Meet Jared Janzen, graduating from the geology program in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.
This year, the University of Alberta is celebrating the achievements of our graduates with a virtual convocation ceremony on June 25. As we acknowledge the achievements of our graduating class, we’re sharing just a few of the amazing stories of our graduates.
Meet Jared Janzen, graduating from the geology program in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, as he reflects on the unique opportunities in the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Science, the value of getting involved in a student group, and the power of pursuing your passion.
Congratulations, Jared!
What brought you to the U of A?
The University of Alberta has always been close to home. I had heard nothing but good things about the faculty and staff at the university. I knew right away that I wanted to pursue a career in geology. The University of Alberta is well-known as a prestigious institution with one of the best geology programs in the country. The choice was easy for me.
Tell us about your experience in the Faculty of Science.
I transferred into the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences after two years at MacEwan University. I had enrolled in a variety of Earth science classes and was eager to gain insight into the field of geology. One year into my undergrad, I was given the opportunity to work as a research assistant for the Environmental Economic Geology Laboratory under the supervision of Sasha Wilson. This opportunity enabled me to complete an undergraduate thesis on the topic of carbon mineralization.
The mentorship of Dr. Wilson, along with experiences shared by myself and fellow lab mates, fostered my love for geology and academia. In addition to my academic experiences, I also participated in extracurricular activities as the president of P.S. Warren Geological Society. The pub nights, conferences, and homework crunches we hosted provided me with memories that I'll never forget.
Overall, the best highlight of my university career has to be the people. The friends and connections I made during my undergraduate degree are some of the strongest. The people I have interacted with the past four years of my degree made my experiences all the better.
What is one of your favourite memories from your time at the U of A?
One of my favourite memories has to be the second-year field school in Blairmore, Alberta. A bunch of student geologists getting hit by every sort of weather imaginable for a week straight may seem unpleasant, but we had the greatest time learning how to put our geology knowledge to work.
What advice do you have for current and future students at the Faculty of Science?
Don't spread yourself too thin! Know when you need to take a break from your studies and focus on yourself. If you have questions about something in your field, don't be afraid to reach out to your professors or other faculty. These people are highly experienced and would love to share their knowledge.
How have you spent your free time during the COVID-19 pandemic?
As a geologist, my love of the outdoors has definitely skyrocketed since the beginning of the pandemic. When I wasn't focusing on my studies, I was skiing, backpacking, and camping in Banff, Jasper, and Nordegg.
How do you plan on celebrating convocation?
In the rocky mountains, on a hiking trail with friends.
What's next after graduation?
I am currently pursuing a career in exploration as a junior geologist with Kingfisher Metals Ltd. I am hoping to gain additional experience in my field from an industry perspective before pursuing a master’s degree in geology.