Janet Morrissey, P. Geoph., Geoscientist

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

My path to geophysics was pretty twisty-turny. I was originally bound for medical school but found the underlying science of biology a bit static. I loved chemistry as it was similar to math but ultimately, it was physics that challenged me the most. However, my undergrad degree in physics didn’t really allow me to get outside where I really wanted to be, so I followed up with a graduate degree in geophysics and it’s been the best of both worlds.

Describe your career progression since finishing undergrad

I moved straight into a Master of Science program after my undergrad degree. From there, I spent about twelve years working as a consulting geophysicist for a Calgary consultancy. My domain during that time was mainly shallow geophysics, offering a range of services to resource, engineering and environmental companies and working mostly in the northern Alberta oilsands. I really enjoy learning new things and changing things up, so when I felt I had gotten what I could from consulting work, I moved to Australia to take up a position with Rio Tinto Iron Ore. After a few years, my family and I returned to Canada and I again found a position within the Rio Tinto family, this time Rio Tinto Exploration.

Janet on an IP survey in Mexico

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

At first I thought the answer would be yes, that realising I was drawn to geosciences earlier would have saved me some time. However, I think I would take the same trajectory because I spent quality time in non-geoscience areas and learned what I didn’t enjoy and why.

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

It’s hard to confine the best things about my career to a list of three. I love that my career is kind of non-conventional, especially for women. I love that I get to work outdoors and travel, and that the work itself (data acquisition, processing, interpretation) is a constant challenge. Work-life balance can be a bit tough to manage in this field, however.

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

Growing up, I was told by my parents and teachers that I could be anything I wanted, with the right amount of effort. However, seeing the gender imbalance in the workforce suggested otherwise. Gender balance in geoscience is important as it’s the supporting proof to what we’re taught as girls; it proves we really can be what we want because we can see the proof of it in the workforce.

Janet and her crew working in the United Arab Emirates

Why should it be important for everyone?

We’re bound to perpetuate the same patterns in any field where there’s a gender imbalance unless we start to embed different viewpoints and different voices. That goes for any imbalance, not just gender.

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

Don’t be afraid to use your voice. Speak up in a meeting if you have an opinion to share or want to ask questions. It helps people get to know you and helps you integrate into your team. People will know you have a voice and will want to include you in the conversation.

Janet during her time with Rio Tinto Iron Ore, working in the Pilbara, Western Australia

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

I have a lot of hobbies because I love trying new things. I really love outdoor activities, like hiking, scuba diving, kayaking, cross-country skiing. But I also enjoy reading and more cerebral activities, like family history.