Geological Science and Engineering

First "Remote" Defence a Success

Mitchell just before the zoom call for his thesis defense from home

Congratulations to Mitchell Wootton, MASc '20, on successfully defending his master's thesis on Tuesday, May 26. The defence was held via Zoom, and marked the first remote thesis defence to be held by the Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering.

Mitchell's thesis titled, "Autonomous Magnetic and Bathymetic Surveying for Canadian Lakes", was supported by Sumac Geomatics through a Mitacs project. 

Mitchell shared his thoughts on the remote format, saying, "My remote thesis defense, completed via a Zoom video call, was a smooth process that allowed everyone involved to remain safe at home and offered me the chance to remain on schedule to begin the next step in my career. I enjoyed the defense process as I was able to discuss feedback directly with a shared screen displaying large views of thesis figures and chapters for easy discussion. Hopefully future defenses will include an open audience, inviting friends and families to join the call to learn about and celebrate the work completed."

Immediately following his defence, Mitchell was British Columbia bound, where he will be working for BGC Engineering as a Junior Geotechnical Engineer.

Congratulations, Mitchell!