Dunja Sorenson, P.Geo.

What is your personal background (hometown, schools, family, etc.)

I was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia and immigrated to Saskatoon at the age of four with my parents and brother. I attended Bedford Road Collegiate high school and the University of Saskatchewan. I’m currently living in Saskatoon with my family.

Why did you choose geoscience and what is your area of specialty?

I was always that child who had pockets full of rocks after playing in the park. As I got older, my love for the outdoors grew, and while my pockets weren’t as full, my interest in the planet was still present. In my first year of university, I took a variety of classes to try and gauge my interests and the types of careers that may be applicable. First-year geology was one of many classes I took and it quickly became my favourite. After exploring the plethora of degrees offered at the university, the decision, in the end, was an easy one – I’d chosen to pursue geology.

Where and when did you study geoscience/get your degree and how would you describe your experience?

I obtained my four-year Bachelor of Science Geology degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2014. Studying a fascinating subject with like-minded individuals made for an enjoyable few years. We related to one another’s interests, struggles, and experiences, which created lifelong friendships.

What jobs/roles have you held as a geoscientist?

Between my second and third years, I was a summer student with the Saskatchewan Geological Survey and spent weeks hiking in the bush and sleeping in tents. Although challenging in its own way, it was one of the best summers I’ve had. After graduating, I worked as a uranium exploration geologist on projects across northern Saskatchewan and Nunavut. The role primarily consisted of core logging in remote areas during winter and summer months typically on a three-week-in, one-week-out rotation. Presently, I’m a Senior Geologist based out of Saskatoon. Some aspects of my office-based role include drill program planning and coordination with the site-based team, data interpretation and modelling, and database management.

What have you appreciated about your career opportunities and experiences?

My career has taken me to parts of the world some people only dream of visiting. I’ve met incredible people and have shared stories and experiences that I will cherish until the end of my days. From fishing in Nunavut with local experts to watching the aurora borealis dance across the night sky in northern Saskatchewan, my career has provided opportunities well beyond geoscience.

Who has inspired or mentored you in your career? What insight or wisdom did they impart?

As a new geologist, one of my supervisors provided a small piece of advice that ended up being more impactful than I initially thought. This field may not always be easy, so decide what you like and run with it because, at the end of the day, your interests should be a driver of what you want out of life. Her words kept me going in challenging moments. Currently, I’m in the type of environment that allows geoscientists of varying experiences to thrive. The collaborative nature of our team is something that new scientists should strive to be part of and experienced scientists should create. Growth occurs when one is given the opportunity to share ideas and be part of meaningful work, and I feel privileged to have found that in my career.

What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new places with a camera in my hand.