Engineering matters

Kelly Beriault didn’t always know she wanted to be a professional engineer. After taking university classes at night while working full time and raising a family, Beriault reconsidered her study focus. She convinced the registrar at the University of Regina to allow her to take calculus as an elective—a first for that particular request!—and the die was cast.

The following semester, with full support and encouragement from her husband, Antoine, Beriault transferred into the engineering program. She was able to negotiate a study program between two universities to ensure she acquired the needed technical foundation for structural engineering, her chosen specialty. Student work-term opportunities were also key.

“Saskatchewan Department of Highways provided me with excellent work experience during my studies,” Beriault said. “I was fortunate to work with supportive and experienced people who allowed me to get directly involved in what were—to me—dream projects.”

One such project was the construction of a new bridge that was part of twinning the Trans-Canada Highway, for which Beriault was site project manager during her final work term before graduating.

Attracted by the lifestyle

Eight years ago, Beriault and her husband moved to the East Kootenay for the lifestyle.

“We love the area and the wonderful community in the St. Mary Valley,” she said. “We love the outdoor activities—skiing, hiking, biking and kayaking. Gorgeous moonlight snowshoe treks this winter created some amazing memories.”

The work is extensive

Work-wise, Beriault is very busy. Her company, KLB Engineering Ltd., offers structural engineering and consulting services, including structural design and analysis, drafting and preparation of engineer-stamped drawings, and site reviews and reports. She also handles project and construction management.

Beriault has worked on a range of projects throughout the East Kootenay; among these are the Rails to Trails bridge over the St. Mary River, the new Mosaic Centre in Cranbrook, and Arctic Arrow’s building currently under construction in Sparwood. Upcoming projects include two new industrial buildings and a variety of municipal projects in Cranbrook, as well as project management for a condominium complex in Kimberley.

Investing in the future

Volunteering also finds its way into Beriault’s schedule.

“In Saskatchewan I was involved in EYES (Educating Youth in Engineering and Science) and WITT (Women in Trades and Technology), and I also did classroom presentations in engineering,” Beriault said. “I have missed that involvement. The College of the Rockies recently invited me to join the math and science program advisory committee, which I’m really looking forward to.”

Beriault embodies the traits essential in a structural engineer—she’s intelligent, logical, organized, great at math—and she loves her work. Her advice to anyone selecting a career: “Do something that matters to you.”

Beriault said her work is still one of her favourite things.

“To be tucked away in a quiet place with my calculator, working through a structural analysis and design, and scratching away with my pencil is what I enjoy. Perhaps my inner math-geek is showing,” she smiled. “An added bonus is seeing my project being constructed and having a function in the community. I can’t imagine a more rewarding career.”