Claudia Foggett

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

I was one of the few people that knew I wanted to pursue Geology before University. I completed a presentation on Pangea for my librarian in eighth grade and thought wow this is incredibly cool. It wasn’t until grade eleven/twelve that a teacher told me I could pursue this interest as a career and that was when I applied for Geology. I also completed a natural disasters online course in grade twelve that solidified my choice!

Describe your career progression since finishing undergrad.

I have just recently graduated from Western University, so everything is still brand new to me. I have just started working for CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. as a Junior Geologist. I worked for them as a summer student in the summer of 2024 and loved being out in the field. I completed my honours thesis on their West McArthur project and won 3 awards for it, and I plan on going to do my masters in a year and a half to complete my education!

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

If I could go back to my first year, I would still choose geology. In my second year I thought I was going to go into the oil and gas industry because that was all I knew. It wasn’t until my third year when I took igneous/metamorphic petrology and succeeded at it, that I realized that I was super interested in this. However, I’d be more intentional with building technical skills earlier, seeking mentorship sooner, and exploring subdisciplines with more strategy instead of stumbling into them by chance.

So yes, I’d choose geology again, but I’d navigate the path with more foresight and confidence. I’d go into it with a better understanding that the industry has its ups and downs, and that a lot of the work can be remote, physical, and demanding in ways you don’t fully appreciate at eighteen. I’ve learned that doing well in geology isn’t just about loving rocks, it’s about building strong technical skills in things like GIS, coding, and data analysis. So yes, I’d choose geology again, but I’d approach the path with more intention, awareness, and confidence.

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

The fieldwork experiences that you have are unmatched. Mapping, traversing, exploration programs, these moments shape you as a geologist and as a person. The community is also incredibly tight knit, my department at Western University felt like a family that you could always turn to when you needed help and this is the same with any job. The career paths are also incredibly diverse, there is a path and a job for everyone, and you can always pivot to a different path as your interests evolve.

The first thing I would change would be the lack of early emphasis on technical skills. Technical skills like GIS, data analysis and 3D modelling are essential, but many people realize this once they’re already in the workforce. The second thing I would change is the physical and remote demands of the job. Field seasons can be long, isolating, and physically intense. It is rewarding, but I think the industry can prioritize more flexibility and better support for the work-life balance. The last thing I would change would be to provide a better structured early-career support and mentorship for women. A lot of young geologists and geoscientists are thrown into demanding roles with minimal guidance, especially for exploration. As a woman, this can be extremely hard on our mental health and our bodies. Experienced women helping mentor young women on how to tackle a field season and their career in general would be extremely beneficial.

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

Gender balance in mineral exploration, mining and geoscience matters to me because it directly shapes the kind of industry we build. When there is a gender balance, it provides a safer, more innovative and more sustainable industry. It also matters on a personal level, no one should feel like an outsider in their own profession or have to work twice as hard just to be taken seriously. I’ve seen firsthand how much stronger teams are when different perspectives are at the table, especially in a field where communication, safety, and problem‑solving are everything. It’s also deeply personal for me.

One of my closest friends, Misty Urbatsch, who became the CEO of an exploration company, took me under her wing early on. She mentored me, pushed me, and showed me what leadership can look like when it’s grounded in empathy and confidence. Watching her navigate this industry with such strength and integrity made me believe that there’s space for women to thrive here, not just survive. In the end, gender balance is about paying forward what was given to me and helping create an industry where others feel the same sense of belonging and possibility that my mentor gave me.

Why should it be important for everyone?

Gender balance should matter to everyone because it makes the industry stronger, safer, and more innovative. When more voices and perspectives are included, teams solve problems better and workplaces become healthier for everyone, not just women.

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

I’d tell young women entering mineral exploration, mining, or geoscience to trust their abilities and take up space, even when the environment feels intimidating. This field rewards curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to learn, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or put your hand up for opportunities, especially the ones that scare you a little. Build your technical skills early, seek out mentors who genuinely want to see you grow, and surround yourself with people who celebrate your successes. Most importantly, remember that you belong here. Your perspective, your voice, and your leadership will make this industry better than it was when you arrived.

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

In my spare time, I love to spend my time outside whether it is going for hikes or playing volleyball with my younger sister. I spend a lot of time in the gym working out, as it helps my mental health and makes me feel good! I am an avid animal lover, so I spend most of my time cuddling with my animals and reading a good book, whether it be my dog or one of my many cats. I also love to travel and have a lot of places on my bucket list to check off.