PSU GIGSO
The Portland State University Geo-Institute Graduate Student Organization (GIGSO) is open to both graduate and undergraduate enrolled at Portland State University focusing their studies on geotechnical engineering.
The PSU GIGSO is affiliated with the Geo-Institute which was created in 1996 by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of their nine specialty institutes.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to elevate the geotechnical graduate students at Portland State University within the Geo-Institute and Civil Engineering through professional development, networking, outreach, and leadership opportunities.
We will engage students with fundamental and applied research in the geotechnical field while developing a well-rounded set of technical, organizational, communication, and leadership skills necessary for our students’ success in research, industry, and academia.
We will use our downtown Portland location to connect with local professionals and our community and elevate the visibility and impact of our research within the Portland region, the Pacific Northwest, nationally, and globally.
We will develop future leaders in Civil Engineering by connecting students with opportunities for engagement in professional societies and initiatives and mentoring them as they become role models, advocates, and leading contributors in our industry and the infrastructure field.
Major Objectives
Elevate the visibility and impact of the geotechnical engineering field within the Portland region, the Pacific Northwest, nationally, and globally. Outreach events will be organized for grade school and community college students. ASCE GI GSO PSU members will present their research at conferences, professional meetings, and an annual research symposium organized by our student group and held at Portland State University.
Guide geotechnical student education through professional development opportunities and connections to innovative and intradisciplinary research. Seminars and symposiums will be organized by and hosted by our student group to develop organizational, leadership, networking, and presentation skills. Seminars will include presentations from visiting professionals, academics, and/or practitioners within the geotechnical field, or adjacent disciplines. Seminars also provide networking opportunities before and after scheduled events between students and the presenter. Field trips will expose students to real-life and local examples of classroom concepts, such as landslides, geologic features, and active construction sites.
Foster a welcoming and collaborative environment. Social events will be organized to cultivate cohesion and camaraderie within the student group. Peer mentorship will be encouraged with cross-training and knowledge sharing. Undergraduate students will be provided opportunities within geotechnical engineering through research internships and mentorship, incorporating research projects into teaching, and collaborating with undergraduate engineering student groups at PSU. We will seek out opportunities with nearby universities to exchange academic experiences and research knowledge.