I grew up in Elliot Lake, where my father worked as a hoist man in the Uranium mines. Like many kids, I did not know much about mining. The only careers that I knew about were miners and hoistmen. Miners are an essential part of the mining process and a very respectful and well-paying career, however, I wanted to get out of my hometown and attend university. I always loved being outdoors; my childhood was spent camping, fishing, swimming, walking in the bush, and playing outside. Therefore, I aimed for a career that allowed me to work in this environment: Geology. I did not know what geology was at first, but after taking a course in first year, I knew that I wanted to do this! I loved the opportunity to work outdoors all summer, fly in helicopters, travel, and make great money that could help me pay for school. Eventually, I developed a passion for mining education and I placed myself in a variety of different roles at the university and in our community to help students and professionals advance their knowledge of the modern mining industry, and to gain skills that they need to perform their best in their jobs.
Working at the university provides the right amount of work-life balance that allows me to spend quality time with my family and friends, while also having a professional life that keeps my creative mind working and brings me satisfaction for helping others. I have become passionate about promoting modern mining practices, careers and education, and feel that I am helping the mining industry by playing my part in ensuring that it has a sustainable future.
Even though some book and movie writers may have over predicted the advancement of common technology in 2020 (no personal flying cars, teleporting, or inter-planetary travel...yet), it is certain that the demand for minerals and metals needed to sustain the lifestyles that most of us enjoy today has dramatically increased over that last 100 years! More than ever, the statement “what you can’t grow has to be mined” holds true. A career in mining is rewarding because you become part of a broader team of passionate people working together to perform their best so that the industry is safer, more environmentally friendly, high tech and sustainable. I gain personal satisfaction because our team at Laurentian works hard and is proud to produce an exceptional future mining industry workforce.