How did you decide on pursuing your degree(s)? Did you know about geology/geoscience before you entered university?
I grew up in southern Spain, spending most of my time outdoors, so it was natural for me to seek out a career that kept me in the field. Geology wasn’t offered in our high school curriculum, but I loved Geography and the physical sciences, so I was pretty sure geoscience was the right fit for me.
Describe your career progression since finishing undergrad.
I really loved geochemistry in undergrad and ended up taking all the advanced courses by my third year (major nerd alert) at Imperial College London. Cosmochemistry was especially fascinating, so I decided to pursue a PhD in it at the University of Oxford. After that, I spent 8 years in academia, in postdoc and research associate roles at the University of Toronto. Over time, my interests shifted towards industry, especially in areas like nuclear waste disposal and mineral exploration. In 2021, I joined Teck Resources as a Project Geochemist, and I’ve worked in Exploration and Geoscience, from generative exploration to brownfields and advanced projects.
If you could go back to your first year in undergrad, would you pick the same degree and career trajectory? Why/why not?
I absolutely would! I love geology and Earth sciences, especially geochemistry. Earth sciences cover such a wide range of topics and, even though it’s a relatively young science, it’s incredibly rewarding to continue expanding our knowledge. Plus, it’s a joy to share that passion with some of the most talented and driven people I know—fellow geos! The only change I’d make is to transition to industry a bit sooner. While I gained valuable skills in academia, I wish I had applied them to support the green energy transition earlier.
What are the three best things about your job/career? What are three things you would change?
The first is the link between observation and inference. One of the key distinctions in Earth sciences, compared to other physical sciences, is how crucial this relationship is. Observations provide the foundation for making inferences, and this dynamic plays a central role in understanding Earth's processes.
The second is the incredible variety my career has offered. I've had the privilege of working in both England and Canada, and my job has allowed me to travel around the world—both virtually and physically.
The third is the people. Geologists are some of the most down-to-earth, curious, humble, and driven people.
Three things I would change is an emphasis on work-life balance, how to balance this with the demands of field work and changing the outdated nature of industry (e.g. in-office vs remote work).
Why is gender balance in mineral exploration/mining/geoscience important to you?
From the lab to the office to the field, there are too many stories that make us wish academia, industry, and geoscience were safe and equitable places.
Gender balance isn’t just about having equal numbers of men and women in a space—it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Beyond that, gender balance and diversity promote innovation, diversity of thought, and inclusivity. Diverse teams solve problems more creatively and effectively by bringing different perspectives and experiences, and I’ve witnessed this firsthand.
Why should it be important for everyone?
Gender balance should be important for everyone because success is best defined collectively, not just on an individual level. When everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute, it strengthens teams, drives innovation, and creates a more equitable society.
What advice would you give to young women starting a career in mineral exploration/mining/geoscience?
Be bold, curious, and say yes to opportunities that excite you—but be careful not to take on too much and burn out! Seek out a mentor and, in turn, offer mentorship to others.
What motivates you and keeps you busy outside of mineral exploration/mining/geoscience?
Friends, family, travel, being outside, and my sweet bear of a dog, Tandy!
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