidi.

"THE DART COTTON BELT SILVER LINE: MAKING AND BAKING IN THE TEXAS SUN"


Michael Cooper
North Texas Group Leader/Practice Director
Ardurra

Michael Cooper currently serves DART as the PMOR Program Director, and represents the Joint Venture of WSP and Ardurra for the DART Silver Line program.

Working in the past for both the Owner and the General Contractor, Mr. Cooper has dedicated himself to project achievement within the design and construction industry over the last 43 years. Mr. Cooper’s knowledge and experience provide a quality combination of hands-on proficiency in the public and private sectors managing transportation, transit rail, civil, building, and industrial projects throughout the USA and overseas. In the most recent past and local projects, Mr. Cooper has provided lead owner representative roles representing not only DART singularly but also Trinity Metro TRE Trinity River Bridge Replacements, Trinity Metro follow on improvements to the TX Rail, and streetcar realignment for Rock Region Metro Transit Agency in Little Rock, Arkansas. Prior to working directly with the Owner and for Ardurra, Mr. Cooper’s background has consisted of laborer to executive roles with General Contractors and Design and Engineering firms beginning with Morrison-Knudson, The Walsh Construction Group, CH2M Hill, Herzog, Austin Bridge and Roads, Urban Engineering and now Ardurra.