Alex

What inspired you to study Geology?

I’ve always been curious about how the world works, and I love learning about the natural world. I think that stems from my love of hiking, sailing, and being in the outdoors.

Geology helps me look at the natural world through the lens of science. One of the most exciting things is that it's constantly evolving. I think you could study geology for the rest of your life, and it would always continue to excite you.

Why did you decide to study at UC?

Besides the fact that UC’s Earth Science department is world-class and highly regarded, Canterbury is an awesome environment to study in, especially for geology. We have mountains, old volcanoes, braided rivers, beaches, and an active plate boundary. Some of our lecturers say we’re in a geological paradise.

UC also has the most field stations of any uni in New Zealand, in beautiful locations that few people get to experience. We get to go on field trips with our courses and learn in the actual environments.

What do you like most about field trips?

I've always been a “show me, don't tell me” kind of person. You also get to know the lecturers and everyone in your cohort quite well. Geology is a real team endeavour; you have to collaborate and work with the opinions and ideas of others.

The degree has a significant fieldwork component, supported by lab work at the University. It can be full-on, but nothing is more rewarding after working in the sun, rain, and wind than watching a week’s worth of work come together on the final night.

Are there any upcoming projects that you’re looking forward to?

My honours research project will be looking at the chemistry of waste rock from a Tasmanian mine and seeing how certain minerals impact testing to prevent poor water quality. Hopefully, my research will have a positive impact for the Tasmanian environment. I'm looking forward to doing something that can actually make a difference.

Have you had any opportunities to connect with industry?

Industry connections at UC are plentiful, especially through clubs like RockSoc, which organises many industry nights throughout the year. I got the opportunity to attend the Australasian Institute of Minerals and Metallurgy conference in Wellington, where I learned more about the industry, networked, and made connections. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to present my project at this year’s conference.

What do you like about living in Christchurch?

I moved from Auckland because I wanted to be able to ski or go hiking every day, to live in a flat, and to do all the proper uni experiences without racking up heaps of debt. Christchurch is more affordable, and also very accessible. You’ve got beaches and the Port Hills on your back door, and Mount Hutt is about a two hour drive away for skiing.

Since moving I’ve learned how to surf out at Sumner beach. Just twenty minutes from campus and I’m at the beach, out on the longboard. It’s a great way to relax, unwind, and take a break from academics.

What’s the UC student experience like?

I've done stints in the hockey club, the geology club, the tramping club, and the skiing club. They get you out meeting people, doing fun stuff, making memories.

The tramping club’s events are always fun. They put on this 24-hour Rogaine, where you’re out going for points, scrambling up the side of a hill and cursing yourself as you plant your hand in bushes and thorns, hanging out with your mates in the dark. It's awesome!