Dierdre Biehn, M.S., Field Scientist/Geologist I on Influential Women
Verified Member

Influential Woman · Environmental conservation and field science

Dierdre Biehn, M.S.

Field Scientist/Geologist I, Earth Engineering Incorporated

Blackwood, NJ 08012

2022Years experience
1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree University of Wisconsin-Madison - MS, Environmental Conservation Degree Stockton University - BS, Hospitality and Tourism Management Cert OSHA 10-Hour Cert Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I (CFTT) Cert Asbestos Building Inspector Cert XRF CERTIFICATION Cert Substitute Teacher - Five Year License License License No. 02247046

Her Story

About Dierdre

Deirdre Biehn serves as a Field Scientist/Geologist I specializing in environmental conservation and field science. With approximately four years of experience in the field, including more than three years in her current role, she focuses on testing and inspecting materials for renovation and pre-construction projects. Her work supports long-term safety and project quality through a variety of inspection, testing, and analytical methods. Balancing fieldwork with office-based responsibilities, Biehn also contributes to technical reporting, documentation, and project support.

Biehn earned a Master of Science in Environmental Conservation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison after transitioning from a career in hospitality and tourism management. She credits her success to perseverance, education, and the courage to pursue a new professional direction. The encouragement and support of her professors played a pivotal role in helping her recognize her potential and pursue graduate studies, ultimately enabling her to build a career aligned with her passion for environmental conservation and sustainability.

Biehn is guided by the values of confidence, equality, perseverance, education, and sustainability. She encourages young women entering the environmental and science industries to trust their knowledge, continue building their expertise, support one another, and refuse to be intimidated in traditionally male-dominated environments. Through her career transition and continued professional growth, Biehn exemplifies the importance of embracing change, pursuing education, and remaining committed to meaningful work that contributes to safety, sustainability, and a better future.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Dierdre

01What do you attribute your success to?

I credit my success to perseverance, education, and the courage to change career paths. Leaving hospitality to pursue environmental conservation required determination and a willingness to begin again. I also credit the encouragement of my professors for helping me recognize my potential.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

An undergraduate professor played a particularly important role. Her guidance and encouragement helped inspire my career change and gave me the confidence to pursue graduate education in environmental conservation.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Don't let men intimidate you. I work around a lot of men. Don't let men intimidate you or make you feel less than. We're better than men. Trust your knowledge and support one another.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

Women face challenges getting jobs over more qualified men and inconsistent training methods in the field. Growing attention to conservation and sustainability creates opportunities.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Confidence, equality, perseverance, education, and sustainability are important. Women should support one another and refuse to be intimidated in male-dominated industries. I am committed to meaningful environmental work.

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