Date: |
15 Oct 2025, 5.30PM – 8.00PM |
duration: |
2 hrs 30 mins |
Venue: |
Saint Alice |
Address: |
Level 1/204 Quay Street Auckland |
Cost: |
Free event |
Stand'n Chat is a free, lively and interactive event for engineers to practice public speaking in a supportive environment. Speakers are free to explore any topic, whether related to engineering or their research interests. This event presents an excellent opportunity for members to refine their communication skills, gain confidence and engage with fellow engineers.
This year, we’re excited to present five speakers from diverse backgrounds, each offering unique insights to make Stand’n Chat an enriching experience.
THE SPEAKERS
Saleem Akhter, a Chartered Engineer and Principal Hydraulic Modeller at AECOM New Zealand with a PhD from the University of Auckland, has over 15 years’ experience in climate change, hydrology, stormwater management, and stream assessment. He will present “A diagnostic modelling tool to sustain stream channel stability”, exploring the linkages between hydrology, geomorphology, and ecology.
Jerry, Subject Matter Expert at Infinity Studio, transitioned from consulting engineer to the software start-up world, contributing to major infrastructure projects before bridging engineering and software. His talk, “From engineering consulting to software start-up”, shares lessons learned from this journey.
Marco, a Structural Engineer at DHC Consulting and University of Auckland graduate, has worked on projects such as the City Rail Link, seismic strengthening, and commercial building design. He will discuss project highlights, the transition from university to professional practice, and how colleagues can support graduates.
Michel (she/her), in her final year of Structural Engineering at the University of Auckland, will present on Soil–Structure Interaction (SSI)—a critical but often overlooked aspect of seismic design. She will highlight cutting-edge research at the University’s Newmarket Campus shaping future resilience.
William, also completing his final year in Structural Engineering, will present on earthquake engineering, examining how structures respond to boundary conditions and dynamic loading. Using advanced instrumentation and shake table testing, his research deepens understanding of structural behaviour and resilience.
Join the Auckland Branch for a lively and interactive public speaking event designed for engineers. This session features five speakers who will share their unique insights, providing a supportive environment for you to practice and improve your public speaking skills.
Stand'n Chat is a free, lively and interactive event for engineers to practice public speaking in a supportive environment. Speakers are free to explore any topic, whether related to engineering or their research interests. This event presents an excellent opportunity for members to refine their communication skills, gain confidence and engage with fellow engineers.
This year, we’re excited to present five speakers from diverse backgrounds, each offering unique insights to make Stand’n Chat an enriching experience.
THE SPEAKERS
Saleem Akhter, a Chartered Engineer and Principal Hydraulic Modeller at AECOM New Zealand with a PhD from the University of Auckland, has over 15 years’ experience in climate change, hydrology, stormwater management, and stream assessment. He will present “A diagnostic modelling tool to sustain stream channel stability”, exploring the linkages between hydrology, geomorphology, and ecology.
Jerry, Subject Matter Expert at Infinity Studio, transitioned from consulting engineer to the software start-up world, contributing to major infrastructure projects before bridging engineering and software. His talk, “From engineering consulting to software start-up”, shares lessons learned from this journey.
Marco, a Structural Engineer at DHC Consulting and University of Auckland graduate, has worked on projects such as the City Rail Link, seismic strengthening, and commercial building design. He will discuss project highlights, the transition from university to professional practice, and how colleagues can support graduates.
Michel (she/her), in her final year of Structural Engineering at the University of Auckland, will present on Soil–Structure Interaction (SSI)—a critical but often overlooked aspect of seismic design. She will highlight cutting-edge research at the University’s Newmarket Campus shaping future resilience.
William, also completing his final year in Structural Engineering, will present on earthquake engineering, examining how structures respond to boundary conditions and dynamic loading. Using advanced instrumentation and shake table testing, his research deepens understanding of structural behaviour and resilience.
Presenters
Auckland Branch
