Adriana Guatame-Garcia, PhD, MSc

Adriana during a winter hike in the Rockies

How did you decide on pursuing your degree(s)? Did you know about geology/geoscience before you entered university?

In my final year of high school, I wanted to study chemistry. I enjoyed doing experiments in the lab and didn’t see myself working full-time in an office. I also thought about doing something more outdoorsy, and the only option I considered was biology (though I’m not very good at it!). Then, in chemistry class, we had to complete a project on hydrocarbons; I learned about geology and discovered what geologists do, including that you can practice chemistry in the field. I was immediately sold!

Describe your career progression since finishing undergrad.

I completed my undergrad in Geology at the National University of Colombia, where I am from (extremely proud of it!). Mineralogy and ore deposits were my favourite courses, so I knew that was the line I wanted to follow. I wanted to do a master’s degree, so while applying for scholarships (and improving my English), I worked at the Geological Survey (back then INGEOMINAS) in the Remote Sensing division, which I enjoyed pretty much. I eventually received a scholarship from the Dutch Government to pursue my master's degree in Remote Sensing applied to Mineral Exploration (a perfect combination) at the University of Twente.

I was very happy living in the Netherlands and doing research, so when I saw an opportunity to do a PhD at the Delft University of Technology, I didn’t have to think about it for too long. My doctorate in Resource Engineering helped me make a link between mineral exploration and mineral processing, and I learned about the mining sector. By the time I finished my PhD, it was clear to me that I wanted to keep following the academic path, and I also wanted to incorporate the environmental dimension into my research portfolio.

For my postdoctoral fellowship, first at Delft University and then at Queen’s University, I did research on revalorization, stabilization and rehabilitation of mine wastes. Moving to Canada to work at Queen’s is one of the best decisions I have made. I knew that if I wanted to make an impact in the minerals sector, I needed to be closer to the industry, and there is no better place than Canada for that. My pursuit of an academic faculty position brought me to Calgary, where I am now an Assistant Professor. I am bringing together my expertise across the entire mine cycle to create solutions for the supply of Critical Minerals and to train the next generations of professionals.

If you could go back to your first year in undergrad, would you pick the same degree and career trajectory? Why/why not?

I have no regrets about my first year as an undergrad. The choices I made back then led me to where I am now – and I am very happy. I could have been more adventurous when looking for extra chances to grow, like internships or small jobs, but I guess back then those opportunities weren't as obvious as they are today.

Adriana working in the laboratory collecting mineralogical data on bauxite samples using a portable FTIR instrument

What are the three best things about your job/career? What are three things you would change?

I absolutely love working in a university environment. My favourite part is the diversity of people, ideas and spaces. I get to interact with incredibly smart people who can bring many different perspectives to my own research – even if they work in a different field! That is how creativity and innovation come. The second-best thing is the opportunity to supervise, train and mentor students. Sharing my research and knowledge with a new generation of professionals is an honour and a responsibility. Last, it is the possibility of making an impact with my research. At the university, we have the opportunity to engage with various stakeholders and apply our ideas to the real world.

There are many things I would change in academia, but that is a conversation for a different space (ha ha)

In my experience working in different collaborations with the industry, I see a lot of old-school and playing-it-safe thinking. This really slows down innovation in the most general sense. At the point in history where we are now, and the pressing need to supply mineral resources sustainably, this is something we cannot afford.

We also need to become better communicators. A lot of the bad reputation of the minerals sector comes from poor communication with other stakeholders and, more importantly, with communities. There is also some arrogance and a tendency to own the truth among us that make conversations about complex topics (e.g., environmental and social impacts) very challenging.

Why is gender balance in mineral exploration/mining/geoscience important to you?

More than just achieving gender balance, I believe gender diversity, or diversity in general, is critically important. Sometimes, balance is simply measured in numbers, which doesn’t necessarily guarantee true representation. We need to ensure that diverse voices are not only heard but also that we are provided with the spaces and mechanisms to make decisions, influence others, and create impact. While some spaces and initiatives aim to build more diverse and inclusive environments, many of them are merely performative. We must be more honest and intentional to create real change.

Field methods survey during Adriana's master's program in the Harz Mountains (Germany). She is collecting mineralogical data with a SWIR instrument, her friend is collecting data with a portable Gamma-ray spectrometer.

Why should it be important for everyone?

Because we all win! There is enough evidence that teams with diversity in gender, culture, skills, etc., perform better. People working in a space where they feel they belong are more likely to “wear the team’s jersey,” as we say in Colombia. That means being fully committed and willing to go the extra mile. Don’t we all like to work in a place that feels safe and respectful, and where we are all valued?

What advice would you give to young women starting a career in mineral exploration/mining/geoscience?

Find a couple of good mentors and sponsors* at different career stages and working in different areas. They will provide you with the most honest insight into the profession, share valuable tips and tricks, and open doors for you.

Also, take the time to learn leadership skills (a.k.a soft skills). Many spaces can be very daunting for young women in a male-dominated world. This is even more enhanced if you don’t master the working language, your skin has some colour, you are an indigenous person, etc. Those skills will skyrocket your confidence and set you up for success.

* Someone who uses their influence to champion and advocate for you

What motivates you and keeps you busy outside of mineral exploration/mining/geoscience?

Although not entirely outside the geosciences, something that I am very passionate about is the voluntary work I do with GeoLatinas, a grassroots organization that seeks to empower and inspire Latin American women pursuing careers in Earth and Planetary Sciences. I have been active with them since 2019, working on initiatives to provide tools and resources to help members succeed in all stages of their careers (students, scientists, industry, etc.). I could talk about GeoLatinas for hours, but for now, I’m just leaving the link to our website, so you can learn more if you are curious: https://geolatinas.org/

I also like to come back home and cuddle with my cats, Luna and Tinto – and my husband, of course! Lately, I have taken up puzzles 😊 

Adriana taking a break during field school in the karst landscapes of the Eastern Cordillera in Colombia. In the background there is a sinkhole, she is sitting at its front edge.