Meet the Team: Renn Chang | OWC Taiwan
At OWC, our teams are constantly expanding into more locations, in expertise, and in sectors of influence. Our people are at the heart of what we do, and we invite you to get to know our team members so you can meet the energy behind change.
This week, we talk with Renn Chang, a Geophysical Engineer, based in Taiwan!
Position: Geophysical Engineer
Office: Taiwan
Hobbies Outside of Work: Hiking and Drawing
Favourite Movie: Contact (1997)
Can you describe your role as a geophysical engineer and what it entails day-to-day?
As a geophysical engineer, my role revolves around using geophysical methods to gather data and analyse the Earth’s subsurface. I work with different types of surveying equipment to understand the geological structures that lie beneath the surface. On a day-to-day basis, I might be involved in fieldwork as a client representative to monitor data collection, analysing those results in the office, and collaborating with other engineers and scientists to interpret findings and provide actionable insights to clients.
Every day brings new challenges, whether it’s solving problems onsite, coordinating with the team, or developing solutions to unique geophysical problems.
What first sparked you interest in geoscience?
I’ve always had a curiosity about the natural world. I found geology and earth sciences fascinating – the idea of studying and understanding the forces that shape our planet. An internship with energy company during my university years really sparked my interest in geophysics. The ability to use technology to explore underground environments and solve real-world problems was incredibly exciting to me. It was a perfect blend of science and technology, which is what drew me into the field.
Are their any emerging innovations or technological trends in geoscience that particularly excite you?
While I am still familiarizing myself with some of the latest innovations in geoscience, I am always intrigued by how technology continues to evolve and enhance our work in the field. The offshore wind industry, in particular, has a history of leveraging knowledge from the oil and gas sector. For instance, seismic inversion is increasingly being explored as a method for generating synthetic Cone Penetration Test (CPT) data, offering potential improvements in subsurface modelling.
As I continue to deepen my understanding, I am excited to explore these advancements further and see how they will influence the future of geoscience.
How does your work help enhance OWC’s wider service offerings?
My role as a geophysical engineer directly supports OWC’s service offerings by providing valuable subsurface insights for ground models that inform critical WTG foundation decision-making for offshore wind farm. My work helps improve the accuracy of site evaluations and reduces risks. In Taiwan, where geological conditions can be complex, understanding the subsurface is essential for planning safe and efficient projects.
Finally, what’s been a recent highlight for you within your work at the ABL Group?
One of the recent highlights for me was participating in the GWO (Global Wind Organisation) refresher courses. It was a fantastic opportunity to refresh my safety and technical skills, particularly in emergency response. Not only did it provide valuable hands-on training, but it also gave me a chance to connect with colleagues and peers in the industry. The social aspect was great too, as we had the chance to share experiences, discuss new safety practices, and bond over our shared passion for the wind energy sector. It was a great way to build team camaraderie while ensuring we stay up to date on crucial industry standards.