Caitlin Fischer

Ph.D. Geological Engineering

Research Interests

Underground Stability, Numerical Modelling, Jointed Rock, Ground Support in Numerical Models, Observational Design, Rockbursting, Rockbursting Risk Assessment

About Caitlin

Caitlin Patricia Fischer completed a B.A.Sc. degree in Geological Engineering at Queen’s University with coursework focusing on geomechanics and geotechnical engineering. Caitlin’s work experience as a Rock Mechanics Specialist with the Vancouver Mine Stability Team at Golder WSP primarily involves geotechnical data processing and numerical modelling for the assessment of rockmass stability for underground mines, open pit mines, and waste dumps. Caitlin is currently working on her Ph.D., where she aims to utilize numerical modelling techniques to realistically represent jointed rock for the design of underground excavations (including ground support) to improve observational design procedures and risk assessment for rockbursting. Caitlin believes that her research is particularly important from a public safety standpoint, as rockbursting events often result in serious injury and fatality in the workplace. 

Awards

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), Government of Ontario, 2021-2022
• Canada Graduate Scholarship - Master’s (CGS-M), NSERC, 2020-2021
• Canadian Geotechnical Society Group Report Competition Winner, Canadian Geotechnical Society, 2020
• Medal in Geological Engineering, Queen’s University, 2020
• Parsons Award in Geotechnical Engineering, Queen’s University, 2020
• Highest GPA in Geological Engineering, 2017-2018, 2019-2020
• Dean’s Scholar, Queen’s University, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020
• IAMGOLD Woman in Mining Scholarship Winner, YMP, 2019
• William E. White Scholarship in Geological Engineering, Queen’s University, 2018, 2019
• The WAMIC Scholarship, Queen’s University, 2019
• Robert Bruce Scholarship, Queen’s University, 2017, 2018, 2019
• Mineralogical Association Undergraduate Award, Mineralogical Association of Canada, 2018
• P.E. Newbury Prize in Geological Sciences, Queen’s University, 2018
• James H. Rattray Memorial Scholarship in Applied Science, Queen’s University, 2018
• J.J. Denny Memorial Scholarship in Geological Engineering, Queen’s University, 2018
• Raymond H and Phyllis J Smart Scholarship in Applied Science, Queen’s University, 2017
• Science 45’ Memorial Scholarship, Queen’s University, 2017
• A.J. McNab Scholarship, Queen’s University, 2017
• Principal’s Scholarship, Queen’s University, 2016

Publications

Fischer, C.P., and Diederichs, M.S. 2022. The use of explicit structural models for exploring the limits of validity for conventional equivalent-continuum analysis of tunnel response in elasto-plastic and post-yield weakening rockmasses. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, Submitted.

Fischer, C.P., and Diederichs, M.S. 2022. Exploring the Limits of Validity of Equivalent-Continuum Analysis for Elasto-Plastic and Post-Yield Weakening Rockmasses Using Explicit Structure Models. NWMO Annual General Meeting Poster, King City, ON, Canada.

Fischer, C.P., Dressel E. J., Diederichs, M.S. 2022. Excavation and Pillar Analysis with Peak and Residual Rockmass Properties in Implicit and Explicit Rockmass Models. RockEng22 Poster, Kingston, ON, Canada.

Fischer, C.P. and Diederichs, M.S. 2022. Explicit numerical models for the prediction and calibration of plastic and weakening rockmass behaviour around a circular tunnel in isotropic and anisotropic stress conditions, Eurock, Helsinki, Finland, p 8.

Fischer, C.P. and Diederichs, M.S. 2021. The use of explicit numerical models for the prediction of residual rockmass behaviour around a circular tunnel, GeoNiagara 2021, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada, p 8.

Fischer, C.P. and Diederichs, M.S. 2021. Comparison between GSI-based implicit and explicit structure models, Rocscience International Conference Proceedings 2021, Online, 527-532.

Return to student profiles