Zahra Omidi
GPR Specialist
Vancouver,BC
Summary
Passionate specialist in ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for non-destructive testing (NDT) applications. I hold a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Université Laval, focused on integrating active infrared thermography (IRT) and GPR for concrete evaluation, and a Master’s in Geophysics, specializing in GPR, refraction seismic, resistivity, induced polarization, gravity, and electromagnetic methods. I have developed the expertise and technical knowledge to conduct subsurface exploration, concrete scanning, void and sinkhole detection, utility locating, cemetery and burial investigations, geological and glacier studies, structural assessment, asphalt thickness measurement, and road/pavement evaluation. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with academia, industry, and municipalities on R&D and field projects to develop innovative solutions for infrastructure evaluation. Recognized for my problem-solving mindset, technical expertise, and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, I am always eager to learn and apply my knowledge to real-world challenges in civil engineering, geology, geophysics, and beyond.
Work History
GPR Specialist
Terraprobe
04.2024 - Current
• Perform advanced GPR investigations for voids, sinkholes, unmarked burials, and other subsurface studies including archaeology, environmental, and infrastructure projects.
• Conduct utility locating and concrete scanning using GPR and EM methods, with on-site markings and CAD-based reports with GPS/GNSS surveying for precise mapping for clients.
• Manage the full GPR workflow, data acquisition, processing, interpretation, and reporting.
• Support sales and business development by engaging with clients, identifying new opportunities, and contributing to project growth.
Research And Development Scientist
TORNGATS
05.2022 - 01.2023
- Conducting multiple GPR inspections for archaeology and civil engineering purposes such as collaborating with the city of Quebec for GPR surveys and explorations.
- Data acquisition and analysis of thermal images for industrial site inspections.
- Writing and updating reports on GPR and IRT experiments.
- Participating in various R&D and operation projects, for example managing the labeling group for AI model training and supervising the data preparation process for various inspection tasks.
- Delivering effective presentations outlining GPR applications and projects.
GPR technician
PTB, Pishgam Tajhiz Bonyan
01.2021 - 07.2021
- Conducting GPR inspections with flexible hours; weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Consulting on the project's feasibility by identifying issues, analyzing information and providing solutions to problems.
- Managing project execution for improving efficiency and productivity.
Teaching Assistant
Shahrood University of Technology
10.2015 - 09.2018
- Providing support to the teaching activities of the Faculty of Mining, Petroleum and Geophysics, particularly in the courses related to GPR for NDT applications.
- In charge of teaching the fundamentals of GPR, data acquisition, processing and analysis during the regular semester and at the workshops organized by the Student Chapter of the European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers (EAGE).
- Mentoring students and supervising the research projects in collaboration with the faculty members.
Laboratory Assistant and Graduate Researcher
Shahrood University Of Technology
10.2015 - 09.2018
- Providing supervision and organizing the geophysical training and field demonstration to students on the operation and interpretation of data obtained from geophysical instruments.
- Managing the laboratory instrumentation, including maintenance, software updates and troubleshooting of geophysical measurement devices.
- Conducting research on GPR for underground exploration and non-destructive assessment.
Education
Master's degree - Electrical engineering
12.2023
- Dissertation: Integration of active thermography and ground penetrating radar for the detection and evaluation of delamination in concrete slabs. Supervisor: Professor Xavier Maldague
- Annual scholarship from Professor Xavier Maldague, oN DuTy! program, and Electrical and Computing Engineering
Dept. of Université Laval.
Master's degree - Geophysics
2018
- Dissertation: Recognition of the composition, texture and internal fractures of Khaju Bridge using the GPR method. Supervisors: Dr. Kamkar, Dr. Arab Amiri
- Awarded a Research Grant from the Isfahan Cultural Heritage Organization.
Bachelor's degree - Geology/Earth Science
2014
Skills
- Problem Solving
- Verbal Communication Skills
- Social Perceptiveness
- Conducting Experiments
- Field and office work
- Equipment Implementation
- Giving Presentations
Honors & Awards
- Ranked 25th in nationwide M.Sc. entrance examination (the top 2%) - Aug 2015
- Best Student Presentation Award (3rd place) - In recognition of an outstanding presentation during oN DuTy! AGM/AGA 2023
Publications
- Omidi Z, Pozzer S., Maldague X., (2023) “Integration of Active Thermography and Ground Penetrating Radar for the Detection and Evaluation of Delamination in Concrete Slabs” SPIE Thermosense.
- Pozzer S., Omidi Z., Refai A., López F., Ibarra-Castanedo C.,Maldague X., (2024) “Passive infrared thermography for subsurface delamination detection in concrete infrastructure: Capabilities” ELSEVIER.
- Zhu P., Wei Z., Omidi Z., Marchais G., Servais P., Boulanger T., Maldague X., (2024) “Automated Defect Detection for Epoxy-Carbon Prepreg Laminates in Data Fusion Approach” QIRT.
- Omidi Z., Kamkar Rouhani A., Arabamiri A., (2018) “Recognition of the internal fractures of Khaju Bridge using GPR method” 10th Symposium of Iranian Society of economic geology.
Timeline
GPR Specialist - Terraprobe
04.2024 - Current
Research And Development Scientist - TORNGATS
05.2022 - 01.2023
GPR technician - PTB, Pishgam Tajhiz Bonyan
01.2021 - 07.2021
Teaching Assistant - Shahrood University of Technology
10.2015 - 09.2018
Laboratory Assistant and Graduate Researcher - Shahrood University Of Technology
10.2015 - 09.2018
Université Laval - Master's degree, Electrical engineering
Shahrood University of Technology - Master's degree, Geophysics
University of Isfahan - Bachelor's degree, Geology/Earth Science