"Studying Geology at University was the best decision I’ve ever made, and the possibilities once you’ve completed the degree are endless. Geology is truly one of the few fields of work where the world is your oyster. Whether you want to go work in South America, Africa, Australia, or the South Pole, there is a massive demand for Geologists, and this undergrad is the ticket for the trip of a lifetime."
Hometown: Burlington, ON
Program: Geological Sciences
Current year: 5th
Why I chose Geological Sciences or Geological Engineering:
Geological Science seemed like a natural progression. Growing up, I was always interested in rocks and minerals, which eventually progressed into an interest in Geology on a larger scale. I can remember hiking in Banff growing up, thinking that it would be neat to find a job that would allow me to work in a setting like this. Once I started to investigate the career paths more in-depth, I knew that working outside would be a major perk, and the travel opportunities were a bonus.
Speak to your experience doing an internship:
During my internship, I worked for Agnico Eagle at their Meadowbank Complex, mining gold in the northern region of Nunavut. I was incredibly fortunate that I was able to split my internship into two separate positions. I completed my first half with the Open Pit Production Geology Team, and for the second half, I worked with the Underground Production Geology Team. I think it was a great experience because I was able to see how both aspects of the operation work and start to gain a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Geologists in each position.
The professor(s) or course which has influenced me the most so far:
Dr. Laurent Godin and Dr. Peir Pufahl taught the GEOL 401: Field School/GEOL 488: Geology of North America Course this year, and I think this combination of both field school and a formal course was exceptional. Geology of North America is the
cumulative course that Geo Science students all take in 4th year and is incredibly interesting because it requires you to take concepts that you’ve learned throughout every geology course leading up to this point, and merge all of these various pieces of information together to create a unified timeline of how North America was formed. The field course is done throughout Quebec and is a great experience as well, with a perfect mix of sightseeing and looking at rocks.
Most memorable Queen’s experience so far:
I think Fur Cup in 2022 was my best experience, it doesn’t get much better than playing hockey with your pals from school, and having the entire department cheering you on from the stands.
What do you like to do in your spare time?:
During the winter, I try and get out on the rink as much as possible. Queen’s has an intramural hockey league that’s a lot of fun, and playing LUG on top of that gets me out to the arena pretty often. When it’s warmer, I try and spend as much time outside as I can, and make an effort to get to as many of the Provincial Parks in northern Ontario as possible. Lastly, rock climbing with the Queen’s Climbing Club is another hobby I try and get out to when I can, it’s always a good time, and you can usually find a handful of other GEOs there as well.
After I graduate, I:
Plan to go back up north to Nunavut with Agnico Eagle. It was a great experience when I was an intern, and the northern lights are something that I’ll never get tired of.