Biography
Luis Camilo Suescún is a Civil Engineer with an MSc in Water Resources, who graduated with honours from the National University of Colombia. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in uncertainty analysis for mine closure at Flinders University, Australia. In his professional career spanning 10 years, Luis has worked as a Hydrogeologist in various public and private institutions, specializing in numerical and inverse modelling, advanced programming methods, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis, conceptual models, fractured media, and geological and groundwater models applied in the tunnelling, mining, and oil & gas industries in Latin America. He has been Senior Hydrogeologist Modeller and Project Manager in the mining group in DHI Group since 2017. He is part of the Staff of recognized instructors to teach modelling courses with the FEFLOW tool at The Academy by DHI and provides technical support to users in the LATAM region. Luis Camilo has served as president of the Colombian chapter of the IAH and the Colombian Association of Hydrogeologists (ACH), where he has been a catalyst for international collaboration, forging knowledge and support networks that extend beyond borders, linking Colombia with IAH chapters in Europe and LATAM. Under his leadership, programs and webinars have been developed that enhance the understanding and management of groundwater, fostering a more connected, informed, and educated hydrogeological community. He is part of the Early Career Hydrogeologists Network (ECHN), engaging in volunteer activities related to groundwater knowledge among young professionals. He has been a volunteer for SPE-Colombia where he has contributed to the development of the Petrolcopa Reto Escolar educational program, which to date has trained more than 3,000 young students from urban and rural areas in Colombia to develop skills and knowledge for the water and oil and gas industry. He also contributes to The Groundwater Project by sharing knowledge and translating materials related to groundwater.
Personal statement
I am Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean. With a deep passion for hydrogeology and our association for more than 10 years, coupled with an unwavering commitment, I am convinced that I can make a significant contribution to the mission of the IAH in our region. Throughout my career as a Hydrogeologist, I have collaborated in numerous international settings and received accolades for my work, underscoring my deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in managing groundwater resources in our Latin America and the Caribbean region. As Vice President of the region, my main goal will be to represent the interests and aspirations of IAH members diligently and dedicatedly in Latin America and the Caribbean, ensuring that our region plays an active and significant role in the global dialogue and initiatives in hydrogeology within the IAH. Additionally, I aim to foster collaboration and increase the relationships and programs of our national chapters, and fundamentally, to facilitate knowledge transfer and generational evolution. I look forward to contributing to the growth and continued success of the IAH in our region.