“Get to know us better” – Anzor Giorgadze (Georgia)

Anzor Giorgadze is a national YEG representative for Georgia and is currently a PhD student at Georgian Technical University. Anzor chose to focus on the field of engineering geology after seeing the impacts of a disastrous landslide near Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, in 2015. In his interview Anzor shares with us who he considers his most inspiring mentors, his current PhD topic, and his experience working on various academic and industry projects.

How and why did you get interested in engineering geology?

In the early summer of 2015, the disastrous landslide occurred in the surrounding area of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. At the time I was studying for my undergraduate degree in geology. Seeing the effects and the impacts of the landslide, led me to choose the field of Engineering Geology. Then, with the help of my elder colleagues, I have found out about IAEG. I think Engineering Geology is the best mixture of practical and theoretical knowledge in geosciences.

Where and when did you obtain your undergraduate degree and, if appropriate, your graduate degree(s)?

I completed my undergraduate degree in Geology at Tbilisi State University then continued with a Master’s program of Engineering Geology at Georgian Technical University. Currently, I am a freshman Geology Ph.D. student at Georgian Technical University.

Who have/has been your most inspiriting mentor/supervisor (men and women)?

During my academic and professional activities, I have met several great mentors, professors, and professionals. I would like to name Prof. Dr. Zurab Kakulia. He didn’t only introduce me to the field of Engineering Geology but also inspired me to become a professional Engineering Geologist. Moreover, he’s been my supervising professor during my Master’s and Ph.D. studies.

Dr. Victor Alania who paved my initial way into the scientific world is one of the most influential people I’ve ever met. I am truly thankful for his mentorship and tutorship all over this time. Starting from my undergraduate studies he remains a role model scientist for me. I appreciate the effort of both of these mentors in casting me as a professional Engineer Geologist and a researcher.

If you did a thesis, what was your thesis topic?

My Master’s thesis was focused on evaluating the collapsibility of loess-like soils from the Eastern part of Georgia. My current Ph.D. thesis is focused on understanding structural and engineering geological peculiarities for particular river gorge for possible dam buildings.

With what companies/organizations did you (have you) worked?

Starting from the undergraduate studies I’ve worked for several organizations such as the Institute of Geology, Georgian Technical University, Ministry of Environmental protection of Georgia, Institute of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology. I’ve been involved in several projects with the collaboration of the Institute of Geophysics, RMG, LTD “GeoTechService.” My strong belief is that It’s really important to take part in numerous scientific/practical projects which, for me, have always been a valuable and marvelous source of getting new comprehensive and complex information as I am really keen on participating in multidisciplinary projects.

What are your main areas of interest within engineering geology?

Considering the fact that Engineering Geology is a very complex field of study, my areas of interest also consist of several directions such as rock and soil mechanics, site investigation, structural aspects of rock masses.

What were (have been) the most memorable projects you’ve been involved with?

All projects I’ve been involved in taught me a huge amount of novelty. Each project has its own memories, experiences, and characteristics. We had been involved in improving the stabilization of artificial soils in the Madneuli quarry. For me, it was one of the complex projects as I had to work in the field, as well as in the laboratory, too. The other project I’m really proud of was the water supply of Shiomghvime Monastery, Georgia. Although the geological situation was quite complicated we managed to solve problems that have been similar to this area for centuries.

Have you been in IAEG or your local young group?

I’ve been a member Georgian National Group of IAEG since 2018 and became a national representative of Georgia for the YEG in early 2020. My goal is to get and share ideas corresponding with Engineering Geology and other related disciplines.

Have you won any awards (honours) for your technical achievements or your contributions to your profession? If so, what were they? Any other notable achievements?

I have been awarded as the Best Young Scientist paper during the 6^th International Scientific-Practical Conference which was held at Georgian Technical University. During my undergraduate and postgraduate studies I was awarded Governmental Scholarships for six times, Tbilisi City Hall Scholarships for twice, and Socar Georgia Petroleum Scholarships. Moreover, I am a holder of GSA small grants.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Geosciences are based on not only marvelous discoveries, researches, or awards but on the idea of sharing knowledge. Sharing knowledge supports problem-solving by integrating goals, descriptions of the current problem state, awareness of available problem-solving actions, associations that relate goals, features, and availability. The power is in knowledge. Knowledge unites the world. Let science all unite.