Courtney Onstad, B.Sc. (Hons.), Geoscientist-in-Training
This month The Professional Edge chats with Courtney Onstad, M.A., Geoscientist-in-Training
Tell us about your personal background. Where are you from? Where did you attend university?
I was born and raised in Surrey, B.C., but grew up travelling to Saskatchewan, where my parents were born, to visit family. That is where my love of the prairies sprouted and it became my goal to attend the University of Saskatchewan.
Why did you choose to go into geoscience?
I was exceptionally lucky to take Earth Science 11 and Geology 12 courses during high school with a former geologist as my teacher (Mr. Milross). I specifically remember the hands-on aspect of the course, the “slate, phyllite, schist and gneiss” chant we sang every day and the way Mr. Milross truly made learning geology an unforgettable and inspiring experience.
Did you have any geologists/geoscientists in the family who influenced you?
In terms of geoscience, Mr. Milross was truly the most inspiring person. However, many of the traits that have allowed me to excel during my professional and academic career are influenced by the high standards set by my family. I come from a family of teachers, businesspeople and farmers. The achievements and work ethic of the Onstads from Weyburn and the Sawatzkys from Hague are inspiring and have been instrumental in defining me.
What was your first job after university? Where was it and what was your role?
NexGen Energy Ltd. offered me my first position as a summer student in northern Saskatchewan and I loved my time there. I also had the opportunity to work in Nunavut on a BIF-project and with RESPEC Inc. as a geological intern during my M.Sc. working with an incredible team on various environmental projects.
What do you feel has been your single greatest accomplishment?
My most satisfying accomplishment as a geologist has been founding a geoscience outreach program at the University of Saskatchewan. During a work term in northern Saskatchewan, I noticed a lack of geoscience resources in elementary and high schools and realized an outreach program could fill this gap. Our outreach program has been running for two years and during the 2019-2020 academic year, we reached 23 schools and more than 750 students in grades 4, 6 and 7 from the Saskatoon and surrounding areas. We also had more than 20 schools that had to go on a waiting list so there is strong demand for outreach. Next year, we are hoping to initiate a field-trip subsidy program to support travel for remote schools to the University of Saskatchewan.
What is the goal of your outreach program and how can our members help facilitate that?
The goal of our outreach program is to create an additional geoscience resource for Saskatchewan students and teachers. Since the U of S has pristine rock and mineral specimens and students with expertise on the subject, we believe it is our responsibility to share this with others. APEGS members are encouraged to support the program with their own expertise. Once the Covid-19 pandemic has passed, we hope to initiate the program and feature geoscientists as part of our “Saskatchewan Geology” lesson. Our volunteers are hard-working and dedicated individuals who gain rewarding experience working with these students.
Over the next five to 10 years, where will your career path will lead you?
I am starting a Ph.D. at Simon Fraser University studying geoscience communication so hopefully I will have completed that! I think my career is still evolving and I have new ideas daily as to what my career might look like. I am striving for a diverse career in the geosciences combining my two greatest passions: geoscience education/outreach and geochemistry.
What is your Ph.D. going to be focusing on?
My Ph.D. is focusing on the way geoscience is communicated to various audiences (students, teachers, Indigenous communities, resource companies and the general public) in British Columbia. I am planning to produce various educational resources for these audiences including lesson plans, hands-on experiments, professional development workshops and geoscience displays and exhibits for museums. I will also be consulting with Indigenous communities to help incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing into curriculum.
What are your interests outside of work?
After work and on weekends I can be found running and hiking. Running has been my escape for many years and allows me to stay fit, sane and competitive. I grew up playing every sport possible: volleyball, fastpitch, track and field, soccer, speed skating, speed swimming and more. To this day, I believe being involved in sports has driven my competitive attitude towards everything in life. Outside of my outreach program, I enjoy volunteering with executive committees, student groups and community programs. Beyond that, I spend my spare time with my cats and my boyfriend watching Netflix.
Have you had any academic mentors?
Having mentors has been critical to my development in the mineral resources industry. It is impossible for me to mention all of them, but Dr. Kevin Ansdell, P.Geo, FGC, FEC (Hon) has been my most influential mentor. He supervised both of my honours theses and my Master’s degree and is always available to answer my endless questions, offer advice and assistance with job opportunities and is a genuine and involved person in my career.