Gary Joaquin

Gary Joaquin

November 14, 2025

Gary Joaquin (Joe-KWIN) is a retired architect who specialized in computer aided facilities management. His interest in geology began during family trips to New Hampshire’s White Mountains. A beautifully illustrated Time Life Series book published soon after plate tectonics became more mainstream solidified his interest.

Born and raised in Providence, RI, Gary pursued an electrical engineering degree at Worcester Polytechnic Institute before transferring to the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL) where he met his wife of 43 years, Alisa. After graduating from UNL with a masters degree in architecture, Alisa and Gary lived in Omaha for 3 years, and moved to the Washington DC Metro Area which became home for the next 28 years, the last 20 of which Gary worked for the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During their stay in DC, Gary earned a second masters degree in Information Systems Technology from George Washington University. After retiring from the IMF in 2014, fond memories of New Hampshire and of more recent visits to Pacific NW national parks inspired him and Alisa to settle in Beaverton, OR with their daughter, Lynne.

In 2021, Gary discovered GSOC and began assisting Paul Edison-Lahm with Geology Talk, since rebranded as Geology Hour, as its Zoom technical host. GSOC is already putting to good use Gary’s interests in audio visual technology, database analysis, field trip safety, and graphic communication. His other personal interests include CAD, GIS, project management, astronomy, woodworking, forestry, baseball, and basketball. He loves taking Portland Community College classes and OSU Extension Service workshops.