Anna’s career began with the application of artificial intelligence and neural networks to environmental investigations. Her graduate research at the University of Arizona, conducted under the direction of Dr. Mary Poulton and supported by Zonge International, focused on the development of instrumentation and software for unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection and shallow subsurface environmental investigations.

Following completion of her M.S. in Mining Engineering, Anna spent more than fifteen years with Zonge International, a global leader in applied geophysics. During that time, she managed and executed hundreds of geophysical investigations worldwide involving groundwater characterization, mineral exploration, environmental site assessment, and heap leach system monitoring. She also led Zonge’s Physical Properties Laboratory, integrating laboratory measurements with field geophysical data to improve interpretation accuracy and subsurface characterization.

Anna’s expertise includes electrical and electromagnetic geophysics, groundwater investigations, environmental site characterization, geospatial analysis, and AI-assisted interpretation of complex datasets. Her work frequently combines geophysical measurements, environmental data, and advanced analytics to improve understanding of subsurface conditions and support engineering and resource management decisions.

In addition to her technical work, Anna is an experienced educator and communicator who has taught mathematics at both the secondary and college levels and has delivered numerous technical presentations and workshops. Her research on neural networks for UXO identification received the Best Paper Award from the Near Surface Geophysics Section of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists.

Anna is the daughter of the late Dr. Ferenc Szidarovszky, an internationally recognized pioneer in systems analysis, optimization, and water resources engineering, whose work helped shape modern approaches to resource management and decision science.

With photo: Anna is standing in front of a glacial lake in the arid portion of Oregon. Wallowa Lake is the beautiful hub of the region providing municipal water to local towns, an irrigation supply to the local farming community, and a recreation resource that supports a thriving tourist economy. As a bonus, it is spectacular alpine lake.