Turning classroom concepts into real-world solutions

Article summary: Every summer, Barr interns gain firsthand experience working alongside experts on meaningful projects across North America. One of this year’s interns is geological engineering intern Shaye Fredrich-Dunne, who has spent her internship supporting projects involving water resources, mining, and tailings management. Through fieldwork, laboratory testing, and office-based project work, she’s gaining practical experience and exploring the many ways geological engineering can be applied to real-world challenges.

Growing up hiking in the mountains and exploring the outdoors, Shaye Fredrich-Dunne developed an early fascination with rocks, water, and the natural world. Today, as a geological engineering student at the University of Saskatchewan, she’s turning that passion into practical experience through an internship with Barr’s Calgary office. From groundwater sampling and water quality assessments to tailings management projects, her summer has offered a firsthand look at how geological engineers help solve complex environmental, geotechnical, and water resources challenges. We caught up with Shaye to learn more about her experience and how it’s helping her connect classroom concepts to real-world engineering challenges.

What drew you to Barr, and what were you hoping to learn during your internship?

I was drawn to Barr because of the variety of work that consulting offers and the opportunity to contribute to projects across different industries and disciplines.

I was particularly interested in Barr’s work related to environmental assessment, remediation, and water resources—areas where geological engineering can have a meaningful impact.

What has your internship experience looked like so far?

“One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is that there really isn’t a ‘typical’ week at Barr.”

My work has included groundwater and surface water sampling, both locally and at mine sites in other provinces, as well as office-based work supporting tailings management, water quality assessments, and tailings settlement evaluations. The variety of projects has given me exposure to many different aspects of geological engineering and environmental consulting.

One of the most interesting projects I’ve worked on has involved bench-scale testing of oil sands tailings to evaluate settlement behavior and the effectiveness of flocculants. It’s been fascinating to see how laboratory testing can help answer large-scale engineering questions related to tailings management.

How has seeing geological engineering in practice changed the way you think about what you’ve learned in school?

The field experience has helped bridge the gap between theory and practice. In school, you learn the concepts behind groundwater flow, soil behavior, and site characterization, but seeing those concepts applied in real-world conditions gives you a much deeper understanding of why they matter.

It’s also shown me that natural systems are often more complex than textbook examples, and that effective engineering solutions need to account for that complexity.

How has your internship helped you grow as a future engineer?

“Learning to communicate proactively and adjust as situations evolve has been an important part of my growth this summer.”

One of the most valuable things I’ve gained is confidence. Working independently in the field and contributing to project work has helped me become more comfortable making decisions, asking questions, and taking ownership of tasks.

I’ve also learned how important it is to stay adaptable. Conditions can change quickly in both the field and consulting projects—whether it’s weather, site conditions, schedules, or project priorities. The internship has consistently encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone while providing the support needed to keep learning.

What advice would you give students considering an internship at Barr?

My advice is to say yes to opportunities, even when they push you outside your comfort zone. Some of the most valuable experiences come from projects or tasks you weren’t initially familiar with.

Barr’s culture is supportive, collaborative, and growth-oriented. People are always willing to answer questions and share their expertise, but there’s also an expectation that you’ll take initiative and work through challenges on your own first. I’ve appreciated having mentors who encourage me to stretch my abilities while making sure I always have support when I need it.

Interested in becoming an intern at Barr? Learn more.

About Shaye Fredrich-Dunne

Shaye Fredrich-Dunne is a geological engineering intern in Barr’s Calgary office and a student at the University of Saskatchewan, where she is completing her degree in geological engineering. Growing up near the Canadian Rockies, she developed an early fascination with rocks, water, and the natural world that eventually led her to the field of geological engineering. Outside of work and school, she enjoys volunteering and mentoring younger women, working as a nanny, playing music, mountain biking, hiking, baking, and sewing.

Image gallery (below)

1. 1. Shaye and her Barr colleagues take in the sights and sounds of the Calgary Stampede, one of many opportunities to connect outside of project work during the summer.
   2. Shaye receives an award recognizing her commitment to volunteerism, leadership, and making a positive impact in her community.
   3. Music is a family tradition for Shaye, who enjoys playing and practicing with relatives in her free time.
   4. Shaye hikes in the Canadian Rockies, where her early fascination with rocks, water, and the natural world first took root.