Dr. Welch is the subject matter expert Hydrogeologist at the British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission (BC OGC). Working with Drilling Engineering and Reservoir Engineering, her focus is on the multi-disciplinary groundwater protection aspects of oil and gas well drilling, completion, and abandonment. She is involved in regulatory and process enhancement initiatives and development of technical procedures. Dr. Welch also works with academic researchers to identify and frame research needs, inform technical and regulatory aspects of research programs, and facilitate the extension of scientific knowledge to practical applications.