MARCH 2005 ISSUE
... in Lake Louise
our volunteers
________________
Rocks Rock for Rogers
Ginger Rogers, P.Geol., has been a member of APEGGA since 1999. She received
her professional geologist designation in 2004. Ginger graduated from Memorial
University of Newfoundland in St. John's where she received a bachelor of science
in earth sciences.
After starting her career in the oil and gas industry, Ginger's career has now
taken on an environmental focus.
As an Outreach volunteer and a past member of the Communications Planning Committee,
Ginger knows the importance of volunteering with APEGGA. She has also volunteered
at Geology in the Mall and the Rock 'N' Fossil Road Show at the Canmore Geoscience
Centre.
Why did you join APEGGA?
I see the value of being a professional in my field. I believe that as a geologist
you should be professional as well as ethical, and APEGGA represents all aspects
of professionalism and ethical practice. It only made logical sense in my mind
to work towards earning my professional designation.
What are your other hobbies and interests?
In my free time I like to read science fiction novels or paint. I started painting
pictures a few years ago using watercolours and must admit that I quite enjoy
it. I find that painting is a great artistic outlet for me. It helps me have
a balance between my technical career and my artistic side.
Have you received an award or special recognition that is important
to you?
When I was 18 years old I earned the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Achievement Award.
It's Canada's most prestigious award designed for youth under 21. When I was
a teenager, I joined the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets of Canada and heard of the
award through that organization. At 15, I decided to complete the challenges
required for earning the award. I dedicated three years of my life to complete
the silver and gold levels of the award. As reward for my dedication and service,
I was awarded the gold-level achievement award by His Royal Highness Prince George.
I consider this award one of my biggest achievements.
Is there a person who has been helpful in your development as a professional?
There have been several people over the last few years who have helped me get
to where I am right now. But I have to give most of the credit to Dr. John Harper,
P.Geol., for giving me my first job after I graduated from university. He gave
me the opportunity to show both him and other professionals what I was capable
of and I will never forget that. He was my very first mentor, and I must be honest
that I still seek his advice this very day.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go
and why?
It will be Ireland, England and Scotland. I plan to take at least three weeks
to go travel around the United Kingdom. Being from Newfoundland and Labrador,
I feel a close connection to the U.K. as part of my heritage. The ancestors of
most Newfoundlanders and Labradorians came from the U.K. and I believe that most
of us still feel connected to that culture. I don't think my life would be complete
until I have visited the countries of my ancestors.
What made you decide to become a geologist?
I decided after I enrolled in my first earth sciences class, not really knowing
it was geology. I never knew what geology was when I was growing up, despite
the fact I did have a rock collection. My original major was biology and when
I was taking my third year of university I realized that I was not content with
biology and couldn't think of where I would find a career as a biologist. So
one day I decided to take earth science as an elective. That's when I realized,
wow, I can major in this? The rest I guess is history.
What do you think the next hot trend will be in geology?
I may be a bit biased but I think the growing trend is our environment. Over
the last 10 years I have seen an increasing awareness of our environment and
I believe that right now people are more concerned with our water resources and
global warming, as well as other issues concerning contamination.
What advice would you give to future geologists?
Find a mentor! A mentor can be anyone who can help you develop your skills so
you can be the best that you can possibly be. You'll know who that person is
when you meet him or her because you will both have similar interests and ideas.
The match will be effortless and a great, respectful relationship can develop
between both of you over time. I am speaking from experience. Good luck!
Author Credits
BY HEATHER FRANTZ
Public Relations Coordinator
Freelance Writer