44th Annual Geosystems Engineering Distinguished Lecture Series
& Professor Juan Pestana Memorial Event
Friday, May 8, 2026
Krutch Theater, Clark Kerr Campus at UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley and SFGI ASCE are pleased to announce the 44th Annual Geosystems Engineering Distinguished Lecture Series. In addition to celebrating the 2026 graduates, the event also honors the late Professor Juan Pestana and reunites alumni of the Geosystems engineering program.
8:30 AM: Open. Sign-in starts.
9:00 AM - Noon: The morning session will honor the accomplishments and many contributions of the late Professor Juan Pestana to the geotechnical community during his career with UC Berkeley and Geosyntec Consultants. Speakers include:
- Andrew Whittle (MIT)
- Chris Hunt (Geosyntec)
- Giovanna Biscontin (NSF)
- Juan Mayoral (UNAM)
- Juan Perri (Exponent)
- Brian Carlton (NGI)
- Xavier Vera-Grunauer (Geo Group - Ecuador)
Noon - 1:20PM: Lunch.
1:20 PM - 5:00 PM: The afternoon session will be the 44th Annual Geosystems Engineering Distinguished Lecture Series. Featured talks by leading scholars will be:
- Professor Norman Abrahamson (UC Berkeley)
- Professor Susan Burns (Georgia Tech)
- Professor Misko Cubrinovski (University of Canterbury)
5:00 PM - 8:30 PM: The evening program will include a Social Hour, Dinner Banquet, Alumni Reunion, and Recognition Ceremony honoring the class of 2026 Geosystems graduates.
Join the Event - We invite all colleagues, current and former students, and professionals in the field of Geotechnical and Geological Engineering to learn about innovation from distinguished experts, honor Professor Juan Pestana’s legacy, and celebrate the next generation of engineers.
Alumni class years 2016, 2006, 1996, 1986, 1976, and 1966 are especially invited to join us! Come reconnect with fellow colleagues to share your experiences, learn about the latest advancements in the field, and see how the future of engineering is being shaped. We look forward to seeing you!
REGISTER now to join us on May 8!