S-IMEW Where are they Now?

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Senior Geologist, New Energy, Whitecap Resources Inc.

John Hirschmiller

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Senior Geologist, New Energy, Whitecap Resources Inc.

S-IMEW was a thrilling dive into the mineral exploration and mining domain. The camaraderie fostered there proved instrumental, as years later I still communicate and work with fellow participants. While my professional journey early on shifted to the oil and gas sector after switching consulting firms, the foundation in mineral exploration remains integral to my current role. Now as a Senior Geologist, my focus extends to exploring New Energy prospects in the subsurface—embracing challenges like Carbon Capture Sequestration, Geothermal Energy, and extracting Lithium from subsurface brines.

Jonathan Berthiaume

University of Regina Exploration Geologist, Fortescue Metals Group

Jonathan Berthiaume

University of Regina Exploration Geologist, Fortescue Metals Group

Prior to attending S-IMEW in 2014 I had no idea just how broad the minerals industry was; I remember being awestruck by the possibilities in front of me as I stepped into this new career. Now five years later I have completed a M.Phil in Geology at the University of Adelaide. I am now actively searching for the next world-class IOCG deposit in the Olympic Domain of South Australia. S-IMEW has been a springboard for my career, helping me to develop the confidence and experience necessary to excel in the mineral exploration world. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have attended.

Jordan Eamer

University of Victoria Marine Geoscientist, Geological Survey of Canada - Atlantic

Jordan Eamer

University of Victoria Marine Geoscientist, Geological Survey of Canada - Atlantic

The network of S-IMEW students from 2009 has resulted in surprising opportunities, new career paths, and simply excitement as I have followed along with their own respective work. It has been a successful group, and I have no doubt that S-IMEW had a role in that.

Justin Hoyle

University of Windsor M.Sc. Candidate, Geochemistry

Justin Hoyle

University of Windsor M.Sc. Candidate, Geochemistry

My fondest memory of S-IMEW was going underground at the McCeedy West Mine. It was my first time underground, and it left a lasting impression. It was amazing to see the massive sulphide veins.

Kacper Halama

Acadia University Contract Geologist

Kacper Halama

Acadia University Contract Geologist

S-IMEW offered something new and exciting each day but the most impactful part was the networking opportunities. I made many friends and contacts during S-IMEW and more often than not, I meet someone who also has a S-IMEW connection.
I've had the opportunity to work on several projects in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Labrador. Geoscience offers many opportunities to explore our great country that I cannot imagine finding anywhere else. While the last few years have been hard on many it's the exhilaration that I get when I fly in a helicopter every day, finding an outcrop that doesn't fit the current geological model, or seeing core speckled with gold that makes sticking through the hard times worth it.

Katarina Bjorkman

Lakehead University Ph.D. candidate, Centre for Exploration Targeting, University of Western Australia at Perth

Katarina Bjorkman

Lakehead University Ph.D. candidate, Centre for Exploration Targeting, University of Western Australia at Perth

The Noranda-Val-d'Or field trip including the underground visits was the highlight of S-IMEW for me. The fondest memories are really of the friendships/relationships developed during the two weeks. I am still in touch with most people through Facebook and like seeing what others are up to.

Kayla Mukli

Environmental Technologist, Matrix Solutions

Kayla Mukli

Environmental Technologist, Matrix Solutions

My fondest memory of S-IMEW was meeting so many other young inspirational geoscientists who shared a similar appreciation for Canadian geology. S-IMEW provided me with stronger networking and communication skills and also furthered my understanding of the geology in eastern Canada. I still have all the rocks and minerals I collected from this experience on display! It was actually during a presentation of my S-IMEW experience that I was recognized by a potential employer who I now currently work for! Thank you S-IMEW for everything you have provided me.

Keaton Strongman

McMaster University Ph.D. Candidate, Laurentian University

Keaton Strongman

McMaster University Ph.D. Candidate, Laurentian University

Though all of S-IMEW is a fond memory for me, my fondest memory is of mapping volcanic stratigraphy at the Horne West outcrop with Dr. Harold Gibson from Laurentian University. This was my first real exposure to volcanic rocks and to Harold, and I loved it so much that I went on to pursue a Masters and now a Ph.D. in volcanology supervised by none other than Harold himself. Were it not for S-IMEW I would not have met Harold, and likely never realized my passion for volcanology.

Kei Quinn

University of Victoria Senior Project Geologist, HighGold Mining

Kei Quinn

University of Victoria Senior Project Geologist, HighGold Mining

Does it get any better than seeing some of the most amazing geology with a group of technical, ambitious and like-minded geoscientists? S-IMEW honors what geoscience is all about - being curious, asking questions and getting out there to explore. Thanks so much for an amazing opportunity!

Kelsey Green

Mount Royal University Mine Geologist, De Beers

Kelsey Green

Exploration Geologist-in-Training, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

Mount Royal University Mine Geologist, De Beers

My fondest memory of S-IMEW 2010 field trip was getting to visit an underground mine. But overall the best part of the trip was getting to meet the other students from across the country. So many amazing personalities who I was able to become very close with and have endless laughs with made the experience unforgettable. The volunteers who planned and attended the trip with us were so fun and everything was so well organized it made us all feel like rock stars.

Liam Maw

S-IMEW 2019

Liam Maw

S-IMEW 2019

Exploration Geologist-in-Training, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

S-IMEW is an amazing opportunity that presents the roles of a geologist and their impact in a way not seen in traditional geology classes. It gave me the opportunity to visit an underground mine, showing me with certainty that I could thrive in that environment, which lead me to continue my Master’s in an underground gold mine.

Above all else, my greatest take-away was the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of peers who share the same drive for geology and a curiosity to explore. No matter where you are across the country, you have a friend and an instant network.

Logan Behuniak

Mount Royal University Resource Geologist, Vale Canada Limited

Logan Behuniak

Mount Royal University Resource Geologist, Vale Canada Limited

S-IMEW helped kickstart my passion for the mining industry. I value the learning opportunities, the exposure to mining professionals, and the relationships I built (and continue to grow!) while attending S-IMEW.

Louis-Philippe Gélinas

Université Laval Geotechnical Coordinator, Agnico Eagle Mines

Louis-Philippe Gélinas

Université Laval Geotechnical Coordinator, Agnico Eagle Mines

Building business relations and learning how to interact in social/work events is not always easy. S-IMEW helped me develop skills to better sell myself and be more confident. It was also a great opportunity to learn from industry experts.

Mackenzie Mckay

Environmental Scientist, Project Manager, Stantec Consulting Ltd.

Mackenzie Mckay

McMaster University Research Scientist, SINTEF Industry

Environmental Scientist, Project Manager, Stantec Consulting Ltd.

S-IMEW gave me the exposure to completely new facets of geology that I had never seen before. My fondest memories of S-IMEW were participating in learning experiences with like minded individuals who were excited to develop their careers as much as I was.

Madeline Dana Lee

S-IMEW 2007

Madeline Dana Lee

S-IMEW 2007

McMaster University Research Scientist, SINTEF Industry

I have many good memories of S-IMEW, from the field excursions to the camaraderie of the students. As a geophysics student the workshop also provided a good opportunity for hands on experience with geology. I am thankful that I was able to participate in S-IMEW and to work with other ambitious geoscience students.

Marie-Ève Lajoie

University of Ottawa M.Sc. Candidate, Earth Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Marie-Ève Lajoie

University of Ottawa M.Sc. Candidate, Earth Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland

S-IMEW was definitely the best experience of my undergraduate degree and inspired me to pursue a post-graduate degree in Earth Sciences at Memorial University of Newfoundland. S-IMEW gave me the opportunity to network with industry representatives all while visiting geological landmarks across northern Ontario and Québec. This workshop introduced me to the many facets of the mining industry that I wasn’t familiar with before participating to this workshop. Thanks to S-IMEW, I have created long-lasting friendships and industry connections for my present and future career in the mining industry. I am forever grateful to have been part of this amazing and inspiring experience.

Marina Schofield

Memorial University of Newfoundland Ph.D. Candidate, Laurentian University

Marina Schofield

Memorial University of Newfoundland Ph.D. Candidate, Laurentian University

I have S-IMEW to thank for sparking my interest in Mineral Exploration. The connections I made and opportunities presented as a result of this workshop have led to an exciting and rewarding career path. After S-IMEW I worked for the Geological Survey of NL for a year and then went on to complete my MSc at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. My MSc research integrated structural controls on mineralization and geochemical footprints as vectors to ore-grade Au at the Karangahake epithermal Au-deposit, New Zealand, utilizing 3D modeling software (Leapfrog® and 3D stress®). Currently, I am back in Sudbury where it all started, in the second year of my PhD at Laurentian University, working with other S-IMEW alumni. My research project is funded through Metal Earth, focused on the Metallogeny of the Powell Block, Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. This is an area I was first exposed to years ago during the S-IMEW Abitibi field trip.

Matthew Moss

Mine Engineer, JDS Energy & Mining

Matthew Moss

Mine Engineer, JDS Energy & Mining

S-IMEW allowed for the mingling of geoscience students from various institutions while visiting sites in various forms of development - from greenfields, to production, and reclamation. We found that although specific interests varied we all had one common interest. Rocks! Some liked to lick them, others to blow them up. My interests are on the latter.
Mill tours and trips to underground operations were among fondest memories on the S-IMEW trip, and helped guide me to a fulltime career in underground mine engineering.
Friendships were made on this trip that will last long into the future. Having a nationwide network of friends in the geoscience community is not something to take for granted in our line of work. You never know who you might be sharing a helicopter with on your next project.

Matthew Taylor

Graduate Geologist Barrick Australia Pacific Exploration

Matthew Taylor

Graduate Geologist Barrick Australia Pacific Exploration

Meg Engelbert

Ph.D. Candidate, Laurentian University

Meg Engelbert

Ph.D. Candidate, Laurentian University

My fondest memory of S-IMEW is meeting amazing people from all over Canada with a shared passion for the earth sciences and the mining industry. I also met my current Ph.D. supervisor, Dr. Harold Gibson.

Melissa Anderson

Brandon University Assistant Professor, Economic Geology, University of Toronto

Melissa Anderson

Brandon University Assistant Professor, Economic Geology, University of Toronto

I made lifelong friends that shaped my life in many different ways.

Mervin McDonald

Memorial University of Newfoundland Mine Geologist, Iron Ore Company of Canada, Rio Tinto

Mervin McDonald

Memorial University of Newfoundland Mine Geologist, Iron Ore Company of Canada, Rio Tinto

S-IMEW offered great workshops and talks focused on a wide variety of topics (Exploration geology, mining, geophysics, career development, etc.) that have helped me develop into a more well rounded professional in the mining industry. However, I think the biggest gift we all took from our experience was the number of lifelong friends we made and continue to keep in touch with.

Michael Tucker

Exploration Manager, Balmoral Resources Ltd.

Michael Tucker

Exploration Manager, Balmoral Resources Ltd.

Best part of S-IMEW was spending extended time with other passionate, young geologists who would become by peers in a changing industry.

Michal Kolaj

Carleton University Research Geophysicist, Lamontagne Geophysics Ltd.

Michal Kolaj

Carleton University Research Geophysicist, Lamontagne Geophysics Ltd.

S-IMEW not only provided me with a practical view of the mineral exploration industry but introduced me to a fundamental element of working in the mining community, the ‘art’ of networking. The organizers encouraged students like myself to speak with industry members and to develop the career connections required to be successful. Five years later, I continue to stay in contact with several of the industry professionals and other students that I met during this valuable student program.

Monique Ruhl

dalhousie University Exploration Geologist, Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

Monique Ruhl

dalhousie University Exploration Geologist, Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

Getting to meet an amazing group of new geo's and seeing where we go with our careers!

Nate Corcoran

Regional Geologist, British Columbia Geological Survey

Nate Corcoran

Regional Geologist, British Columbia Geological Survey

Meeting a great new group of cohorts made me appreciate the unique people in geology and mineral exploration. This made me want to continue working in the industry knowing the people I am working with are intelligent, adventurous, well rounded and appreciate the outdoors. Also, going underground in Quebec and seeing large bornite mineralization with silver veins come out of the ground made me keep in mineral exploration.

Nick Joyce

Lead Principal, Business Development, BHP

Nick Joyce

Lead Principal, Business Development, BHP

Looking back on it, the best part of S-IMEW was in building friendships and trusted connections with a cohort of high-potential peers that have since gone on to build some really interesting careers. In that sense, S-IMEW has become an important accelerator of talent in the industry.

Octavia Bath

Memorial University of Newfoundland Project Geologist, Pretivm Resources Inc.

Octavia Bath

Memorial University of Newfoundland Project Geologist, Pretivm Resources Inc.

S-IMEW not only solidified my interest in mineral exploration and mining but helped mould it into my passion and career. We were exposed to many different aspects of the mining world including both scientific research and industry. The workshop gave me an understanding of how truly diverse the sector is. I also made many contacts, and more importantly friends who I still have to this day

Paul Medici

Brock University Founder and CEO, Medici Financial Modeling Inc.

Paul Medici