Sarah Boon, PhD, FRCGS

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

I actually went to university to do a BA in water management. I signed up for Geography and Environmental Studies. Partway through my BA I started taking some physical geography courses and realized I enjoyed outdoor science, so I switched to a BSc in Physical Geography. It was the best choice I made—I got to be outside and do science, a great combination.

2.       Describe your career progression since finishing undergrad.

After finishing my undergrad I went on to do a PhD at the University of Alberta. I started as an MSc student then switched to a PhD program after my first field season. I published two papers from my PhD before I finished, which made it possible for me to transition to a postdoc at the University of Victoria, and then an 18-month assistant professorship at UNBC. I had hoped the UNBC job would become permanent, but it didn’t so I ended up in a tenure-track position at the University of Lethbridge.

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

Yes, I would, at least in undergrad. I wish I had started as a BSc student instead of switching from a BA halfway through. I would’ve had a lot more fun outdoor classes, as by the time I was going through the courses were so crowded that we didn’t get a ton of outside field time. But I learned a lot and had great professors and friends, so it was a good time in my life.

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

Now I’m no longer a prof but a freelance writer. The three best things are: (1) that I work entirely on my own schedule, which is important because I sometimes need long deadlines for pieces because of my illness. (2) I love writing book reviews for Science magazine, because they’re always interesting and the editor is great to work with; (3) Writing books! Now that I’ve finished my first book I’m working on the next one. Because what’s life if you’re not writing. J Three things I would change: (1) making pitching to magazines and other outlets easier. I find it crushing to have what I think is a great pitch that would be an excellent fit for a particular magazine, and they say no or don’t even respond; (2) I wish my illness didn’t rule my life. It’s hard to plan ahead and make decisions when I don’t know how I’ll be feeling in a week, a month, etc. (3) I write too many side pieces instead of focusing on my next book. One of my resolutions is to spend more time on the book and less on small pieces.

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

I want to see more women in geoscience so there are more women to commiserate with. J Having more women can become a powerful engine for change. Also, the more women you have, the more the mindset of the field changes as women bring their expertise to bear on specific problems.

6.       Why should it be important for everyone?

Gender balance should be important for everyone because we’re missing the ideas of a crucial part of the world population. Gender parity allows us to share the viewpoints of women and makes them heard, which is not always the case. Women and men often look at problems differently, and those different perspectives are a positive for everyone.

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

I would say speak up and work hard. Find a dedicated group of friends both in and outside of your field, who can support each other through tough times while doing your degree. Also, find a mentor who can help you navigate your career, someone who’s been there and done that and has the ability to cheer you on through challenging situations.

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

Well now that I’m no longer a full-time geoscientist, I’d have to say writing, hiking, swimming, and hanging out with my dog and husband.