Please tell us about your personal background.
I’m originally from a country in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe, which is also affectionately known as “the Teapot Country” because on a map, it really does look like a little posh teapot. After completing my undergraduate studies, I relocated to South Africa, another place that I call home to settle with my husband. South Africa is where we began our professional lives and raised our little brood of three children, all competitive swimmers. In 2023, we relocated to Canada and have proudly called this our new home too. I continue to juggle my professional work while being an enthusiastic swim mom, who volunteers for all sorts of cool things at swim meets.
Why did you choose engineering, and what is your area of specialty?
I drew inspiration from someone who played a big sister role to me in high school, Pride Gwengwe. I looked up to her and when she enrolled into university to study chemical engineering, I wanted to know more about it. I was already a STEM student, so it wasn’t such a leap for me to see myself in that or a related profession. I did some research on what studying chemical engineering would entail and weighed my options; I had also been offered an opportunity to study pharmacy and aeronautical engineering. I ultimately chose chemical engineering because I was passionate about the opportunities to work in various industries. My sister though, insists that engineering was always going to be in my future, and she makes her point by reminding me of all the home projects and things I conceived when we were little.
Where and when did you study, and how would you describe that experience?
I studied for my bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe from where I graduated in 2007 as the best graduating student in the Engineering Faculty. I pursued my postgraduate studies in South Africa where I attained a Master of Science and PhD in chemical engineering at the University of Witwatersrand and University of Johannesburg respectively. During my doctoral studies, I was awarded the Emilian Bratu Doctoral Student Award and the Engineering Faculty Postgraduate Prestigious Award for outstanding academic achievements. I’m a strong advocate for continuous learning, and despite the grueling journey it was, with the usual challenges of completing an advanced degree, juggling it with family commitments and my work as a teaching assistant, plus all the disruptions Covid-19 caused, it was worth it as it developed me into a more rounded engineer, researcher, academic and project manager.
What are some of the most interesting, rewarding, and/or challenging experiences you have had?
As a process engineer in South Africa and now in Canada, I have worked on various projects involving troubleshooting operational challenges and debottlenecking through conducting plant audits, promoting innovation within the business, process and equipment design and new product development. These projects have broadened my experience in the field and with each task I pursue I continue to build competency and resilience. Each project has its own challenges, but I am motivated by the words; “If it doesn’t challenge you, then it won’t grow you.” Starting a project and seeing it to completion is a rewarding experience which makes it more the while.
In my current role as a process engineer in the Applied Process Technology Department (Research and Development) at The Mosaic Company; the best parts of my role are my colleagues (there is always laughter in the hallway), working on diverse projects in multidisciplinary teams as this has allowed me to collaborate with different disciplines and gain knowledge that I would not have gained if I were working alone. Environmental, health and safety issues are also at the core of the projects we do and ethical practices.
What have you appreciated most about your engineering journey?
Engineering has grown my critical thinking and innate creativity. I encounter problems that I need to solve to optimize processes, and this really broadens my mind, and I appreciate being able to utilize my curiosity to generate innovative ideas even outside of formal work. At home, I am known for frequently reminding everyone that ‘if you’re having difficulty performing a task, there probably is an easier way of doing it and you must stop to imagine what that easier way might be’. As an engineer, I also draw lessons from my field. I am encouraged by the fact that just as ore must go through a process of refining, that includes crushing, sometimes with heat applied, to produce something of greater value, I as a person can endure challenging circumstances trusting that from this refining process I can grow, rise and soar. My approach to my work has also been shaped by the research skills and culture of inquisitiveness that I cultivated in my studies over the years.
Any mentors or role models you’d like to tell us about? What insight or wisdom did they impart?
Well, I have already mentioned Pride Gwengwe, but my chief role model is my mom; a very hardworking woman who, while raising three kids, managed to continuously work on her career. She started off with a nursing diploma, advanced to a nursing degree and continued to challenge herself intellectually until she attained her PhD in Public Health and an MBA at 65. What inspires me even to this day is her passion for what she does. She is 69 years old now, and still teaches at a university, taking on community projects, ploughing back into society and doing it with such zeal, enthusiasm and a big smile on her face. I like to think a bit of her stardust has rubbed off onto me.
What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and travelling. Like I’ve mentioned before, I’m a hands-on swim mom and sometimes, swim meets span over days and require travel to venues out of town. It’s busy but I absolutely love the camaraderie around competitive swimming. I enjoy staying active as part of my self-care routine and this I do by either following training programs or running outdoors, weather permitting, and I’m proud to say I ran my first half marathon at Queen City in September 2025. I also enjoy watching movies, going to church, hanging out with friends, and serving as a reviewer for peer reviewed journals; my own way of ploughing back, contributing to advancing science and staying current on research trends and the field’s state of the art.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Over the years, the popular Southern African phrase “Munhu munhu nevanhu/Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” translated to mean “A person is a person through other persons” has grown to have such profound meaning to me, as a person who has resided in three countries across four decades. No man is an island; we are all interconnected and how important it is for people to support, encourage, and show empathy towards each other cannot be overstated. This in turn creates an environment for each person to flourish and be the best version of themselves. Indeed, we can all do great things when we lean on each other. Above all, my journey is grounded in my faith.
STEM fields benefit from talents of all genders, and diversity strengthens innovation, creativity and problem solving. I want to encourage young girls that they must take up space in engineering as the doors of opportunities are many.
The mining industry in Saskatchewan is increasingly embracing the empowerment of women in mining through different initiatives such as the WiM/WiN conferences, which I had the privilege of attending in 2023 and 2025. Being in the company of like-minded women fosters a culture of community, helps you learn from others as they also learn from you, and I encourage women in the field to participate in such conferences. I am also blessed to work for an organization that supports a good work-life balance. This has enabled me to thrive in my career, helping the world grow the food it needs, while still being available for my family.
Please tell us about your personal background.
Born and raised in Saskatoon, SK. I spent most of my childhood on the farm, when we weren’t in school. I gained an appreciation for fresh air, nature, and wide-open spaces. We were across the road from PFRA pasture which is like a whole world of natural prairie.
My parents were a farmer and research scientist which upon reflection, is quite far removed from engineering. It wasn’t until much later that I got to know that some of my cousins were engineers.
Why did you choose engineering, and what is your area of specialty?
Engineering wasn’t my first choice of post-secondary education. I had applied to SIAST to be enrolled in their Architectural & Building Technologies program. I was put on a one-year waitlist. I enrolled in engineering and completed my first-year courses. After finishing first year engineering, I thought I should see it through.
I chose geological engineering because I thought it required the least amount of math. I was wrong. After celebrating passing second year math, we were rewarded with a third year math/mesh application course, though it was quite interesting. If I ever need to apply a mesh to jet fighter wing, it’s something we covered!
I also chose to complete a certificate in professional communication through the Ron & Jane Graham School of Professional Communication. I ate up all my RCM courses as they were my mental escape from engineering classes. I would recommend that program to everyone. Developing communication skills is paramount for future success.
Where and when did you study, and how would you describe that experience?
I studied at the University of Saskatchewan. I treated school like a job, on campus from 8-5. I also worked on campus part time throughout my schooling. My experience was great, however I think we were at the beginning of some fundamental changes, or shifts perhaps, in the evolution of historical practices. We had the Red Eye publication, which would not translate well to today’s social practices. I have no idea what the experience is like today, but I’d like to think it’s a more inclusive experience.
What are some of the most interesting, rewarding, and/or challenging experiences you have had?
After graduation, I had the opportunity to work in Alberta (based out of Red Deer) covering projects from Calgary up to La Crete. Looking back, there were some precarious situations that I navigated well; however, as safety culture has changed over the years, those situations should have never existed. Know your right to refuse unsafe work and trust intuition. If it feels wrong, it probably is.
One project that is dear to me is the Caswell Bus Barns. I had the privilege of working alongside some amazing people at the beginning of that journey in 2014. I love buses and Transit was still operating out of there while we completed drilling. I was so intrigued by all the Detroit Diesel motors in various states of repair. In my current role, I can see the decade of work that it took to get the site to its current state.
What have you appreciated most about your engineering journey?
There’s always opportunity to learn something new. Graduating university isn’t the end of your learning journey, really, it’s the beginning. Learning is critical to expanding knowledge and maintaining competency. APEGS does a great job of supporting membership in providing opportunities for professional development.
Please share a few words about your time on the APEGS Council.
When I joined council, I didn’t fully know what to expect. I was assigned a mentor who did a great job supporting me and helping me get up to speed to serve effectively. I can say that we have a great breadth of expertise on council, who do great work together.
Council members have excellent support through the Executive and Administration which do great work. We have the opportunity to ask tough questions and make decisions based on the information before us to ensure alignment with APEGS’ strategic plan.
Would you recommend council service to other APEGS members?
100% – I can’t believe I waited this long to apply to serve. The opportunity to learn, network, and serve membership is invaluable. I recommend applying to volunteer with APEGS in any capacity. If you’re not ready for council, apply to volunteer for a committee. It’s a great learning experience and a chance to meet fellow members.
What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy biking/walking to work. It’s a short bike ride that takes me across the river. I get to enjoy a bit of Meewasin trail every time I go to the office. I bike in the winter and would recommend studded tires to anyone biking on snow/ice. I’m currently training for the Saskatchewan Marathon. We have recently started another major renovation on our house which allows us the opportunity to learn how to be contractors as we aim to do most of the work ourselves.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I would like to thank APEGS for all the support and opportunities. We are very lucky to have great people working diligently to improve how we regulate the profession and protect public safety.
Please tell us about your personal background.
I grew up on a farm near Star City, Saskatchewan, where I stayed busy with academics and athletics. In high school, I took online classes that allowed me to explore a wider variety of subjects that weren’t available locally. Every summer, my family travelled and went backcountry hiking across Canada which helped me develop a deep appreciation for this country’s natural beauty and a foundational curiosity about the Earth and its geology.
Why did you choose geoscience, and what is your area of specialty?
I didn’t set out with a clear plan to specialize in geochemistry — I found my way into the field organically. Knowing I wanted a university education but still figuring out what I wanted to do long term, I started in engineering. In my first year, I needed to choose a science elective, and my dad suggested geology, having taken it himself in university. That initial exposure sparked my interest and ultimately led me to pursue geology. As my studies progressed, I became particularly interested in environmental geochemistry, especially applied research related to mine-affected systems.
Where and when did you study and how would you describe your experience?
After my first year, I transitioned into geology and environmental science courses at the University of Saskatchewan. I spent two summers working in the Soil Science Department, where I developed an appreciation for research and applied environmental work. In my second-to-last year, I was introduced to environmental and mining geochemistry and began working with Dr. Matt Lindsay. I continued my studies at the University of Saskatchewan, pursuing a Master of Science in environmental geochemistry with Dr. Lindsay as my advisor. Overall, my academic experience was formative in shaping my career in the mining sector.
What are some of the most interesting, rewarding, and/or challenging experiences you have had?
One of the most interesting and rewarding aspects of my work has been contributing to the growing role of geochemistry in mine site reclamation. As the importance of reclamation continues to increase, geochemists are being asked to solve complex problems across a wide range of mine sites, each with its own history and environmental challenges. Much of my work involves critically evaluating historical datasets, identifying knowledge gaps, and designing modern field and laboratory test programs to fill those gaps, often in contexts where information is incomplete or inconsistent. Navigating these uncertainties while still providing practical, defensible recommendations can be challenging, but it is also highly rewarding. A key part of my role has been bridging the gap between geochemistry and other disciplines within mining, helping translate geochemical data into information that can support decision-making across engineering, environmental, and operational teams.
What have you appreciated most about your geoscience journey?
What I have appreciated most about my geoscience journey is the exposure to a wide variety of sites, projects, and challenges. No two problems are the same, and each site presents unique geological, environmental, and operational considerations. I value the dynamic nature of the geochemistry field, where learning is continuous — often driven by real-world problems — and encourages ongoing adaptability and collaboration across disciplines.
Any mentors or role models you’d like to tell us about? What insight or wisdom did they impart?
Dr. Matt Lindsay has been the most influential mentor throughout my career and a strong supporter of my professional development. He taught me the importance of asking the right questions, approaching complex environmental problems thoughtfully, and maintaining scientific rigor while working in applied settings. He also emphasized the value of curiosity, collaboration, and integrity in geoscience — lessons that continue to shape how I approach my work today.
What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of your professional pursuits?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dog, Kepler. I like woodworking and building projects, cooking, and dreaming up what project to tackle next. I also enjoy travelling and we are currently planning a trip to Japan.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I would like to share that it’s okay not to know exactly what you want to do at the start of your career, and it’s okay to change direction along the way.
Please tell us about your personal background.
I was born and raised in China. In 1998, I moved to Saskatoon to pursue a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. I’ve been fortunate to have the unwavering support of my family—my wife and daughter—throughout this journey, especially when the path led us to Saskatoon and beyond.
Why did you choose engineering, and what is your area of specialty?
Before university, I didn’t give much thought to why I chose engineering. Looking back, I realize it was the right decision. Engineering aligns with my character and passion for creating new things and solving complex problems.
My specialty lies in mechanical and biomedical engineering, with a focus on bioprinting—an innovative technology that builds structures layer by layer by using biomaterials and living cells. These engineered scaffolds can be implanted in patients to repair damaged tissues or organs, such as those affected by heart attacks or osteoarthritis.
Where and when did you study and how would you describe your experience?
I earned my Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan in 2002 and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Queen’s University. In 2003, I joined the University of Saskatchewan as a faculty member and became a full Professor in 2010. Reflecting on this journey, the interdisciplinary challenges and collaborations in biomedical engineering have profoundly shaped who I am today.
What are some of the most interesting, rewarding, and/or challenging experiences you have had?
Over the past two decades, my graduate students, research collaborators, and I have worked on projects aimed at repairing diverse tissues and organs, including peripheral nerves, spinal cord, articular cartilage, cardiac tissue, and tooth tissue, as well as on creating lung models out of body for studying disease and testing drugs and vaccine prior to their use in humans. We’ve made meaningful progress in the lab and in animal studies, moving closer to clinical applications.
What have you appreciated most about your engineering journey?
I deeply appreciate my graduate students and research collaborators. My students are the driving force behind these projects, and research collaborators bring expertise from multiple disciplines. Without their dedication and involvement, these projects would not have been possible or successful.
Any mentors or role models you’d like to tell us about? What insight or wisdom did they impart?
I’ve had the privilege of being mentored by many individuals who have shaped both my career and character, including my Ph.D. supervisors, research collaborators, and friends. Here I would like to give special thanks to my friends Dr. Peter Block (a retired surgeon) and his wife, Arlene Block, whose love, guidance and support have been invaluable to me and my family; we are truly fortunate to have them in our lives.
You were recently honoured with the University of Saskatchewan’s Distinguished Research Award. What does this recognition represent for you?
Receiving the University of Saskatchewan’s Distinguished Research Award is a tremendous honor. It represents recognition of the research that my graduate students, research collaborators, and I have pursued for more than 20 years.
What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of your professional pursuits?
Outside of work, I enjoy regular exercise—playing badminton, biking with my dog Murphy, and weightlifting. In the summer, I love fishing at Diefenbaker Lake and exploring Saskatchewan’s natural beauty. These activities help me recharge and appreciate life.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’m passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers and researchers. If I could share one message, it would be this: Engineering is not just about technology—it’s about improving lives.
Please tell us about your personal background. 
I grew up in Esterhazy, a town in southeastern Saskatchewan.
Why did you choose engineering, and what is your area of specialty?
I chose engineering because I was interested in science and how things worked. I chose the electrical discipline largely because of my Dad, whose career as a Powerline Technician with SaskPower inspired my early interest in utility and industrial electrical systems.
Where and when did you study, and how would you describe that experience?
I studied Electrical Engineering Technology at The Saskatchewan Technical Institute, now Saskatchewan Polytechnic. I liked the combination of theory, and the hands-on applications it offered. It was technical immersion, challenging, and it strengthened my technical curiosity.
What are some of the most interesting, rewarding, and/or challenging experiences you have had?
I’ve found both commissioning new systems and ensuring reliability to be especially rewarding. The excitement of launching a new project, combined with the satisfaction of keeping existing systems running smoothly, continues to motivate and challenge me.
What have you appreciated most about your engineering journey?
I’ve really appreciated the continuous learning that engineering has offered throughout my career. From the early days without computers to today’s advancements in AI, I’ve had the opportunity to explore electrical theory, testing, system reliability, and the value of teamwork in achieving goals.
I’m also grateful for the employment opportunities engineering has provided. I’ve been fortunate to spend most of my career with two excellent companies – SaskPower and Mosaic – both of which have been rewarding in their own unique ways.
Any mentors or role models you’d like to tell us about? What insight or wisdom did they impart?
I’ve had mentorship from many people, in many roles in the workplace, and I think the best insight from their mentorship and my own experience is to stay curious and positive.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Outside of work I enjoy woodworking, cycling, music and golf.
Please tell us about your personal background.
I am originally from Hepburn, SK where one side of the family farms and the other owned the general store, but I currently live in the Regina area with my wife of 28 years and 3 kids. That said, I’ve moved around a lot and spent significant time in various places across Ontario and the western provinces, including Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Prince Albert, Gillam, Waterloo, Weyburn, Strathmore, Calgary, and the Crowsnest Pass.
Why did you choose engineering, and what is your area of specialty?
Originally, I planned to follow the footsteps of my grandfather and become a Pastor, but part way through that bible school degree I realized I’d rather fix concrete than people. I finished that degree but started at the U of S College of Engineering immediately thereafter. I chose civil engineering because it seems the most broad and varied in scope. I’ve always preferred to be more of a generalist than a specialist. Civil engineering also shared similarities to my dad’s career. He was an architectural technologist with a drafting table in the basement family room. I was also fortunate to be able to take hand-drafting classes in high school in Prince Albert. I love the smell of ammonia prints early in the morning.
My first post-graduate job was with Manitoba Hydro. Engineers in Training hired at that time rotated departments every six months. I soon fell into what became a permanent role doing maintenance engineering and small capital projects for the lower Nelson River hydroelectric and HVDC infrastructure. I loved the pace, action, and tangible results of construction projects as well as the autonomy of working in northern and remote areas.
For most of my career I have been an owner’s-side project manager and manager/director of project engineering and construction teams. Currently I am using that expertise to as Owner’s Engineer managing various capital projects related to dams, spillways, and irrigation all around the province from Val Marie to Moosomin to Cowan Lake and everything in between.
Where and when did you study, and how would you describe that experience?
I really enjoyed my internships and summer jobs when I was at the U of S. It’s always rewarding to be doing practical hands-on things in the field and travelling around rural Canada. I was a student operator in the Weyburn oilfield as CO2 flood was being rolled out, in shallow gas around Strathmore, and SAGD out of the Calgary corporate office. For my internship I was a pit surveyor at the Coal Mountain mine south of Sparwood, BC. In addition to the Civil Engineering degree from the U of S I also have a M.Sc. in International Construction Management from the University of Bath in England. I did that mostly for the sense of accomplishment. I wrote my dissertation locked in an unfinished basement while toddlers sort of slept upstairs.
What are some of the most interesting, rewarding, and/or challenging experiences you have had?
Finding out that, despite drilling, you missed finding some discontinuous permafrost under your 4-plex apartment building foundation is always a bit exciting! I think the most rewarding has been leading high performing teams who can also have a lot of fun at work. This was true at Manitoba Hydro and with Mosaic Potash where our young and green Belle Plaine engineering team churned out a lot of high-quality capital projects while also setting some year-over-year contractor safety records. I highly recommend northern and remote work for any Engineer-in-Training that wants to gain experience quickly – both technical and general life experience. I once had to devise a way to expedite getting a carton of cigarettes to a fly-in hydroelectric station otherwise the tilesetter refused to start work.
What have you appreciated most about your engineering journey?
I’ve had some great engineering mentors and supervisors (Mike Crawford, Glen Schick, Gerry Couture) and have also worked with some fabulous technologists, technicians, and tradespeople (Heather Globush, Randy Romas, Barry Dickinson, George Wicek, Ken Hiebert, Terry Bender) who have kept me grounded, humble, and exposed to very practical, actionable ways to do design, project management, and construction. I firmly believe that as engineers we ignore the input of technologists and trades at our peril! Also keep the admin reps on your side as they are often the glue that keeps it all together and they also have all the good intel.
Please share a few words about your time on the APEGS Council.
I volunteered for council as a way to re-engage with volunteering after the busy years of young kids were over and as an opportunity to give back to the profession. My brain is wired as a short-term, task-oriented driver / do-er. Shifting to a long-term governance perspective is a useful skillset I am developing while on council.
Would you recommend council service to other APEGS members?
Yes. Having now had a peek behind the curtain I can say that the council and executive try really hard to do everything right and always consider the needs of the membership while also being the engineering and geoscience regulator that the provincial government requires us to be.
What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?
I like international adventure travel, but it has been a few years. I’ve hiked to Everest Base Camp and around the Annapurnas in Nepal. Always odd to be flying back to Kathmandu at “our cruising altitude of 10,000 feet” when just days prior you were standing without supplementary oxygen at 18,500 feet.
Anything else you’d like to add?
A reminder for our membership to visit the APEGS website and fill in the e-form to nominate folks for awards. We engineers often do a poor job of recognizing our peers.
Please tell us about your personal background. 
I was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. I was the first in my generation to be born in Canada, as my family immigrated from Pakistan. From Ontario, I moved to Saskatchewan in 2015. I studied at the University of Regina in Environmental Systems Engineering. In 2022, I began my engineering career in consulting.
Why did you choose engineering, and what is your area of specialty?
I chose engineering because I have a passion for implementing clean drinking water infrastructure in underserved communities. I believe clean water is a basic human right. Working in an area where I can learn about technical aspects to remediate this ongoing problem is highly beneficial to my research. I am grateful that my job allows me to learn about water and wastewater treatment, so I can carry that knowledge into what I am passionate about.
What are some of the most interesting, rewarding, and/or challenging experiences you have had?
The most rewarding projects are not only specifically engineering or work related. Outside of work, I’ve focused on studying the gaps in infrastructure for clean drinking water in Canada, most of which are in remote and Indigenous communities. I also studied the policy and jurisdiction barriers that limit our ability to remediate issues as quickly as needed, through a project with Waterlution. More recently, I partnered with UN Canada- Regina chapter, where I visited a high school to teach youth the importance of water sanitation and treatment processes. While these projects go beyond the workplace, without my engineering knowledge, they would not be possible.
What have you appreciated most about your engineering journey?
I have appreciated learning from my peers. There is so much knowledge around a room, and always being a student is something I encourage. There is never a time where I go to work and feel like I haven’t learned something new that week. Innovation and collaboration remain key aspects of engineering that continue to keep me excited and interested in this field.
Any mentors or role models you’d like to tell us about? What insight or wisdom did they impart?
If I were to mention a mentor who always guided me in finding purpose in my career, it would have to be my friend Simer. She always reminded me to work for a purpose. I have always held this advice close. As engineers, we serve a purpose to our community to ensure safety, better infrastructure and accessibility to mechanisms that aid human life. I come to work knowing my involvement on a project will contribute to a greater good.
What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of your professional pursuits?
Outside of work, I enjoy dancing. I have always maintained this hobby as it helps me express myself and connect to music and my culture. Ensuring I nurture my creative side always helps fuel my innovative side with engineering.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I would like to remind everyone to find something that brings them joy. For me, working towards my passion does this. As well, nurturing my creative side with dance. Never compromise joy. To be a good engineer, you cannot serve people without serving yourself first.
Please tell us about your personal background. 
I am originally from Regina, Saskatchewan and currently live just east of White City. I graduated from Luther College High School in 1986, took some university classes and found myself working as a security guard in the Cornwall Center and the downtown area. This experience taught me about dealing with people and how to act in certain situations. I enrolled in the Instrumentation Engineering Technology program in 1995 and graduated in 1998. I began working in the electrical consulting field until 2001 when I worked as a Process Operator for Praxair and CRC. I started my own business in electrical-instrumentation design and drafting as I wanted to maintain my AutoCAD skills. Then I was fortunate enough to take my business full time in 2008 due to the potash boom in Saskatchewan at that time. I am still in operation today providing quality electrical-instrumentation design and drafting services for various clients in many different industrial sectors within Western Canada.
Why did you choose engineering, and what is your area of specialty?
My uncle was an electrician, my cousin has his own electrical service company, and I’ve always found electrical concepts interesting. I was taking a 5th class Steam Engineering course out of my own interest and there was a section on instrumentation and boiler controls. It was very interesting, I did some research and found out they offered an instrumentation diploma course at Moose Jaw, so I applied and was eventually accepted in 1995.
Where and when did you study, and how would you describe that experience?
Instrumentation Engineering Technology was the most academically challenging thing I have done in my life, in that new concepts came to us every day, you had to be disciplined and understand time management to make it through. It was no joke. The program at the time was being recognized as an Accredited Technology program, so additional classes were added which added to the challenge.
What are some of the most interesting, rewarding, and/or challenging experiences you have had?
The most challenging was with my first position right after graduation as a junior technologist with a local electrical consulting firm, which was acquired by KGS in later years. I was tasked with electrical design rather than instrumentation design, so the learning curve was steep and frustrating at times, but it’s through experiences like that where we grow in our profession.
The most rewarding experience is when we solve design problems for clients that reduce costs and improve efficiency.
The most interesting experience was working on green field projects and being able to work on the entire design from conception to construction.
What have you appreciated most about your engineering journey?
Everyday seems to bring something new, either a new challenge or a new project and it’s the people that I have worked with that have made all of this manageable. Working as a team, sharing ideas and coming up with a solution, and then execution.
Any mentors or role models you’d like to tell us about? What insight or wisdom did they impart?
I have had many mentors throughout my career, but to mention a couple: Randy Burns (Retired) taught me that design details matter, and when you create a design it must be understandable by everyone involved. Mike Wright (Retired) taught me about PLC control systems within the potash industry in Saskatchewan. Whenever I had a question, he would sit me down and not only answer it but go through the theory of it. I thank and appreciate everyone who I have worked with throughout my career as I have taken a little something from everyone to create how I do things today.
What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of your professional pursuits?
I enjoy the outdoors, working out at a local gym, and hiking. I have a passion for football and was fortunate enough to be a defensive line coach for my son’s minor football teams for 8 years. Generally, just spending time with family and friends.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Engineering to me is like putting a 100-piece puzzle together, in that you have to organize the pieces logically and most importantly ensure you have all 100 pieces, and if you don’t you have to acquire them asap and then piece them all together correctly as quickly as possible. It’s simplistic I know, but it’s my general thought process.
Please tell us about your personal background. 
I grew up in North Battleford as the second daughter of teachers. While I prioritized academics and athletics, I also very much enjoyed living close to a river, many lakes, and a prairie ski hill. I spent time after high school backpacking around Central America and living on the west coast of Vancouver Island, where I started to realize I was becoming a “nature nerd”, hiking along coasts and near waterfalls, examining tidepools, beachcombing, ocean fishing, backcountry camping, and exploring in rainforests. I had an aptitude for science but had not yet had any formal “outdoor education”.
Why did you choose geoscience, and what is your area of specialty?
I was living on Vancouver Island and looking to pursue a career in STEM, and the Earth and Ocean Science (EOS) program at the University of Victoria (UVic) jumped out at me from a brochure. However, I dropped the “ocean science” as soon as I learned how seasick I get (true flatlander). I transferred to USask to be closer to home and eventually ended up pursuing a master’s degree in geology. I’ve been a “generalist” in geoscience but have gravitated towards geochemistry and the laboratory environment.
Where and when did you study, and how would you describe that experience?
I studied EOS at UVic from 2006 – 2008 and completed my BSc Geology at USask in 2010. I returned to USask to complete an MSc under Dr. Robin Renaut in 2012, graduating in 2016.
My undergraduate experience was challenging and eye-opening, realizing how many directions I could take with geoscience. I was a keen student, motivated by passionate professors as well as a few awards and bursaries. My master’s program was incredible, studying a strange rock formation in a saline lake in the East African Rift in southern Kenya. I spent two months total in Africa, explored the Kenyan Rift Valley from north to south, slept under the stars, saw giraffes, zebras, hyenas and hippos near my field sites, worked not-far from a hominin site (Olorgesailie), and met interesting scientists with amazing stories of travel, adventure, and research.
What are some of the most interesting, rewarding, and/or challenging experiences you have had?
So many! A field season with the geological survey (including an attempted world record for mosquito bites in a single summer), learning to orienteer and map geology on the Canadian Shield. A winter drilling project in northern SK, commuting across frozen lakes and logging thousands of metres of core. My masters field work included many +40˚C days collecting observations in East Africa. Analytical laboratory work is busy, technical, and a masterclass in multitasking. Each job/project came with unique challenges and nary a dull moment.
What have you appreciated most about your geoscience journey?
Truly, it has been the variety. I have pursued work in gold exploration, light oil exploration, research lab management, occupational health and safety, geoanalytical lab quality assurance, and finally, lab instruction at the university. I’ve ended up where I started in geoscience (in the classroom) and it has been an absolute pleasure to work with students keen on learning about the earth.
Any mentors or role models you’d like to tell us about? What insight or wisdom did they impart?
I’ve had the privilege of working with brilliant scientists including Dr. Michelle Hanson, Jason Brasseur, Dr. Robin Renaut, Dr. Helen Baulch, and Rob Millar. They each had a calm demeanor, and I admired their ability to tackle challenges and work under pressure with great composure. They are all intelligent, considerate, and curious leaders in their fields, and I feel fortunate to have had the chance to get to know them through geoscience.
What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of your professional pursuits?
I play competitive ultimate frisbee and I’m a novice pickleballer. I’m also a knitter, a cyclist, a gardener, and a pet parent.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Since I work with undergraduate students (the next generation(s) of geoscientists), I hope my journey can be inspiring in the sense of giving different things a try. Explore the world and stay curious!