Undergraduate Student Spotlight: Ella Bickford

Ella Bickford

"Geology Rocks!"

Hometown: London, ON

Program: Geological Engineering

Current year: 3rd Year

Why I chose Geological Sciences or Geological Engineering:

I have always been passionate about the environment and sustainability, and whenever my family goes hiking or camping we always return with backpacks full of rocks, so in hindsight maybe Geological Engineering shouldn’t have been a surprise! But honestly, going into first year I had no idea what discipline I was going to choose. Unsurprisingly, I fell in love with APSC 151 (Earth Systems Engineering); learning about how engineering foundations in physics, math, and chemistry can be applied to the natural world. When I heard about the opportunities in Geological Engineering to travel and learn and work outside, I was sold!

The professor(s) or course which has influenced me the most so far:

The course which has influenced me the most so far is definitely GEOE 300 (Third Year Field School). Fieldwork is one of the aspects I love most about Geological Engineering; being able to work outside with your peers and see/apply everything you learn in the classroom to the field is an extremely exciting and rewarding experience. Field school is no exception, and was an amazing whirlwind of chaotic mapping in the woods during the day and class bonding around the campfire at night.

Ella BickfordMost memorable Queen’s experience so far:

I would have to say my time as a FREC (Engineering Orientation Leader) in my second year Frosh Week. Meeting new friends/Co-FRECs in other disciplines, purpling + spray-painting my hair, and being able to share the amazingness of Smith Engineering at Queen’s University with new first years was a blast, and a week I will never forget!

What do you like to do in your spare time?:

In my spare time, I am involved with a bunch of extracurriculars at Queen’s. I pursue environmental stewardship on campus as the EngSoc Sustainability Representative, and I am lucky to spend a lot of time planning fun events (such as Gronch!!) for the GSGE department as the VP Eng of Miller Club. However, in my true down-time, I enjoy spending time outside, participating in intramurals, reading, and working on my (non-academic) rock collection.

After I graduate, I:

After I graduate, I am hoping to pursue a career in the mining industry, developing sustainable technologies and working on projects focussed on mine remediation and rehabilitation.