We Are Loureiro: Brandon Zinsious
September 7th, 2023
In a sense, you could call Senior Project Scientist Brandon Zinsious an explorer. Much of the work he does at Loureiro involves gathering information in innovative ways - typically required when documenting or verifying existing conditions in the field. He produces three dimensional digital models using a suite of remote sensing technologies – such as photogrammetry, Terrestrial and Aerial LiDAR, bathymetry, aerial photography, and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) – to capture the surface and spatial characteristics of the project on land, in the water, or under the ground.
By utilizing these technologies, Brandon manages and interprets the data collected to develop a set of maps and spatial data for a site that is then used to inform design, logistics, environmental testing, and construction activities.
Brandon graduated from the University of Louisville with a double undergraduate degree in Biology and Anthropology. He went on to earn a Masters in Anthropology at UofL where he specialized in Archaeology with a focus on the use of remote sensing to survey potential sites and delve into past human behavior. He originally started working in the engineering and construction industry at Loureiro Building Construction (LBC). After a few conversations with CEO Brian Cutler and Senior Vice President Tom Roy about his background, it was agreed his skill set might be put to better use in the Land and Survey division of LEA.
“My remote sensing and survey specialties transitioned easily into the industrial world from academia,” Brandon says. “Loureiro wanted to grow their capabilities in this area, and my experience could complement their existing endeavors.”
Brandon's capabilities have shown benefits across all facets of Loureiro's diverse business. Whether supporting the in-house engineering, environmental and professional consulting teams or the heavy/civil and vertical construction groups, he's routinely out in the field, meticulously recording data to serve as the basis for developing technical drawings, reports, and related deliverables.
Operating out of Loureiro's Groton, CT office, Brandon brings his problem-solving skills to the forefront, tackling the unique challenges that come with each job. The joy of his remote sensing work lies herein as he relishes in the opportunity to confront and conquer the hurdles that arise in every project, knowing that the solutions he comes to and the data he collects leads to gratifying end results.
“Every job presents its own problems. Remote sensing isn’t any different,” Brandon says. “I enjoy that every time I set off to start a project it always comes with its own set of challenges that I have to figure out. To see an end result based on the challenges you solved, and seeing my work incorporated into a larger picture, is immensely gratifying.”
Brandon is an advocate of getting first-hand, in-the-field experience, encouraging aspiring professionals to spend as much time as possible in the real world, where the classroom theories and fundamentals come alive.
“You absorb the theory and fundamentals in the classroom but the real learning comes in the field, when you synthesize the stuff from the classroom with real world problems,” Brandon says.
Recognizing the value of accurate and high-quality data, Brandon recalls a valuable lesson he learned early in his career. “Someone once told me ‘garbage in, garbage out”” he says. “You and you alone are responsible for the quality of your models.”
Understanding that every output is just a model of reality and never a perfect replica, he emphasizes the importance of understanding how every input into your model affects the outcome. “Doing what you can to make sure the data you use is of good quality is one of the foundational concerns of remote sensing, and one of its greatest responsibilities. The people you hand your models over to treat them as replicas of reality and it is my job to come as close to that goal as possible.”
Outside of work life, Brandon continues to embrace challenges. He finds solace in ice and rock climbing, pushing his physical and mental boundaries. Additionally, Brandon has taken on the art of glass blowing, honing his skills as an apprentice.
