News & Insights
Dan Sergison on The Driller Newscast
Geothermal engineer Dan Sergison discusses bridging the gap between engineering design and field execution through early collaboration with drillers.
Geothermal engineer Dan Sergison of Salas O’Brien joins host Brock Yordy on Episode 156 of The Driller Newscast to discuss a critical challenge facing the geothermal industry: how to bridge the divide between engineering specifications and field execution. With over a decade of experience spanning groundwater remediation, water well design, and geothermal systems, Dan offers a unique perspective on why early collaboration between engineers and drillers is essential for project success.
From his unconventional start working alongside drillers on a 3,600 GPM open-loop system fresh out of college to his current role guiding young engineers at Salas O’Brien, Dan’s career exemplifies the value of hands-on field experience in producing practical, buildable designs.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why geothermal and groundwater professionals need to work together (1:48)
- Dan’s journey from environmental engineering to geothermal design (7:08)
- Learning from drillers: the baptism by fire that shaped his career (9:50)
- Breaking down communication barriers between engineers and installers (20:35)
- The importance of consulting drillers before finalizing specs (23:01)
- Advice for young engineers: ask the “stupid” questions (24:08)
- How hiring interns builds the next generation of collaborative designers (27:00)
- Identifying blind spots and avoiding project surprises (34:43)
- Getting construction managers to treat geothermal systems with the same care as cooling towers (37:20)
Whether you’re a driller, engineer, or construction professional, this conversation offers valuable insights into how removing hesitation and building trust across disciplines leads to better geothermal projects.
Tune in now for this conversation: The Driller Newscast Episode 156
Daniel Sergison, PE, CGD, CGI
Daniel Sergison has worked in geothermal since 2013. He has worked on dozens of large and small-scale geothermal projects, including closed and open loop, standing column well, and hybrid systems. His projects include St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Cornell Tech Bloomberg Campus, the Obama Presidential Center, and more. Daniel is a passionate advocate for geothermal applications and dedicates himself to delivering projects that are constructed as designed, from feasibility through design, construction, commissioning, and beyond. Contact him at [email protected]