Applying Her Materials Background in Mine Remediation
Currently an Engineer-In-Training in Mine Remediation at AECOM, Emma Dodyk graduated from UBC Materials Engineering in 2021. Her fondest memory as an undergrad was cheering on the MTRL team during EWeek. Emma was deeply involved in the Engineering Undergraduate Society, holding various leadership roles, including VP Student Life, VP Administration, and eventually EUS President in her fifth year. While she didn’t participate in co-ops, Emma worked with Geering Up after her second and third years, teaching science and engineering outreach camps in rural and Indigenous communities across BC.
1. Can you tell me about your current job in the extractive sector?
I currently work with a consulting firm as an Engineer-In-Training in Mine Remediation for sites in Northern Canada, primarily on the remediation of an abandoned lead and zinc mine in the Yukon. I contribute to many different areas of the project, ranging from collaborating on some technical design deliverables, managing budgets and schedules, and supporting socio-economic and engagement initiatives for the project. I work with a wide variety of people, including other engineers, scientists, contractors, and government agencies.
2. What does a typical day look like for you? Does a typical day exist?
Right now, a typical day looks like a mix of technical work, project management meetings, and assisting in the advancement of longer-term initiatives. I mostly work in Edmonton, either in the office or at home, but occasionally head out for some fieldwork. I spent two weeks on site in the Yukon last summer, and had a quick trip up in early April to attend a career fair in one of the nearby communities.
“I’ve been in my current role for just over a year and my work has evolved based on what I have enjoyed so far and the needs of the project, so I expect to continue to shift around in my role as I progress in my career.”
3. How does your career now compare to how you originally envisioned your career in undergrad?
When I started my undergrad, I didn’t have a very strong idea of what my career would look like after school. My career goals only started to solidify in third or fourth year, but where I am now is fairly aligned with my plans at the latter end of my degree.
4. What are the biggest challenges facing the extractive sector today?
Human resources are a huge challenge for the extractive sector currently. Mining is a small industry, but the increased focus on critical mineral supply is encouraging significant growth, especially in Canada. All parts of the industry are looking for new talent to fill critical roles.
I work in closure and remediation of mine sites, but I see closure also as a huge challenge for the extractive sector. There are many abandoned sites in Canada that have caused significant environmental, social, and economic impacts to local communities. As more mines are built to provide critical minerals, there is an increasing public focus on responsibly closing and remediating these projects that is often overlooked by proponents.
5. What advice would you give to someone entering this field?
Don’t be afraid to try things, even if you think it’s hard or difficult. I’ve had so many great opportunities and learning experiences just because I said “yes” to something on a whim. Even if something doesn’t seem relevant to your goals at the time, often it will become surprisingly relevant later in a way you might not have expected. “The only barriers are the ones you put up for yourself.”
6. How does a materials engineering degree lead to a career in the extractive sector? Why would someone choose to pursue a degree in materials, instead of mining, to end up in this career?
“The amount of chemistry and mineral processing knowledge I have in my back pocket from my materials engineering degree has been hugely helpful while working in the extractive sector”
Even beyond the specific content of each course, I enjoyed the exercise of breaking down the physical world to the molecule-by-molecule level phenomena and then building that understanding back up to conceptualize a whole process or system.
“If there’s a specific topic in another engineering department that you’re absolutely devoted to learning, there’s always opportunities to take a technical elective, audit a class, or even just borrow a textbook.”
7. How do you think your MTRL degree sets you apart from graduates of other programs?
There are fairly few materials engineers out there, so explaining my education to recruiters and employers was always a great way to highlight my unique skill set and interests. Combining your education, work experience, and extracurriculars provides a clear picture of who you are, what you know, and where you’re going.
Find me on:
