Precambrian Geologist, Manitoba Geological Survey, Winnipeg

Collecting outcrop data with the help of my field assistant on 1850 million year old rocks, Russell Lake, Manitoba.

I grew up in the Brandon area and had very little exposure to geology in grade school. I had always picked up rocks as a kid, and I knew I was interested in science, but it never occurred to me that geology was an option. My first real introduction to geology was taking courses as electives during the first year of my undergrad, and I was hooked.

My first summer of field work was as a geological assistant with the Manitoba Geological Survey, and it had a huge impact on me. All of the theory that had been discussed in class was suddenly connected by actual rocks and field observations, and everything seemed to click.

After finishing my BSc in Brandon, I went on to finish an MSc at the University of Western Ontario and a PhD at the University of Calgary. Attending different universities exposed me to the different ideas, experiences, and thought processes of many different university researchers. My experience at larger universities also made me appreciate doing my undergrad at a smaller university where I was able to have a one-on-one relationship with all of my professors.

I have now come full circle and work as a Precambrian geologist with the Manitoba Geological Survey. My summers are spent mapping, and collecting data and samples in the field, while the rest of the year is spent working with the data and creating models and interpretations. This allows me to continue doing my favorite activity as a geologist, field work (and microscopy…and geochemical modeling…). One of my favorite things about field work is the discovery, I am always looking forward to that next outcrop and what I am going to find. Field work also allows me to go to some of the most remote parts of the province and see places very few other people get to see.